Viking Cruises St Lawrence Seaway: Scenic Sailing and Cultural Immersion

The St Lawrence Seaway is a 3,700-kilometer waterway connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.

Viking Cruises offers a unique sailing experience on this historic route, with stops at charming ports and vibrant cities.

You'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the region's rich cultural heritage, from the French-Canadian cuisine to the lively music and dance traditions.

The ship's expert historians and guides will bring the region's history to life, sharing fascinating stories and insights along the way.

Scenic sailing on the St. Lawrence Seaway is a treat for the eyes and the soul. The St. Lawrence Seaway is a brilliant feat of engineering that allows ships and goods to travel from the Atlantic Ocean up the St. Lawrence River to Lake Superior.

The Seaway comprises a series of locks, canals, and channels that detour past rapids and several dams. Seven locks point the way between Montreal and Lake Ontario, making it a remarkable feat of engineering.

The Welland Canal is a 27-mile stretch that lifts ships over the Niagara Escarpment to Lake Erie, sidestepping Niagara Falls. This waterway is locally known as "Highway H2O" for the traffic and trade it allows.

Cruising on the St. Lawrence River through Ontario is a lovely easy experience. We spent quite a bit of time on the outer decks admiring lush green trees lining the shore, waterfowl, and riverside homes with docks.

In several places, we spotted people on the shore watching our beautiful ship sail by and waving to passengers on deck.

The Viking Expedition cruise of Canada and the Atlantic Coastline is a journey that spans 15 days at sea. We embarked in Toronto, Ontario and disembarked in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The cruise is part of Viking's Longitudinal World Cruises, which take travelers from the Great Lakes to Antarctica. This particular cruise sailed through the St. Lawrence Seaway and North Atlantic Ocean.

Some passengers began their journey in the Great Lakes and were going all the way to Antarctica, while others, like us, embarked in Toronto and disembarked in Fort Lauderdale. This variety of itineraries adds to the richness of the experience.

You'll have plenty of opportunities to stay active and engaged on your Viking Cruises St. Lawrence Seaway journey. The ship's fitness center is equipped with cardio equipment and free weights, so you can stick to your exercise routine even while at sea.

The ship offers a variety of onboard lectures and workshops, including history and cultural presentations.

Shore excursions offer a diverse range of activities, including history, culture, nature, and adventure.

You can visit cities like Quebec City, Lunenburg, New York City, Norfolk VA, and Charleston SC, with multiple included and optional excursions at each port.

In Quebec City, you can explore the rich history and culture of the area, while in Lunenburg, you can experience the charm of this historic town.

Due to extreme weather conditions, the captain may have to adjust the itinerary, as happened on a Viking cruise that skipped Cap-aux-Meules in Quebec and Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, heading to Halifax, Nova Scotia instead.

Halifax is a great city to visit, offering a unique experience that's typical of Viking cruises.

Adventure seekers can enjoy water activities like rides on zodiacs, special operations boats, and kayaks.

These watercraft are also used by onboard scientists for important scientific studies, a unique feature of Viking cruises.

You can even tour the hangar where the watercraft are stored, maintained, and launched, a truly impressive sight.

Each day of your journey offers a unique experience, from exploring vibrant cities to sailing through breathtaking landscapes. You'll have the opportunity to discover the diversity of Toronto's food scene on Day 1.

You can expect to spend Day 2 admiring the series of locks, canals, and channels that comprise the St. Lawrence Seaway during a scenic sailing excursion.

On Day 3, you'll discover North America's geologic heart during a hike through La Mauricie National Park in Trois-Rivières, Quebec.

Day 4 takes you to Quebec City, where you can explore historic sites, including Château Frontenac, Place Royale, and Parliament.

You'll have the chance to sail the St. Lawrence River, past the cultural capitals of Quebec City and Montreal, on Day 5.

Day 6 brings you to Cap-aux-Meules, Quebec, where you can admire the region's natural beauty and look for seals and birdlife on Brion Island.

The following day, you'll visit Cape Breton Island (Louisbourg), Nova Scotia, where you can discover hidden inlets by kayak or admire scenic vistas while hiking historic trails.

You'll have the opportunity to investigate Nova Scotia's shoreline and immerse in its untamed natural beauty on Day 8 in Lunenburg.

The next two days (9-10) are spent sailing the Atlantic Ocean, the second-largest of the Earth's oceans.

On Day 11, you'll explore Norfolk's maritime heritage and America's colonial past in the "Historic Triangle" in Norfolk, Virginia.

You'll have the chance to sail the legendary waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the route of explorers for centuries, on Day 12.

Day 13 takes you to Charleston, South Carolina, where you can explore the waterways by kayak and search for Low Country birdlife.

The following day, you'll journey across the vast Atlantic Ocean, home to many of the world's fishing grounds.

Finally, on Day 15, you'll bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home, or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Day-by-Day Highlights

Return flights from London and selected regional airports are included in the Viking cruise package, making it easier to get to the starting point of your journey.

With Viking, you'll enjoy a complimentary landing or shore excursion in every port of call, giving you a chance to experience the local culture and history.

Free Wi-Fi is available onboard, although the connection speed may vary. I've found that it's still reliable enough to stay in touch with loved ones back home.

Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included with onboard lunch and dinner, making mealtime a bit more enjoyable. You'll also have access to 24-hour specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water.

Port taxes and fees are also taken care of, so you won't have to worry about any unexpected expenses.

Here's a summary of some of the other inclusions you can expect on a Viking cruise: