Canada trip | Expedition cruise National Geographic Expeditions: St. Lawrence Seaway & Canadian Maritimes

The island of Saint Pierre lies off the east coast of Canada. It is one of the two main islands of the Saint-Pierre and Miquelon archipelago; the only French territory in North America. Blessed with a natural harbour, the island – whose name refers to the patron saint of fishermen – has developed around the fishing industry. Many traces of its past are still visible today. Whaling, cod fishing, and alcohol smuggling during Prohibition: all these memories are still very much alive in the capital, Saint-Pierre. The island is also renowned for spotting exceptional wildlife, including whales, fin whales, dolphins, seals, puffins and petrels.

The island of Miquelon is a wonderful place for nature lovers, situated on the Gulf of St Lawrence. It consists of three peninsulas linked together by long sand spits. This unspoilt land, famous for France’s only boreal forest, offers sublime landscapes of hills, lakes, forests and moorland, surrounded by steep lagoons and cliffs. There is a rich and diverse range of wildlife to be found both inland – including Virginia deer, snowy owls and bald eagles – and along the coast; a true haven for many seabirds and grey seals.

Immerse yourself in a place that is often compared to a European village, yet on the other hand is distinctly Canadian. The city's old walled centre is a Unesco World Heritage Site and consists of cobbled streets with quaint boutiques. The city is also described as a culinary mecca with dishes that have both French, British, North American and indigenous influences. In the city's surroundings, you can find beautiful nature such as the Jacques-Cartier National Park with several hiking trails and the Montmorency waterfalls.

A mix of quirky bohemian culture and exceptionally beautiful scenery makes Tadoussac one of Canada's most charming destinations. Located at the neck of the breathtaking Saguenay fjord, where the Saguenay and Saint Lawrence rivers converge, the village has a long history as a trading port, which is reflected in heritage sites such as the restored 'Chauvin Trading Post' and the extraordinary wooden chapel. In addition, it is also one of the best places in Quebec for whale watching and therefore offers a lot of background information on these giant marine animals at the 'Centre of Marine Mammal Interpretation'. Other popular activities here include kayaking, boat trips through the fjord, or walks through the pristine forest along the coast.

The Magdalen Islands, or Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, are a salt- and wind-swept archipelago in the Gulf of St Lawrence, with red soil, long sandy beaches and stunning cliffs. Cap-aux-Meules Island, divided into three areas, offers several attractions: the town of Cap-aux-Meules, the commercial heart of the region; hiking in Parc des Buck for nature lovers; and a diversion along Chemin de Gros-Cap, where you will see the island's colourful houses and reach Saint-Pierre de Lavernière church. Grande Entrée Island is ideal for exploring caves, hiking, kayaking and bird-watching. Besides outdoor activities, guests can also immerse themselves in a rich culture with art galleries, studios and local cuisine featuring fresh seafood and traditional delicacies, especially at the La Grave heritage site, once a cod salt station and now a vibrant cultural centre.

Canada, the land of loggers, beavers, hockey and maple syrup. While Canada certainly offers all these traditional associations in abundance, this beautiful country has so much more to offer than a few clichés. With its unforgettably beautiful, natural landscapes and cosmopolitan cities, Canada has something for everyone. Popular tourist destinations include the beautiful Rocky Mountains around Banff and Lake Louise, luxury ski resorts like Whistler and Blackcomb, the French-speaking cities of Montreal or Quebec, or the uber cool and eternally busy urban centres of Vancouver or Toronto. Whether you visit an Inuit lodge in Nunavut, take a dog sled ride through the Yukon to see the spectacular northern lights shining through the night sky or indulge in a delicious high tea on Vancouver Island, you will be amazed at the possibilities Canada has to offer.

Together, Newfoundland and Labrador make up Canada's easternmost province - full of rugged natural splendour, local accommodations, and rich history spots from Viking settlements and ancient fishing villages. The provincial capital, St John, is a prefect base from which to explore the southern part of Newfoundland, including the Cape Spear lighthouse, Witless Bay Ecological Reserve and Ferryland; while the city itself hosts nighttime ghost tours and offers stunning views from Signal Hill. Other Newfoundland and Labrador highlights include Gros Morne National Park on the Gulf of St Lawrence (for hiking, boat excursions, rock climbing, camping and fishing); Iceberg Alley - one of the best places on earth to see icebergs, and the historic L'Anse aux Meadows Viking settlement site.

If Quebec could be described in one word, it would be 'grand'. From the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Old Quebec City and the triple peaks in the heart of the cosmopolitan city of Montreal, to the rich biodiversity of the St Lawrence marine estuary and Wildlife Park (including beluga and blue whales, Harp seals and narwhals) and the phenomenal Cirque du Soleil. North American and European heritage come together seamlessly here and have developed into a sophisticated culture that has something to offer every traveller, both in terms of natural beauty and wildlife, and urban entertainment.

Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, off the east coast of Canada, the island of Newfoundland, together with Labrador, forms one of Canada's four Atlantic provinces. This island is known as a hiker's paradise and a bird watcher's dream. It features magnificent coastline characterised by white-sand beaches, protected coves and secluded inlets. Visitors can enjoy an array of activities including: watching majestic whales navigate the mammoth drifting icebergs; taking a road trip to explore the spectacular Northern and Avalon Peninsulas, and visiting the picturesque seaside town of Port-aux-Basques. Don't miss the national parks of Gros Morne and Terra Nova; the forested shores of Red Indian Lake; and Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve, home to a breeding colony of Northern Gannets. Other activities include: hiking, bird watching, swimming, paddling and much more.

Just an hour's drive (north) from Montreal, you will find yourself in a mountain landscape filled with crystal clear lakes, large boreal forests, meandering rivers and charming villages. It's heady, romantic and beautiful, but The Laurentians isn't called 'the mountain playground' for nothing. Ski at one of 13 resorts (the largest, Mont-Tremblant, offers 95 trails), zipline between the trees, go canoeing, camping or fishing in Poisson Blanc Regional Park.

Situated in the Cote-Nord region of Quebec, Les Escoumins rests on the northern shores of the Saint Lawrence River. It is best known for its amazing whale-watching opportunities. Visitors can look forward to an array of activities and attractions including thrilling whale watching cruises, scenic hiking trails and cultural tours to the Essipit First Nation where can learn about the local Innu culture. Spot dolphins, seals, beluga, minke and the common rorqual whales, visit the Marine Environment Discovery Centre and soak up scenic views of the rugged coastline. Other popular activities include: diving, snorkelling, and kayaking.