Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom
20% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
- New
Greenland & Canada via Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Reykjavík - Toronto
Dates:
20/08/2023
to
04/09/2023
days
nights on board
Succumb to the charms of this brand-new 16-day cruise aboard Le Bellot, sailing between Iceland and Canada via the stunning landscapes of Greenland.
You will embark in Reykjavik, the most northerly capital in the world, lying slightly above the 64th parallel.
You will first travel through the narrow Prins Christian Sund passage, which connects the south-east of Greenland to the south-west. Jagged mountains, rocky cliffs, waterfalls and floating ice form a wonderful wild landscape in which frolic colonies of bearded seals.
After passing in front of the impressive Kujalleq Glacier, you will call at Aappilattoq, a small Inuit village with some one hundred inhabitants, dotted with colourful houses typical of this faraway land.
Le Bellot will head to Canada to call at l’Anse-aux-Meadows, a Viking archeological site from the 11th century listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located north of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Saint-John’s, the capital of the province is one of the oldest anglophone cities in North America. It is nestled in the heart of a stunning natural environment and strolling through its historic core or along its sloping streets lined with colourful houses is an enjoyable experience.
A little piece of France located off the coast of Canada, the Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago has many charms. Here you will discover the lively island of Saint Pierre, its small houses with coloured facades and its natural harbour which sheltered many fishing boats in the past. The second island in the archipelago, Miquelon, will delight lovers of the great outdoors with its vast rolling meadows dotted with small lakes and lined with cliffs that disappear into the northern waters inhabited by seals.
At the mouth of Saguenay River, you will reach Tadoussac. This National Park is also an unmissable site for whale watching as the mammals gather to feed before winter.
In the estuary of the St. Lawrence River, you will also visit Quebec City, capital of Canada’s Beautiful Province, founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608. Do not miss discovering this charming and lively city where the historic neighbourhood of Old Québec, with its ramparts and fortifications, is listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.
Your ship will continue into the Saint Lawrence river, a prodigious waterway home to exceptionally beautiful nature.
To round off your cruise, you will sail along the shimmering waters of Lake Ontario before making your way to the cosmopolitan city of Toronto, where you will disembark.
Subject to ice and weather conditions. The expedition highlights and itineraries described illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Ref : EE200823
Your itinerary
A brand-new cruise between the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, and the cosmopolitan Canadian city of Toronto, to discover the beautiful scenery of Greenland and Canada. UNESCO World Heritage Site:...
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Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects flights and takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE JACQUES-CARTIER
- New
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
L'AUSTRAL
04/11/2022 to the 20/11/2022
- New
LE LAPEROUSE
09/11/2022 to the 23/11/2022
LE LYRIAL
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Wi-Fi Internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- A brand-new cruise between the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, and the cosmopolitan Canadian city of Toronto, to discover the beautiful scenery of Greenland and Canada.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Anse-aux-Meadows, a Viking archeological site from the 11th century, the old city of Quebec.
- The scenery: fjords, rugged mountains, glaciers, wild tundra, sheer cliffs and the polar ice cap.
- The wildlife: seabirds, caribous, musk oxen, whales and orcas.
- Sail along the Prins Christian Sund, a narrow, 100-km long passage that winds its way through cliffs and glaciers.
- Discover St John’s, the capital of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Percé, one of the most scenic villages of Quebec, close to a National Park famed for its natural, historical and geological heritage.
- Observation of marine mammals in Tadoussac, at the mouth of the Saguenay River.
- Travelling up the Saint Lawrence, one of the largest rivers in the world, with an immense and wild shoreline.
Ports of Call & Excursions
20 August 2023 - Reykjavík
Embarkation 20/08/2023 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 20/08/2023 at 19:00
Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical centre where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.
