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Overview
This itinerary combines Quebec and Ontario, including a 6-night cruise aboard the Canadian Empress from Quebec City to Kingston along the fabulous St Lawrence River.
You can also do the cruise in the other direction and there are a number of cruises offered on the Canadian Empress, so ask us for details of other cruises and building them in to a tailor-made itinerary to suit you.
The Ship
The Canadian Empress is a 66-passenger replica steamboat that combines the style of a North American turn-of-the-century riverboat with modern technology. She sails up the St Lawrence, between Kingston and Quebec City, or Kingston and Ottawa, navigating among the islands and through locks, providing close-up, reach out and touch experiences. The Canadian Empress has elegant furnishing, brass handrails and ornate metal ceilings that recapture the grace of a turn-of-the-century lifestyle.
St Lawrence Deck
The St Lawrence Deck is the main accommodation level on the Canadian Empress. The St. Lawrence, Sterling and Premier Category staterooms can be found on this deck. All staterooms on this deck are above the waterline with opening windows to the fresh river air. Also located on this deck is the Corner Store. This is where you will find a nice selection of souvenirs a few toiletries and at the end of your journey this is where all outstanding accounts are settled.
Ottawa Deck
All 8 Ottawa category staterooms are accessed from this level as are both of the outdoor observation decks. It is also on the Ottawa deck you will find the Grand Saloon. The Grand Saloon in its Turn-of-the-Century warmth is where all meals are served and all of the nightly entertainment is enjoyed.
Sun Deck
Sit back relax and enjoy some of Canada’s most beautiful scenery. From your comfortable deck chair or lounge watch as each scene unfolds. Join your Cruise Director on the sun deck for some fun activities including shuffleboard or kite flying.
C Mclaren Travelled on VIA Rail"We had a fabulous holiday"
We had a fabulous holiday and everything worked like clockwork. I was very impressed with your services from the very beginning and everything was delivered promptly and efficiently. So thanks to you all for a great job and I would certainly recommend your services in the future.
Itinerary (13 Nights)
Here’s a day-by-day guide to your itinerary. Feel free to ask us to add other days or ideas and excursions by contacting us directly, so we can give you the best price.
Day 2
Explore this fabulous city on foot; stroll through the Old Port, visit the Notre Dame...
Day 2
Montreal
Explore this fabulous city on foot; stroll through the Old Port, visit the Notre Dame Basilica or relax in Mount Royal Park. Enjoy the joie de vivre in one of Canada’s most exciting cities.
Day 3
Today you will take the VIA train to the lovely Quebec City where you will...
Day 3
Montreal
to
Quebec City
Today you will take the VIA train to the lovely Quebec City where you will spend the next few nights.
2 nights Quebec City
Day 4
Québec City is Canada’s oldest city and has a strong French heritage. The Fortifications, a...
Day 4
Quebec City
Québec City is Canada’s oldest city and has a strong French heritage. The Fortifications, a historic national park; Place Royale; and the Basilica are recommended places to visit during your stay as well as taking time to enjoy the city’s many cafes and restaurants.
Day 5
Canadian Empress
Today your cruise experience starts, and you will board the ship at 530pm before enjoying...
Day 5
Canadian Empress
Today your cruise experience starts, and you will board the ship at 530pm before enjoying the Captain’s welcome Punch & Cheese reception, an evening cruise of the city’s waterfront – including Montmorency Falls – before settling into your cabin to overnight in the port.
6 nights onboard the Canadian Empress.
Day 6
Canadian Empress
Today the ship will depart Quebec City early in the morning bound for Trois Riviéres....
Day 6
Canadian Empress
Today the ship will depart Quebec City early in the morning bound for Trois Riviéres. On arrival in the early afternoon there will be a brief bus tour to the Shrine at Cap de la Madeleine, and, time permitting, a self-guided walking tour of the Old City for those interested.
Day 7
Canadian Empress
You will have an early departure from Trois Riviéres bound for Montreal. Debark at Port...
Day 7
Canadian Empress
You will have an early departure from Trois Riviéres bound for Montreal. Debark at Port of Montreal for an afternoon 2-hour guided bus tour. This evening you will depart Montrealto enter the Seaway Lock system and overnight at Lachine.
Day 8
Canadian Empress
You will depart Lachine this morning bound for Upper Canada Village. You will pass through...
Day 8
Canadian Empress
You will depart Lachine this morning bound for Upper Canada Village. You will pass through the lower and upper Beauharnois Locks and later in the day, you will pass through Eisenhower & Snell Locks (USA) into Lake St. Lawrence.
The ship will arrive at Crysler Park Marina, Upper Canada Village in the evening where you will be able to stroll the grounds and marina.
Day 9
Canadian Empress
After a morning tour of Upper Canada Village on horse-drawn wagons, you will depart for...
Day 9
Canadian Empress
After a morning tour of Upper Canada Village on horse-drawn wagons, you will depart for Prescott, passing through the lock at Seaway Control Dam Iroquois. You will debark at Prescott for a tour of Fort Wellington National Historic site.
An early evening departure for Brockville, ‘The City of the 1000 Islands’ where you will overnight.
Day 10
Canadian Empress
This morning you will have a tour of Fulford Mansion before departing Brockville for Millionaires’...
Day 10
Canadian Empress
This morning you will have a tour of Fulford Mansion before departing Brockville for Millionaires’ Row and turn-about at Rock Island light-bound for Ivy Lea where you will visit 1000 Islands Tower. From its observation deck you can see for a radius of about 40 miles – quite a panoramic vista from 400′ above the St. Lawrence River.
You will overnight at Ivy Lea and enjoy Big Band sounds and vocals this evening.
Day 11
Canadian Empress
The last day onboard and the ship leaves Ivy Lea for Gananoque where you will...
Day 11
Canadian Empress
The last day onboard and the ship leaves Ivy Lea for Gananoque where you will have a tour of the Heritage Centre of the 1000 Islands before meandering through the Admiralty Group of the 1000 Islands and touring Kingston waterfront.
You will arrive into Kingston, Ontario in the early afternoon where it will be time to disembark from the cruise but not before closing ceremonies in the Grand Saloon.
On arrival, you will make your own way to your hotel for an overnight stay in Kingston.
1 night in Kingston.
Day 12
Spend the morning exploring the lovely town of Kingston, before heading to the train station...
Day 12
St Lawrence River & Kingston
to
Toronto
Spend the morning exploring the lovely town of Kingston, before heading to the train station to take the VIA rail train to Toronto.
2 nights Toronto.
Day 13
Today is yours to explore the exciting, cosmopolitan city of Toronto. Maybe take a trip...
Day 13
Toronto
Today is yours to explore the exciting, cosmopolitan city of Toronto. Maybe take a trip to the top of the CN Tower – or even brave the EdgeWalk around the outside – visit the aquarium, head to Yorkville or visit one of the many museums.
