Description
As Autumn unfolds, the shore and islands ignite with a blaze of reds, oranges, and yellows and travellers come from far and wide to take in the spectacle of this parade of colour as our ship cruises beside the quiet and peaceful shores of the St. Lawrence River. The sights and sounds of fall make for a breathtaking holiday river cruise. As we approach Montreal, the trees that line the riverbanks of Quebec show the true beauty of the changing seasons.
This breathtaking river cruise features shore excursions which compliment the turning of the leaves and that time known to many as harvest. Come and explore the passages and channels of the 1000 Islands, and the wonder of the St. Lawrence Seaway for 7 Nights and 8 Days. During this cruise from Kingston to Montreal and returning back to Kingston, learn about the storied history of the relationship between Upper and Lower Canada.
The Canadian Empress
The ship was built in 1981 in Gananoque, Ontario. It is 108 feet long and 33 feet wide with a draught of 5 feet. The ship has 32 staterooms and holds a maximum of 64 passengers and 14 crew
Sept.24
1730 – Boarding commences on Crawford Dock in Kingston
1730-1830 – Passenger boarding
1830 – Captain’s Welcome Reception and Safety Instructions in the Grand Saloon
1845 – Depart Kingston bound for 1000 Islands Anchorage
Dinner – Empress Class Roast Prime Rib of Beef
After Dinner – Enjoy the beauty of the 1000 Islands on the upper deck with complimentary
chocolate and liqueurs
Evening – Stroll around the outer decks under a million stars and among a thousand
islands
Sept.25
0800 – Weigh anchor to wander the 1000 Islands, Wanderer’s Channel and the
Admiralty Group of Islands bound for Gananoque, ON.
0915 – Arrive at Gananoque
0930 – Debark at Gananoque for a guided tour of the 1000 Islands Boat Museum
1100 – Depart Gananoque to cruise the U.S. side of the river.
– View and learn about Boldt Castle on Heart Island.
– View and learn about Singer Castle on Dark Island
Afternoon – Comprehensive Safety Presentation
1500 – Arrive at Brockville, Ontario
1515 – Enjoy afternoon tea at Cosies Tea Room and an on-board speaking presentation
with Seaway historian Viktor Kaczkowski
1715 – Return to ship for departure to Upper Canada Village
– Cruise past Windmill Point and along the Old Galop Canal – opened 1846
Evening – Arrive at Crysler Park Marina
– Relax and enjoy the marina grounds
Evening – Evening Entertainment and lounge services
Sept.26
0915 – Depart by horse-drawn wagon to Upper Canada Village. After an open-air
guided tour, passengers will have free time to discover the Village.
1200 – Transportation returns from the Village
1230 – Depart Crysler Park bound for Coteau Landing
– Pass through Eisenhower and Snell Locks (USA)
Afternoon – Canadian Empress arrives at Coteau Landing, Quebec
Evening – Free time to relax or stroll along the park and old canal.
Evening – Evening entertainment and lounge services
Sept.27
0700 – Depart Coteau Landing bound for the Port of Montreal.
– Pass through Beauharnois Locks (2) into Lake St. Louis.
1100 – Witness the continuing approach to Montreal.
– Pass through Cote Ste. Catherine and St. Lambert locks
– Port of Montreal harbour tour (at Captain’s discretion)
1500 – Arrive at Old Port of Montreal
1515 – Board buses for a Guided Motorcoach Tour of Montreal
1715 – Return to Canadian Empress
Evening – Free time after dinner to enjoy the unique character of Montreal
Late Evening- Evening entertainment and lounge services
Sept.28
0730 – Depart the Old Port of Montreal bound for Cornwall, Ontario
Morning – Shipboard activities
– Transit through St. Lambert and Cote Ste. Catharine Locks
Afternoon – Shipboard activities
– Pass through Beauharnois Locks (2) – Upper & Lower
Evening – Arrive at Cornwall, Ontario
– Fun loving entertainment and lounge services
Sept.29
0945 – Transfer to Saunders Power Dam for a guided tour
1130 – Return to ship for departure to Morrisburg, Ontario
Afternoon – Transit Eisenhower and Snell Locks (USA)
1600 – Arrive at Morrisburg, Ontario
– Free time to relax and explore the area around the Morrisburg Municipal Wharf
Evening – Fun-loving entertainment and lounge services
Sept.30
0930 – Step-on Speaker: Maggie Wheeler is a murder mystery author with an expertise
regarding St. Lawrence Seaway history
1115 – Canadian Empress departs Morrisburg bound for Prescott, Ontario
Afternoon – Pass through Iroquois Seaway Control Lock
1330 – Arrive at Prescott, Ontario
1345 – Depart by bus for a guided tour of Fort Wellington National Historic Site
1515 – Return to Canadian Empress
1530 – Ship departs Prescott bound for Rockport in the heart of the 1000 Islands
1900 – Arrive at Rockport, Ontario for overnight
Late Evening – Celebration Night with fun-loving entertainment
Oct.1
0730 – Depart Rockport bound for Gananoque
Morning – Cruise the Canadian Channel through the 1000 Islands bound for Gananoque
0915 – Debark at Gananoque for a guided tour of the 1000 Islands Heritage Museum
1100 – Depart from Gananoque bound for Kingston, Ontario
Lunch – Closing Ceremonies
1330 – Arrival at Kingston, Ontario for Harbour Tour of Kingston’s waterfront
1415 – Disembarkation and farewells at Crawford Wharf
MEAL TIMES
0730 – 0900 Breakfast
1030 Morning bouillon (when applicable)
1230 Lunch (at the call of the bell)
1530-1630 Afternoon tea – Grand Saloon (when applicable)
1800 Dinner (at the call of the bell)