21 August 2023 - At sea
Arrival 21/08/2023
Departure 21/08/2023
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
22 August 2023 - Prins Christian Sund
Arrival 22/08/2023 late afternoon
Departure 22/08/2023 late afternoon
Your ship glides silently towards the Greenland coast, in a setting punctuated by pointed peaks and majestic glaciers… You are on the verge of crossing the Prins Christian Sund, a narrow channel that stretches out and zigzags over some one hundred kilometres between Greenland’s south-east and south-west. Fall under the spell of the primitive beauty of these unique landscapes, including rocky cliffs and waterfalls that are fed by the ice sheet and plunge into the icy waters. Here, bearded seals love to lie on the floating ice to soak up the sunshine.
22 August 2023 - Kujalleq Glacier
Arrival 22/08/2023 early evening
Departure 22/08/2023 late evening
In the immense and mythical Greenland, in the Prince Christian Sound region, your ship will make its way to the Kujalleq Glacier. You will be captivated by this frozen tongue, in front of which dance small icebergs and a few growlers. Growler is the surprising name given to chunks of ice that are smaller fragments of an iceberg. They are either white or, more remarkably, blue-green. Birds fly in your wake and bearded seals observe you from afar, stretched out on granite rocks. Combined with the surrounding ice, these rocks form a magical landscape that immerses you in the polar realm.
23 August 2023 - Augpilatok
Arrival 23/08/2023 early morning
Departure 23/08/2023 early afternoon
Augpilatok, is a small Inuit village of around one hundred inhabitants, whose name means “sea anemone” in Greenlandic. Located in a mountainous region inaccessible by road, its picturesque, colourful houses stretch out to the southern tip of Greenland, on the banks of the spectacular Prince Christian Sound. Some one hundred kilometres long, the sound connects the Labrador Sea to the Irminger Sea, meandering through stunning landscapes such as majestic glaciers, craggy peaks, and rocky cliffs with waterfalls fed by the ice sheet. This region was uninhabited in the 19th century. The village was created in the 1920s and the main activities revolve around hunting, fishing and livestock farming.
24 August 2023 25 August 2023 - At sea
Arrival 24/08/2023
Departure 25/08/2023
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
26 August 2023 - L'Anse-aux-Meadows, Newfoundland
Arrival 26/08/2023 early morning
Departure 26/08/2023 late morning
Located at the Northern extremity of the island of Newfoundland, L’Anse aux Meadows is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the only site known to have been established by the Vikings in North America. Its ancient vestiges provide the very first traces of European presence in the new world. The remains found on this splendid 11th century Scandinavian archaeological site are identical to those found in Iceland. Aboard your ship, cruise in the wake of those first Vikings who discovered the tip of North America 500 years before Christopher Columbus arrived on the shores of the American continent. A memorable adventure in a setting punctuated with coastal peat bogs, grass and many varieties of shrubs and lichen.
27 August 2023 - Saint-John's, Newfoundland
Arrival 27/08/2023 midday
Departure 27/08/2023 late afternoon
You will be charmed by the small multi-coloured wooden houses hanging to the side of cliffs at the entrance to the bay or edging the small steep streets of the capital of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Their green, blue, red and yellow colours are reminiscent of fishing boats. This quiet little port at the end of the world, the easternmost in North America, became the first English colony founded on American territory in 1497. Protected by the Gulf Stream, the climate here is relatively mild and the natural landscapes are spectacular. You’ll be able to enjoy magnificent panoramas from Signal Hill. It was at the summit of this hill that Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901.
28 August 2023 - Saint Pierre Island, Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Arrival 28/08/2023 midday
Departure 28/08/2023 late evening
Off the Canadian coast, discover Saint Pierre Island, one of the two main islands of the Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago, the only French territory in North America. Endowed with a natural harbour, the island, whose name is a reference to the patron saint of fishermen, developed around the fishing industry and still has many traces of its past today. Whale hunting, cod fishing, alcohol smuggling during the Prohibition: all of these memories are still very much alive in the capital, Saint-Pierre. The island is also renowned for the observation of exceptional fauna including, among others, whales, fin whales, dolphins, seals, puffins and petrels.
