Quebec City, Quebec

As we had explored this beautiful, historic city in recent years, we just walked around the harbour, farmer’s market and some antique stores in the lower city. TIP: if you don’t wish to climb a lot of stairs to the upper city, take the funicular up to the Chateau Frontenac.

Saguenay, Quebec

Sunshine greeted us in Saguenay, but a cold wind caused by the long fetch up the fjord kept many visitors under cover. TIP: if visiting this port in the autumn, we recommend taking gloves and dressing in layers. There is an interesting display and a detailed model of the QM-2 in the visitors’ centre.

Sydney, Nova Scotia

The world’s largest violin (60 feet tall) welcomes visitors on the dock side. Sydney isn’t a very big place, so we decided to enjoy a walking tour of the town, including a visit to the dark and gloomy Cossit House- it’s interesting to those who enjoy such historical homes. The display of local arts and crafts for sale in the terminal included a table of interesting artifacts recovered from local beaches. On the dockside there is a very moving Monument to Merchant Navy crews who set sail from Sydney on the Convoys during WWII. TIP: you can take an aquatic ride on a DUCK (amphibious vehicle) if you feel so inclined.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Birthplace of Sir Samuel Cunard (you pass his statue on the terminal). The Maritime Museum has a lot of model ships and historical maritime artifacts and gives a good history of Halifax as it relates to the sea. It has a section devoted to the Titanic and One Spirit found a great uncle’s name on the list of crewmen who drowned during the tragedy. In a dome at the rear of the main building we watched a 360 degree movie about humpback whales and their plight. The seats in this theatre are designed so you feel like you were swimming under the water with these huge mammals.