Viking Expeditions Cruises – Canada & East Coast Explorer (Canada, United States) 15 Days

Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Toronto is beloved by many as one of Canada’s boldest and most innovative capitals. Hugging the shores of Lake Ontario and facing the picturesque Toronto Islands, it was founded by British loyalists fleeing the American Revolution in 1793. Today the city is a pleasure to explore on foot, whether strolling past the Victorian bay-and-gable homes of Rosedale, or the historic enclave of Wychwood Park, an Ontario Heritage Conservation district. The city’s Distillery District is home to North America’s largest preserved collection of Victorian industrial architecture.

Scenic Sailing: St. Lawrence Seaway Locks
A brilliant feat of engineering, the St. Lawrence Seaway comprises a series of locks, canals and channels that allow ships and goods to travel from the Atlantic Ocean up the St. Lawrence River to Lake Superior. Seven locks point the way between Montreal and Lake Ontario, detouring past rapids and several dams. The 27-mile Welland Canal lifts ships over the Niagara Escarpment to Lake Erie, sidestepping Niagara Falls. The Canadian-and American-operated waterway is known locally as “Highway H2O” for the traffic and trade it allows.

Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada
Trois-Rivières is the cultural center of Quebec’s Maurice region. This picturesque city was established in 1634, the second—after Quebec City, in 1608—to be permanently settled in New France. With its strategic location, it played an important role as all eyes looked west to trade fur with the First Nations peoples. “Three Rivers,” the city’s anglicized name, is located at the point where two islands in the Saint-Maurice River break the waterway into three channels before it spills into the St. Lawrence. Today, stately century-old buildings form the core of the Old Town.

Shore Excursions – Notre-Dame-du-Cap Sanctuary
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Immerse yourself in the religious heritage of Trois-Rivières during a trip to a historic shrine to the Virgin Mary. Set out to discover the monasteries, convents, churches and shrines that have been a part of the city’s history for centuries. See landmarks, such as the Ursulines Monastery and the Gothic-style Assumption Cathedral, renowned for its beautiful stained glass windows. Stop at Cap-de-la-Madeleine to visit the Notre-Dame-du-Cap Sanctuary, an important shrine to the Virgin Mary; Pope John Paul II paid his respects here in 1984. Learn about its history as you tour its modern basilica and old sanctuary, admiring its impressive stained glass windows and strolling through its magnificent gardens. Afterward, head to the Boisé Sugar Shack to learn about traditional methods of producing maple syrup. After a tasting, return to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Zodiac: Trois-Rivières
Duration: 45 minutes      
Investigate the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield during an exhilarating Zodiac ride. Board your Viking Zodiac and set off from your Expedition ship with a small group of fellow travelers on to the waters of the St. Lawrence River that flow around Trois-Rivières. Your Viking specialists will choose the best route based on the weather and water conditions. Admire the relatively flat landscape, dotted with rivers and several different kinds of forest. Keep watch for possible sightings of local wildlife, such as warblers, ducks and loons, and raptors such as ospreys and hawks. Your Expedition team will answer any questions you may have along the way, as well as share stories and insights. At the end of your excursion, your Zodiac will return to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Kayaking Trois-Rivières
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes  
Take to the water and explore your surroundings with a member of your Viking Expedition Team. After a thorough introduction and safety briefing, transfer from your ship to the kayak staging area, where you will receive your paddle and join a fellow traveler in a two-person kayak. Your kayak has been designed to provide a combination of stability and comfort as you paddle your way through the open water. Dressed in a kayak suit (depending on the season) and bespoke life jacket for maximum maneuverability, you will be geared up to remain warm and dry during your expedition experience. Immerse yourself in nature as you journey along the historic waterways of the St. Lawrence River, reaching less accessible locations along the water’s edge and keeping watch for local wildlife.

Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Quebec City is by many accounts the most French city in New France. The Old Town’s centerpiece, the magnificent Château Frontenac, seems transported from the palatial landscapes of the Loire Valley, and its French-accented streets lead past white-stone buildings that evoke old-world medieval villages. The only remaining walled city in North America outside of Mexico, Quebec City was fortified in the 17th century soon after its founding in 1608. Its strategic setting on the rocky promontory of Cape Diamond gave troops a close view of the St. Lawrence.

Shore Excursions – Old Town & Montmorency Falls
Duration: 3 hours      
Discover Quebec City’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and view the stunning scenery at Montmorency Falls. Begin in the Lower Town; see Place-Royale, once home to wealthy merchants, and Notre-Dame des Victoires, North America’s oldest Catholic church. At the Plains of Abraham, where the French surrendered New France to the British in 1759, take in the views from Cap-Diamant. It is the highest point of the Quebec City promontory—its name comes from the stones discovered by explorer Jacques Cartier here, which he mistook for diamonds. Continue along the scenic Grande Allée, known as Quebec’s Champs-Élysées for its elegance and lively atmosphere. See the Parliament Building, an imposing Second Empire-style building, and venture out of the city for a photo stop at the majestic Montmorency Falls, which cascades from 272 feet to the St. Lawrence River below. After, return to your ship.