29 August 2023 - Miquelon Island, Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Arrival 29/08/2023 early morning
Departure 29/08/2023 midday
At the entrance of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, not far from the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, Miquelon is one of the two main islands of the Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago and will delight those with a love of wide open space. Made up of three peninsulas connected by long sand spits, this wild land, famous for being home to France’s only boreal forest, has sublime scenery of hills, dotted with ponds, woods and bogs, and ringed by lagoons and steep cliffs. The rich and varied wildlife is the promise of fine encounters, whether inland, populated with white-tailed deer, snowy owls and bald eagles, or on the coast, home to many sea birds and grey seals.
30 August 2023 - Cap-aux-Meules, Magdalen Islands
Arrival 30/08/2023 early morning
Departure 30/08/2023 early afternoon
Although it is the administrative and economic centre of the Magdalen Islands archipelago, in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the village of Cap-aux-Meules remains a peaceful location and is ideal for exploring preserved nature. Located on the eponymous island, in reference to the sandstone rocks of the cape that were used in the past to make grindstones, the location is above all considered to be the maritime gateway to the archipelago. In this respect, it offers privileged access to many sites renowned for their natural and historic heritage, such as the village of Havre-Aubert which is a member of the Most Beautiful Villages of Quebec.
31 August 2023 - Percé
Arrival 31/08/2023 early morning
Departure 31/08/2023 early afternoon
If you appreciate the beauty of scenery and geological phenomena, you will fall under the irresistible spell of Percé, one of the most beautiful villages in Quebec. Apart from the attractions of the town itself, Percé owes its reputation to its proximity to the famous rock of the same name that rises opposite it in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Along with the neighbouring Bonaventure Island, this rocky outcrop forms a national park famed for its natural, historical and geological heritage. With a choice of hiking, underwater exploration and cultural activities, you’ll never be short of things to do in this fascinating region.
1 September 2023 - Tadoussac
Arrival 01/09/2023 early afternoon
Departure 01/09/2023 evening
The Quebec village of Tadoussac stands at the confluence of the Saguenay River and the Gulf of Saint-Lawrence, in south-east Canada. The village is bright with multicoloured houses nestling in an emerald-green pine forest. From the waterfront, it’s easy to spy out Tadoussac Chapel, thanks to its bright red roof. Not far from this church built of wood, one of the oldest in North America, stands a century-old village holiday resort, Hotel Tadoussac. Treat yourself to tea on the terrace overlooking the shoreline. In addition, at the marine mammal interpretation centre, you can hone your knowledge of the cetaceans that regularly frequent Tadoussac bay.
2 September 2023 - Québec
Arrival 02/09/2023 early morning
Departure 02/09/2023 late afternoon
The capital of ﾓLa Belle Provinceﾔ sits at the confluence of the St Charles River and the Gulf of St Lawrence in south-east Canada. Founded in the 17th century, the city still has an encircling wall ﾖ a historic civil engineering work and the only one of its kind remaining in North America. You will love the postcard-perfect stone houses of Old Quebec, the historic district listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shopping is a pleasure in pedestrian streets such as Petit-Champlain Street, or you can relax over a spruce beer, seasoned with pine buds. Dufferin Boardwalk, an esplanade near the emblematic Château Frontenac, is the perfect place for views of the river and old city.
3 September 2023 - Sailing River Saint Lawrence and going through its locks
Arrival 03/09/2023
Departure 03/09/2023
Linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes region inland, the Saint Lawrence Seaway was inaugurated in 1959, more than 250 years after the initial construction aiming to avoid the rapids obstructing navigation in these parts. This large engineering project, which required four years of huge work, offers a unique sailing experience, punctuated by the passage of the different locks marking out this corridor, which is almost 4,000 km long.
4 September 2023 - Toronto
Arrival 04/09/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 04/09/2023 at 08:00
The largest city in Canada and capital of the province of Ontario, Toronto fascinates as much by its incredible diversity as by its size. Make sure you visit the CN Tower, the tallest tower in the western hemisphere, as well as the St. Lawrence Market whose stalls reflect the multicultural wealth of this city known as the global city. Not far from there, the historic Distillery District unveils its brick-paved streets imbued with romantic charm and its myriad of small restaurants, cafés, boutiques, theatres and art galleries. The Royal Ontario Museum and its impressive collections devoted to the world’s natural and cultural history will also be an unmissable stop during this port of call.
