Cruising Canadian Waters
Updated: Nov 18, 2020
St. Lawrence River Cruises are perfect for three types of people:
1. For those who want to travel, but don't want to get on a plane and want to stay a little closer to home.
2. For those who want to try cruising for the first time.
3. For those who want to explore the incredible landscape Ontario and Quebec have to offer.
Where St. Lawrence River Cruises Sail
St. Lawrence River: Ok, this might be obvious. But, in case you don't know, the St. Lawrence River starts at the foot of Lake Ontario (near Kingston) and flows north-easterly for almost 1250 km (775 miles) to Quebec City.
The 1000 Islands: If you choose a cruise that sails here (also the birthplace of Thousand Island Salad Dressing), you'll see no less than 1870 islands. Through the river channel straddling the border of Canada and the US, you'll see opulent mansions, castles and incredible greenery. The 1000 Islands are located between Ottawa and Toronto near Gananoque.
The St. Lawrence Seaway: One of the highlights of this region is passing through the locks between Kingston and Montreal where you'll experience an overall change in water level of 246 feet. The St. Lawrence Seaway was originally created to increase the size of the St. Lawrence River shipping channel and generate hydro-elect power for Ontario, Quebec and New York State.
The Ottawa River: This river was once explored by Samuel de Champlain in 1613 and is roughly 1271 km (790 miles). The river also drops more than 1100 feet. It drains an area of 147,629 square km (57,000 square miles) and has an average flow of about 70,000 cubic feet of water per second. Talk about power!
The Ship
You'll be sailing on The Canadian Empress. The exterior will remind you of the classic steamboats of the Victorian era. The interior includes modern technology and you can expect a comfortable stay with all staterooms above waterline.
Itineraries
Wondering what itineraries are available? Check these out:
Celebration of Spring: 7 nights and 8 days on the St. Lawrence River from Kingston to Montreal, watching flowers bloom and the river spring to life.
National Holiday Cruise: 4 nights and 5 days sailing from Kingston to Upper Canada village and return. Celebrate Canada Day and Independence Day onboard!
Heritage Waterway Summer Cruise: 7 nights and 8 days between Kingston and Montreal as you trace the routes of early upper Canada explorers.
Fall Harvest & Colour Cruise: 7 nights and 8 days from Kingston to Montreal, watch autumn unfold and the islands ignite with a blazes of fall colours.
Canadian Connection: 6 nights and 7 days between Kingston and Quebec City through all 7 St. Lawrence Seaway locks.
Canada's Capital Cruise: 5 nights and 6 days through The 1000 Islands and St. Lawrence Seaway to the Ottawa River.
Upper River Expedition: 4 nights and 5 days through The 1000 Islands to Upper Canada Village.
Contact us if you'd like to learn more or email Grace at grace@vellingastravel.com to join our virtual cruise night on Monday, December 8 at 7pm.