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Montreal to Montreal

Embark on a journey through Eastern Canada's UNESCO World Heritage sites and discover the history of the archipelagos throughout Quebec and Newfoundland. This roundtrip Montreal cruise, traverse through small ports and an overnight in St. John, with autumn foliage as the backdrop to your journey. Enjoy a stop in the small ship exclusive port of Bonne Bay, and two new to Windstar ports – St. Pierre & Miquelon and Trois-Rivières. On shore, you can experience the best jam in Quebec City on Île d'Orléans at Confiturerie Tigidou, a well-known jam factory. In Baie-Comeau, meet local wildlife aboard a Zodiac, or go lobster fishing in Cap-aux-Meules, Magdalen Island. Discover Newfoundland's geology and wander the New World's First City when you disembark in St. John. Visit the Red Bay Basque Whaling Station (UNESCO site) to learn about the history of the whaling capital of the world. In Havre-Saint-Pierre, get up close to the largest concentration of monoliths, a natural formation made up of a single large stone or rock, in Canada. Before you end your voyage in Montreal, make one final stop in Trois-Rivières, known as the poetry capital of Quebec, filled with rich history, a vibrant art scene, and poetry displayed throughout the city.

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Day 1: Montreal

Montreal is full of interesting architecture and is considered by many to be the creative capital of Canada. Named a UNESCO City of Design, Montreal attractions include Basilique Notre-Dame, Stade Olympique, Canal de Lachine, Old Montreal, and Habitat 67. Enjoy a meal at one of the terraced cafes of Plateau Mont-Royal and make sure you try Kamouraska lamb, Arctic char and poutine.

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Day 2: Quebec City

A focal point of French culture and one of North America’s oldest and most beautiful cities, Quebec City sits above the St. Lawrence River on a rocky spur with 328-foot cliffs. This French-speaking city was established in 1608 with the only fortified city walls remaining in America north of Mexico, and declared a UNESCO World Heritage City. The Old Town is packed with museums, cobblestone streets and mansard-roofed houses begging to be explored. Other historic attractions include the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, Notre Dame Basilica, Battlefields Park and Terrasse Dufferin.

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Day 3: Baie-Comeau, Quebec, Canada

Located on the shores of the Saint Lawrence River near the mouth of the Manicouagan River, and birthplace of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, Baie-Comeau is known for delicious local seafood like lobster and fish and Crâââbe, a bitter beer brewed with crab shells. It is recognized as one of the best bird-watching sites in Quebec and boasts the second oldest lighthouse in Quebec, Pointe-des-Monts Lighthouse.

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Day 5: Cap aux Meules

With its village main street and many restaurants and bars, charming Cap aux Meules is the gateway to the Magdalen Islands Archipelago located in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The port bustles with fishing boats, ferries, and a well-equipped marina offering a huge travel lift crane for dry dock. Sites to see include the church of St. Pierre, constructed from the wreckage of ships and the lighthouse which now warns of the offshore shoals.

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Day 6: St. Pierre & Miquelon

This self-governing overseas territory of France is the only part of New France that remains under French control. Situated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, seabirds are plentiful here with seals and other wildlife found in the lagoon. Sparsely populated, but with a distinct French atmosphere, see the National Museum and the cathedral.

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Day 7: St. John’s

Considered one of North America’s oldest settlements, St. John’s is a charming blend of winding streets, colorful row houses, hidden alleyways and a bustling harbor. Visit Quidi Vidi, St. John’s village-within-a-city, and Signal Hill where small wooden houses cling to the cliff-sides and Cabot Tower stands guard. Take time to visit The Rooms, a provincial museum, art gallery and archives housed next to the twin clock towers of the Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

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Day 8: St. John’s

Considered one of North America’s oldest settlements, St. John’s is a charming blend of winding streets, colorful row houses, hidden alleyways and a bustling harbor. Visit Quidi Vidi, St. John’s village-within-a-city, and Signal Hill where small wooden houses cling to the cliff-sides and Cabot Tower stands guard. Take time to visit The Rooms, a provincial museum, art gallery and archives housed next to the twin clock towers of the Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

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Day 9: St. Anthony

St. Anthony is a popular whale-watching destination. Located at the northern tip of Newfoundland, icebergs appear along Newfoundland Iceberg Alley and the rugged coastline, there is a vast wilderness of valleys and lake-dotted mountains, and the local fresh seafood is among the best.

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Day 10: Red Bay

Red Bay is a fishing village that was, between 1530 and the early 17th century, a major Basque whaling area. Here the highlight will be what you learn as you see three Basque whaling galleons and four small chalupas used for capturing whales, Red Bay’s livelihood at the time. In 2013 Red Bay Basque Whaling Station was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site where original Basque artifacts, and a restored chalupa are preserved.

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Day 11: Bonne Bay / Woody Point

Bonne Bay and Woody Point are part of the Gros Morne National Park, whose ancient landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bonne Bay has two sections – Inner Bonne Bay and Outer Bonne Bay. Inner Bonne Bay has two arms with wooded coves and beaches. Outer Bonne Bay is the entrance to the Bonne Bay fjord. This bay was carved out approximately 10,000 years ago and is an area full of wildlife – moose and caribou, Arctic hare and ptarmigan.

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Day 12: Havre St. Pierre

Situated at the northern end of the St. Lawrence River, Havre St. Pierre is home to the eerie limestone structures of the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve. Tourism contributes hugely to the economy of this small town noted for the unique variety of flora and fauna found here such as the rare Mingan Thistle and puffins. Excellent fishing is also found here,made up of snow crab, scallops, lobster and salmon.

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Day 14: Trois-Rivières, Canada

Trois-Rivières, located in Quebec, Canada, is a charming city known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Established in 1634, it's one of North America's oldest cities, featuring beautifully preserved architecture and historic sites like the Old Prison and the Ursuline Monastery. The city offers diverse attractions, including the Borealis museum, which delves into the region's paper industry heritage, and the Musée POP, celebrating Quebec's popular culture. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Parc de l'île Saint-Quentin, a scenic park perfect for recreation and relaxation.

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Day 15: Montreal

Montreal is full of interesting architecture and is considered by many to be the creative capital of Canada. Named a UNESCO City of Design, Montreal attractions include Basilique Notre-Dame, Stade Olympique, Canal de Lachine, Old Montreal, and Habitat 67. Enjoy a meal at one of the terraced cafes of Plateau Mont-Royal and make sure you try Kamouraska lamb, Arctic char and poutine.