North America - Ponant Cruises

Nested on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee, the largest city in the State of Wisconsin, harmoniously combines tradition and modernity. Industrial long ago, the city, known as Brew City because of its old breweries renowned all over the world, is experiencing a certain renaissance. While warehouses have given way to restaurants, bars, theatres and art galleries in the city centre, the district still retains traces of its manufacturing past. Further south lies Chicago, the economic centre of the Midwest, with an interesting mix of natural and urban landscapes: its immense skyscrapers, diverse architecture, many parks and magnificent beaches make the city a popular destination.

You will sail the United States’ largest freshwater body, which gave its name to Michigan, one of the four states that border this lake measuring 500 km long and 200 km wide. The first colonists settled in the south at the end of the 17th century, on the site of the current megalopolis of Chicago. Wild landscapes of forests with sparkling colours, cliffs, golden sandy beaches and dunes as far as the eye can see stretch along its 2,600 km of shoreline. In the north, magnificent wind-swept islands rise out of the lake’s emerald waters. At 8 km long, the Mackinac Bridge, which spans the straits between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, is one of the world’s longest suspension bridges. 

Close to the banks of Lake Huron in the State of Michigan, Mackinac Island promises a real journey through time. Originally inhabited by Amerindians, then occupied by French and British colonists, this small island measuring only a few km² still retains an atmosphere of yesteryear today, with its Victorian-style buildings and elegant horse-drawn carriages. Fort Mackinac, on the heights of the island, is a reminder of the conflicts that punctuated the history of this strategic place, a former fur trade centre. In addition to this scenery from the past, the island offers magnificent fine sandy beaches and is home to one of the oldest National Parks in the United States.

Located to the east of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Sault Ste. Marie is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Separated from its Canadian twin city by St. Marys River, it is famous among other things for its locks, known as either the Sault Locks or the Soo Locks, which enable ships to travel the metres in change in elevation between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. These locks, which date back over 160 years, are considered the most important in the world due to their shipping traffic. Make sure you visit the Museum Ship Valley Camp where you can visit the interior of a former freighter that sailed on the Great Lakes for more than 50 years.

A small port town located along the North Channel of Lake Huron, Little Current is considered to be the gateway to Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world. The town’s emblematic construction, the Little Current Swing Bridge built in 1913, provides the only land access to the island, peaceful lands whose name means “the island of spirits” in the local dialect. A real haven of peace, sheltering wild nature and some hamlets, the place is ideal for outdoor activities such as horse-riding and hiking.

A natural border between the American State of Michigan and the Canadian province of Ontario, Lake Huron is one of the five American Great Lakes and one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. Comprising the main lake, Saginaw Bay, the North Channel and Georgian Bay, and home to around 30,000 islands, it offers varied coastal landscapes and unique views. From your ship, you’ll thus be able to admire the wild beauty of the wooded and at times craggy coastline of Manitoulin Island, or the spectacular cliffs of the Bruce Peninsular.

During your navigation along the Detroit River, an important commercial waterway linking Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair to Lake Huron, you will sail along the largest city in Michigan. You’ll then enjoy panoramic views over the skyscrapers of the former Motor City, jewel of the automotive industry, Fordism and Motown music in the 20th century. You’ll also be able to admire the Ambassador Bridge, which spans the river and enables access to Windsor, on the Canadian shore of the river. This steel suspension bridge, over two kilometres long, was constructed in 1929. This bridge alone carries over 25% of trade between the United States and Canada.

Located to the south of Lake Huron and connected to Lake Ontario by the Welland Canal, Lake Erie, which owes its name to one of the Amerindian tribes which peopled its banks before the arrival of the French in the 17^th century, is remarkable for its unique ecosystem. Its shallow fish-filled waters make it an excellent fishing spot, while its banks, famous for their many migratory birds, attract photographers and ornithology enthusiasts.

Port Colborne is a small port city located in southern Ontario, at the mouth of the Welland Canal. It is well-known for one of the longest locks in the world: measuring 420 metres, this lock, the 8^th in the canal, has an observation footbridge and marks the final transit point before the Erie Canal. In addition to the discovery of this tremendous hydraulic infrastructure, this port of call will be your privileged access point to the famous Niagara Falls, renowned all over the world for their spectacular beauty. Located on the river of the same name, which means “water thunder” in Amerindian language, these wonders of nature are among the most powerful waterfalls in the world.

More than 42 km long, the Welland Canal is part of the Saint Lawrence Seaway and enables ships to travel between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. With eight locks today, this canal, whose first version dates from 1824, is considered to be one of the major technical constructions of the 20th century. Its completion revolutionised trade in the Great Lakes region by facilitating the transport of goods from the big industrialised cities of Chicago, Cleveland or Milwaukee to the Atlantic Ocean. Sailing along this technological masterpiece is a unique experience that will let you admire the different locks, real jewels of engineering, and enjoy the magnificent surrounding scenery.

The largest city in Canada and capital of the province of Ontario, Toronto fascinates as much by its incredible diversity as by its size. Make sure you visit the CN Tower, the tallest tower in the western hemisphere, as well as the St. Lawrence Market whose stalls reflect the multicultural wealth of this city known as the global city. Not far from there, the historic Distillery District unveils its brick-paved streets imbued with romantic charm and its myriad of small restaurants, cafés, boutiques, theatres and art galleries. The Royal Ontario Museum and its impressive collections devoted to the world’s natural and cultural history will also be an unmissable stop during this port of call.

The largest city in Canada and capital of the province of Ontario, Toronto fascinates as much by its incredible diversity as by its size. Make sure you visit the CN Tower, the tallest tower in the western hemisphere, as well as the St. Lawrence Market whose stalls reflect the multicultural wealth of this city known as the global city. Not far from there, the historic Distillery District unveils its brick-paved streets imbued with romantic charm and its myriad of small restaurants, cafés, boutiques, theatres and art galleries. The Royal Ontario Museum and its impressive collections devoted to the world’s natural and cultural history will also be an unmissable stop during this port of call.

Port Colborne is a small port city located in southern Ontario, at the mouth of the Welland Canal. It is well-known for one of the longest locks in the world: measuring 420 metres, this lock, the 8^th in the canal, has an observation footbridge and marks the final transit point before the Erie Canal. In addition to the discovery of this tremendous hydraulic infrastructure, this port of call will be your privileged access point to the famous Niagara Falls, renowned all over the world for their spectacular beauty. Located on the river of the same name, which means “water thunder” in Amerindian language, these wonders of nature are among the most powerful waterfalls in the world.

Located to the south of Lake Huron and connected to Lake Ontario by the Welland Canal, Lake Erie, which owes its name to one of the Amerindian tribes which peopled its banks before the arrival of the French in the 17^th century, is remarkable for its unique ecosystem. Its shallow fish-filled waters make it an excellent fishing spot, while its banks, famous for their many migratory birds, attract photographers and ornithology enthusiasts.

During your navigation along the Detroit River, an important commercial waterway linking Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair to Lake Huron, you will sail along the largest city in Michigan. You’ll then enjoy panoramic views over the skyscrapers of the former Motor City, jewel of the automotive industry, Fordism and Motown music in the 20th century. You’ll also be able to admire the Ambassador Bridge, which spans the river and enables access to Windsor, on the Canadian shore of the river. This steel suspension bridge, over two kilometres long, was constructed in 1929. This bridge alone carries over 25% of trade between the United States and Canada.

A natural border between the American State of Michigan and the Canadian province of Ontario, Lake Huron is one of the five American Great Lakes and one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. Comprising the main lake, Saginaw Bay, the North Channel and Georgian Bay, and home to around 30,000 islands, it offers varied coastal landscapes and unique views. From your ship, you’ll thus be able to admire the wild beauty of the wooded and at times craggy coastline of Manitoulin Island, or the spectacular cliffs of the Bruce Peninsular.

A small port town located along the North Channel of Lake Huron, Little Current is considered to be the gateway to Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world. The town’s emblematic construction, the Little Current Swing Bridge built in 1913, provides the only land access to the island, peaceful lands whose name means “the island of spirits” in the local dialect. A real haven of peace, sheltering wild nature and some hamlets, the place is ideal for outdoor activities such as horse-riding and hiking.

Located to the east of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Sault Ste. Marie is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Separated from its Canadian twin city by St. Marys River, it is famous among other things for its locks, known as either the Sault Locks or the Soo Locks, which enable ships to travel the metres in change in elevation between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. These locks, which date back over 160 years, are considered the most important in the world due to their shipping traffic. Make sure you visit the Museum Ship Valley Camp where you can visit the interior of a former freighter that sailed on the Great Lakes for more than 50 years.

Close to the banks of Lake Huron in the State of Michigan, Mackinac Island promises a real journey through time. Originally inhabited by Amerindians, then occupied by French and British colonists, this small island measuring only a few km² still retains an atmosphere of yesteryear today, with its Victorian-style buildings and elegant horse-drawn carriages. Fort Mackinac, on the heights of the island, is a reminder of the conflicts that punctuated the history of this strategic place, a former fur trade centre. In addition to this scenery from the past, the island offers magnificent fine sandy beaches and is home to one of the oldest National Parks in the United States.

You will sail the United States’ largest freshwater body, which gave its name to Michigan, one of the four states that border this lake measuring 500 km long and 200 km wide. The first colonists settled in the south at the end of the 17th century, on the site of the current megalopolis of Chicago. Wild landscapes of forests with sparkling colours, cliffs, golden sandy beaches and dunes as far as the eye can see stretch along its 2,600 km of shoreline. In the north, magnificent wind-swept islands rise out of the lake’s emerald waters. At 8 km long, the Mackinac Bridge, which spans the straits between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, is one of the world’s longest suspension bridges. 

Nested on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee, the largest city in the State of Wisconsin, harmoniously combines tradition and modernity. Industrial long ago, the city, known as Brew City because of its old breweries renowned all over the world, is experiencing a certain renaissance. While warehouses have given way to restaurants, bars, theatres and art galleries in the city centre, the district still retains traces of its manufacturing past. Further south lies Chicago, the economic centre of the Midwest, with an interesting mix of natural and urban landscapes: its immense skyscrapers, diverse architecture, many parks and magnificent beaches make the city a popular destination.

Nicknamed “ America's Walking City”,   the city is considered to be the epicentre of American history. Founded in 1630, the tenth largest agglomeration in the United States,  is a pleasure for walkers. To get around, just follow the Freedom Trail circuit that serves most of the tourist sites with its red line traced on the ground. Don’t miss all the delicious local specialities on offer at Quincy Market, like the lobster sandwich, and then take time to explore North End, the Italian quarter. For the more romantic among you, Beacon Hill, the historic quarter, with its absolutely charming cobbled streets, is really worth a look.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

A historical port city on the Canadian east coast, Halifax, surrounded by enchanting nature, stands out as the provincial capital and the cultural hub of Nova Scotia. The city played an important strategic military role in the two world wars and was also the largest Royal Navy base during the American Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars. Most of the victims of the Titanic disaster were laid to rest here in the Fairview cemetery, which you will have the chance to discover. At this port of call, you will also have the opportunity to visit the picturesque fishing village of Peggy’s Cove and discover its breathtaking natural landscapes.

2 available excursions

Halifax highlights & Peggy’s Cove, Halifax past & present

Yarmouth, anchored on the south-western coast of Nova Scotia, is appreciated for its maritime charm. A historic port and the second southernmost town in Canada, the charming little town is overflowing with rich Acadian culture, evidence of its vibrant past. The Acadians, descendants of the French settlers who arrived at the start of the 1600s, have conserved their language, culture, customs and traditions. Explore the emblematic Cape Forchu Lighthouse, with its spectacular ocean views, and fall under the charm of the warm and welcoming atmosphere that reigns in its streets edged with colourful houses as well as around its lively quays.

At the Canadian border, Eastport is, as its name suggests, the easternmost city in the United States. It is here that, in 1604, the first French people to arrive in the New World settled. Discover their story at the Saint Croix Island International Historic Site. In the late 19th century, this charming town in Maine grew significantly as a result of the development of the canned sardine industry. At the time, the town boasted more than a dozen sardine canneries. The architecture and some mansions from this period live on, affording the town a distinct elegance. One of the attractions of this town is undeniably its proximity to the Old Sow Whirlpool, the largest tidal whirlpool in the Northern Hemisphere, where visitors can watch the birds and marine mammals that come to feed on the nutrients driven up to the surface.

The former colonial maritime port of Portland, lying in the hollow of Casco Bay, will fascinate you with its abundant nature, cultural riches and unique atmosphere. Let yourself be guided by the salty air of the Atlantic and admire the colourful fishing boats in the old port. A stroll through the paved little streets edged with historical red-brick buildings from the 19th century promises you an extraordinary journey back in time. This city of nature is home to many verdant parks, botanical gardens and other nature reserves where you will find it easy to recharge your batteries and reconnect with the elements.

At the far end of Cape Cod is where you’ll find this hidden little New England village. Its elongated bay offers pristine, sandy beaches. For a bit of shopping, you can explore Commercial Street and the many art galleries and coffee shops there. At the end of the street, you will come across the Pilgrim Monument and its 116 steps. This tower was built at the beginning of the century to celebrate the first pilgrims who arrived a few hundred years earlier. The Provincetown museum commemorates the history and way of life of the Mayflower Pilgrims. Fine food is not scarce here, and you’ll be tempted by delicious sea food platters in the restaurants opposite the harbour!

1 available excursions

Santa Catalina visit

Sail on this emblematic North American passage, an artificial waterwayconnecting Cape Cod Bay to Buzzards Bay. Here, the waters of the Atlantic Ocean are an invitation to adventure, while boats sail graciously beneath the watchful eye of the seagulls and cormorants. Find out about this region’s rich history, marked by fishing legends and accounts of the first explorers. This navigation, between sheer cliffs and golden sandy beaches, invites you to enjoy an interlude of peace and quiet. A unique experience, where maritime past encounters natural beauty.

This marina harbour, with only 25,000 inhabitants, boasts fabulous Gilded Age mansions inspired by French and Italian palaces. One example is The Elms, the summer residence of the Berwind family, who made their fortune in the coal industry. Another is the imposing Château-sur-Mer built by the Wetmore family. But the cream of the crop is The Breakers, a Renaissance-style palace composed of 70 rooms.

The biggest city in the United States is fascinating on many accounts. With its five particularly spread out districts - Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island –, it offers an incredible number of cultural interests. You’ll just love taking in the constant buzz in Times Square, discovering beautiful classical masterpieces at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, taking a stroll in Central Park’s 341 hectares, or climbing to the top of the Statue of Liberty. Not surprising then that the Big Apple is to be consumed without moderation!

4 available excursions

Brooklyn and Highline walking tour, Ground Zero and the September 11 memorial sites, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, The Manhattan Experience with SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Nicknamed “ America's Walking City”,   the city is considered to be the epicentre of American history. Founded in 1630, the tenth largest agglomeration in the United States,  is a pleasure for walkers. To get around, just follow the Freedom Trail circuit that serves most of the tourist sites with its red line traced on the ground. Don’t miss all the delicious local specialities on offer at Quincy Market, like the lobster sandwich, and then take time to explore North End, the Italian quarter. For the more romantic among you, Beacon Hill, the historic quarter, with its absolutely charming cobbled streets, is really worth a look.

Off the Canadian coast, discover Saint Pierre Island, one of the two main islands of the Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago, the only French territory in North America. Endowed with a natural harbour, the island, whose name is a reference to the patron saint of fishermen, developed around the fishing industry and still has many traces of its past today. Whale hunting, cod fishing, alcohol smuggling during the Prohibition: all of these memories are still very much alive in the capital, Saint-Pierre. The island is also renowned for the observation of exceptional fauna including, among others, whales, fin whales, dolphins, seals, puffins and petrels.

At the entrance of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, not far from the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, Miquelon is one of the two main islands of the Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago and will delight those with a love of wide open space. Connected by a sand isthmus, with Miquelon in the north and Langlade to the south, this wild land is famous as the home to France’s only boreal forest and has sublime scenery of hills, dotted with ponds, woods and bogs, and ringed by lagoons and steep cliffs. The rich and varied wildlife will guarantee fine encounters, whether inland, which is populated with white-tailed deer and bald eagles, or on the coast, refuge to many seabirds and common seals.

4 available excursions

Hike in the Cormorandiere Valley, Yoga and meditation session, Visit to a goat farm, Hike to the summit of the Tete Pelee

Although it is the administrative and economic centre of the Magdalen Islands archipelago, in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the village of Cap-aux-Meules remains a peaceful location and is ideal for exploring preserved nature. Located on the eponymous island, in reference to the sandstone rocks of the cape that were used in the past to make grindstones, the location is above all considered to be the maritime gateway to the archipelago. In this respect, it offers privileged access to many sites renowned for their natural and historic heritage, such as the village of Havre-Aubert which is a member of the Most Beautiful Villages of Quebec.

4 available excursions

Acadian culture & heritage, Culinary heritage of the Magdalen Islands, Acadian culture & heritage, Culinary heritage of the Magdalen Islands

Located in the heart of Gros Morne National Park, the small town of Woody Point has the typical charm of territories found at the end of the world. From there, you will set off to discover the national park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the beauty of its landscapes, whose geology unveils the evolution of continental drift through its extraordinary rock formations. Sculpted by glacial activity, the park is home to coastal lowlands, alpine plateaux, hemmed-in fjords, immense valleys, jagged cliffs and several preserved lakes: you will marvel at every moment!

1 available excursions

The Tablelands, a geological oddity

After riding in an inflatable dinghy around granite tabular islands that are highly characteristic of Basse-Côte-Nord, you will land on an island once occupied by fishermen from Tête-à-la-Baleine and now the summer village of some twenty families. Your guide will take you to a cairn from which you will be able to enjoy a spectacular view over the tundra scattered with a few bushes, moss and white lichen. You will visit the Sainte-Anne Chapel, a beautiful wooden church built in the late 19th century, and taste some local products made from berries.

3 available excursions

Ponant Kayak, From North to South, see the small islands by boat, IIe de la Passe and the Maison Jos Hebert

This small fishing village on Canada's North Shore is unique in more ways than one: it has very few inhabitants, no cars and a network of wooden pavements linking all the houses together. Lying three kilometres from the coast, the island has extraordinary wild landscapes. It is also home to the Jacques Cartier monument, commemorating the famous French explorer's visit to the region in 1535. The main activities include walking through the town and strolling along the wooden pavements among the typical village houses. According to legend, the explorer Jean-François de La Rocque de Roberval abandoned his niece Marguerite here in the 1540s when she fell in love with a sailor. She supposedly took refuge in a cave on the island before being rescued by fishermen. The cult Quebec film, Seducing Doctor Lewis, was also shot here.

3 available excursions

Walking tour of Harrington Harbour, Ponant Kayak, Harrington Harbor hike & Marguerite's Cove

La Romaine is an Innu First Nations reserve in the Côte-Nord region of Quebec, with a population of 1,500. Nestling at the mouth of the Olomane River, this fishing village has a spectacular view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, dotted with islets and wild forests. The name La Romaine means red ochre in Innu, and evokes the reddish colour of the run-off waters in spring. Here you will discover a fascinating history, regional economy and traditions, halfway between past and present. You can also enjoy a stroll along its charming bay.

5 available excursions

Hike on Dos de Cheval Island, Ponant Kayak, Escapade in La Romaine, Immersion with the Innu, Encounter and lunch with the Innu

Located on the Northern Shore of Quebec, Havre St Pierre is the gateway to the amazing natural heritage that surrounds it. This Quebecois town provides an excellent base for exploring the string of islands sprinkled off the coast. From Havre St Pierre, you can visit the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve. This is a land forged by the sea and elements, where nature still rules. This chain of islands is renowned for its spectacular limestone formations.

2 available excursions

The surprising monoliths of Minganie, Petite île au Marteau and Niapiskau Island

The Quebec village of Tadoussac stands at the confluence of the Saguenay River and the Gulf of Saint-Lawrence, in south-east Canada. The village is bright with multicoloured houses nestling in an emerald-green pine forest. From the waterfront, it’s easy to spy out Tadoussac Chapel, thanks to its bright red roof. Not far from this church built of wood, one of the oldest in North America, stands a century-old village holiday resort, Hotel Tadoussac. Treat yourself to tea on the terrace overlooking the shoreline. In addition, at the marine mammal interpretation centre, you can hone your knowledge of the cetaceans that regularly frequent Tadoussac bay.

2 available excursions

Encounter with whales, Exploring Tadoussac on foot

The city of Saguenay nestles in a valley through which flows the eponymous river, one of the region’s treasures. As it joins the Saint-Lawrence, the Saguenay River forms a spectacular fjord boasting extraordinarily differing landscapes. From Saguenay, you can explore the attractive Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, which is a paradise for those who love the great outdoors. You can combine country walks with boat trips within the various national parks studded throughout this extraordinary natural kingdom.

3 available excursions

Hike in the Saguenay Fjord National Park, Trail on Mars River banks, The Craftsman Road

The capital of "La Belle Province" sits at the confluence of the St Charles River and the Gulf of St Lawrence in south-east Canada. Founded in the 17th century, the city still has an encircling wall, a historic civil engineering work and the only one of its kind remaining in North America. You will love the postcard-perfect stone houses of Old Quebec, the historic district listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shopping is a pleasure in pedestrian streets such as Petit-Champlain Street, or you can relax over a spruce beer, seasoned with pine buds. Dufferin Boardwalk, an esplanade near the emblematic Château Frontenac, is the perfect place for views of the river and old city.

2 available excursions

Quebec Half day tour, Old Quebec Walk & Guided visit of the Chateau Frontenac

Famous for its gentle way of life, Montreal, Canada’s second-largest city, is a warm and cosmopolitan metropolis. Situated on the eponymous river island, it is home to a multitude of districts, each as unique as the other. Set off to discover Old Montreal, most of which is declared a historic area, Little Italy, where you’ll be able to stroll around the largest open-air market in North America, or the Golden Square Mile, the luxurious district located on one of the hills of Mount Royal and which has sumptuous Victorian-style residences. Simultaneously marked by the influences of the Old Continent and North-American gigantism, Montreal will never cease to amaze you.