Coasts & Cultures of the Gulf of St. Lawrence

Our journey begins in St. John’s, Canada’s oldest city and a place shaped by the sea. As we sail out through the world-famous Narrows, Signal Hill towers above and the colourful houses of The Battery come into view. Be on deck for the best chance to spot seabirds or even a whale making an early appearance.

Meals:  D

Follow the southern reaches of Newfoundland’s coast, where the cold Labrador Current flows southward through a stretch famously known as Iceberg Alley. These waters are among the most productive in the North Atlantic, supporting rich marine life including whales, seals, and vast colonies of seabirds. The shoreline here is rugged and remote, dotted with traditional outports where fishing remains a way of life. On shore, you'll see brightly painted boats pulled up near handmade wharves, and houses that have withstood generations of Atlantic weather. From ship or land, this day offers a deep glimpse into the natural forces and enduring communities that define Newfoundland’s wild eastern edge.

Meals:  B,L,D

We step ashore at Henley Harbour, once a seasonal fishing station, the village now stands quiet. Its weathered buildings and tilting wharves offering a poignant glimpse into a way of life shaped by the sea and slowly reclaimed by the elements. Inland, a dramatic basalt formation known as the Devil’s Table rises above the harbour, its columnar structure resembling a stone altar. Nearby, Castle Island features similar formations. With its towering walls and pillar-like shapes, it stands like a stronghold at sea, its cliffs shaped over half a billion years ago.

Meals:  B,L,D

We travel along Québec’s lower north shore to Nitassinan, the traditional territory of the Innu Nation. In coastal communities like Unamen Shipu and Natashquan, we're welcomed into a living culture grounded in a deep and enduring relationship with the land and sea. Across two days, we'll hear the Innu language spoken, share in stories carried across generations, and connect through meaningful encounters, whether through local foods, handmade crafts, conversation, or moments of shared joy.

Meals:  B,L,D

We enter a coastal realm shaped by time, where wind, waves and weather have carved the limestone shoreline into towering formations that rise like sentinels from the sea. This is the Mingan Archipelago, home to the greatest concentration of limestone monoliths in Canada, where geology and imagination intertwine. Winding through narrow channels and scattered islets, we’ll find seabirds like puffins, razorbills and terns nesting on green-topped ledges. In spring, wildflowers brighten the meadows and seals bask on sunlit rocks. Around every bend, the landscape reveals another moment of quiet awe.

Meals:  B,L,D

Anticosti Island, now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies off Québec’s coast in the heart of the Gulf. Its dramatic cliffs and fossil beds preserve a geologic record stretching back 450 million years. Across its windswept interior, white-tailed deer move through boreal forest, and hardy Arctic-alpine plants take root in rocky terrain. Walk to the edge of Vauréal Falls, where spring runoff plunges into a steep canyon, and visit Port-Menier, established by French chocolate industrialist Henri Menier and still home to a close-knit island community. In the springtime, Anticosti reveals a wild, living landscape shaped by ancient forces and human resilience.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning, we approach one of Québec’s most dramatic coastal landmarks: Percé Rock, its towering arch rising from the Gulf like a natural gateway. Viewed from the water, this striking formation offers a rare and unforgettable perspective. Nearby, Bonaventure Island hosts more than 100,000 northern gannets each spring, forming one of the largest and most accessible seabird colonies on the planet. Kittiwakes, murres, and other species wheel overhead or nest along the cliffs, filling the skies with sound and motion. Here, geology and biodiversity converge with the cultural presence of the Gaspé Peninsula, offering rich rewards for birders, photographers, and those drawn to wild coastal beauty.

Meals:  B,L,D

Shaped by wind and sea, the Îles-de-la-Madeleine stand apart, closer to the Maritimes than mainland Québec, yet distinct in spirit and culture. Here, red cliffs give way to sweeping beaches and a strong Acadian presence infuses daily life with pride and tradition. Explore colourful harbours, artisan workshops, and cafés where the rhythm of spoken French reflects generations of island heritage. With a population of just 12,000, the islands offer a welcoming pace and plenty of flavour, from fresh lobster and smoked fish to local cheeses, microbrews and wines crafted with care. Rich in story, culture and coastal charm, the Magdalen Islands offer a warm connection to one of Atlantic Canada’s most unique communities.

Meals:  B,L,D

Newfoundland’s southern coast is a place of raw beauty, where the shoreline shifts from sheer cliffs to sheltered inlets and narrow fjords. As we travel along this remote stretch, each bend in the coastline reveals a new perspective on the island’s ancient geology and weather-shaped terrain. Weather and sea conditions will guide our landings, with opportunities to step ashore by Zodiac to hike, explore the shoreline, or simply pause to take in the stillness. In spring and early summer, wildflowers dot the open barrens, and wildlife sightings often come as quiet surprises. It’s a day shaped by nature’s rhythm, rewarding those open to the unexpected.

Meals:  B,L,D

A short crossing from Newfoundland brings you to Saint-Pierre, a tiny French territory that feels worlds apart. With its narrow lanes, colourful homes, and unmistakable European flair, the island offers a striking contrast to Canada’s Atlantic coast. From French-speaking locals and uniformed gendarmes to boulangeries, cafés and corner shops, the town reflects both tradition and island adaptability. Wander the streets, sample fresh-baked pastries or local wine, and discover a history shaped by fishing, French heritage, and a touch of rum-running lore.

Meals:  B,L,D

We sail back into St. John’s, where colourful row houses and a proud maritime spirit welcome you back to one of Canada’s most storied ports. After days shared at sea, spotting wildlife, exploring remote shores, and forging new friendships, it's time to part ways with your fellow travellers and expedition team.

Meals:  B