Cruising the Craggy Coastline: Historic Ports of Canada & New England

Where’s the best place in the world to savor a piping hot bowl of delicious clam chowder? New England, of course! I’ll never forget the trip I took with my then-fiancé, way back when, to Martha’s Vineyard and Woods Hole. We learned about maritime life, witnessed a spectacular whale sighting, strolled along the rocky beach, and ate New England clam chowder, lots of scrumptious, creamy, sourced-fresh-from-the-bay clam chowder. The salty air, the friendly chat with the locals in the pub, the rough-and-tumble feeling of the seafaring life, the two bowls of clam chowder and oyster crackers placed proudly in front of us … all combined to make one of those moments that leaves an indelible impression on your life.

In fact, we enjoyed it so much that we went back at a later time for a second adventure to Cape Cod.

Many travelers today dream of going to exotic places, and they do indeed have remarkable adventures on other continents. But, there’s also much to experience right here in North America. Did you know that Americans took an estimated 1.8 billion domestic leisure trips in 2018? As a travel advisor, you wouldn’t want to miss out on capturing your share of that travel spend, would you?

This is a good time of the year, in the middle of the winter doldrums, to start planting seeds with clients about embarking on a domestic adventure this summer or fall. No passports to worry about, no visas. It’s easy and convenient. Which of your clients would be a good match for something like, say, a cruise getaway on the Eastern seaboard of the U.S. and Canada?

The scenery is magnificent; the history is rich; and the seafood, oh the seafood. Here are some of the remarkable, and highly Instagrammable, places your clients may want to explore along the craggy coastline.

And keep in mind that small ship cruising can take travelers into those tucked-away, must-see ports that today’s megaships simply can’t access.

Provincetown, Massachusetts, U.S.
An easy place to start, P-Town, as the locals call it, is swaddled by the curlicue of Long Point, the curving extreme end of Cape Cod. The point is dotted with lighthouses, and the town is a haven for artists and craftspeople who sell their one-of-a-kind wares seasonally in its many shops and galleries.

This was the actual first landfall of the Mayflower, where the English Puritan pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact before repairing to the site of Plymouth across the bay. The towering Pilgrim Monument was built in the early years of the 20th century. Provincetown was a famous fishing and whaling harbor, and still is, although whales are (thankfully) now pursued just for the thrill of seeing them. Much of the peninsula is protected wilderness as part of the Cape Cod National Seashore.

Visitors here can opt to discover the Race Point Lighthouse; peruse the cozy Provincetown Museum and stroll the compact Historic District; relax at the Herring Cove beaches; or spend a day following in the Kennedy family’s footsteps as they explore the length of Cape Cod.

Bar Harbor, Maine, U.S.
On Mount Desert island, pink granite mountains give way to pristine freshwater lakes on one side and the mighty Atlantic on the other. It’s largest town, Bar Harbor, existed for decades as a small local resort and farming community. But by the turn of the century, it had gained a reputation as a playground for the rich.

In 1916, some of the more conservation-minded residents got together and purchased 33,000 acres of land and donated it to the government as Acadia National Park, which is now the only national park in the New England states, and one of the most visited national parks in the entire U.S. Among Acadia’s naturalist treasures is its famous Ocean Trail, a casual and invigorating 90-minute walk that reveals the sights, sounds, and scents of the beautiful New England coastline.

Also nearby is the original Fort Knox − the first fort in Maine, built between 1844 and 1869, entirely of granite. And, for an entertaining and educational side trip, visitors can take a two-hour cruise on the Lulu − a Downeast Maine-style lobster-boat featuring a demonstration of lobster fishing, as well as seal watching, sightseeing and local history and folklore.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Rising from Halifax Harbour, this vibrant capital city mingles the past and the present, home to stunning 18th- and 19th-century buildings interspersed with ultra-modern glass towers − and it is best explored by foot.

