When it comes to cruising, there has been a shift in recent years, with more and more people preferring a riverboat cruise over an ocean-going excursions as their preferred cruising activity. Holiday makers seeking the triple L effect (leisure, luxury, and landscapes) have turned to river cruises as their go-to vacation option.
And it is easy to see why one riverboat cruise company in Canada is riding the crest of that wave.
St. Lawrence Cruise Lines is a family built and operated Canadian business with 40 years of experience in the cruise industry. Their.
Canadian Empress is a classically styled Canadian riverboat with a warm and friendly personality. The size and design of the vessel serves to enhance the intimacy of river cruising.
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.
We will be joining this ship later this year for a 7 night, 8 day Seaway Discovery Cruise
We will join our riverboat cruise in Kingston cruise to Montreal and return again to Kingston
Our riverboat cruise will trace the historic routes of early Upper Canada explorers, as well as explore the historic trade route between Kingston and Montreal and the modern International Seaway.
This riverboat cruise has a itinerary designed to highlight the very best of summer on the St. Lawrence River and the past and present of the International Seaway. This trip offers the opportunity to spot pleasure craft on the river, as well as big freighters from around the world as they move their cargo in and out of world-class Canadian ports.
Overnight Ports
- 1000 Islands Anchorage
- Upper Canada Village
- Coteau Landing
- Lachine (borough of Montreal)
- Cornwall
- Morrisburg
- Brockville
St. Lawrence River
The St. Lawrence River in its most limited bounds, begins at the foot of Lake Ontario, opposite the city of Kingston and flows generally in a north-easterly direction about 775 miles, when its flood mingles with that of the gulf by the same name. Beyond the Gulf of St. Lawrence lies the vast Atlantic Ocean. The St. Lawrence River has its source in the largest body of fresh water on the globe, and among all of the big rivers of the world, it is the only one whose volume is not greatly affected by the elements. This river, which Sir J.M. LeMoine called “The noblest, the purest, most enchanting river on all God’s beautiful earth,” for miles upon miles acts as a natural boundary between the good friends of the United States and Canada
The 1000 Islands
With each nautical mile, nature’s northern masterpiece unfolds. Within one 50-mile stretch on one of the world’s largest rivers you will find no less than 1,870 islands. In these “1000 Islands”, birthplace of the famous 1000 Islands Dressing, you will explore intricate river channels, sumptuous greenery, mysterious coves, nooks and crannies veiled in folklore. Here you will find opulent summer residences including famous mansions and castles. These islands have been the summer homes of many of the rich and famous: the Astors, the Pullmans, Helena Rubenstein, Irving Berlin, Mary Pickford, the McNallys and a host of others.
The St. Lawrence Seaway
The St. Lawrence Seaway is one of the most ambitious engineering feats of the last century. The objectives: increase the size of the St. Lawrence River shipping channel and generate hydro-electric power for Ontario, Quebec and New York State. Entire villages were relocated to higher ground, utilizing the largest moving and construction equipment in the world. As the temporary “coffer dams” were blown on July 1st, 1958, people watched with mixed emotions. Slowly rising water covered familiar land forever. It was sad for some to know they could never go home again. Others were excited to think of the new conveniences and services, modern schools and new friends. A major highlight is the opportunity to pass through the locks between Kingston and Montreal, experiencing an overall change in water level of 246 feet.