Eastern Canada by Cruise

Embark on a breathtaking 10-day spring cruise aboard the MS Volendam, where you'll explore the vibrant beauty of Eastern Canada and beyond. Your journey begins in Montreal, a city rich in culture and charm, before continuing to Quebec City, with its historic cobblestone streets and French-inspired architecture. Next, venture to Saguenay, where the stunning natural beauty of the fjord awaits. In Charlottetown, the picturesque capital of Prince Edward Island, experience its maritime charm and vibrant history. Continue on to St. John's, Newfoundland, where colorful houses dot the landscape, and explore the rugged beauty of the coastline. Then, discover the unique blend of French and maritime cultures in St-Pierre & Miquelon, a French overseas territory off the coast of Newfoundland. Throughout your journey, the MS Volendam will offer unparalleled comfort, exquisite dining, and captivating entertainment, making this an unforgettable spring adventure.

May 30 - June 9, 2026 

May 30, 2026 Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Montréal, Canada is a city of contrasts, one that defies a simple description or a catchy tagline. It sits on the New World’s St. Lawrence River, yet it has an undeniable Old-World French flair. It is a historic city, founded in 1642, and the streets of Old Montréal are lined with sights that range from a 17th-century seminary to grand commercial buildings erected in the 19th century. But Montréal is also home to contemporary architectural masterpieces—most notably those erected for Expo 67, including Buckminster Fuller’s Biosphere.

Montréal is at once the cultural capital of the Québecois and a decidedly global and cosmopolitan city, attracting migrants from around the world. The walls of its galleries and museums showcase leading artists from the province and the rest of Canada, while the city hosts festivals that feature the best international films, musicians and performers. Many of its restaurants serve traditional specialties—poutine, bagels and smoked meats; others are helmed by some of the continent’s most innovative chefs.

Montréal is a vibrant urban center, with buzzing streets and attractions, yet crowned by peaceful, leafy Mount Royal Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (also responsible for New York’s Central Park). Whichever of the city's many aspects appeals to you most, you are sure to be charmed by this unique city and find many things to do in Montréal.

May 31, 2026 Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Few places in North America are as steeped in history as Québec City, Canada. Older than Jamestown and founded before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, it is the only city north of Mexico whose original fortifications remain intact. The Québec City historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is still home to religious orders and hospitals that date back to the 17th century. Its Place-Royale would look familiar to the explorer Samuel de Champlain, even with its modern attractions of gift shops and cafés. On the Plains of Abraham, you can walk the battlefield where, in 1759, the French forces under General Montcalm were decisively trounced by the British, led by General Wolfe.

The British took control of all of New France within a year of that 1759 battle, but even so French culture still lives on here in Québec City. More than 95 percent of Québec City's population speaks French as its first language, though it's easy to sightsee and navigate the city in English. As you tour the museums and historic sights of Québec City that celebrate Québecois history and dine at restaurants that serve its distinctive cuisine, you'll discover a remarkable culture that has survived and thrived into the 21st century.

Jun 01, 2026 Saguenay, Quebec, Canada

The quaint waterfront town of Saguenay is situated in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean—a stunning region named after two standout geographical features that were formed by glaciers: Lake (or Lac) Saint-Jean and the Saguenay River, which winds through one of the longest fjords in the world. These natural glories allow visitors to Saguenay access to a number of seasonal outdoor activities, from kayaking on Lac Saint-Jean and hiking and biking in Saguenay Fjord National Park to winter sports galore.

Saguenay merged with the former paper- and pulp-making town of Chicoutimi in 2002. The role of the region in Québecois history is celebrated at nearby preserved villages, a theatrical show called La Fabuleuse Histoire d'un Royaume and at the Chicoutimi Pulp Mill, a museum dedicated to Chicoutimi’s paper-making past. (The museum’s collection includes a Canadian national treasure: the home of artist Arthur Villeneuve.)

Saguenay is also a gateway to whale-watching opportunities along the majestic St. Lawrence River at Tadoussac, where you have the chance to see up to 13 species of whales. Shoppers: Don’t forget to explore La Route des Artisans (Craftsmen Road), home to 90 small local artisans that specialize in different fields, including paper, textiles, glassblowing and ceramics.

Jun 02, 2026 Cruising Gulf of St. Lawrence

A lighthouse on little St. Paul’s Island is a stark reminder of days gone by as you sail past this infamous old shipwreck site, known as the graveyard of the gulf, on your way through the Cabot Strait and into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. So huge is the gulf that half of Canada’s 10 provinces have a coastal connection to it. Perhaps that’s not surprising, considering that it’s the world’s largest estuary and fed all the way from the Great Lakes 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) away.

A mere 19,000 years ago, it was covered under a mile-thick sheet of ice. Every Canadian schoolkid knows that in 1534, Jacques Cartier was the first European known to enter the gulf waters and encounter Maritime Algonquian peoples. In short order, the French kept arriving, as did Portuguese and Basque, who established whaling operations and shipped unimaginable amounts of cod to the Old World. Today, visitors come to explore massive islands, colorful towns and national parks that straddle the surrounding mainland, as well as thousands of tiny islets around which whales now thrive.