Not to be missed are two of Halifax’s most popular landmarks: Peggy’s Cove and the Fairview Lawn Cemetery. On the way to the historic community of Peggy’s Cove, visitors travel along wooded coastal roads with breathtaking views; and they hear how glaciers and the constant pounding from ocean waves have shaped the granite shores of this world-renowned village. Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse has been an inspiration for generations of writers, photographers and painters. Fairview Lawn Cemetery is the final resting place of 121 passengers of the Titanic – and a guided walk through the grounds brings to life the tale of the great ship and its ill-fated maiden voyage, still fascinating people some 100 years after its demise.

Also close by are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Old Town Lunenburg (established in 1753, and considered to be one of the best-preserved examples of a planned British colonial settlement in North America); and the Grand Pré National Historic Site, (settled by French colonists in the 1600s, a six-square-mile site bathed in history and showcasing the beauty, heritage and importance of the Acadian people − also home to the well-known statue of Evangeline, made famous by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem of the same name).

Cap-Aux-Meules De La Madeleine, Quebec, Canada
This island in the archipelago in the Gulf of St. Lawrence offers scenic fishing villages and wind- and water-sculpted coastlines of eerie beauty. The church of St. Pierre at Laverniere was constructed from the wreckage of ships that foundered on the offshore shoals. A lighthouse now warns others away.

This is also the place to get your culinary on. Among the offerings are: the Fumoir d’Antan Museum (with a typical smokehouse and delectable tastings), à l’Abri de la Tempête (the island’s first cottage brewery), Le Barbocheux (an artisanal winery), the Pied-de-Vent Cheese Factory, and even an immersive gourmet cooking experience.

Saguenay Fjord, Saguenay, Quebec, Canada
One of the southernmost fjords in the Northern Hemisphere, Canada’s Saguenay Fjord National Park encloses a very deep, winding waterway penetrating from the St. Lawrence River through the ancient glaciated foothills of the Laurentian Mountains. The rounded slopes rise to heights from 450 to over 1,100 feet on both shores. The fjord is home to harbor seals; and blue, fin, minke and white beluga whales are sometimes seen. The hills hide wolves, bears, deer, lynx, beaver, and moose. This is scenic cruising at its finest.

L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, Canada
At the tip of Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula is the first known evidence of a European presence in the Americas. Over 1,000 years ago, Norse expeditions sailing from Greenland built a small encampment of timber-and-sod buildings. Known as L’Anse aux Meadows, from the French “bay of the grasslands,” it was rediscovered in 1960; is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and is one of the most celebrated archaeological sites in North America. In the nearby, rough-and-ready village of Norstead, visitors travel back in time and can easily imagine how the fierce Vikings lived, ate and rested when they were not at sea.

The takeaway: The Northeastern coastline of the U.S. and Canada is on par with many of the most majestic and historically significant international destinations. As you plan trips for your North American-based clients this year, remember to mine the treasures right here in our own backyard.

FROM THE SPONSOR: The intimate, ultra-luxury Seabourn Quest is ideal for exploring Canada and New England’s Maritimes during the spectacular fall foliage season. With just 228 spacious, oceanfront suites, the ship and its award-winning staff provide a warm, welcoming experience just like a favorite, familiar New England inn. But unlike an inn, our elegant floating resort boasts a variety of sensational dining experiences featuring cuisine inspired by Michelin-starred Chef Thomas Keller; a world-class Spa Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil program; and stimulating “Seabourn Conversations” guest speakers sharing insights during the voyage. Relaxing 11- and 12-day itineraries mix iconic highlight cities like Québec City and Halifax with hidden gems such as Charlottetown, Havre-Saint-Pierre and L’Anse aux Meadows – and add overnight stays in key ports and exceptionally enriching destination experiences through our partnership with UNESCO World Heritage. We source the best regional seafood and local specialties on “Shopping with the Chef” excursions to local markets. Guests enjoy special events ashore and local performances onboard. Seabourn adds elegant flare to scenic cruising with “Champagne Caviar” sail-away parties and warm bouillon and drinks served to guests on deck as they watch the passing panorama of a brilliant New England autumn. Find details at seabourn.com.