Viking experience
Depart the pier for the short 10-minute drive aboard a local school bus for the Norse site discovered in 1960 by Norwegian explorer Helge Ingstad. L'Anse aux Meadows is notable for its possible connection with Leif Erikson, and with the Norse exploration of North America. The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage in 1978 and is the first authenticated Norse settlement in North America.
Visit the Parks Canada interpretive centre (exhibits and site videos) and then follow the site trails to the archaeological dig sites before visiting the recreated longhouse to discover what life was like at this Norse trading post in 1000 AD.
A short drive from the UNESCO site brings you to Norstead, a recreated Norse Village. See the replica of the Viking Knarr 'Snorri', a boat that sailed from Greenland to Newfoundland and named for the first European child born in North America. Learn to throw an axe, spin yarn or take a pottery lesson reviewing ancient methods.
Following your tour of the village, re-board the bus for the return drive to the pier.
- This tour involves approximately 1 km (0.62 mile) of walking on uneven ground. It is not recommended for guests with mobility issues. The order of the sites might be altered to reduce congestion.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Discover Saint-John's
St. John's, North America's oldest European-settled city, is the capital of Newfoundland and Canada's youngest province. For hundreds of years it has played host to explorers and conquerors, marauding pirates and merchant adventurers.
Your tour starts with a short drive to the historic Signal Hill where the Italian inventor Marconi received the first wireless transatlantic signal in 1901. Life Magazine tells us that this event was the birth of the Information Age. Enjoy the magnificent panoramic view out over the city and rugged coastline while viewing the continent's most easterly point in the distance. Learn about the site's 18th century battles and 20th century aviation wonders.
The tour then continues through the New World's first downtown, which features numerous historic buildings including Government House, historic churches and the colourful Victorian wooden housing characteristic of St. John's.
Continue for a visit to Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America, to enjoy the dramatic setting of the continent's edge, view the distant lighthouse and learn about the tunnels and fortifications that protected this gateway to the New World during the wars of the 20th century.
Finally, you will return to your vessel in St. John’s via the picturesque fishing community of Petty Harbour.
- For safety reasons, when at Cape Spear, you are requested to pay attention to the guide’s warnings and remain on the pathways, not crossing the marked boundaries. This tour involves approximately 20 minutes of mandatory walking over uneven paths and hilly paved walkways and there are few metres optional to the lighthouse at Cape Spear. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. The order of visit may vary to that described to avoid congestion.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Acadian culture & heritage
From the pier, it will be a 25-minute drive to the apple orchard Poméloi, the only one located on the archipelago, characterized by the variety of its products, its smallness and ecological focus. The owner, Éloi Vigneau has been passionate about agriculture since he was a teenager. He started to plant apple trees in 1990 for an experimental project when he was a social worker in a hospital. Year after year he followed up how the trees were performing with the local weather regarding wind exposure and salty sea air. In 2008, he opened the Orchard and started to produce different kinds of cider, working in harmony with nature.
Next, visit the permanent exhibit at the Musée de la Mer (sea museum): Laboureurs du Golfe examines the history of the Islands through models of ships and lighthouses, photographs and maritime objects that show how navigation developed, stories about fishing, seal hunting and shipwrecks as well as collections of minerals, shells and rocks from the Islands.
Continue to Havre-Aubert, a member of the 'Association des plus beaux villages du Québec' (an association which includes the most beautiful villages of the province). The first Acadians to arrive at the Islands settled in Havre-Aubert; their influence can be seen today in the architecture of the fishing huts, boutiques and the courthouse.
You will also visit Atelier Côtier, a one-of-a-kind studio where sand from the Islands is transformed into unique sculptures, sand treasures to forever remind visitors of the beauty of this site.
