Home » Canada’s East Coast Fins and Fiddles: Ioffe
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The islands of Canada’s Atlantic coast feature a rich and diverse culture, found in small fishing communities and remote out ports. The area is well known for its Celtic traditions, and its music and cuisine are celebrated the world over. Historically, this is one of the most fascinating places in North America. The region also offers a staggering abundance of wildlife, including prolific birdlife, numerous seal and whale species and we even encounter the fabled wild horses of Sable Island. Beaches and lagoons provide viewing opportunities for numerous shorebirds
Witness the rich and diverse culture of islands of Canada’s Atlantic coast
Experience the staggering abundance of wildlife, birds, whales, seals and horses
Visit some of the most picturesque beaches and lagoons on the Canadian East Coast
Zodiac cruise along the coast, or sea kayak on Bonaventure Island and observe the native wildlife
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1: Louisbourg, Nova Scotia
Day 2: Sable Island
Day 3: Englishtown
Day 4: Prince Edward Island
Day 5: Les Isles de la Madeleine
Day 6: Gaspe Peninsula
Day 7: Anticosti Island
Day 8: Gros Morne National Park
Day 9: Francois, Newfoundland
Day 10: Saint-Pierre et Miquelon
Day 11: Louisbourg, Nova Scotia
Day 1: Embark ship in Louisbourg, Nova Scotia
Our adventure begins in the historic port town of
Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, where we board our expedition vessel, the Akademik Ioffe. First visited in 1597 by the English, the town was
fortified in 1713 by the French in recognition of its strategic maritime
location. During the 18th century, Louisbourg was the third busiest
seaport in North America. We enjoy a dinner of fresh, local lobster as
we sail out past the lighthouse into the North Atlantic.
Day 2: Sable Island National Park
Located on the edge of the Grand Banks, hundreds of
kilometers from the coast, Sable Island has a storied history as a
graveyard of ships, with more than 350 ships falling victim to the
treacherous currents and sandbars. Sporadically inhabited by sealers,
shipwreck survivors and salvagers, the island is now home to fewer than
six year-round inhabitants, a herd of wild horses and one of the largest
gray seal colonies in the world. It is an important stopover for
numerous migratory bird species as they make their way to and from the
High Arctic regions.
Day 3: Bird Island & Englishtown
We return to Cape Breton and continue our
exploration of this beautiful island by stopping in Englishtown. We have
a few options in this area. We encounter Atlantic puffins and
razorbills on Bird Island where we explore by zodiac. The seaside
community of Englishtown is also a fascinating location featuring
numerous points of interest. The Gaelic College in Cape Breton is a
short bus ride away from the beach where we disembark, and provides an
interesting diversion. There are opportunities to launch the sea kayaks,
enjoy a stand-up paddle board excursion in the placid waters, or a
cruise in the zodiacs. On shore hiking and gentle cycle touring are
other activities to enjoy.
Day 4: Georgetown, Prince Edward Island
This morning, we are anchored off Georgetown,
Prince Edward Island. Today we have plenty of options and we split into
several directions to explore this enchanting location. For the history
buffs a visit to Charlottetown is a must. This is where the meeting took
place to discuss Confederation among the British colonies in 1864.
Three years later, the Dominion of Canada came into being.
For
the activity seekers there is a great bike ride along the Confederation
Trail to the town of Montague. Dunarave is one of the jewels of the
golfing scene on Prince Edward Island, so a round of golf here is
another great option. A paddle on the Montague River in the sea kayaks
provides even more choice. Otherwise, enjoy a walking tour of Georgetown
sampling the local mussels and friendly atmosphere. Arriving back to
the ship after a busy day, we enjoy a dinner of fresh Atlantic seafood
as we navigate north towards the Magdalen Islands.
Day 5: Les Isles de la Madeleine (The Magdalen Islands)
Sculpted out of sandstone, these islands in the
Gulf of St. Lawrence are home to unique fishing communities with
beautifully maintained waterfront houses and boats, flowing grassy
meadows and sandstone shorelines sculpted by the elements. In addition
to the traditional fishing and sealing culture found in the islands, we
encounter a wide diversity of bird and sea life. Europeans first
discovered the islands in the mid 15th century, though it’s thought
indigenous Miíkmaqs had been visiting for centuries to hunt walrus.
Quebecois and Acadian culture features strongly in the local cuisine,
craft and language. The island’s gentle terrain is a cyclist’s paradise,
while the sea kayaking and stand up paddle boarding through sea arches
and into sandstone sea caves are superb. Otherwise you might enjoy a
whale-watching cruise in the zodiacs or head to the beach to soak up
some sun or build sand castles!
Day 6: Gaspe Peninsula
At Bonaventure Island we drop the anchor near the
town of Percé and explore the island by zodiac. This location has a rich
natural, historic, and geological heritage. Sculpted over time by the
sea, the island is situated at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula. The
outstanding flora and fauna, including its famous colony of Northern
Gannets, make this location a highlight. Almost 300 different species of
birds have been recorded as visiting, migrating to, or living on
Bonaventure Island. An afternoon visit to the community of Percé will
provide a window into the rich fishing culture of French-Canada. Zodiac
cruising, sea kayaking and stand up paddle boarding are all activities
that can be undertaken here, weather permitting.
Day 7: Anticosti Island
At the mouth of the St. Lawrence River, where the
river water mixes with Arctic waters and the more temperate Atlantic
waters, lies Anticosti Island. We plan to hike along the beaches near
the eastern end of the island followed by a zodiac cruise along the
cliffs at East Point. We hope to observe several species of shorebirds
and seabirds as well as whales and seals, which are frequent visitors to
the island's waters. Bald eagles soaring along the shoreline, deer in
the woods and whales just offshore are all common sights in this
location.