Scenic Sailing: St. Lawrence River
Flowing through the fertile lowlands that link the US Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, the St. Lawrence River is one of North America’s most scenic waterways. Canada’s second longest river features a number of great cultural capitals, including the stately facade of Château Frontenac, the gleaming skyline of Montreal and the pastoral island of Île d’Orléans. To the island’s east, the river widens into the largest estuary in the world, passing small towns, gently rising hills and rocky banks. Farther east, the long Île d’Anticosti marks the mouth of the river.

Cap-aux-Meules, Quebec, Canada
The village of Cap-aux-Meules—or Grindstone Cape—was named for the headland on Grindstone, one of Quebec’s 13 Magdalen Islands. Its French moniker, rarely used in English, is nonetheless its official name. This is the second largest of the Magdalens by area, a low-lying expanse ringed by rugged shores that was inhabited by the Mi’kmaq tribe when they came on a seasonal walrus hunt. The first European to step on this land was Jacques Cartier in 1534. Today, some islanders are descendants of shipwreck survivors and live in houses built out of wood retrieved from the waters.

Shore Excursions – Zodiac: Magdalen Islands
Duration: 1 hour      
Investigate the rugged coastline of the Magdalen Islands during an exhilarating Zodiac ride. Board your Viking Zodiac and set off from your Expedition ship with a small group of fellow travelers on to the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Your Viking specialists will choose the best route around the Magdalen Islands based on the weather and water conditions. Admire the weather-worn sandstone cliffs that frame much of the coast, as well as the sand dunes and pine tree-covered landscape. Keep watch for possible sightings of local wildlife, such as migratory seabirds and gray or harbor seals. Your Expedition team will answer any questions you may have along the way, as well as share stories and insights. At the end of your excursion, your Zodiac will return to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Scenic Sailing by Special Operations Boat
Duration: 1 hour    
Experience the beauty of Magdalen Islands’ coast from the water during a ride in a Special Operations Boat. Board your vessel from the ship’s shell door landing, with assistance by a member of Viking’s Expedition Team. Once securely on board, lines will be untethered, and your thrilling journey will begin. As you motor across the water, keep watch for the array of bird species and marine life that inhabit the shoreline and waters surrounding Cap-aux-Meules. Your highly maneuverable vessel will allow you to reach less accessible locations along the water’s edge. Knowledgeable specialists will be on hand to explain the natural world that surrounds you and to alert you of wildlife in the area. At the end of your excursion, your Special Operations Boat will return you and your fellow travelers to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Kayaking in Cap-aux-Meules
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes    
Take to the water and explore your surroundings with a member of your Viking Expedition Team. After a thorough introduction and safety briefing, transfer from your ship to the kayak staging area, where you will receive your paddle and join a fellow traveler in a two-person kayak. Your kayak has been designed to provide a combination of stability and comfort as you paddle your way through the open water. Dressed in a kayak suit (depending on the season) and bespoke life jacket for maximum maneuverability, you will be geared up to remain warm and dry during your expedition experience. Immerse yourself in nature as you journey through the historic waterways of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, reaching less accessible locations along the water’s edge and keeping watch for local wildlife.

Shore Excursions – Highlights of Cap-aux-Meules
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Enjoy a scenic drive around Cap-aux-Meules and discover the passion of a local winemaker. Embark on a scenic drive to the Cultures du large and learn about oyster farming, marine agriculture and lobster fishing through the wonders of virtual reality. Enjoy a taste of the sea as you sample a fresh oyster. Continue your tour to the Échouerie Lighthouse, located on the tip of Cap Alright, offering spectacular views over the coast. After time for photos, continue to South Dune Beach where you will observe the impact of weather and erosion on the coastal islands. Cap your tour with a stop at Le Barbocheux, an artisanal winery that specilizes in traditional home-brewed fortified wine. Enjoy a tasting before returning to your ship.

Cape Breton Island (Louisbourg), Nova Scotia, Canada
Cape Breton Island sits at the confluence of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean. Hiking paths dot its terrain, inviting treks through its rolling farmlands, striking highlands and dense forests, while sheltered inlets call to kayakers and boaters to explore the rocky shoreline. The island is home for an array of birdlife, including cormorants, hawks and skuas. The fortified town of Louisbourg was one of France’s strongholds in North America during the 18th century. Today, the partially reconstructed fortress and its former town are a National Historic Site.