You will then take a 30-minute drive along the north coast of the island and see spectacular steep and jagged cliffs. Arrive at Cap-Hérissé, which offers one of the most striking examples of cliffs sculpted by the sea. A photo stop will be made before returning to the pier and your ship.
- This tour does not include any particular difficulties.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Gannet colony walk on Bonaventure island
The National Park of Bonaventure island is an enchanting site. Sculpted by time and the sea at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, it makes an extravagant show of its rich historical heritage and amazing geological history. Its remarkable flora and fauna, including its world-renowned northern gannet colony, contribute to the park reputation as a must-see destination.
After a 30-minute boat ride, you will disembark on Bonaventure Island where an experienced park warden will accompany you to the world’s largest gannet colony. The highpoint of the visit is, without doubt, the sight of 250,000 birds nesting on the island and a meeting with 50,000 couples of northern gannets. This colony of northern gannets, the most important and accessible in the world, is a unique spectacle.
Experience an unforgettable excursion on Bonaventure Island, wandering from one wonderful discovery to another. Dive into the history of the fisheries by visiting the Le Boutillier house: an Anglo-French cod-fishing company established on the island in the 19th century. The island is alive with colours and heady fragrances of wildflowers spiced with the smell of the sea. Savour the tranquillity of the forests and woodland flowers, and delight in the contrasts of sound and silence, colour and shade.
Your total time on the island will be around 2 ½ hours, before taking the boat back to Percé.
- This tour involves extensive 6 km (3.7 miles) walking over gravel, grass, dirt paths which can be muddy and slippery when wet. We recommend you wear good sturdy hiking boots and dress in layers. Please note this tour is limited to 80 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Whale watching by zodiac
Ready for an adrenaline rush? Embark on a zodiac to look for whales. Your guide-naturalist captain will take you where the river meets the ocean, the perfect spot to meet these giants of the sea and other sea mammals. This adventure will also enable you to discover the wild and scenic beauty of the Saguenay Fjord. Two hours of pure discovery await you on the Saint Lawrence River.
From biblical stories to current tales, whales have always captured our imagination. Even though Aristotle presented the whales as mammals, these creatures have often been portrayed as water-spewing monsters in stories and legends. Millions of years of evolution in the ocean have transformed these mammals into the present whales, incredibly well adapted to aquatic life. The Gulf of Saint Lawrence is like a kingdom for the whales and presents a true natural laboratory for biologists fascinated by these giants.
To ideally complement your whale-watching expedition, you will next visit the GREMM centre of Interpretation (Group of Research and Education of Marine Mammals). A great complement to your whale-watching cruise. The GREMM is a non-profit organisation founded in 1985, dedicated to the education and conservation of the marine environment and scientific research on the marine mammals of the St-Lawrence River.
- This excursion is not recommended for guests suffering from back or neck problems, nor for pregnant women. Children must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by a parent. Each participant will be equipped with a personal floating suit. Dress warmly and wear waterproof clothing. The zodiac will be exclusive to PONANT. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed. This tour can welcome a maximum of 72 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tadoussac on foot
On arrival at the pier, you will be welcomed by your guide who will introduce you to the highlights of Tadoussac, a little town internationally renowned for the beauty of its location, admitted to the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World in 1998.
The history of the village of Tadoussac goes back as far as the arrival of the Europeans to the American Continent. Tadoussac is even known to be visited by native people as early as the prehistoric times. The origin of the word “tadoussac” takes its roots from the Indian natives’ place names. Events which have made the history of Tadoussac are concentrated within three periods, the fur trade (1600 to 1859), the wood industry (1838 to 1897) and tourism (1864 to today).
Start your tour with a visit to the Greve Gardens, where you can find vegetation typical to the North Coast. Continue to the Chauvin trading post, a recreation of the first fur trading post in Canada. The exhibition concentrates on the first contacts, the trading post and the commerce.
Next, your guided walking will take you to the Tadoussac Grand Hotel. With its whitewashed walls, red roof, maritime colours, dormer windows and cupola, Tadoussac Hotel calls to mind an earlier era. Overlooking Tadoussac Bay and the St-Lawrence River, the hotel is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, family holidays or couples on a romantic getaway.
