Sailing the St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritimes
Discover the natural beauty and diverse cultures of Eastern Canada on an adventure along the picturesque St. Lawrence River.

Expedition Gallery

Overview
Discover the natural beauty and diverse cultures of Eastern Canada on an adventure along the picturesque St. Lawrence River. Stroll through 400 years of history in Old Québec—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and St-Pierre, the only remaining French territory in North America. Venture into the rugged wildernesses of the Saguenay River Fjord in search of rare wildlife, and visit the Côte-Nord, known for its striking monoliths and limestone island. And, at every turn, you’ll be immersed in the region’s fascinating history, stemming from French, British and Indigenous roots.
Expedition Details
- Operator: Lindblad Expeditions
- Ship: National Geographic Explorer
- Region: CANADA
- Duration: 11 nights
- From AUD 14,143 per person
Places Visited
- St. John's, Newfoundland / Embark Ship
- St-Pierre, France
- At Sea
- Côte-Nord, Québec, Canada
- Québec City
- Saguenay River and Tadoussac / At Sea
- +2 more
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
St. John's, Newfoundland / Embark Ship
Arrive in St. John’s, the picturesque capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, in the afternoon and embark the ship.
Day 1
St. John's, Newfoundland / Embark Ship
Arrive in St. John’s, the picturesque capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, in the afternoon and embark the ship.
Day 2
St-Pierre, France
The first landfall is in St-Pierre, France’s oldest remaining overseas territory. Get to know this picturesque French fishing enclave by visiting a local island, where you will learn about its historic cod fisheries and explore the fascinating Heritage Museum, dedicated to preserving the history of this remote territory.
Day 2
St-Pierre, France
The first landfall is in St-Pierre, France’s oldest remaining overseas territory. Get to know this picturesque French fishing enclave by visiting a local island, where you will learn about its historic cod fisheries and explore the fascinating Heritage Museum, dedicated to preserving the history of this remote territory.
Day 3
At Sea
Sail across the Gulf of St. Lawrence, known for its abundant plant and animal life both under water and on shore. Find a place on the observation deck to watch for the wildlife that calls this region home—including seven species of whales, such as the endangered North Atlantic right whale. Enjoy the day on board to edit photos, attend a presentation about the region with one of the naturalists or schedule a massage with the wellness specialist.
Day 3
At Sea
Sail across the Gulf of St. Lawrence, known for its abundant plant and animal life both under water and on shore. Find a place on the observation deck to watch for the wildlife that calls this region home—including seven species of whales, such as the endangered North Atlantic right whale. Enjoy the day on board to edit photos, attend a presentation about the region with one of the naturalists or schedule a massage with the wellness specialist.
Day 4-5
Côte-Nord, Québec, Canada
Bordering the Labrador Sea and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Côte-Nord region of Québec offers breathtaking, wild landscapes and geologic diversity, abundant marine life, maritime history and a culture influenced by its nine Indigenous communities. Spend two days exploring this stunning marine environment by Zodiac, kayak and on foot as you learn about the area alongside local experts.
Day 4-5
Côte-Nord, Québec, Canada
Bordering the Labrador Sea and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Côte-Nord region of Québec offers breathtaking, wild landscapes and geologic diversity, abundant marine life, maritime history and a culture influenced by its nine Indigenous communities. Spend two days exploring this stunning marine environment by Zodiac, kayak and on foot as you learn about the area alongside local experts.
Day 6-7
Québec City
Arrive in the provincial capital, Québec City. The only remaining walled city north of Mexico, Québec’s rich history comes to life amid the ramparts and ancient streets of its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience the city’s European charm while strolling the lanes below the stately Citadel, keeping an eye out for the iconic realist murals that showcase Québec’s history. As you explore, get a taste for the city’s renowned culinary scene, from its First Nations recipes and traditional French and English flavors to maple syrup-infused sweets.
Day 6-7
Québec City
Arrive in the provincial capital, Québec City. The only remaining walled city north of Mexico, Québec’s rich history comes to life amid the ramparts and ancient streets of its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience the city’s European charm while strolling the lanes below the stately Citadel, keeping an eye out for the iconic realist murals that showcase Québec’s history. As you explore, get a taste for the city’s renowned culinary scene, from its First Nations recipes and traditional French and English flavors to maple syrup-infused sweets.
Day 8-9
Saguenay River and Tadoussac / At Sea
Originating in Lake Saint-Jean in the Québecois highlands and draining into the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Saguenay River is a haven for marine life, most notably the beluga whale. Harbor seals, porpoises and minke, blue and fin whales can also be seen at different times throughout the year in these nutrient-rich waters. The river’s fjord, carved by glaciers over 10,000 years ago, plunges more than 900 feet below the surface, and its rising peaks and hanging cliffs soar more than 1,500 feet into the air. The landscape provides an astonishing backdrop as you sail and explore where two iconic rivers meet. Enjoy a day at sea by attending an engaging presentation by naturalists and experts, relaxing with a book in the lounge or experiencing a wellness treatment at the spa. Keep an eye out for wildlife as the ship travels towards Îles de la Madeleine.
Day 8-9
Saguenay River and Tadoussac / At Sea
Originating in Lake Saint-Jean in the Québecois highlands and draining into the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Saguenay River is a haven for marine life, most notably the beluga whale. Harbor seals, porpoises and minke, blue and fin whales can also be seen at different times throughout the year in these nutrient-rich waters. The river’s fjord, carved by glaciers over 10,000 years ago, plunges more than 900 feet below the surface, and its rising peaks and hanging cliffs soar more than 1,500 feet into the air. The landscape provides an astonishing backdrop as you sail and explore where two iconic rivers meet. Enjoy a day at sea by attending an engaging presentation by naturalists and experts, relaxing with a book in the lounge or experiencing a wellness treatment at the spa. Keep an eye out for wildlife as the ship travels towards Îles de la Madeleine.
Day 10
Îles de la Madeleine
A cluster of wispy islands isolated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Îles de la Madeleine are home to miles of golden beaches and dunes, grassy hills and dazzling red sandstone cliffs. Local experts will guide you across this landscape of caves and sea arches, stopping along the way in colorful fishing villages as you learn about Acadian culture.
Day 10
Îles de la Madeleine
A cluster of wispy islands isolated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Îles de la Madeleine are home to miles of golden beaches and dunes, grassy hills and dazzling red sandstone cliffs. Local experts will guide you across this landscape of caves and sea arches, stopping along the way in colorful fishing villages as you learn about Acadian culture.
Day 11
At Sea
Retrace a path back through the Gulf of St. Lawrence, passing between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Spend the day on board making final edits to your photos with the certified photography instructor or head to the bridge to learn about the ship’s navigation from the crew.
Day 11
At Sea
Retrace a path back through the Gulf of St. Lawrence, passing between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Spend the day on board making final edits to your photos with the certified photography instructor or head to the bridge to learn about the ship’s navigation from the crew.
Day 12
St. John's, Newfoundland / Disembark Ship
Disembark in St. John's and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Day 12
St. John's, Newfoundland / Disembark Ship
Disembark in St. John's and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Ship & Suites
National Geographic Explorer
B Deck

