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Activity note: Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m. Refer to your personal air itinerary for specific flight information.
Afternoon: Orientation: 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Adventures Afloat “Expedition” program. Expedition ships — more rugged than traditional vessels — are designed to venture into remote landscapes, enabling us to seek opportunities for getting up close to nature and wildlife. There may also be serendipitous occasions to experience something unexpected. The itinerary may change based on weather, sailing conditions, and potential wildlife sightings. Routes, port stops, field trips, and excursions could be impacted; the cruise itinerary should therefore be regarded as provisional. Updates will be provided aboard ship. Thank you for your understanding. In addition to lectures, field trips, and activities exclusively for our Road Scholar group, you are invited to take advantage of activities and events offered by the cruise line that are separate from Road Scholar. While on board, there will be educational presentations on a variety of topics by members of the ship's resource staff. Many are active researchers with expertise in areas such as history, paleontology, geology, and biology. Due to the remote location of the ports, some embarkation and disembarkation will be via Zodiac rafts. Staff will be available for assistance. At each expedition port of call, you will have a choice of field trips that will vary by location like nature activities (minimal walking), short walks (about 1/2 - 1.5 miles), longer walks (2-3 miles) and photography sessions led by resource staff. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner: At the hotel.
Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; paved walkways.
Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold selections, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.
Morning: From the hotel, we will enjoy a walking exploration to many of the historic sites of the city, such as Château Frontenac, Ursuline’s Convent, City Hall, and Petit Champlain Street, to name a few. As we walk, we will learn about the city's history from our local expert and see the upper and lower towns of Old Québec – the latter is the oldest area of Québec City.
Lunch: At a local restaurant, we will enjoy a plated lunch with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon: Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain when he constructed a fort on Cap Diamant, Québec is located in lands that belonged to Algonquin and Iroquoian Native Americans. In fact, Québec gets its name from the Algonquin language and means, “where the river narrows.” Capital of the province of Québec – the largest in Canada – Québec City was also once capital of New France at large. As such an important cultural center that continued to expand throughout the years, French and British colonial forces fought over the region somewhat frequently, resulting in it changing hands. Evidence of these alternatingly dominant European cultures can be spotted throughout as we continue to explore what Québec City has to offer. We'll walk to the Museum of Civilization.
Dinner: At the hotel.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; paved walkways. Driving about 130 miles from Quebec City to Tadoussac; approximately 3 hours aboard motorcoach.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: We will meet this morning for a briefing with Adventure Canada at the hotel, during which we will meet our Resource Staff and fellow travelers before embarking on a motorcoach transfer along the beautiful north coast of the Saint Lawrence en route to Tadoussac. Upon arrival, we’ll take some time to explore the area before embarking the Ocean Endeavour.
Lunch: Aboard the ship.
Afternoon: Take time to settle into your cabin and explore the ship.
Dinner: Aboard the ship, we’ll have a 3-course plated à la carte meal with meat, seafood, and vegetarian selections, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase. The chefs incorporate local delicacies when possible. Each night, fellow participants and various members of the ship’s staff will join us.
Evening: At leisure. Rotating members of the ship’s staff will offer fun educational activities and presentations.
Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain. Each expedition day's schedule is subject to change due to wind/sea conditions. This is done with safety in mind and we hope you understand that schedule changes are part of travelling aboard an expedition ship.
Breakfast: Aboard ship, the buffet will include a variety of hot and cold choices, with milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.
Morning: Gathering in the onboard meeting space, we’ll settle in for a lecture from one of the ship's knowledgeable resource staff.
Lunch: Aboard ship, we’ll enjoy another tasty buffet featuring an array of selections.
Afternoon: Aboard our Zodiac boats with our ship’s Resource Staff, we’ll enjoy an exploratory study cruise through Saguenay-Saint Lawrence Marine Park and Saguenay Fjords National Park. This body of water is an ideal location for a variety of whales to congregate because of its mix of salt water from the Saint Lawrence Estuary and the fresh water from Lac Saint Jean via the Saguenay River. Species of marine mammals we may see during our field trip could include a variety of whales such as fin, minke, blue, and perhaps even an endangered Saguenay beluga.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: Today, weather permitting, we'll visit the famed Reford Gardens, a National Historic Site. Scenic walks wind among 15 distinct gardens offering more than 3,000 species and varieties of flowers and plants. The expansive site includes art installations, sculptures, a museum and a restaurant.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: This afternoon enjoy a lecture by one of the ship's knowledgeable staff.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: The spectacular natural sculptures of the Mingan Islands are formed of limestone, shaped by the action of the sea. At 50° N, these islands owe as much to the north as to the east for their character. Weather permitting, we will enjoy a Zodiac cruise led by resource staff.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: This afternoon we will continue to explore the Mingan Archipelago. Atlantic puffins and Arctic eiders vie for the attention of birders, while harp, harbour, and grey seals cavort in the waters. Not to be outdone, the flora of the islands is wildly diverse, including 450 plant species, 190 lichens and 300 mosses!