In the entrance hall, see the old photographs before enjoying a cup of tea while taking in the magnificent views from the hotel.
Finally, visit the wooden church located on the property, the Tadoussac Chapel – also known as the “Indians’ Chapel” – built in 1747 by Jesuit missionaries in their efforts to convert the Montagnais to Christianity. This chapel is the oldest wooden church in North America and still contains some of the original religious items used when the chapel was first constructed over two and a half centuries ago.
After your visit, you will go back to the pier and your ship.
- This tour is done entirely on foot; walking distance is approximately 2 kms (1.24 mile). We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. This tour can welcome a maximum of 40 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Whale watching by local boat
Ready for an unforgettable experience? This excursion will give you an exciting opportunity to admire whales in the Saint Lawrence Estuary.
Your tour starts with a visit to the GREMM centre of Interpretation (Group of Research and Education of Marine Mammals). A great introduction and complement to your whale-watching cruise. The GREMM is a non-profit organisation founded in 1985, dedicated to the education and conservation of the marine environment and scientific research on the marine mammals of the St-Lawrence River.
From biblical stories to current tales, whales have always captured our imagination. Even though Aristotle presented the whales as mammals, these creatures have often been portrayed as water-spewing monsters in stories and legends. Millions of years of evolution in the ocean have transformed these mammals into the present whales, incredibly well adapted to aquatic life.
The Gulf of Saint Lawrence is like a kingdom for the whales and presents a true natural laboratory for biologists fascinated by these giants. Your boat will take you where the river meets the ocean, the perfect spot to meet these giants of the sea and other sea mammals. This adventure will also enable you to discover the wild and scenic beauty of the Saguenay Fjord. Three hours of pure discovery await you on the Saint Lawrence River.
- For this excursion, we recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and to dress warmly. Please note the local boat is not privatized. A minimum of 50 participants is required to operate this tour.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Bellot
Like the other ships in the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Bellot has been designed to provide absolute comfort for its passengers, even at the heart of the world's most remote and isolated regions.
Racy lines, state-of-the-art equipment, a refined design, a softly muted and at the same time convivial ambiance together with a deliberately restricted number of cabins all contribute to the modernity of Le Bellot, a unique ship in the world of cruising.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
Viking experience
Depart the pier for the short 10-minute drive aboard a local school bus for the Norse site discovered in 1960 by Norwegian explorer Helge Ingstad. L'Anse aux Meadows is notable for its possible connection with Leif Erikson, and with the Norse exploration of North America. The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage in 1978 and is the first authenticated Norse settlement in North America.
Visit the Parks Canada interpretive centre (exhibits and site videos) and then follow the site trails to the archaeological dig sites before visiting the recreated longhouse to discover what life was like at this Norse trading post in 1000 AD.
A short drive from the UNESCO site brings you to Norstead, a recreated Norse Village. See the replica of the Viking Knarr 'Snorri', a boat that sailed from Greenland to Newfoundland and named for the first European child born in North America. Learn to throw an axe, spin yarn or take a pottery lesson reviewing ancient methods.
Following your tour of the village, re-board the bus for the return drive to the pier.
- This tour involves approximately 1 km (0.62 mile) of walking on uneven ground. It is not recommended for guests with mobility issues. The order of the sites might be altered to reduce congestion.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Discover Saint-John's
St. John's, North America's oldest European-settled city, is the capital of Newfoundland and Canada's youngest province. For hundreds of years it has played host to explorers and conquerors, marauding pirates and merchant adventurers.
Your tour starts with a short drive to the historic Signal Hill where the Italian inventor Marconi received the first wireless transatlantic signal in 1901. Life Magazine tells us that this event was the birth of the Information Age. Enjoy the magnificent panoramic view out over the city and rugged coastline while viewing the continent's most easterly point in the distance. Learn about the site's 18th century battles and 20th century aviation wonders.
The tour then continues through the New World's first downtown, which features numerous historic buildings including Government House, historic churches and the colourful Victorian wooden housing characteristic of St. John's.
Continue for a visit to Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America, to enjoy the dramatic setting of the continent's edge, view the distant lighthouse and learn about the tunnels and fortifications that protected this gateway to the New World during the wars of the 20th century.
Finally, you will return to your vessel in St. John’s via the picturesque fishing community of Petty Harbour.
- For safety reasons, when at Cape Spear, you are requested to pay attention to the guide’s warnings and remain on the pathways, not crossing the marked boundaries. This tour involves approximately 20 minutes of mandatory walking over uneven paths and hilly paved walkways and there are few metres optional to the lighthouse at Cape Spear. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. The order of visit may vary to that described to avoid congestion.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Acadian culture & heritage
From the pier, it will be a 25-minute drive to the apple orchard Poméloi, the only one located on the archipelago, characterized by the variety of its products, its smallness and ecological focus. The owner, Éloi Vigneau has been passionate about agriculture since he was a teenager. He started to plant apple trees in 1990 for an experimental project when he was a social worker in a hospital. Year after year he followed up how the trees were performing with the local weather regarding wind exposure and salty sea air. In 2008, he opened the Orchard and started to produce different kinds of cider, working in harmony with nature.
Next, visit the permanent exhibit at the Musée de la Mer (sea museum): Laboureurs du Golfe examines the history of the Islands through models of ships and lighthouses, photographs and maritime objects that show how navigation developed, stories about fishing, seal hunting and shipwrecks as well as collections of minerals, shells and rocks from the Islands.
Continue to Havre-Aubert, a member of the 'Association des plus beaux villages du Québec' (an association which includes the most beautiful villages of the province). The first Acadians to arrive at the Islands settled in Havre-Aubert; their influence can be seen today in the architecture of the fishing huts, boutiques and the courthouse.
You will also visit Atelier Côtier, a one-of-a-kind studio where sand from the Islands is transformed into unique sculptures, sand treasures to forever remind visitors of the beauty of this site.
You will then take a 30-minute drive along the north coast of the island and see spectacular steep and jagged cliffs. Arrive at Cap-Hérissé, which offers one of the most striking examples of cliffs sculpted by the sea. A photo stop will be made before returning to the pier and your ship.
- This tour does not include any particular difficulties.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Gannet colony walk on Bonaventure island
The National Park of Bonaventure island is an enchanting site. Sculpted by time and the sea at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, it makes an extravagant show of its rich historical heritage and amazing geological history. Its remarkable flora and fauna, including its world-renowned northern gannet colony, contribute to the park reputation as a must-see destination.
After a 30-minute boat ride, you will disembark on Bonaventure Island where an experienced park warden will accompany you to the world’s largest gannet colony. The highpoint of the visit is, without doubt, the sight of 250,000 birds nesting on the island and a meeting with 50,000 couples of northern gannets. This colony of northern gannets, the most important and accessible in the world, is a unique spectacle.
Experience an unforgettable excursion on Bonaventure Island, wandering from one wonderful discovery to another. Dive into the history of the fisheries by visiting the Le Boutillier house: an Anglo-French cod-fishing company established on the island in the 19th century. The island is alive with colours and heady fragrances of wildflowers spiced with the smell of the sea. Savour the tranquillity of the forests and woodland flowers, and delight in the contrasts of sound and silence, colour and shade.
Your total time on the island will be around 2 ½ hours, before taking the boat back to Percé.
- This tour involves extensive 6 km (3.7 miles) walking over gravel, grass, dirt paths which can be muddy and slippery when wet. We recommend you wear good sturdy hiking boots and dress in layers. Please note this tour is limited to 80 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Whale watching by zodiac
Ready for an adrenaline rush? Embark on a zodiac to look for whales. Your guide-naturalist captain will take you where the river meets the ocean, the perfect spot to meet these giants of the sea and other sea mammals. This adventure will also enable you to discover the wild and scenic beauty of the Saguenay Fjord. Two hours of pure discovery await you on the Saint Lawrence River.
