Viking Expeditions Cruises – Canadian Discovery (United States, Canada) 13 Days

New York City, New York, United States
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. New York City is at once romantic and exhilarating. From the robust streets of Lower Manhattan’s financial district to the intimate warrens of Greenwich Village, the city overflows with culture, cuisine and architectural beauty. New York is for everyone. Music lovers marvel at Carnegie Hall or catch a 1920s-style jazz and blues show in Harlem. Romantics board a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park. Art lovers browse the Museum of Modern Art or the Guggenheim. And theatergoers attend the greatest shows in the world on Broadway, amid the glitter of Times Square.

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 today, relax in the Explorers’ Lounge, inspired by epic journeys of discovery. Marvel at the views through the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows as you share a cocktail with friends, or settle down to read a book.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Halifax exudes a fine European air and lies along the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors by sea are greeted by the 1758 Sambro Island Lighthouse, the oldest surviving beacon in North America. In the harborside Historic Properties district, grand and charming stone buildings built in the 18th and 19th centuries grace the cobblestone streets. The city grew up around Citadel Hill, where Fort George protected the harbor. The fortress, along with the adjacent stately Halifax Town Clock, has been gloriously restored and preserved.

Shore Excursions – Peggy’s Cove & the RMS Titanic
Duration: 4 hours      
Admire the coastal charms of Peggy’s Cove and discover Halifax’s link to the RMS Titanic. Drive with your guide along the coastal highway affectionately known as the Lighthouse Route. Upon arrival at Peggy’s Cove, enjoy free time to explore during a stroll on your own. Here, see the most photographed lighthouse in the world, part of a breathtaking seascape that also includes a granite sculpture by local artist William deGarthe. You may also admire the colorful houses and fishing shacks perched along the rocky shore, ponder the unusual rock formations forged by glaciers, or browse the village shops. Return to Halifax via St. Margaret’s Bay for a visit to Fairview Lawn Cemetery, the final resting place for 121 passengers of the Titanic. Learn more about the ship, its ill-fated maiden voyage and the passengers interred here during an informative guided walk.

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, enjoy the scenery of one of the largest natural deepwater harbors in the world, and imagine its past as one of the most significant seaports on the Eastern Seaboard. 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 and cultural history of the port, and to alert you to the presence 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 – Zodiac Cruise: Halifax
Duration: 45 minutes     
Investigate the picturesque scenery of the historic seaport of Halifax during an exhilarating Zodiac ride. Board your Viking Zodiac and set off from your Expedition ship with a small group of fellow travelers to explore Halifax’s historic harbor. As you cruise past Point Pleasant Park, view the crumbling fortifications and the Prince of Wales Martello tower, the last remaining of five that were built here. Keep watch for local birdlife; you may even spot a curious harbor seal as they pop their head from the water. 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 in Halifax
Duration: 1 hour 45 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 the scenery of this historic seaport, while exploring the harbour and channels.  Keep an eye open for marine life as your paddle these waters.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Halifax exists because of its harbor, one of the deepest in the world. First settled by the British in 1749, Halifax is unlike other coastal colonial towns as it did not rely on fishing to sustain itself. Instead, it found its foothold in naval pursuits. It served as a military base for the British after the American Revolution and as Canada’s main wartime port during World War II, when military personnel and foreign nationals transformed the city. Their stories can be seen today at the Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, where they would have first set foot in Halifax.

Shore Excursions – Peggy’s Cove & the RMS Titanic
Duration: 4 hours   
Admire the coastal charms of Peggy’s Cove and discover Halifax’s link to the RMS Titanic. Drive with your guide along the coastal highway affectionately known as the Lighthouse Route. Upon arrival at Peggy’s Cove, enjoy free time to explore during a stroll on your own. Here, see the most photographed lighthouse in the world, part of a breathtaking seascape that also includes a granite sculpture by local artist William deGarthe. You may also admire the colorful houses and fishing shacks perched along the rocky shore, ponder the unusual rock formations forged by glaciers, or browse the village shops. Return to Halifax via St. Margaret’s Bay for a visit to Fairview Lawn Cemetery, the final resting place for 121 passengers of the Titanic. Learn more about the ship, its ill-fated maiden voyage and the passengers interred here during an informative guided walk.

