The island of Montréal was first occupied by the St. Lawrence Iroquois, whose small village of Hochelaga, or ‘Place of the Beaver’, was situated at the base of Mont Royal. French explorer Jacques Cartier arrived here in 1535 while on an expedition searching for a northwest route to Asia. The soldiers of Paul de Chomedy, who had been ordered by France to ‘bring about the glory of God and the salvation of the Indians’, established the first settlement. Attempts to follow these instructions resulted in bloody conflicts with the Iroquois, until a treaty in 1701 guaranteed that the settlement was to be the main embarkation point for the fur and lumber trade.

For centuries, a native Iroquois village occupied the cliff-top site of what is now Quebec City. The first permanent European settlement began in 1608 when Samuel de Champlain established a fur trading post. By 1663, New France had become a royal province, administered by a council appointed directly by the crown and answerable to the king’s council in France. Long-brewing European struggles between England and France spilled over into the colonies, prompting the construction of Quebec’s formidable fortifications. The Seven Years War put an end to French reign and left the city in English hands. The English successfully warded off an American attack in 1775, and for the next century Quebec quietly earned its livelihood as a center for shipbuilding and timber trade. By 1840, when it was declared the provincial capital of Lower Canada, the accessible supplies of timber had run out. The final blow came with the appearance of steamships that could travel as far as Montreal, while sailing ships found it difficult to proceed beyond Quebec City. Losing its importance as a major port, the city experienced a decline but remained a center of small industry and local government. Later years saw a tremendous rise as tourism made use of Quebec’s fantastic location and appearance. Being Canada’s most historic city and the only walled city in North America earned it the classification of World Heritage Treasure by UNESCO in 1985. Today, the visitor is greeted by an authentic, profoundly French city, where 95% of its half million people are French-speaking. Both parts of the city – Haute-Ville and Basse-Ville (Upper and Lower Town) – feature winding, cobbled streets flanked by 17th- and 18th-century stone houses and churches, graceful parks and squares and countless monuments. Croissants and steaming cups of coffee at sidewalk cafés conjure images and aromas of Paris. Great emphasis has been placed on Quebec nationalism; as a result the city has become a symbol of the glory of French heritage. The motto “Je me souviens” (I remember) is inscribed above the entrance to the Parliament Building and on the license plates of Quebec cars. As you come ashore, endless pleasures await you in this marvelous city.

Set on the rugged, windswept shores of the Saint Lawrence River in the south of Quebec lies the province of Gaspé. Like much of the surrounding region, Gaspé offers outstanding scenery, hundreds of colonies of Northern Ganets and colourful cottages perched upon rocky outposts. But, aside from the exquisite natural beauty that is commonplace in the region, Gaspé is much like its neighbours. View less It’s claim to fame is that it is named “the birthplace of Canada” as French explorer Jacques Cartier landed here on his voyage across the Atlantic in 1534. However, it is the four national parks that are found within the Gaspé peninsula that sets it apart from the crowd. The parks, including Bonaventure-Island-and-Percé-Rock and Forillon National Park (the latter of which is found entirely within Gaspé’s borders) preserve the wild beauty of its coast, and features various geological formations and phenomena dating up to 450 million years old. Carved out of the sea, cliffs and mountains, the miles of majestic landscapes are like no other place on earth. Anyone lucky enough to visit during fall will rejoice at the spectrum of colour. The famous pierced rock at Percé is another bucket list sight that should not be missed. As one of the world’s largest and most spectacular natural arches (approximate age 375 million years old), the pierced rock is one of the icons of Canadian tourism. An added attraction, particularly if you are a birder, is that the rock is a nesting place for cormorants, kittiwakes and seagulls.

Known as the birthplace of Canada, owing to its role as host of the conference that would eventually lead to the formation of the Canadian Confederation – Charlottetown is a celebration of all things Great White North. Perched just offshore on Prince Edward Island, there’s a small-town charm to the locals’ genuine smiles that is instantly disarming. Despite its capital status, the city’s welcoming demeanour, pretty timber lighthouses and low-key coastal location, make Charlottetown an easy-going, idyllic island escape. 1864 saw Charlottetown lead the Confederation Conference, welcoming delegations from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island to Province House. Together, they thrashed out the plan to create the Dominion of Canada, which was formally enacted three years later. This key role in the birth of the nation is worn proudly as a badge of honour here, and the gargantuan Confederation Centre of the Arts pays tribute to this historic chapter, while also providing space for contemporary cultural pursuits to shine. The auburn pigtails of Anne of Green Gables are also a regular sight around these parts. Canada’s much loved, longest-running musical, premiered right here in Charlottetown in 1965. The abundant natural resources of the Atlantic make Charlottetown a haven for rich, juicy seafood – like tender lobster and mussel pots. Charlottetown’s cuisine is also imbued with quality via the Culinary Institute of Canada – which simmers the area in cooking talent – while its thriving craft brewing scene adds a hoppy tang to the area’s friendly bars.

Surrounded by raw ocean and gorgeous coastal scenery, Cape Breton island’s only city is a remote and awe-inspiring place. Formed around a former steel plant, Sydney now thrives on welcoming visitors, ushering them into the very heart of beautiful Nova Scotia. Delve deep into the heart of this scenic island, to see extraordinary natural sights and learn of the customs of the native Mi’kmaq people in Membertou Heritage Park. Wander the tidy new boardwalk, and hike among wild and rugged coastline, capped by flashing lighthouses. View less A place of thrilling, undulating coastal drives, pretty historic colonial houses dating back to the 1780s, and craggy coastal walks, Sydney is effortlessly easy on the eye. The waterfront is the best place to take a stroll, accompanied by the rustle of washing waves and the gentle melodies of musicians. There’s always a song in the air here, and you can even visit the unique monument to the region’s tuneful talents at the world’s biggest fiddle. The adjacent market will be music to any shopper’s ears. Open-air exhibitions like the Nova Scotia Highland Village Museum, bring together the local culture, while elsewhere you can learn of the coal mining that transformed Sydney into a thriving steel capital. Alexander Graham Bell spent time on these shores in nearby Baddeck – and you can find out more about his life and innovations – which were far more comprehensive than just the telephone – in the dedicated museum. Although Sydney was founded by the British in 1785, there were plenty of tussles with the French over the years that followed. Get an insight into the region’s military past, brought to life at the Fortress of Louisbourg – a massive, reconstructed French fortified city, where soldiers clank along the streets and artisans stir thick bowls of melted chocolate.

Shelburne is a town located in southwestern Nova Scotia, Canada. It is home to the Bowers Meadows Wilderness Area.

One of the first spots in the USA to see the first slivers of honey-coloured light each morning, Bar Harbor was the escape of choice for the elite and artistic during the 19th century. They flocked here to indulge in cool, salty sea breezes and sweeping coastal scenery, and left behind a scattering of elaborate, soft-hued mansions in their wakes. Nowadays, many of these ornate structures have discovered a new lease of life, transforming into quirky cute shops and restaurants, and helping downtown to hum with its effortless, easygoing charm. Get to know Bar Harbor with a wander along Shore Path, taking the looping stroll out along the bay, and spotting the Porcupine Islands emerging from the Atlantic’s waves. But why would you just look at those cresting waves, when you can kayak between them, or sail with colossal humpback whales throwing their weight around? Bar Harbor is all about getting tactile with the amazing nature on your doorstep, and whether it’s biking, rock climbing or sailing, there’s an activity for every inclination here. The 27 miles of Park Loop Road will be the guiding path for your explorations of Acadia National Park, leading you to crumbling oceanside cliffs, evergreen mountains and perched lighthouses. Hike to your heart’s content, visiting sites like the explosive Thunder Hole, where the Atlantic rages, smashes and booms against rocks. You can also see the multi-coloured beaks of puffins flashing in the sun. Afterwards, refuel with an unforgettable, New England–style lobster roll, as you toast the day’s exploits and adventures with ice-cold, Maine craft beers.

Historic yet revolutionary, few places embody the American dream quite as well as Boston – and you’ll feel the strong independent streak, and pride in the founding ideals of freedom and independence wherever you go. Skyscrapers mingle harmoniously with cobbled streets, and every footstep here promises new tales of legend, daring and valour, as you walk through the pages of history and immerse yourself in the stories of one of the USA’s oldest cities. The flashing colours of Fall – a period when the foliage around Boston explodes with blazes of red, orange and purple – attract visitors from across the world, more than compensating for the northerly city’s harsh winters. Green open spaces like Boston Public Garden also decorate the city, offering breathing space, and the chance to enjoy blossom-perfumed sanctuary,as you sit among scampering squirrels and quiet boating lakes. At times, Boston feels like an open-air history museum, and the Freedom Trail links together the city’s many valuable historic sites. It’s no exaggeration to say that the world’s history pivoted significantly on this humble two-and-a-half-mile trail. Wander across incendiary sites like the Boston Massacre Site, and Bunker Hill – where the first shots of the American Revolutionary War were fired, eventually leading to independence from British rule. Fenway Park is the cathedral-like home of Boston’s famous Red Sox, and a must visit for any sports fan. You’ll also find plenty of acclaimed New England seafood to sample, including famous buttery clam chowder. Restaurants in the thriving Seaport District serve up freshly harvested crab and lobster, accompanied by spectacular views of the crashing Atlantic waves.

Historic yet revolutionary, few places embody the American dream quite as well as Boston – and you’ll feel the strong independent streak, and pride in the founding ideals of freedom and independence wherever you go. Skyscrapers mingle harmoniously with cobbled streets, and every footstep here promises new tales of legend, daring and valour, as you walk through the pages of history and immerse yourself in the stories of one of the USA’s oldest cities. The flashing colours of Fall – a period when the foliage around Boston explodes with blazes of red, orange and purple – attract visitors from across the world, more than compensating for the northerly city’s harsh winters. Green open spaces like Boston Public Garden also decorate the city, offering breathing space, and the chance to enjoy blossom-perfumed sanctuary,as you sit among scampering squirrels and quiet boating lakes. At times, Boston feels like an open-air history museum, and the Freedom Trail links together the city’s many valuable historic sites. It’s no exaggeration to say that the world’s history pivoted significantly on this humble two-and-a-half-mile trail. Wander across incendiary sites like the Boston Massacre Site, and Bunker Hill – where the first shots of the American Revolutionary War were fired, eventually leading to independence from British rule. Fenway Park is the cathedral-like home of Boston’s famous Red Sox, and a must visit for any sports fan. You’ll also find plenty of acclaimed New England seafood to sample, including famous buttery clam chowder. Restaurants in the thriving Seaport District serve up freshly harvested crab and lobster, accompanied by spectacular views of the crashing Atlantic waves.

A prime slice of New England coastline, Newport serves up colonial splendour, striking seascapes, and some of the freshest seafood around. One of America’s most historic cities, drop in on the oldest library in the country, visit an incredible fortress city, and wander beside spectacular summer houses. With wild beaches, wineries, breweries and festivals for every season, Newport has lost none of its enticing allure. View less The fresh, ocean air of Newport was much sought after during the Gilded Age, as the rich and powerful made their mark, building grand and stately mansions overlooking the waves. These magnificent houses – and landscaped gardens – add whitewash grandeur to the beautiful stretch of coastline. Take the 3.5-mile coastal walk, out across rugged cliffs with birds calling out, and wildflowers dotting the path. Be warned that the walk does become a little more difficult as it progresses. Stroll the coast, and sit to watch surfers catching Atlantic rollers, or take the twists and turns of Newport’s incredible ocean drive, to soak in the wonderful views by road. Laced with underground tunnels, Fort Adams is Newport’s sprawling complex military fortress. Surrounded by Fort Adams State Park, you can enjoy the relaxed surroundings, absorbing scenic views of the harbour and Narragansett Bay. Unpack a picknick on the grass, as the swells of music carry on the sea breeze – especially during the annual folk and jazz festivals. Or try great Newport seafood in the bustling eateries of repurposed wharves – serving up Rhode Island specials like steamed lobster and clams.

The city comprises the central island of Manhattan along with four other boroughs: Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. To many, Manhattan is New York. The 22-square-mile island is divided into the three districts of Downtown, Midtown and Upper Manhattan. There are countless museums, theaters, restaurants and parks. Many residents never get to see it all in a lifetime, so don’t expect to take it all in during one visit.