Maritimes · Jun – Oct
Canada's East Coast
Tidal bores, Celtic fiddle, wild horses, and humpback whales - Canada's coast as few ever see it.
Where ancient folklore and vibrant culture meet dramatic landscapes, unforgettable trails, and extraordinary wildlife, Canada’s East Coast offers a remarkable collection of experiences for travellers of all ages and interests. This is a region shaped by the sea, where centuries-old traditions remain part of everyday life and where each destination reveals its own distinctive character, stories, and sense of place.
As we journey through the colourful and vibrant Atlantic provinces, we are welcomed by communities where the warmth and familiarity of days gone by can still be felt. Historic fishing villages, rugged coastlines, remote islands, and lively harbours provide a fascinating window into a way of life that has been shaped by generations of seafarers, explorers, and settlers. Local traditions, music, storytelling, and maritime heritage bring each community to life, creating meaningful encounters and lasting memories along the way.
Beyond these welcoming settlements lies a spectacular natural world. We experience wildlife in its natural habitat, explore pristine coastal environments, and discover landscapes that feel wonderfully removed from the pace of modern life. From towering cliffs and sweeping ocean views to quiet coves, windswept islands, and protected wilderness, every day offers a new perspective. As we travel farther from the familiar, the rhythms of everyday life begin to fade, replaced by a deeper connection to nature, history, and the spirit of exploration.
This extensive expedition program brings together an extraordinary collection of remote offshore islands, coastal communities, and remarkable destinations. The journey ranges from historic Louisbourg in Nova Scotia to the breathtaking wilderness of Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland, revealing the incredible diversity of Canada’s Atlantic coastline. Along the way, we discover places that are often difficult to reach by land and best appreciated from the sea.
Undoubtedly best explored by expedition cruise, this remarkable region rewards curiosity and a true spirit of adventure. Travelling by sea allows us to follow the coastline, reach remote destinations, and respond to the opportunities that each new day presents. Weather, wildlife, and local conditions help shape the journey, ensuring that no two days are ever quite the same.
Whether stepping ashore to explore a historic community, hiking through magnificent wilderness, observing wildlife in its natural surroundings, or simply taking in the vast beauty of the North Atlantic, every experience adds another layer to the journey. With your spirit of adventure leading the way, opportunities for discovery are maximised each day, creating an unforgettable voyage through one of Canada’s most captivating and culturally rich regions.
The Bay of Fundy experiences the highest tidal range on Earth - up to 16 metres twice daily. Witness the tidal bore and explore sea caves exposed only at low tide.
Three hundred kilometres offshore in the open Atlantic, Sable Island is home to 500 wild horses and the world's largest grey seal colony. Access is restricted - expedition cruise is one of the few ways to visit.
The Gulf of St. Lawrence and its approaches feed vast populations of humpback, finback, minke and pilot whales - some of the best whale watching in Canada.
Cape Breton fiddle music, Acadian French villages, UNESCO-listed Lunenburg, and the living traditions of Mi'kmaw communities - the Maritimes carry deep cultural roots.
Bonaventure Island holds 60,000 northern gannets - one of North America's great seabird colonies. Bird Island near Baddeck shelters Atlantic puffins and razorbills.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site on Newfoundland's west coast - ancient mountains, fjords, and exposed mantle rock that rewrote our understanding of plate tectonics.