Eight historic sites to visit on a cruise to Canada and New England

Paul Wade
Updated
While stopping in Saguenay, Quebec visit La Pulperie de Chicoutimi museum, housed in an old mill - iStock
While stopping in Saguenay, Quebec visit La Pulperie de Chicoutimi museum, housed in an old mill - iStock

So, how much do you remember of the links between Europe and the New World? The 400th anniversary of the Pilgrim Fathers’ arrival in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620 is looming, but even before that settlement, the French had put down roots in what is now Quebec.

Many communities in New England and the Canadian Maritimes also enjoy links to Scots, Irish and Welsh settlers. Several feature on cruise itineraries.

Here are some ports that are worth exploring, whether you join a guided tour or do your own thing. Instead of dry, dusty dates and battles, history here is all about people.

Bath, Maine, USA

Standing on the Kennebec River, the self-proclaimed ‘City of Ships’ has a proud tradition of shipbuilding. From the 1740s, it has produced everything from vessels for coastal trading to modern destroyers for the US Navy that are built at Bath Iron Works. The full story is told at the lively Maine Maritime Museum ($17.50/£13.80), which also offers short cruises to see local lighthouses. As for Bath itself, the historic downtown has cafés, pubs and shops selling antiques and artisan-made gifts.

Gloucester, Massachusetts, USA

‘America’s Oldest Fishing Port’ is still home to a commercial fleet. The hows and whys are told at Maritime Gloucester, a working waterfront museum ($10/£7.90). Whales were important in the old days – and they still are. Learn all about these leviathans on a whale-watching cruise out to the Stellwagen Banks feeding area. Or relive the days of sail aboard an elegant schooner. To see how all this seafaring inspired artists, visit the Cape Ann Museum ($12/£9.50).  

The inner harbour in Gloucester Massachusetts - Credit: Getty
Easy to spot in the Nova Scotia Harbour, the Fisheries Museum is a picture perfect building Credit: Getty

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada

Professional photographers set up tripods; visitors grab a selfie. Everyone wants to capture the brightly-painted houses of this 250-year-old port that is recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site. Not surprisingly, seafaring and fishing have long been in locals’ blood. Discover more at the comprehensive Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic (C$12/£7). And, if Bluenose II is in port, take a harbour cruise; this sleek schooner is the symbol of Nova Scotia. Why Bluenose? That’s the nickname for Nova Scotians.

Mystic, Connecticut, USA

Mystic is just one of many pretty harbours that dot the Connecticut coast. The historic village is fun for poking about; film fans order a “slice of heaven” at Mystic Pizza, the inspiration for the 1988 film that launched Julia Roberts to stardom. But the main draw is the Mystic Seaport living history museum ($26.05/£20.60). In this restored 19th-century port, you can watch and chat to roleplayers as they demonstrate the skills of coopers, woodcarvers and riggers. Don’t miss The Charles W Morgan, America’s last wooden whaling ship, launched in 1841.

Newport, Rhode Island, USA

Most visitors head for the money-no-object 19th-century mansions, where New York’s High Society partied in the summer. But, this city, one of America’s oldest, dates back to 1639. Get the low down at the Museum of Newport History ($5/£3.90 suggested donation) down by the harbour.

The Old Colony House Newport - Credit: Getty
See where history was made in the Old Colony House Credit: Getty

Then stroll to Touro Synagogue ($12/£9.50), North America’s oldest Jewish place of worship (1763) and the elegant Old Colony House, built in 1741 for the colonial legislature. In 1776, locals gathered to hear the Declaration of Independence read out from the steps. And America’s oldest pub, the White Horse Tavern, dispenses food and drink, as it has done since 1673.  

Portland, Maine, USA

Set on Casco Bay, the city was first settled 400 years ago, but most of the historic red-brick houses date from the boom days of the 19th century. The Wadsworth-Longfellow House ($15/£11.90) was the childhood home of Longfellow, the popular 19th-century poet; on Munjoy Hill, with its grand views, is the Portland Observatory ($10/£7.90). Dating from 1807, it is North America’s last wooden signal tower.

As well as history, the city scores for its terrific restaurant scene, excellent museums and tempting art and craft galleries.

Wadsworth Longfellow House, Portland, Maine - Credit: iStock
Fan of the 19th-century poet Henry Wadswoth-Longfellow? Wander around his childhood home Credit: iStock

Saguenay, Quebec, Canada

For many, the trip through the spectacular Saguenay fjord is the highlight of a cruise on the St Lawrence. But the region has a long history, which bursts into life in La Fabuleuse (C$56.75/£33.67). This Broadway-style show, with 200 local actors, animals, music and dazzling audio-visual tricks, tells the story of the region from 1603 to the present day.

French explorers and First Nations, lumberjacks and farmers, real carriages and cars add up to a full-on extravaganza. More down-to-earth insights into local heritage, flora and fauna are offered at La Pulperie Museum (C$12/£7.10) and the Fjord Museum (C$16/£9.50).

Signal Hill Tattoo military march - Credit: Getty
Enjoy the pomp and circumstance of Signal Hill's military tattoo Credit: Getty

St John’s, Newfoundland, Canada

Guarding the harbour is Signal Hill. To the east is sea and more sea – all the way to France. Centuries ago, signal flags announced approaching ships; in 1901, Marconi received the world’s first transatlantic wireless message here. Watch the Signal Hill Tattoo; book ahead to actually fire the traditional Noon Day Gun, a Hotchkiss 3-pounder (C$49/£29). Then delve into Newfoundland’s past and present in The Rooms, a dramatic building housing an art gallery and a museum (C$10/£5.90).