Day 8: Gros Morne National Park
Sailing into majestic Bonne Bay, in the heart of
Gros Morne National Park, the cliffs soar up out of the water and are
covered in a green blanket of tuckamore forest – windswept spruce
sculpted by the ocean breeze. At Woody Point we are welcomed ashore by a
delegation from the community before hiking up to the excellent
interpretation centre. From there, various guided walks take us into the
World Heritage-listed Tablelands and to the lookout for a view over
much of the park! A boreal wetland landscape, featuring dramatic rock
ridges, pitcher plants, white-throated sparrows and perhaps even a moose
could all be encountered as we explore the park. The twisting mountain
road to Trout River makes for a challenging bike ride with our guides or
a paddle along the shores of Bonne Bay is another great option.
Day 9: Francois, Newfoundland
The community of Francois on the south coast of
Newfoundland was settled in the late 1700s. Francois’s rich fishing
heritage also included operation of a whale factory in the late 19th and
early 20th centuries. Known as an ‘out-port’, and accessible only by
boat or from the air by helicopter, Francois has a deep harbour which is
navigable year-round. When entering Francois harbour, we are first
greeted by one of the few remaining manned light stations on the coast
of Newfoundland. Once past the light, the narrow opening leading into
the steep-walled rocky fjord amazes us. This is a spectacular location
and for many, a highlight of the trip.
Day 10: Saint-Pierre et Miquelon
Saint-Pierre et Miquelon are a small group of islands situated off the south coast of Newfoundland.
They were first settled by the French in the early 17th century and
today, the islands are the sole remaining vestige of France’s once vast
North American empire. Walking down the streets feels like taking a
stroll through a provincial French town. There's an excellent puffin
colony here and, if weather permits, we cruise in the zodiacs to see
these colourful birds. Tonight we enjoy a special dinner attended by the
Captain to mark the end of our voyage through Canada’s spectacular
Atlantic provinces.
Day 11: Louisbourg, Nova Scotia
We sail back to Cape Breton across the mouth of the
Gulf of St. Lawrence, heading again for the historic port of
Louisbourg. We will disembark in the morning and, while some of us will
head to the airport, many will add a few extra days in Cape Breton to
enjoy one of the gems of Canada’s East Coast.
Departs - Selected dates (listed below)
Ship Cabins: Akademik Ioffe
Main Deck Triple Share
Located on deck 3
1 upper and lower berth
Portholes
1 lower berth that can be converted to a sofa
Shared bathroom facilities
Washbasin in the cabin
Writing desk/chair
Ipod connector
Ample storage space
Bathrobes
Toiletry kit
Twin Semi-Private
Located on deck 4
2 lower berths that can be converted to a sofa
Window that can be opened
Semi-private facilities shared with the adjacent cabin
Writing desk/chair
Ample storage space with internal shelving and tall wardrobes
Bathrobes
Bookshelf
Toiletry kit
Twin Private
Located on deck 4 and 5
2 lower berths
Window that can be opened
Private washroom facilities
Ample storage space with internal shelving and tall wardrobes
Writing desk/chair
Bathrobes
Bookshelf
Toiletry kit
Superior Cabin
Located on deck 6
2 lower berths
A sofa
Window that can be opened
Private washroom facilities
Ample storage space with internal shelving and tall wardrobes
Writing desk/chair
Bathrobes
Great access to the outer observation decks and ship's bridge
Toiletry and vanity kit
Shackleton Suite
Located on deck 4 and 5
1 double berth
1 convertible sofa
Large table
Writing desk/chair
Large window that can be opened
Private washroom facilities
Ample storage space with internal shelving and tall wardrobes
Bathrobes
Upgraded linen/pillows
iPad loaded with region specific material
Mini stereo
Coffee maker
Mini bar
Toiletry and vanity kit
One Ocean Suite
Located on deck 5
1 double bed
1 convertible sofa
Large table
Writing desk/chair
Large picture window that can be opened
Private bathroom with bathtub and shower
Ample storage space with internal shelving and tall wardrobes
Bathrobes
Upgraded linen/pillows
iPad loaded with region specific material
Mini stereo
Coffee maker
Mini bar
Toiletry and vanity kit
Ship Deck Plan
Ship Information
Designed for polar research, the Akademic Ioffe is modern,
comfortable, safe and ice-strengthened. From small group sessions to
briefings for all passengers, we have public spaces onboard the ship
ideally suited for each and every need. A separate bar and lounge, as
well as a library provide ideal places to sit and relax or catch up on
some reading. A selection of movies and documentaries can also be
watched in the lounge.
Enjoy the sumptuous meals prepared for you by our culinary team in
our dining room, which can host all clients in a single seating with
ample room. Other facilities include the theatre style presentation
room, gift-shop, fitness room, massage room, sauna and plunge pool.
Stabilisation: Active stabilisation via internal ‘anti-roll’ ballast syste
Zodiacs: 10
What's included?
On-board accommodation
Transfers
All meals throughout the voyage
Activities/shore excursions as specified
Lectures and presentations by expedition leaders and naturalist staff
Sea kayaking, cycling, and stand-up paddling activities
Comprehensive pre-voyage information package
Port fees and access permits
Expedition gear package*
What's not included?
International and internal airfares
5% GST tax on Canadian itineraries
Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
Travel insurance
Alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages
Gratuities
Any items not listed as included
Notes
*Expedition gear package
Included
in the expedition, you will have free use of essential gears needed for
the trip. This package includes quality waterproof/windproof jacket,
bib-pants, insulated rubber boots, set of binoculars, trekking pole, and
a waterproof backpack.