Main Deck

Upper Deck

Veranda Deck

Wellness Deck

Bridge Deck

01
Cabins feature one or two portholes; two single beds or one queen; two bedside shelves; armchair; writing desk with chair; closet; and a bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower.
02
Cabins feature a large window; two single beds; two bedside shelves; armchair; writing desk with chair; closet; and a bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower.
03
Cabins feature a large window; two single beds that convert to a queen; two bedside shelves; armchair; writing desk with chair; closet; and a bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower. Cabins 341 and 343 are L-shaped suites that also contain a sofa bed for triple occupancy.
SA
Cabins feature a large window, one single bed; bedside shelf; writing desk with chair; closet; and a bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower.
04
Cabins feature a large window; two single beds that convert to a queen; two bedside shelves; armchair; writing desk with chair; closet; and a bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower. Cabins 217, 226, and 228 have a queen bed only.
05
Cabins feature a private balcony; one queen bed; two bedside shelves; armchair; writing desk with chair; closet; and a bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower. Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to a queen.
06
Suites feature three large windows; two single beds that convert to a queen; two bedside shelves; sofa that converts to a single bed; two armchairs and small table; writing desk with chair; mini bar; espresso maker; double closet; and a generously-sized bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
07
Suites feature a private balcony; two single beds that convert to a queen; two bedside shelves; sofa that converts to a single bed; armchair and small table; writing desk with chair; mini bar; espresso maker; double closet; and a generously-sized bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
SB
Cabins feature a large window, one single bed; bedside shelf; writing desk with chair; closet; and a bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower.

Base Camp
The B Deck houses a base camp with lockers for expedition gear and serves as the embarkation point for Zodiacs.

Dining Room
Meals are served in a single, unassigned seating for a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

Global Gallery
The Global Gallery offers a unique selection of handcrafted gifts, as well as expedition gear like hats, jackets and sunshirts.

Chart Room
Grab a coffee or hot cocoa as you peruse the maps and learn more about your ship’s route.

