Whale-watching, in super-close proximity, is an everyday pursuit on Saguenay, the river after which this port and the surrounding region takes its name. North America's only fjord navigable by cruise ship runs 80 miles from the mighty St. Lawrence seaway flanked by 1,000ft cliffs. The port's Musée du Fjord uncovers its story, above and beneath the surface, while local boutiques sell crafts, from First Nation textiles to natural soaps. The surrounding Saguenay Fjord National Park offers almost limitless opportunities for hiking, sea kayaking, boat trips, wildlife watching, and helicopter rides. Fall's fiery foliage displays see an influx of leaf-peeping visitors.

Baie-Comeau's industrial history is intertwined with its identity, as it was founded around a pulp and paper mill. The historic Maison Otis stands as a testament to this heritage. However, the town's beauty extends beyond its past, with the stunning Parc des Pionniers and the peaceful Jardins de l'église offering green oases for relaxation. For the culturally inclined, the Musée de la Nature offers insight into the region's flora and fauna, while the Jardin des Glaciers showcases interactive exhibitions about the Ice Age. Yet, it is probably the stunning and tranquil backdrop of St. Lawrence's picturesque shoreline, dotted with lighthouses, that is the biggest pull to visitors to the region. Here you'll find a diverse canvas that spans history, nature, culture, and adventure. Whether exploring historic sites, engaging in outdoor activities, or savoring culinary delights, it is impossible not be seduced by the magic of this iconic waterway.

This deep-water dock, North America's largest ore-handling port, is an industrial marvel. But for all its modernity, Mother Nature reigns: birders flock to beach-laced shores where puffins play in the protected waters of the Sept-Iles archipelago, a short boat ride away. But before you step out into the wild, visit the Old Trading Post to learn what life was like for local First Nations and French settlers during the 19th-century fur trade, with costumed guides touring recreated wood cabins. And in the Museum Of The North Shore Region, traditional canoes and a dogsled accompany multimedia exhibits uncovering Sept-Iles' 8,000 years of human habitation.

Amidst breathtaking nature, find Iles-de-la-Madeleine, a remote archipelago in the Gulf of St. Laurence. Shaped by the forces of nature, this windswept paradise is a picturesque landscape of red sandstone cliffs, rolling dunes, and white sand beaches. Step off the beaten path and wander the narrow, cobblestone streets of the charming french-acadian villages where you can immerse yourself in the history of this maritime culture. Enjoy contemporary life on the island with visits to local artisanal galleries , and when day turns to night, admire the beauty of the northern lights.

Cape Breton Island's main city Sydney is peaceful and cozy. This Canadian port town reveals its history in the Heritage & Science museum, and boasts the world's largest fiddle on the waterfront. Enjoy the coastal scenery on Cabot Trail for a true taste of this special landscape.

Bagpipers bid a warm welcome to Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia and the most Scottish of all Canada's great cities. The Citadel Fortress, which dates to the city's founding in 1749, stands over the thriving downtown area, where modern buildings nestle alongside the exquisitely restored Historic Properties waterfront. Here you can shop for authentic Scottish tartans and superb hand-knit woolens. Nova Scotians claim they have the freshest air and warmest smiles in Canada.

Set on the easternmost edge of the U.S., Eastport, Maine is one of the first towns in the country to see the sun rise. It's a view that's made all the more spectacular by the dramatic backdrop of Canada's Bay of Fundy, just across the water. As day breaks, catch sight of humpback whales breaching and feeding in the nutrient-rich waters, before you step ashore to explore the historic waterfront. Here, learn about the town's rich Indigenous heritage and legacy as the birthplace of the North American sardine-packing industry, and be sure to make time for a fresh lobster roll and crisp craft beer.