From biblical stories to current tales, whales have always captured our imagination. Even though Aristotle presented the whales as mammals, these creatures have often been portrayed as water-spewing monsters in stories and legends. Millions of years of evolution in the ocean have transformed these mammals into the present whales, incredibly well adapted to aquatic life. The Gulf of Saint Lawrence is like a kingdom for the whales and presents a true natural laboratory for biologists fascinated by these giants.
To ideally complement your whale-watching expedition, you will next visit the GREMM centre of Interpretation (Group of Research and Education of Marine Mammals). A great complement to your whale-watching cruise. The GREMM is a non-profit organisation founded in 1985, dedicated to the education and conservation of the marine environment and scientific research on the marine mammals of the St-Lawrence River.
- This excursion is not recommended for guests suffering from back or neck problems, nor for pregnant women. Children must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by a parent. Each participant will be equipped with a personal floating suit. Dress warmly and wear waterproof clothing. The zodiac will be exclusive to PONANT. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed. This tour can welcome a maximum of 72 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tadoussac on foot
On arrival at the pier, you will be welcomed by your guide who will introduce you to the highlights of Tadoussac, a little town internationally renowned for the beauty of its location, admitted to the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World in 1998.
The history of the village of Tadoussac goes back as far as the arrival of the Europeans to the American Continent. Tadoussac is even known to be visited by native people as early as the prehistoric times. The origin of the word “tadoussac” takes its roots from the Indian natives’ place names. Events which have made the history of Tadoussac are concentrated within three periods, the fur trade (1600 to 1859), the wood industry (1838 to 1897) and tourism (1864 to today).
Start your tour with a visit to the Greve Gardens, where you can find vegetation typical to the North Coast. Continue to the Chauvin trading post, a recreation of the first fur trading post in Canada. The exhibition concentrates on the first contacts, the trading post and the commerce.
Next, your guided walking will take you to the Tadoussac Grand Hotel. With its whitewashed walls, red roof, maritime colours, dormer windows and cupola, Tadoussac Hotel calls to mind an earlier era. Overlooking Tadoussac Bay and the St-Lawrence River, the hotel is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, family holidays or couples on a romantic getaway.
In the entrance hall, see the old photographs before enjoying a cup of tea while taking in the magnificent views from the hotel.
Finally, visit the wooden church located on the property, the Tadoussac Chapel – also known as the “Indians’ Chapel” – built in 1747 by Jesuit missionaries in their efforts to convert the Montagnais to Christianity. This chapel is the oldest wooden church in North America and still contains some of the original religious items used when the chapel was first constructed over two and a half centuries ago.
After your visit, you will go back to the pier and your ship.
- This tour is done entirely on foot; walking distance is approximately 2 kms (1.24 mile). We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. This tour can welcome a maximum of 40 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Whale watching by local boat
Ready for an unforgettable experience? This excursion will give you an exciting opportunity to admire whales in the Saint Lawrence Estuary.
Your tour starts with a visit to the GREMM centre of Interpretation (Group of Research and Education of Marine Mammals). A great introduction and complement to your whale-watching cruise. The GREMM is a non-profit organisation founded in 1985, dedicated to the education and conservation of the marine environment and scientific research on the marine mammals of the St-Lawrence River.
From biblical stories to current tales, whales have always captured our imagination. Even though Aristotle presented the whales as mammals, these creatures have often been portrayed as water-spewing monsters in stories and legends. Millions of years of evolution in the ocean have transformed these mammals into the present whales, incredibly well adapted to aquatic life.
The Gulf of Saint Lawrence is like a kingdom for the whales and presents a true natural laboratory for biologists fascinated by these giants. Your boat will take you where the river meets the ocean, the perfect spot to meet these giants of the sea and other sea mammals. This adventure will also enable you to discover the wild and scenic beauty of the Saguenay Fjord. Three hours of pure discovery await you on the Saint Lawrence River.
- For this excursion, we recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and to dress warmly. Please note the local boat is not privatized. A minimum of 50 participants is required to operate this tour.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.