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, enjoy the scenery of one of the largest natural deepwater harbors in the world, and imagine its past as one of the most significant seaports on the Eastern Seaboard. 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 and cultural history of the port, and to alert you to the presence 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 – Zodiac Cruise: Halifax
Duration: 45 minutes      
Investigate the picturesque scenery of the historic seaport of Halifax during an exhilarating Zodiac ride. Board your Viking Zodiac and set off from your Expedition ship with a small group of fellow travelers to explore Halifax’s historic harbor. As you cruise past Point Pleasant Park, view the crumbling fortifications and the Prince of Wales Martello tower, the last remaining of five that were built here. Keep watch for local birdlife; you may even spot a curious harbor seal as they pop their head from the water. 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 in Halifax
Duration: 1 hour 45 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 the scenery of this historic seaport, while exploring the harbour and channels.  Keep an eye open for marine life as your paddle these waters.

Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
The largest city on Cape Breton Island, Sydney is located along the southeastern arm of Sydney Harbour, at the mouth of its eponymous river. Founded in 1785 by the British and loyalists fleeing from the US following the American Revolution, Sydney was the capital of the island until 1820, when the colony of Cape Breton merged with Nova Scotia. The region’s coal mines drew many immigrants during the 19th century; by the early 20th century, Sydney had also become one of the world’s largest steel producing centers. Today, it is Nova Scotia’s second largest industrial complex.

Shore Excursions – Scenic Sailing by Special Operations Boat
Duration: 1 hour      
Experience the beauty surrounding Sydney 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. Keep watch for the array of bird species and aquatic life that inhabit the shoreline and waters surrounding this pastoral landscape. 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 – Zodiac: Sydney
Duration: 45 minutes
Investigate the rugged beauty of Canada’s Appalachian region 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 surrounding Sydney. Your Viking specialists will choose the best route based on the weather and water conditions. Admire the charming towns and lush greenery that surround these waters as you keep watch for possible sightings of local wildlife, such as seabirds and aquatic creatures. 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 in Sydney River
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 Sydney River, reaching less accessible locations along the water’s edge and keeping watch for local wildlife.

Shore Excursions – Historic Fortress Louisbourg
Duration: 4 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 for a brief orientation as you set out to 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 orientation, enjoy free time to explore on your own. Then, travel to the iconic Louisbourg Lighthouse, a historic structure with roots dating back across three centuries. The current lighthouse sits on the site of Canada’s first lighthouse, built in 1734. After time for photos, you will return to your ship. 

Woody Point (Bonne Bay), Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Originally founded as a place for English fishermen to spend their winter, today Woody Point is a town known for its abundance of natural beauty, including Bonne Bay, Newfoundland’s only fjord, the Tablelands and Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These geological wonders can also be appreciated in the town’s Discovery Centre, which has exhibits dedicated to the geological formations, flora and fauna of this stunning area. The town itself is not to be missed, boasting historic homes and a stately lighthouse that recalls its maritime heritage.

Shore Excursions – Zodiac Cruise: Bonne Bay and Gros Morne
Duration: 1 hour     
Investigate the beautiful scenery of Bonne Bay and Gros Morne National Park during an exhilarating Zodiac ride. Board your Viking Zodiac with a small group of fellow travelers and head out onto the waters of Bonne Bay for a memorable journey. Admire the diverse landscape of soaring fjords, towering mountains and barren coastal lowlands. Marvel at the blue-tinged waters as you keep watch for potential sightings of the local fauna; the region is home to a variety of ecosystems and wildlife, with seals making their home in the bay and bald eagles soaring the skies overhead. Witness the many boats and docks along the waterfront, evidence of the community’s bustling fishing culture. 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.

