Expedition along Saint Lawrence

The river that turns into an ocean, sublime scenery inhabited by wild fauna, the echo of history that reverberates on the bend of a shore, during an all-new expedition cruise, PONANT invites you to sail up the Saint Lawrence aboard Le Lyrial. During 12 unforgettable days, the woodsy aromas of forests will embellish the panoramas of this unique region in the world.

Your journey starts in the heart of the peaceful Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago. In these distant lands, the hilly horizon is dotted with ponds, the forest blends with the peat bogs, and the coastlines alternate between lagoons and sheer cliffs. During a hike, attempt to get a glimpse of the wildlife that is found here, including white-tailed deer.

It is time to reach the shores of Nova Scotia and the Magdalen Islands and their exceptional landscapes, between the white sandy beaches and the red sculpted cliffs. Cap-aux-Meules, also known as Grindstone, will captivate you as much with its surrounding nature as with the hospitality of its inhabitants.

Newfoundland will welcome you in the heart of the Gros-Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mountains here plunge into the clear sea while the fjords slip inland. Although it appears inhospitable, this territory was nonetheless one of the first sites in the New World to become known in Europe. Basque whalers took up residence here in the 16th century, and the Vikings had settled here as of 1000; these multiple influences make it an essential historic site.

As you continue your cruise, the rocky landscapes gradually make way for more fertile wooded expanses. North of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the sugar maple, yellow birch and American beech trees make up a unique and splendid forest, and the islands punctuate these rich waters in which many cetaceans frolic. Along these little-known shores, visit exciting historical sites and dive into the discovery of Innuit and Innu civilisations.

The salt water gradually becomes fresh water as you enter what is known as “the Walking Path”, the renowned Saint Lawrence River. The soul of an entire people runs through its waters, and nature is breath-taking throughout it. Open your eyes to see, from land or from sea, the many species of birds and the marine mammals, including blue whales and the resident population of beluga whales. You will soon enter the heart of the Saguenay River, whose shores rise up as cliffs, sometimes more than 500 metres (1,640 feet) high. After discovering the city of Saguenay, you will visit incredible Quebec City. Founded by Samuel de Champlain in the 17th century, the capital of the Belle Province ("beautiful province”) is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its magnificent historic centre.

Your journey will end in the warm and cosmopolitan Canadian city of Montreal.

Subject to ice and weather conditions. The expedition highlights and itineraries described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.