Shore Excursions – Historic Fortress Louisbourg
Duration: 3 hours 
Step back in time to the 18th century during a fascinating visit to the historic Fortress Louisbourg. This living museum faithfully recreates life during colonial times. At the fortress, join your Parks Canada guide as you experience the year 1744 during a tour of the largest reconstructed 18th-century French fortified town in North America. During its heyday, it was one of France’s linchpins of trade and military strength in the New World. Today, the surviving structure features more than 50 buildings across 12 acres. Following your tour, enjoy free time to explore on your own. Continue your journey and stop to view the iconic Louisbourg Lighthouse, a historic structure with roots dating back across three centuries. After time for photos, you will return to your awaiting ship

Shore Excursions – Zodiac: Cape Breton Island
Duration: 45 minutes      
Investigate the rugged coastline of Cape Breton Island during an exhilarating Zodiac ride. Board your Viking Zodiac and set off from your Expedition ship with a small group of fellow travelers on to the waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. Your Viking specialists will choose the best route along Cape Breton Island’s coast based on the weather and water conditions. Admire jagged and craggy cliffs, as well as the many capes, keys and coves that dot the shoreline. Keep watch for possible sightings of local wildlife, such as migratory seabirds and gray or harbor seals. Your Expedition team will answer any questions you may have along the way, as well as share stories and insights. At the end of your excursion, your Zodiac will return to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Scenic Sailing by Special Operations Boat
Duration: 1 hour      
Experience the beauty of Cape Breton Island’s coast from the water during a ride in a Special Operations Boat. Board your vessel from the ship’s shell door landing, with assistance by a member of Viking’s Expedition Team. Once securely on board, lines will be untethered, and your thrilling journey will begin. As you motor across the water, keep watch for the array of bird species and marine life that inhabit the shoreline and waters surrounding Cape Breton Island. Your highly maneuverable vessel will allow you to reach less accessible locations along the water’s edge. Knowledgeable specialists will be on hand to explain the natural world that surrounds you and to alert you of wildlife in the area. At the end of your excursion, your Special Operations Boat will return you and your fellow travelers to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Kayaking in Cape Breton Island
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes      
Take to the water and explore your surroundings with a member of your Viking Expedition Team. After a thorough introduction and safety briefing, transfer from your ship to the kayak staging area, where you will receive your paddle and join a fellow traveler in a two-person kayak. Your kayak has been designed to provide a combination of stability and comfort as you paddle your way through the open water. Dressed in a kayak suit (depending on the season) and bespoke life jacket for maximum maneuverability, you will be geared up to remain warm and dry during your expedition experience. Immerse yourself in nature as you journey along the scenic Nova Scotia coastline, reaching less accessible locations along the water’s edge and keeping watch for local wildlife.

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada
Nova Scotia’s coast still retains much of its unspoiled natural beauty. Rolling hills and boreal forests stretch to coastal cliffs that steeply drop to rugged shores dotted with sheltered bays and sea caves. The site of the first permanent European settlement north of Florida in the New World, it is rich in maritime heritage. The city of Lunenburg was once a busy shipbuilding center. Its historic Old Town is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Site, considered the best surviving example of planned British colonial settlement in North America.

Shore Excursions – Lure of Lunenburg by Foot
Duration: 2 hours      
Enjoy a walking tour through Canada’s best example of a planned British colonial settlement. Once one of the busiest shipbuilding cities in the world, Lunenburg remains a bustling fishing port of extraordinary beauty. Nicknamed the “Prettiest Town in Canada,” its historic core is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Site of Canada. Set out with your guide and walk along the working waterfront, hearing about its history and seafaring heritage as you stroll. Visit the harborside Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, where you will gain more insight into Lunenburg’s longstanding ties to the sea during a self-tour of its informative galleries. Afterward, enjoy free time to stroll the charming streets, perhaps peeking into some artist-owned galleries or having lunch at a local restaurant, before returning to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Zodiac: Lunenburg
Duration: 45 minutes   
Investigate the rugged coastline of Nova Scotia during an exhilarating Zodiac ride. Board your Viking Zodiac and set off from your Expedition ship with a small group of fellow travelers onto the waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. Your Viking specialists will choose the best route along Nova Scotia’s coast based on the weather and water conditions. Admire Lunenburg’s colorful harbor buildings and journey along the rugged coastline as you keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, seabirds and other marine life. Your Expedition team will answer any questions you may have along the way, as well as share stories and insights. At the end of your excursion, your Zodiac will return to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Scenic Sailing by Special Operations Boat
Duration: 1 hour      
Experience the beauty of Nova Scotia’s coast from the water during a ride in a Special Operations Boat. Board your vessel from the ship’s shell door landing, with assistance by a member of Viking’s Expedition Team. Once securely on board, lines will be untethered, and your thrilling journey will begin. As you motor across the water, keep watch for the array of bird species and marine life that inhabit the shoreline and waters along Nova Scotia’s coast. Your highly maneuverable vessel will allow you to reach less accessible locations along the water’s edge. Knowledgeable specialists will be on hand to explain the natural world that surrounds you and to alert you of wildlife in the area. At the end of your excursion, your Special Operations Boat will return you and your fellow travelers to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Kayaking in Lunenburg
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes   
Take to the water and explore your surroundings with a member of your Viking Expedition Team. After a thorough introduction and safety briefing, transfer from your ship to the kayak staging area, where you will receive your paddle and join a fellow traveler in a two-person kayak. Your kayak has been designed to provide a combination of stability and comfort as you paddle your way through the open water. Dressed in a kayak suit (depending on the season) and bespoke life jacket for maximum maneuverability, you will be geared up to remain warm and dry during your expedition experience. Immerse yourself in nature as you journey along the scenic Nova Scotia coastline, reaching less accessible locations along the water’s edge and keeping watch for local wildlife.

Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Sail the Atlantic Ocean, divided in half, north to south, by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Longer than the Rockies, the Himalayas and the Andes combined, this underwater mountain range is the longest on Earth. As you sail, take advantage of the array of delicious cuisine offered on board. You may visit Mamsen’s, our casual gourmet deli, any time from early morning to late at night for a taste of traditional Norwegian fare. Or, dine at Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant for authentic cuisine ranging from Milanese risotto to Tuscan-inspired classics.

Norfolk, Virginia, United States
With its striking setting on a wide natural harbor, Norfolk is home to the world’s largest naval base. Dozens of vessels line seven miles of wharfs on the waterfront. The city’s identity and history are intertwined with the US Navy and other military branches. Norfolk is also the resting place of General Douglas MacArthur, the much-decorated US Army commander. He and his wife are entombed at the MacArthur Memorial, a museum in Norfolk’s former City Hall. This remarkable collection sheds light on the general’s life with preserved uniforms, personal papers and memorabilia.

Shore Excursions – Norfolk Botanical Gardens
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes   
Explore Norfolk’s colorful Botanical Garden and view its diverse collection of plants. Board your motor coach and travel through Norfolk, en route to the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Established during the mid-20th century, today it is Virginia’s largest botanical garden and powered entirely by renewable energy. During its early days, it was designed exclusively to nurture azaleas; today, it is home to many more plants, including holly, orchids and roses. Upon arrival, you will glimpse some of the 60 themed gardens across its 175 acres during a tram ride through its grounds. Afterward, you will have free time to explore further on your own, perhaps visiting the idyllic Japanese Garden or the Bristow Butterfly Garden, which is home to more than 50 native species. After time to browse the gift shop, you will return to your awaiting ship. 

Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Sail legendary waters, where medieval Europeans believed “there be dragons” beyond the ocean’s horizon. Soak up the views from the Finse Terrace, a unique outdoor lounge area named after a famous mountain plateau in south-central Norway. Relax amid your surroundings in comfort, with heated couches and lava rock “firepits,” allowing you to enjoy the outdoors no matter the temperature, as you admire the dramatic scenery or expansive ocean vistas.

Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Charleston is a historic center of Southern culture. Founded in 1670, it sits between two estuaries and is fronted by a deep natural harbor. An important commercial port since colonial times, the city was also a leader in the secessionist movement; the capture of Fort Sumter by Confederate forces on April 14, 1862, marked the beginning of the Civil War. Today, Charleston is notable for its many well-preserved colonial homes and churches, charming streets and courtyards, and expansive parks and gardens. The Charleston Museum, founded in 1773, is the oldest museum in the US.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Charleston
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes   
Get to know Charleston’s illustrious past during a narrated drive and leisurely walk among its historic landmarks. Meet your knowledgeable guide and embark by motor coach for a scenic journey through the city. Admire the stately homes and gardens as you pass through Harleston Village and see the College of Charleston, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, the Charleston City Market and more. Listen to the stories behind the important buildings that dot the picturesque Historic District, some of which date back to the mid-18th century. Step off your coach for a walk through the Historic District, visiting the Heyward-Washington House with its magnificent collection of Charleston-made furniture and the Nathaniel Russell House, a stunning neoclassical home with an elegant interior. See the St. Michael’s Anglican Church’s impressive clock tower before returning to your ship by coach.

Sail the Atlantic Ocean
The nutrient-rich waters of the Atlantic Ocean are home to more than half of the world’s fisheries, annually providing millions of tons of fish and other marine species for human consumption and industrial purposes. As you sail today, attend an informative lecture or watch a film on our 8K laser-projected panoramic screen in The Aula, one of the world’s most advanced venues for learning at sea. This indoor-outdoor experience allows nature to take center stage with its retractable floor-to-ceiling windows that unveil 270° views.

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.