St. Lawrence River Cruise

The Canadian Empress

The Canadian Empress is a 66-passenger ship. While it is small in size, it is grand in its style and appearance. The exterior of the ship emulates the classic steamboats of the Victorian era, while the interior is a mix of charming early heritage style, with brass handrails and ornate metal ceilings, and contemporary fashion. This classic riverboat style is combined with modern technology to provide all of the safety, comfort, and amenities expected by today's travellers. All staterooms are above the waterline and include daily maid service.

*Note: The Canadian Empress is only equipped with stairs between decks. Persons with mobility issues should inquire with reservations staff about stateroom accessibility and potential accommodations.

The St Lawrence Deck is the main accommodation level on the Canadian Empress. The St. Lawrence, Sterling and Premier Category staterooms can be found on this deck. All staterooms on this deck are above the waterline with opening windows to the fresh river air. Also located on this deck is the Corner Store. Single occupancy is available only in the St. Lawrence Staterooms 5, 6, 7,and 8.

The Ottawa Deck includes Ottawa Staterooms and both of the outdoor observation decks. It is also on the Ottawa deck you will find the Grand Saloon. The Grand Saloon in its Turn-of-the-Century warmth is where all meals are served and all nightly entertainment is enjoyed.

Sit back relax and enjoy some of Canada's most beautiful scenery from the Sun Deck. Enjoy a comfortable deck chair or lounge and watch as each scene unfolds. Join the Cruise Director on the sun deck for some fun activities including shuffleboard or kite flying.

Day 1

Today we will depart for Kingston, Canada where we will board the The Canadian Empress. After the Captain's welcome reception, the ship will tour Kingston Harbor on its way to the 1000 Islands. Tonight, we will enjoy our first onboard dinner. Enjoy the beauty of the 1000 Islands on the upper deck.

Day 2

Today we will sail the 1000 Islands, Wanderer's Channel, and Admiralty Group Islands. A stop in Gananoque will allow us to tour the Heritage Museum and the Boat Museum. The Heritage Museum is dedicated to interpreting the history, geology, ecology, and culture of the 1000 Islands region. At the Boat Museum, history becomes something that can be touched, built, and experienced. We return to the ship for a cruise past Millionaires' Row on the U.S. side of the river. We sail past Bolt Castle and Singer Castle. This afternoon we arrive in Brockville for a guided tour of Fulford Mansion. Step back into a more spacious and gracious setting and enjoy some of the refinements that some of Canada's most distinguished dignitaries once enjoyed. Later we return to the ship for dinner and evening entertainment.

Day 3

This morning we will tour Aquatarium, a non-profit interactive science and education museum. The facility focuses on the history and ecology of the 1000 Islands region of the St. Lawrence River. This afternoon we will tour Fort Wellington. This National Historic Site is one of the best preserved 19th Century fortifications in Canada. This evening you can relax and stroll the marina of Upper Canada Village, Crysler Park Marina. Return to the ship for an entertaining evening.

Day 4

This morning we will tour Upper Canada Village by way of horse-drawn wagons. This is a living museum community that recreates the life, work, and development of the early settlements along the upper St. Lawrence River valley. This afternoon we sail towards Coteau Landing, Quebec passing through Eisenhower and Snell Locks. This evening you are free to relax along the old canal. Entertainment is offered onboard again tonight.

Day 5

This morning The Canadian Empress will pass through Beauharnois Locks into Lake St. Louis. View Montreal in the distance as we pass through Cote Ste. Catherine and St. Lambert Locks. This afternoon we will enjoy a guided tour of Montreal. This evening you can enjoy leisure time in Montreal before returning to the ship for late entertainment.

Day 6

This morning's sailing will bring us to Trois Rivieres, Quebec. We will take a brief bus tour and visit the Shrine of Cap de la Madeleine. Tonight is Celebration Night with fun-loving entertainment.

Day 7

This afternoon, watch the approach of romantic Quebec City while sailing past Montmorency Falls. We will say goodbye to our fabulous crew as we disembark in Louise Basin, Quebec City. This afternoon we will tour Quebec and have time for dinner on your own. This evening we will travel to our overnight lodging in Brossard, near Montreal.

Day 8

This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we will make our way back home with fond memories of Canada and our St. Lawrence River voyage.

Please note

A passport is required for ALL travel between the U.S. and Canada.
If you are bringing children on the tour other than your own, customs is requiring that you have a registered letter of approval from their parents.

Our intention is to run each tour as originally planned and published. However, if deemed necessary to do so, Perkiomen Tours reserves the right to make changes to tour components, schedules or itineraries without prior notification.

Tips for Perkiomen motorcoach drivers and tour escorts are not included in the price of this tour. We feel that these gratuities should be extended on an individual basis and dictated by the level of service provided.

Motorcoach seating is assigned at the time of reservation but can not be guaranteed. Although we do our best to keep each traveler in the seat assigned at the time of reservation, there are times that it is necessary to move seat locations. Please be sure to verify your final seat number(s) with your driver at the time of boarding. Daily seat rotation is practiced on most multi-day tours. Seat rotation will be explained by your driver or tour escort.

Perkiomen Tours recommends that you consider purchasing Travel Insurance for your tour. Travel Insurance is purchased directly by you from a third-party of your choice. One option is Travel Safe Insurance. You can purchase insurance directly from Travel Safe through our website. www.perkiomentours.com.

Please be aware that optional Travel Protection/Insurance offered by the cruise line may not cover transportation (airfare or motorcoach) to and from the cruise terminal. If you would like coverage for this portion of your trip, please inquire with a Perkiomen tour reservationist.

B=Full Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner