Diana Johnson-Santos

There’s something special about starting a cruise right here in Canada. And, an evening sailaway from Montreal makes it even more memorable.

From the deck of the MS Volendam, we watched the city slowly fade into the distance as we departed the Port of Montreal and began cruising down the Saint Lawrence River.

There’s something pretty incredible about seeing Montreal from the water - the skyline, the riverbanks, and the glow of the city lights as evening settles in.

This peaceful sailaway marked the start of our 11-day Canadian coastal cruise with Holland America Line, exploring some of the most beautiful ports in Eastern Canada.

Sometimes the journey really does begin the moment the ship leaves the dock.

As locals and adventure seekers, we’re always looking for unique experiences, andArcadia Earth Toronto absolutely delivers.

Located inside The Well, this immersive exhibit blends art, technology, and storytelling to highlight the impact we have on our planet. Each room invites you to see the natural world differently, from oceans and forests to pollinators and waste, while encouraging small changes that make a big difference.

What we loved most was how interactive and thought-provoking it is. By the end, it’s not just something you’ve seen - it’s something you feel.

Video Highlights:

• Walking through The Well
• One Drop - Highlights the vital importance of water and how every drop counts.
• From Within - Lets you experience the world from a completely new perspective.
• E-Waste Generator - Immerses you in a glowing world of electronic waste and its hidden impact.
• In Your Hands - Reminds us just how much impact we really have on the planet.
• Fishtainable - Makes you think twice about what’s happening beneath the surface of our oceans.
• Bee Thankful - Celebrates the beauty and essential role of bees in our ecosystem.
• Regeneration – Shows nature coming back to life in the most incredible ways.
• Your Actions Matter - Brings it all full circle, showing how every choice affects the planet.
• VR Experience

If you’re visiting Toronto or looking for a meaningful indoor activity, this is a fantastic addition to your itinerary.

There’s something special about arriving in Charlottetown, the charming capital of Prince Edward Island, by sea.

From the deck of MS Volendam, the colourful waterfront, historic harbour, and relaxed island vibe slowly come into view.

Charlottetown is known as the “Birthplace of Confederation". Today, it welcomes cruise visitors with coastal beauty, small-town charm, and a warm East Coast spirit.

Sailing into port here is one of those cruise moments that reminds you why exploring Canada by sea is so unforgettable. Join me as we glide into one of Atlantic Canada’s most welcoming ports.

Be sure to check out my video where we explore the sights and charms of Charlottetown.

What happens when the museum turns into a dance floor?
Welcome to ROM After Dark at the Royal Ontario Museum - Toronto’s wildly fun adults-only night at the museum.

This month’s theme was “On the Wild Side”, and it absolutely lived up to the name. From dancing with a giraffe (yes… a giraffe in costume!) to exploring some of the museum’s most fascinating exhibits after hours, the whole night felt like stepping into a completely different side of the ROM.

Here’s what our night included:

Exploring the incredible Shark Exhibit
Visiting the powerful Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit
Walking through the Bat Cave (sadly, no live bats!)
Wandering past dinosaurs, totem poles and world cultures
Treating ourselves to Lulu’s Gelato & Diamond Donuts
Ending the night with a live concert by Canadian comedian and actress Lauren Ash

ROM After Dark happens once a month, each time with a different theme, and it’s one of the most unique nightlife experiences in Toronto - part party, part culture, and completely unforgettable.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Toronto at night, this is definitely one to add to your list.

There’s something truly magical about approaching Sydney, Nova Scotia by sea, and experiencing it from the deck of Holland America’s Volendam was a trip to remember. The port offers a perfect mix of scenic beauty, maritime history, and warm local hospitality.

As we sailed into Sydney, the coastline of Cape Breton Island unfolded in all its rugged glory - dramatic cliffs, picturesque harbours, and colourful homes that tell a story of generations past. From the gentle sway of the ship to the panoramic Atlantic views, every moment was picture-perfect.

Sydney is not just a port stop - it’s a gateway to Cape Breton Island’s iconic Cabot Trail, Celtic culture, and local flavours. Cruising into this part of Atlantic Canada provides a front-row seat to its natural beauty and charming communities.

Sailing into Sydney, Nova Scotia on a cruise is one of those moments that reminds me why I love exploring Canada by sea. As a local Canadian, there’s something special about watching the rugged coastline of Cape Breton Island come into view - colourful homes, fishing boats, and that unmistakable East Coast charm.

On this stop, we set out to explore Sydney on foot, and it turned out to be the perfect blend of history, culture, art, and seafood.