Lounge
The lounge offers a full bar and state-of-the-art presentation facilities for talks, presentations, and evening Recaps.

LEXspa
Treatments in the LEXspa are available by appointment.

Sauna
Warm up in the sauna after braving the polar plunge.

Fitness Center
The fitness center at the stern of the ship offers cardio equipment, weights, resistance bands, and an excellent view.

Library
The library features panoramic windows and a well-stocked collection of books on the places we explore.

Bridge
The fleet's open bridge policy allows guests to visit anytime to chat with the captain and crew, conditions permitting.
Special Offers
GO FARTHER. FIND WONDER.
Book from September 15 to November 4, 2026: Receive savings of $2000AUD per guest deducted from cabin fare on select 2027 and 2028 voyages. Applicable savings will be deducted from cabin fare before any additional savings with the purchase of cabin fare. Promotional offer valid on new bookings only for select 2027 departures, subject to availability and offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice, not applicable on airfare or land programs, and may not be combined with other promotions. Standard cancellation policy applies. Additional restrictions may apply.
10% OFF BACK-TO-BACK VOYAGES
Save 10% on consecutive departures, applicable on voyage fares only and not valid on extensions or airfare. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, and may not be combined with other offers. Call for details.
CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES
Celebrate a milestone with a group of eight or more and enjoy a special amenity package including: 5% savings on voyage fares, custom group photo, US$150 shipboard credit for the group, and other special gifts. Milestone celebration to be communicated at time of booking.
SAVE 5% TRAVELING AS A GROUP
Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more people. Valid for new bookings only on select departures, subject to availability, not applicable on extensions, and may not be combined with other offers. Call for details.
COMBINING OFFERS
Certain offers may be combinable, up to two savings opportunities, except where noted otherwise. For example, travel with a group of 8 or more on back-to-back expeditions, and take advantage of both savings.
10% Donation
Lindblad Expeditions will donate 10% of expedition fare to the National Geographic Society on select voyages booked between May 7, 2026 and June 19, 2026 using code NGS10. Donation valid on new bookings only for select departures, subject to availability and offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice, not applicable on airfare or extensions, and may not be combined with other promotions. Additional restrictions may apply. Call to book or for additional details.
FFL-Eligible
For a limited time, guests who join a qualifying voyage booked by May 1, 2026, will automatically be enrolled in Friends for Life* upon disembarkation.
Departures & Pricing
Real-time pricing pulled directly from Lindblad Expeditions. Prices shown are per person in AUD.
What's Included
Costs Include
All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), tips (except to Egyptologists and ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.
Not Included
Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry. Gratuities to Egyptologists and ship’s crew at your discretion.
Airfare
For all programs, airfare is an additional cost unless otherwise indicated. Sample airfares are based on 2007 fares and are subject to change. We will gladly assist in making your air arrangements.
Note
Complete pre-journey information, including suggestions on what to bring and recommended reading, will be sent after your reservation is confirmed 4-6 months prior to departure.
Terms & Conditions
Effective October 1, 2007, all Lindblad voyages departing from and returning to ports outside the United States will be operated by Lindblad Maritime Enterprises, Ltd., a subsidiary of Lindblad Expeditions, Inc.Reservations: To reserve your place, an advance payment for the program as outlined is required at the time of reservation and is payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or check. The per person amount due is noted on each dates and rates screen.Final Payment: For expeditions of eight nights or less, final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. For expeditions of nine nights or more, final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.Travel Protection Plan: Travel protection and medical insurance are available at extra cost. Ask about our comprehensive guest travel protection plan for a worry-free expedition. Learn more about Lindblad Expeditions Travel Protection "Plus" Plan.Smoking: Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas.Responsibility and Other Terms & Conditions: Certain other provisions concerning, among other things, limitations of Lindblad Expeditions’ and the National Geographic Society’s liability for loss of property, injury, illness or death during the voyage will be provided to all guests on the ship’s ticket sent prior to departure, and are also available where within this site or upon request. By registering for a trip, the guest agrees to all such terms and conditions.CANCELLATION POLICY:For Expeditions 8 Nights or Less:Number of Days to Expedition Start / Prior Per Person Cancellation Fee90 or more days / $150*89–60 days / Advance payment cost59–30 days / 50% of trip cost29–0 days / No refundFor Expeditions 9 Nights or More:Number of Days to Expedition Start / Prior Per Person Cancellation Fee120 or more days / $150*119–90 days / Advance payment cost89–60 days / 25% of trip cost59–30 days / 50% of trip cost29–0 days / No refund
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