The Canadian Maritimes

Trace the footsteps of Vikings, European explorers, and inventors on a special voyage with Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Governors of the National Geographic Society Gil Grosvenor on our flagship, the National Geographic Explorer, and set sail around the rugged coast of Newfoundland to Cape Breton Island and the spectacular isles of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Day 1 — U.S./ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND, CANADA

Arrive in St. John’s, the picturesque capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, perched at the most easterly point of North America. Visit the colorful waterfront and historic Signal Hill, and see Cape Spear lighthouse. Settle into the National Geographic Explorer, and glide through the natural gateway called The Narrows to the open sea.
National Geographic Explorer (D)

Day 2 — EXPLORING EASTERN NEWFOUNDLAND

The eastern coast of Newfoundland is wild and rugged, and often accessible only by sea. Spend the day discovering tiny fishing villages tucked into coves and inlets along these stunning shores. Go hiking or hop into a Zodiac or a kayak to explore the islands that dot the coastline.
National Geographic Explorer (B,L,D)

Day 3 — L’ANSE AUX MEADOWS

In 1960, the remains of a Viking village established in the 11th century were discovered at L’Anse aux Meadows, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk among the Norse ruins and reconstructed sod huts, and learn the saga of the Vikings in North America—nearly 500 years before Columbus arrived.
National Geographic Explorer (B,L,D)

Day 4 — GROS MORNE NATIONAL PARK

Graced by cliffs and fjords, glacial valleys and a sweeping alpine plateau, Gros Morne National Park has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique and spectacular geology. Take a walk with our geologist to learn about the forces that shaped this land and the ancient serpentine rock and other formations that illustrate the phenomenon of plate tectonics. Then continue to Western Brook Pond, a pristine, glacier-carved fjord cut off from the sea.
National Geographic Explorer (B,L,D)

Day 5 — ÎLES DE LA MADELEINE, QUEBEC

A cluster of wispy islands isolated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Îles de la Madeleine are home to dunes that stretch for many miles, grassy hills, and dazzling red sandstone cliffs. The caves, sea arches, and rocky nooks along the coast are perfect for exploring by Zodiac and kayak. Visit La Grave, site of the islands’ first settlement, and stroll the shores where fishermen once laid out their cod to dry—now lined with cafes and boutiques. Learn about Acadian culture, which dates back some 250 years on the archipelago and still lingers today. Set off into the green hills on a hike, or explore the islands by bicycle. Weather permitting, enjoy a lobster bake on the beach with local musicians this evening.
National Geographic Explorer (B,L,D)

Day 6 — BADDECK, CAPE BRETON ISLAND, NOVA SCOTIA

In the morning, set sail aboard the schooner Amoeba on Bras d’Or Lake, and listen to the captain recount local lore as you take in the fall foliage along the shores. On Cape Breton Island, dock in the village of Baddeck, where Alexander Graham Bell, a founding member of the National Geographic Society, built his summer home and conducted much of his research. Enjoy an optional “white glove” tour of the Bell Museum with the opportunity to hold historic artifacts
National Geographic Explorer (B,L,D)

Day 7 — SAINT PIERRE AND MIQUELON

We make our way north through waters scattered with hundreds of shipwrecks, and go ashore at Saint Pierre Island, France’s oldest remaining overseas territory. Gil Grosvenor first traveled here in 1967 with his father on assignment for National Geographic magazine. Enjoy free time to explore the wharf and soak up the French culture. Continue to the island of Miquelon, where we’ll spend the afternoon before gathering for a farewell dinner.
National Geographic Explorer (B,L,D)

Day 8 — ST. JOHN’S/DISEMBARK/HOME

After breakfast, disembark in St. John’s and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
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