France Cruise from Saint Pierre and Miquelon Islands to Montréal — 12 Days

Saint Pierre and Miquelon Islands, France

Off Newfoundland’s southern coast, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon offer a distinctly French stop in North America. Saint-Pierre, the larger settlement, lines a sheltered harbor with colorful houses, cafés and narrow streets. The islands’ seafaring history is visible in their museums and waterfront, while Miquelon’s dunes and lagoons invite a quieter outing. Bring a warm layer: Atlantic weather can change quickly, even in summer.

Madeleine-Magdalen Islands, Canada

The Magdalen Islands rise from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, closer to Prince Edward Island than mainland Quebec. Red cliffs, long beaches and fishing villages keep the sea in view. Explore historic La Grave on Île du Havre-Aubert, where fishers’ cottages and galleries line the waterfront. Follow the coast for smoked herring, fresh lobster and views worth a slower day ashore.

Woody Point NL, Canada

Woody Point sits beside Bonne Bay, within Newfoundland’s Gros Morne National Park. From its harbour, roads lead to the Tablelands, where exposed mantle rock sets the landscape apart. Visit the Gros Morne Discovery Centre, stroll the waterfront, and look across the bay to its steep-sided shores. Historic buildings and local cafés make a welcome pause between outdoor excursions.

Ile Harrington QC (Ask Travel Agent)

Ile Providence QC (Ask Travel Agent)

La Romaine QC (Ask Travel Agent)

Havre-Saint-Pierre, Canada

Havre-Saint-Pierre sits on Quebec’s Côte-Nord, where the Gulf of St. Lawrence meets a coast shaped by wind and tide. Its nearby Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve is famed for sculpted limestone monoliths scattered across islands and islets. Boat excursions reveal seabird colonies, remote shores and formations best seen from the water. Back in town, sample local seafood and enjoy the unhurried rhythm of this small coastal community.

Tadoussac, Canada

At Tadoussac, the St. Lawrence meets the Saguenay in a dramatic seam of cold, whale-rich water. From shore or a small boat, look for belugas and minke whales; humpbacks visit in season. Follow headland trails for sweeping river views. In the village, the Petite Chapelle dates to 1747 and is often described as Canada’s oldest wooden church. Tadoussac’s fur-trading post, established in 1600, anchors its long history.

At Sea (At Sea)

Quebec City, Canada

Québec City is best explored on foot, where French-speaking Canada feels unmistakably distinct. Within the UNESCO-listed Historic District, stone walls, steep lanes and 17th-century façades tell the story of New France. Ride the funicular between Upper and Lower Town, then browse Petit-Champlain’s boutiques beside the St. Lawrence River. Allow time for the Plains of Abraham, where a pivotal 1759 battle changed the course of Canadian history. Come ashore ready to climb; the finest views reward a little effort.

Montreal, Canada

Montréal is a city of French character and North American energy, best explored on foot. From the Old Port, cobbled streets lead to Old Montréal’s grand squares, cafés and Notre-Dame Basilica. Climb or drive up Mount Royal for a broad view of the skyline and the St. Lawrence River. Then follow the city’s appetite, from market produce and bagels to inventive French-Canadian cooking. Allow time for the museums and lively terraces; Montréal’s pleasures are close together, but never feel hurried.