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: By the Gaspé Peninsula, we’ll learn from our ship staff about the first national park in Québec, Forillon, before going ashore to gain more of an understanding of the park and islands’ history. The park features an array of fascinating details including unique plants and wildlife colonies, geological wonders such as its towering seaside cliffs and 500-million-year-old fossils, and a human cultural history stretching back for more than 4,000 years, all throughout which Aboriginal peoples have inhabited this land. As stated on the Parks Canada website, “Forillon is also the site of the only World War II coastal battery that is fully preserved and publicly accessible in Québec, at Fort Peninsula.” This Gaspé naval base played a major role in the Battle of the St. Lawrence from 1942 to 1944.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: We’ll continue exploring Forillon National Park and Gaspé with the Resource Staff, including an exploration of part of the Gaspé Peninsula, also known as Gaspésie. The north side faces the Saint Lawrence River and rises high out of the water with enormous cliff faces, affording incredible views of the landscape and the large colonies of migratory birds. We’ll then return to the ship for a Road Scholar exclusive cocktail party onboard.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: Gathering in the onboard meeting space, we’ll enjoy a lecture given by one of the ship's knowledgeable Resource Staff members. Afterwards, we’ll begin our exploration of Parc National de l’ Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé via Zodiac. The area’s flora and fauna are world-renowned, including 11 species of sea birds that annually come to breed, making this park the largest migratory bird sanctuary in North America.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: Fin, minke, humpback, and blue whales ply the nearby waters of this magnificent coastal outpost. We will enjoy a Zodiac cruise to the Percé Rock and then around Bonaventure Island, allowing us excellent opportunities to view the bird cliffs and the best chances for spotting whales.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: Prince Edward Island is a realm of rolling hills, wooded glades, ocean coves, and famously red soil. Canada's smallest province, often abbreviated to P.E.I retains a slow-paced lifestyle in it small, rural settlements. The island gained international fame by Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables. We'll call in at the province's iconic sites and visit Lennox Island Mi'kmaw First Nation.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: Gathering in the onboard meeting space, we’ll have a lecture from one of the ship's knowledgeable resource staff.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: First stumbled upon by Europeans in 1534 as Jacques Cartier sailed by, the Magdalen Islands (or Iles de la Madeleine) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence had already been long inhabited by the Mi’kmaq people, who were likely walrus hunters. Most inhabitants of the islands today still trace their heritage to Acadian roots, though there are some European settlements. Some of the English speaking folks claim that their ancestors were survivors who reached the islands after being shipwrecked off the coast of the islands. There are seven inhabited islands in the archipelago, six of which are connected by a main road. During our community visit, we’ll walk with a local resident and see how people live.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: We’ll continue to explore the Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine. Dramatic red sandstone cliffs are among the islands’ most striking features.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: We will continue exploring the robust Acadian heritage, culture, cuisine and language of the Magdalen Islands. Look for handicrafts, seafood, and local wines and beers!
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: We’ll relax aboard the Ocean Endeavour as we enjoy onboard lectures from the knowledgeable resource staff.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: Southern Newfoundland, along its beautiful rugged coast, features rocky shores, lovely views, and a number of somewhat isolated communities that are sheltered from mainstream travel. Many of these lovely, quaint towns are accessible only by small boats. We’ll take our Zodiacs to explore some of the various bays and coves along the shore.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: This afternoon we will continue to explore the stretches of nearly uninhabited wilderness on the south coast of Newfoundland. Keep a close eye out for puffins, other seabirds, and whales. Depending on weather conditions, we'll explore the fjords via Zodiac and may even have a chance to do some hiking.
Dinner: Aboard the ship, we’ll join the ship's crew and our fellow participants for a lively dinner that will include song and dance.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: Saint Pierre and Miquelon, although only a few dozen kilometers off the shore of Newfoundland, remain official territories of the French Republic. As a part of Europe, they use the Euro for currency, primarily speak French and celebrate French culture in food, music, and customs as well. You may even see some cars sporting European license plates! We will have an opportunity to explore the charming, colorful town.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: Aboard ship.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure. Tonight we will sail for St. Johns. Be sure to prepare for disembarkation and departures in the morning.
Activity note: Expected disembarkation time is 10:00 a.m.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: Disembarkation in St. Johns. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!