Jun 03, 2026 Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Charlottetown is the capital of Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island, as well as its largest city, though it has fewer than 35,000 residents. Despite its modest size, the city has an impressive number of Victorian houses and buildings and great parks waiting to be explored. For Canadians, it is perhaps most famous as the Birthplace of Confederation. It was here, mostly at Province House, that an 1864 conference led to the creation of the Dominion of Canada.

Prince Edward Island is linked to New Brunswick on the mainland of Canada by the 13-kilometer (eight-mile) Confederation Bridge that soars over the Northumberland Strait. A remarkable feat of engineering, the bridge opened in 1997 and is the longest in the world over icy waters.

Sites within downtown Charlottetown include the lovely Victoria Row, which becomes a pedestrian mall each summer, and other historic buildings, some of which are now museums. Nearby Prince Edward Island National Park is home to white-sand beaches and hiking and biking trails—plus fans can see the house and farm that inspired the beloved book Anne of Green Gables. During your visit, you can also learn about the daily lives, past and present, of residents on lighthouse and boat tours.

Jun 04, 2026 - Day at Sea 

Spending a day at sea aboard the MS Volendam offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Start your morning with a leisurely breakfast at the buffet or a more intimate dining experience at the onboard restaurant. Afterward, head to the Lido Pool for a refreshing dip or unwind on the deck while soaking up the sun and enjoying the peaceful ocean views.

For a bit of activity, why not join in on a fitness class or work out at the gym with panoramic views of the sea? If you prefer something more relaxing, indulge in a spa treatment or unwind in the thermal suite.

As the day progresses, take part in a cooking demonstration or attend an educational lecture about the destinations you're visiting. For lunch, enjoy a delightful meal at one of the ship’s restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines.

In the afternoon, explore the art gallery, attend a wine tasting, or simply enjoy the quiet ambiance of the ship's lounges. As evening falls, treat yourself to a fine dining experience before heading to the main theater for a live show or a movie in the onboard cinema.

With plenty of time for relaxation, entertainment, and great food, a day at sea on the MS Volendam offers the perfect opportunity to unwind and enjoy the luxurious amenities of the ship while taking in the stunning ocean views.

Jun 05, 2026 St Johns, Newfoundland, Canada

Closer to London than it is to Canada’s west coast, the capital of Newfoundland, St. John’s, has long looked east and across the Atlantic. It is the easternmost city in North America, excluding Greenland, and has its own time zone, a half-hour ahead of the rest of eastern Canada.

Long before there was a permanent town, established around 1630, British fishermen would set up camp here in the summer. To this day the harbor remains the center of the city, with its oldest buildings and streets (including Water Street, the oldest street in North America) nearby. And although it was primarily fishing and whaling that drove the economy of St. John’s for centuries, today the oil and natural gas found beneath the ocean floor is increasingly important.

The rest of St. John’s sits on hills around the harbor, which has led to frequent comparisons to San Francisco. The tallest, Signal Hill, is one of St. John’s most famous sights with its panoramic views. While the city shines at a distance, it is also in the details that it charms visitors, with its houses painted in jelly-bean hues and cozy restaurants and pubs that provide relief from Atlantic breezes.

Jun 06, 2026 Saint Pierre and Miquelon

The tiny French island of St-Pierre & Miquelon are the last remnants of the former colonial territory of New France. The St-Pierre & Miquelon cruise port offers a unique and charming destination for travelers seeking a blend of French culture and maritime beauty. Located just off the coast of Newfoundland, this French overseas territory is made up of two main islands—St-Pierre and Miquelon—each offering its own distinctive allure. St-Pierre, the larger of the two islands, is known for its colorful fishing villages, cobblestone streets, and quaint French cafés, making it feel like a slice of France in North America. Visitors can explore its rich history, enjoy local delicacies like fresh seafood, and wander through its picturesque harbor. Miquelon, the smaller island, is more rugged and less developed, offering an ideal setting for nature lovers looking to enjoy serene landscapes and wildlife. The port serves as a gateway to an unforgettable European-style experience, complete with stunning ocean views, welcoming locals, and a blend of French and Canadian maritime culture.

Jun 07, 2026 Cruising Gulf of St. Lawrence

Jun 08, 2026 Saint Lawrence River Cruising

The nearly 1,200-kilometer (750-mile) stretch of the St. Lawrence River is a lighthouse lover’s paradise, with more than 40 of them lining the Québec portion alone. Quixotic weather and sudden choppy waters account for the building of these historic monuments, such as the one built in 1830 at Pointe-des-Monts and the Phare de Matane, both of which are now small museums.

Centuries-old fishing villages line the mighty waterway that alternates between imposing cliffs and plateaus and broad estuaries filled with fertile islets. Humans have fished the rich river and hunted its tributary lands for some 10,000 years. Much is still not known about the two dozen St. Lawrence Iroquoian tribes that had vanished by the time Québec City founder Samuel de Champlain arrived in the early 17th century. The river was a major entry point for exploring North America, and during the Seven Years' War the British navigated to Québec City to defeat the French at the Plains of Abraham. Today, some 200 miles of the river are called the whale route, along which some 13 resident species thrive, including blue, beluga and right whales.

Jun 09, 2026 Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Your cruise ends where it began.  Will you spend a few more days soaking in Montreal's atmosphere or venture to somewhere new?  It's up to you but we can help make it happen - no matter your plans! 

This special itinerary is sure to sell out - reach out to your Uniglobe Travel agent to reserve your spot today!