Havre-Saint-Pierre, Quebec, Canada
Havre-Saint-Pierre is located on the northern shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, north of the Anticosti Island. Settled by fishermen from the Magdalen Islands in 1857, residents refer to themselves as Cayens and proudly celebrate their Acadian heritage. Historically focused on fishing and lumber, today the village serves as a transit port for ore brought from the mines of Lac Allard. Nestled among the stunning landscapes of the Canadian Shield, this region is a renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, as well as its mysterious, weather-eroded “monoliths.”

Tadoussac, Quebec, Canada
Tadoussac is a small village in the Côte-Nord that sits at the confluence of the St. Lawrence River and the Saguenay Fjord. Established as an important trading post by French explorers in 1599, Tadoussac still retains its rural charms to this day. Surrounded by the rugged natural beauty of the fjord, it is close to several natural and provincial parks, as well as Canada’s first maritime national park. A dozen whale species, such as minke, humpback, fins and blue whales, frequent the waters of Tadoussac Bay during the summer months, while beluga whales live here year-round.

Shore Excursions – St. Lawrence Marine Park & Tadoussac Sand Dunes
Duration: 3 hours 
View the beautiful marine wildlife, witness the diverse ecosystems and learn about the rich history of Tadoussac. Meet your guide, board your motor coach and set off toward the St. Lawrence Marine Park to visit the Park Canada observation center. Here, look across the bay to the historic lighthouse station and learn how it safeguarded the sailors as they navigated the St. Lawrence River. After, step outside and walk to the rocky shoreline, where you can admire Tadoussac’s picturesque setting and keep watch for local marine life, including migrating whales and seals basking in the sun.After, return to your coach for a drive up the coast to The Dunes, two coastal terraces made of sand and sculpted by nature. Stand atop the dunes to enjoy a sweeping view over the surrounding landscape and visit the bird observatory to learn more about the migratory pattern of regional birds.

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.

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.

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.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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.

Shore Excursions – Introduction to Toronto
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes      
Discover the eclectic architecture, colorful street life and bustling squares that comprise the heart of Toronto. Embark on a panoramic drive through Canada’s largest metropolis, located on the scenic shores of Lake Ontario. Toronto is home to many different architectural styles, from early 19th-century buildings to modern 21st-century skyscrapers that define its skyline. See the iconic, needle-shaped CN Tower, one of the world’s tallest buildings at 1,815 feet high. View the modern City Hall and its predecessor, the Romanesque-style Old City Hall, both of which surround expansive Nathan Phillips Square. Take in the city’s diverse neighborhoods, enjoying the sights of its vibrant shopping and entertainment district as you travel along a stretch of historic Yonge Street; a major thoroughfare since 1794, it runs north for more than 53 miles from the harbor toward Cook’s Bay.

Shore Excursions – Zodiac: Toronto
Duration: 45 minutes   
Investigate Toronto’s eclectic blend of urban and natural spaces 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 Lake Ontario. Your Viking specialists will choose the best route around Toronto’s shorefront based on the weather and water conditions. Admire the iconic skyline of this modern metropolis as you cruise the network of channels between and within Toronto’s Islands. Keep watch for possible sightings of local wildlife, such as ducks and geese. 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 Toronto’s waterfront and coastline 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. Admire the iconic Toronto skyline from a different perspective while cruising along the waters of Lake Ontario, renowned as a paradise for recreational boaters. See recognizable landmarks, such as the CN Tower and Downtown skyscrapers, as you cruise the network of channels between and within Toronto’s Islands. As you travel, keep watch for possible sightings of local wildlife, such as ducks and geese. At the end of your excursion, your Special Operations Boat will return you and your fellow travelers to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Kayaking in Toronto
Duration: 1 hour 15 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 tranquil waterways of Lake Ontario, reaching less accessible locations along the water’s edge and keeping watch for local wildlife.   

Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.