Travel by coach to Kingston. Explore Kingston with the help of a local guide. At 5:30 pm, the Canadian Empress is ready for boarding in downtown Kingston. The Captain’s welcome reception is followed by dinner. We cruise out of Kingston’s harbour at 7:00 pm and anchor for the night amid the Thousand Islands.

The ship weaves among the Thousand Islands and docks at Gananoque to visit the Heritage Museum. We continue via Wanderer’s Channel, the Admiralty Islands, and Millionaires’ Row where palatial mansions overlook the river. Sail past and learn about Boldt Castle and the St. Lawrence Statue en route to Ivy Lea. Disembark at Ivy lea where we drive across half of the Thousand Islands Bridge to the 40-storey Thousand Islands Tower and enjoy a panoramic view. We continue down the river and dock at Brockville for the night. Upon arrival relax or stroll along the park walkways. Tonight enjoy some fun-loving entertainment.

Travel by bus for a tour of Fulford Mansion, once owned by Senator George Taylor Fulford who made millions of dollars around the world from “Pink Pills for Pale People” - a patent medicine he manufactured in Brockville and sold around the world. Once back onboard travel to Prescott. Visit Fort Wellington National Historic Site which defended the St. Lawrence during the war of 1812 and the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837. In the late afternoon, the Canadian Empress passes through the Iroquois Lock, the first of seven on this voyage.

A miniature train takes the group to Upper Canada Village to meet horse-drawn wagon rides for the tour of the site. Founded in 1961, Upper Canada Village is one of the largest living-history sites in Canada. It depicts life in a rural English Canadian setting during the year 1866. Back onboard we cast off bound for Coteau Landing, Quebec. Near Cornwall, we enter the Wiley-Dondero Canal for 15 kilometres and the ship is lowered through the Eisenhower and Snell Locks.

Depart Coteau Landing bound for the Port of Montreal. Pass through Beauharnois Locks into Lake St. Louis. Pass through Cote Ste. Catherine and St. Lambert Locks. Arrive in Montreal and enjoy a guided tour exploring this vibrant city with its French Canadian traditions including Ile Sainte-Helene, Mount Royal, and the imposing Notre Dame Basilica.

Leave Montréal behind as we continue down the ever widening St. Lawrence River. Arrive in Trois Rivières and take a tour of the Shrine at Cap-de-la-Madeleine. There is time to explore this quaint village on your own. Tonight is the ship’s farewell dinner followed by Big Band music and dancing.

Travel along the St. Lawrence River to Québec City. Witness the scenic approach to romantic Québec City with the landmark Château Frontenac. View the majestic Montmorency Falls. We arrive at 2:00 pm and say goodbye to the Canadian Empress. Travel by coach to the Le Germain Hotel Québec for a two night stay.

Tour Canada’s only walled city, crowned by the great turrets of the Château Frontenac. Old Québec is one of the best preserved cities in North America. Highlights include the Place d’Armes, ancient Place Royale, Cape Diamond, the Joan of Arc Garden, Parliament, the Plains of Abraham, and much more. The afternoon is yours to enjoy. Join the group for a farewell dinner at Restaurant Louis-Hebert.

After breakfast and with time to relax we depart for a midday flight to Vancouver. Reflect on your memories of the St. Lawrence Seaway.