The World’s Largest Fiddle 

Sydney is home to the World's Largest Fiddle. Standing 60 feet tall along the waterfront, it’s impossible to miss and makes for the ultimate Cape Breton photo op.

The fiddle celebrates the island’s deep Celtic roots and musical heritage. If you time it right, you’ll often hear live fiddlers playing nearby - a true East Coast welcome that instantly sets the tone for your visit.

St. Patrick’s Church Museum

A short walk from the cruise port brought us to the beautiful St. Patrick's Church Museum. Built in 1828, this historic church is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Cape Breton and now operates as a museum.

Inside, you’ll find fascinating exhibits about early settlers, religious history, and the strong Irish influence that helped shape Sydney’s identity. The architecture alone is worth the visit - peaceful, historic, and beautifully preserved.

Honouring Maritime History

Along the waterfront boardwalk stands the moving Merchant Mariner Monument, a tribute to the brave men and women of Canada’s Merchant Navy.

Cape Breton has deep maritime roots, and standing there overlooking the harbour, it’s easy to reflect on how vital these sailors were - especially during wartime.
It’s a powerful reminder that Sydney is more than just a pretty port stop; it’s a community built on resilience and seafaring tradition.

Waterfront Boardwalk & Art Walk

One of the best ways to experience Sydney is simply by strolling the waterfront boardwalk. It’s scenic, easy to navigate from the cruise terminal, and full of character.

We enjoyed exploring the Downtown Sydney Art Walk, where vibrant murals brighten building walls and public spaces. Walking through downtown, we spotted colourful artwork celebrating local culture, coal mining history, Celtic music, and the people of Cape Breton. It adds such a creative energy to the city.

If you’re visiting on a cruise, this area is incredibly accessible - no tour bus required. Just lace up your walking shoes and wander.

Seafood Chowder at Cup of Culture

Of course, no East Coast visit is complete without seafood. A Cup of Culture is just a short walk from the port.

Their seafood chowder was exactly what you want in Nova Scotia - rich, creamy, loaded with fresh local seafood, and perfect after a breezy harbour walk. IIt had no potato filler, and honestly, it wasn’t missed at all. Pair that with friendly local hospitality, and you’ve got a true Cape Breton experience.

Sydney is compact, walkable, welcoming, and full of authentic Maritime character.

As Canadians, we sometimes overlook our own backyard. But cruising into Sydney reminded me that Canada’s East Coast holds some of the most heartfelt, culture-rich experiences you’ll find anywhere.

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, is one of those cruise ports that instantly makes you slow down and soak it all in. Compact, walkable, and full of character, it’s an ideal stop on an Atlantic Canada cruise and an easy place to explore without feeling rushed.

Our day in Charlottetown began at Founders’ Food Hall & Market, a great first stop for getting a taste of PEI’s local food scene. From there, we walked to St. Dunstan’s Basilica, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Its twin spires dominate the skyline, and stepping inside offers a quiet moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and history that make this church such a focal point of Charlottetown.

We continued to Beaconsfield Historic House, a beautifully preserved reminder of the city’s Victorian past, before enjoying a leisurely walk along the Charlottetown Boardwalk. With harbour views, sea air, and that relaxed island pace, this part of the city really captures the charm that Prince Edward Island is known for.

No visit to Charlottetown would be complete without sampling the local food. We stopped at John Brown Richmond Street Grille for classic lobster rolls, then wrapped up the day with a visit to Cows Ice Cream at Peakes Quay - a PEI favourite and a must-visit spot!

Whether you’re visiting Charlottetown as part of an Atlantic Canada cruise itinerary or planning a Prince Edward Island getaway, this small capital city delivers big on history, flavour, and coastal charm - all within easy walking distance of the port.

Wandering through Old Quebec feels like stepping into another era. Cobblestone streets, fortified walls, centuries-old stone buildings, and the unmistakable European charm make this city unlike anywhere else in Canada.

From the grand presence of Château Frontenac to the quiet side streets filled with cafés, boutiques, and hidden viewpoints overlooking the St. Lawrence River, Quebec City invites you to slow down and soak it all in. Every turn tells a story, and every walk feels timeless.

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only walled city north of Mexico, which is part of what makes it so special.

This trip, we stroll through Vieux-Québec on a rainy Autumn day as a shore excursion. The rain did not dampen our day, and the sun finally came out.

We were on a special sailing to Canada-only ports on Holland America's Volendam.

Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, Quebec City is a place that stays with you long after you leave. 

There’s something magical about seeing the Confederation Bridge from the water. A Canadian icon rising gracefully across the Northumberland Strait, connecting Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick. In August, while sailing on Holland America’s Volendam, I had the chance to experience this landmark in a way many never do: passing right beneath it, feeling its sheer scale overhead and the peaceful Maritime scenery stretching out in every direction.

I was lucky enough to drive across the Confederation Bridge many years ago, but viewing it from the deck of a cruise ship was an entirely different perspective. From the open sea, the bridge seems endless - an elegant ribbon across the horizon. As the Volendam approached, passengers gathered along the rails, cameras ready, waiting for that moment when we would slip quietly underneath one of Canada’s greatest engineering achievements.

The air was warm, the skies soft with summer haze, and the ship felt small compared to the towering concrete arches above. It was a moment that captures exactly why I love exploring Canada: our landscapes and landmarks always have a new story to tell when viewed from a different angle.

If you’re cruising the East Coast or planning a Maritime adventure, keep an eye out for routes that take you past Prince Edward Island. Sailing under the Confederation Bridge is a simple but unforgettable highlight - one that reminds you just how impressive our country really is.

Embark on an unforgettable Canada adventure as we join EverOutdoor Adventures for a thrilling zodiac tour in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. Perfect for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and anyone exploring the west coast of Newfoundland, this tour takes you deep into the breathtaking Humber Arm and Humber River.

Experience some of the best outdoor activities in Newfoundland as we cruise through dramatic fjord-like landscapes, spot a bald eagle in the wild, and get an up-close look at the legendary Man in the Mountain rock formation - one of Corner Brook’s top natural attractions.

Whether you're planning a Newfoundland road trip, searching for the best things to do in Corner Brook, or looking for unique adventure travel in Canada, this zodiac experience is a must-add to your itinerary.

Tour: EverOutdoor Adventures
Location: Corner Brook, Newfoundland
Highlights: Humber Arm, Humber River, bald eagle sighting, Man in the Mountain, coastal landscapes, Zodiac adventure

Experience Corner Brook, Newfoundland, from a completely unique perspective - the water! ?

Join us as we sail down the Humber Arm aboard Holland America's Volendam, capturing views of the coastline and surrounding landscapes that you simply can’t see from land.

From the calm, reflective waters to the rugged cliffs and forested shores, this journey showcases the natural beauty of Western Newfoundland like never before. Whether you’re a cruise enthusiast, a travel lover, or just looking for some stunning Canadian scenery, this video brings the magic of Newfoundland sailing right to your screen. 

We even got to watch the pilot boat come alongside our ship! The pilot then boarded and expertly guided us safely into port. ⚓

Once we were anchored, we hopped on a tender boat to the port and spent some time exploring the cute little town of Corner Brook.

These are the kinds of views that make sailing in Canada unforgettable — peaceful, scenic, and full of maritime charm. 

Up next: an adventure you don’t want to miss - our Zodiac Boat Tour! 
Stay tuned for thrilling close-up views of the coastline & Humber River. We spot a Bald Eagle and the Old Man in the Mountain!

If you’re visiting Halifax, Nova Scotia, one attraction you simply can’t miss is the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. Towering above downtown on Citadel Hill, this star-shaped fortress has stood watch over the city since 1749. Today, it’s a fully immersive historic site that brings Canada’s military past to life.

What to Expect at the Citadel:

As soon as you walk through the gates, you’re greeted by costumed interpreters - members of the 78th Highland Regiment, complete with kilts and bagpipes. Yes, we were lucky enough to catch a live bagpipe performance right on the parade grounds!

Highlights of Our Visit:

• Exploring the ramparts with views of the Halifax Harbour and skyline
  
  
• Bagpipers in full Highland dress performing traditional tunes
  
  

Getting There:

The Citadel is just a 10-15 minute uphill walk from the Halifax Cruise Port or downtown area. While it’s a bit of a climb, the panoramic views from the top are absolutely worth it.

Admission Info:

• Included with a Parks Canada Discovery Pass (or you can pay a small entry fee)
  
  
• Open seasonally from May through October
  
  
• Plan to spend 1–2 hours for a full experience
  
  

Insider Tip:

Time your visit close to Noon to see the firing of the noon gun, a tradition that’s been upheld daily since 1856!

Why We Loved It:

The Halifax Citadel combines rich history, live performances, and unbeatable city views — all in one spot. It’s photogenic and a perfect way to learn more about Canada’s past.