Saint Lawrence River

About The Saint Lawrence
UNESCO Heritage Sites
Cruise along the St Lawrence River between Canada and the USA for great port visits

Ports-of-Call on the Saint Lawrence River

Here you can find a list of some of the more common river cruise ports along the Saint Lawrence River as it flows along the United States border with Canada.  These may be the most common, but there may be others that can be found on select river cruises.  Your River Cruise Artist can provide you with the full itinerary and all ports for any river cruise that you may be interested in, on any river cruise operator. Explore the Saint Lawrence River further and learn more about it’s ports-of-call.

Cap-De-La-Madeleine

Quebec

Cap-de-la-Madeleine is a former city in Quebec, Canada at the confluence of the Saint-Maurice River and the St. Lawrence River but was incorporated into the city of Trois-Rivieres in 2002. Cap-de-la-Madeleine was founded March 20, 1651. The city is famous for its basilica, Basilique Notre-Dame du Cap, dedicated to Our Lady of the Cape. The Basilica receives thousands of pilgrims and visitors each year. Pilgrims are drawn to the site because it is considered to be the place where two miracles were performed by the Blessed Virgin Mary, the first being the Miracle of the Ice Bridge (1879) and the other being the Miracle of the Eyes (1888).

Gananoque

Ontario

Gananoque, Ontario, traces its history to United Empire Loyalist times; after the American Revolution, Loyalist militia Colonel Joel Stone received a land grant and established a mill site in 1789, The town was attacked during the War of 1812 and stores in the government depot looted by Americans. A five-gun Gananoque Blockhouse, completed in 1813 to defend against further US attacks, stood until 1852. The Gananoque River watershed was an important water transportation corridor, extending north to the Rideau River watershed. This is the perfect launch point for a tour of the 1000 Islands.

Montreal

Quebec

Montreal is the cultural and economic capital of Quebec and a thriving, vibrant city that is the second-largest French speaking city in the world behind Paris. Montreal is situated on an island in the St. Lawrence River and has always been a strategic location throughout history. Visit Old Montreal with its historical buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Stroll Le Plateau through quaint residential neighborhoods and hip shopping and dining options. Take in a vast number of museums, galleries, markets, restaurants, coffee houses, and bakeries – all with a unique French flair not found anywhere else outside of Europe.

Niagara Falls

Ontario & New York

Niagara Falls consists of three sections: Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side with their distinctive curved shape; American Falls separated from the Canadian side by Goat Island; and the narrow Bridal Veil Falls at the south end. Each side of the falls offers a different perspective, and it is always best to visit both sides to maximize your experience. The American side gives a side-on view of the American Falls, and an observation point only 20 yards from the top of the falls. Although the Canadian side is touted for having the best view, the American side is a State Park, the oldest in the nation, so efforts have been made to preserve the natural beauty of the area and prevent the kind of commercialization that you’ll find on the Canadian side. You can cruise right up to the falls with Maid of the Mist boat excursions and also visit museums and attractions on both sides of the border.

Ottawa

Ontario

The capital of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, lies on the Ottawa river opposite Gatineau, Quebec. Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the majority first language followed closely by French. Ottawa is a melting pot of the world’s cultures which is showcased through its cuisine and artist influence Visit Parliament Hill to see Canada’s government in action. Also, the Canadian War Museum, Canadian Museum of History, and the Canadian Museum of Nature are worth a visit. Ottawa is home to a large number of museums, parks, theaters, festivals and shopping areas. Ottawa will be a highlight of your St. Lawrence River cruise vacation.

Quebec City

Quebec

Quebec City is the capital of the Canadian province of Quebec. Located at a strategic position on the cliffs overlooking the St. Lawrence River or Saint Lawrence Seaway, Quebec City’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only city in North America with its original city walls partially in-tact. Quebec City has a rich history from the 17th century explorers. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride to explore this exciting and vibrant cultural city. Don’t miss the Governeur’s Walk – a scenic walk at the top of the Funiculare that ends at the Plains of Abraham.

Thousand Islands National Park

Ontario

The Thousand Islands are one of the most scenic spots in Ontario and northern New York. Some 1,700 islands (defined as anything permanently above water that can support at least one tree) dot this portion of the St. Lawrence River that straddles the Ontario/New York border. During the 18th and most of the 19th century, it was a choke point on the St. Lawrence and therefore of vital military importance for both the young United States and the British colony of Canada. Enjoy a popular river cruise excursion with a tourist cruise through the islands to learn the history of this strategic area.

Toronto

Ontario

Toronto is the biggest and most populous city in Canada and the provincial capital of the province of Ontario. It is located on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. It is a city with a vibrant energy that invites visitors to explore. While in Toronto you should try to visit the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Ontario Science Centre, or any one of more than a dozen other museums around the city. Toronto Zoo is also popular to visit. Toronto has very good public transportation but perhaps the best way to see the sites is a walking tour. Explore the Botanical Gardens or the Lakefront district on foot to enjoy shopping and dining galore! Don’t forget to take in a show at night with a plethora of Broadway based shows available in the city’s fine theaters.

Upper Canada Village

Ontario

A visit to Upper Canada Village is a unique experience that will transport visitors back in time to the mid-1800’s. The experience includes authentic buildings that make up the village, the activities that each housed, and the people who lived there. Founded in 1961, Upper Canada Village is one of the largest living-history sites in Canada. They endeavor to depict life in a rural English Canadian setting during the year 1866. Featured are over forty historical buildings, many moved there prior to flooding of the “Lost Villages” during the St. Lawrence Seaway development project. These include homes, functioning mills and trades workshops. You will enjoy a visit to Upper Canada Village on your St. Lawrence River cruise vacation.

Your St Lawrence River Cruise Awaits!

Are you ready to start planning your Saint Lawrence River Cruise Vacation Your Way? A River Cruise Artist at River Cruise Your Way is ready to be your vacation concierge. Contact us today at 1-800-259-7612 or use the form below and let us know when it is most convenient to call you, we will confirm via e-mail, and then reach out at the agreed upon time and date.