Explore with Viking—North America

Learn how the Saguenay Fjord has shaped this scenic region at the Musée du Fjord and see the sights of Chicoutimi. Enjoy a panoramic drive and hear about the lives of locals during the 17th century, where settlers and First Nations peoples lived alongside each other. Continue to Chicoutimi along its main street, Rue Racine. Pause at the Little White House and discover how it miraculously survived the great flood of 1996. Drive by the Pulp Mill of Chicoutimi and hear how important the mill was to the economic prosperity of the region. Next, you will pass the Ha! Ha! Pyramid, a monument to the great flood, and learn about the unusual tale of its creation. Continue to the Musée du Fjord to learn about the local marine life at its saltwater aquarium and get hands-on at the touch pool where you will be able to gently handle a variety of species. After, return to your ship.

Discover one of Maine’s vibrant coastal towns that features historic homes and a quaint atmosphere. Travel through Maine, taking in its lush countryside on your way to visit Kennebunkport, a popular summer destination that has its roots in fishing and ship building. Once you arrive, enjoy a scenic drive through this charming town, admiring its collection of Federal and Victorian-style mansions built by wealthy sea captains and merchants during the 18th and 19th centuries. Step off the coach in Dock Square, the center of town, to explore independently. Wander the picturesque streets to take in the relaxed atmosphere and discover the galleries and shops. Rejoin your coach for your return journey, where you will take in the stunning sights of the ocean and pass by Walker’s Point, the Bush Estate that has hosted leaders from around the globe.

Witness the dramatic workings of nature and experience local French Canadian culture. Drive with your guide to the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, stunningly set on the St. Lawrence River. This Catholic pilgrimage shrine welcomes half a million visitors each year. Admire the sanctuary’s masterful paintings, mosaics and stained glass windows. Continue to the magnificent Sainte-Anne Falls; this torrential cascade has carved the spectacular Sainte-Anne Canyon. You will have time to cross the suspension bridges—one of which towers nearly 200 feet above the ground—and take in the incredible views. After, cross the St. Lawrence River via the island of Île d’Orléans, known as the “Open Garden of Quebec” due to its vast farmlands. Make a final stop at a local cabane à sucre, or sugar shack, where you will learn how the region’s beloved maple syrup is made and sample some of the famous “taffy on snow.” Note that this excursion requires extensive walking.

Discover nearly four centuries of history during a walk through the Old Town of Quebec City. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic area is North America’s only walled city. See the typical stone buildings that surround the historic Place Royale and the continent’s oldest standing Catholic church, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires. Stroll the cobblestones of the lively Quarter Petit Champlain, then take a funicular ride to the Upper Town. View the Château Frontenac, perched castle-like above the St. Lawrence River, and stop at Dufferin Terrace, located 200 feet above the waterway where explorer Samuel de Champlain built his fort in 1620. Here, enjoy sweeping views of the river, the town of Lévis on the opposite shore and the Laurentian Mountains. Then, explore the Upper Town, passing by the Place d’Armes, the Quebec Seminary, the Ursuline Convent, Artists Alley and more. After, you will have the option of returning to your ship or exploring the Old Town independently.

Discover Boston’s historic sites and iconic landmarks during a scenic hop-on/hop-off trolley excursion. Boston’s origins stretch back to colonial times, and the city has witnessed many significant events in American history. Your Old Town Trolley will make multiple stops at different locations; you will have the opportunity to choose which ones to disembark and explore on your own. You may choose to leisurely stroll through the historic North End, home to the Old North Church and Paul Revere House. See the Bunker Hill Monument, a 221-foot granite obelisk commemorating an important Revolutionary War battle. Relax in Boston Common, America’s first public park, or stop in at the Bull & Finch pub, the inspiration for television’s “Cheers” sitcom. Your trolley runs on approximately 15-minute intervals, so you can visit several places during your time in the city.

Experience Newport’s colonial charm up close during a walking tour through its historic district. One of the United States’ oldest cities, Newport also holds the distinction of having one of the highest concentrations of original colonial-era buildings of any early American city. Meet your guide and begin your stroll through the heart of the city’s historic district, a National Historic Landmark. Learn how this neighborhood became a model for historic preservation; today, it is home to more than 80 restored period structures. Pass by the Old Brick Market building and Old Colony House, the former statehouse. You will also see the White Horse Tavern and Touro Synagogue; the former is believed to be the oldest operating restaurant in the US, while the latter is the country’s oldest surviving temple. Return to your ship via Queen Anne Square, where Hollywood director Steven Spielberg filmed the Academy Award–nominated movie Amistad in 1997.

See Honolulu’s sights and explore Pearl Harbor’s Visitor Center for a glimpse into Hawaii’s World War II history. Meet your guide at the pier and embark on a scenic drive through Honolulu’s Downtown area and Chinatown district. Witness the magnificent City Hall and the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on American soil, and pass by Kawaiahao Church, the Hawaii State Capitol, the governor’s mansion and the homes of early missionaries. After your drive, you will stop at Pearl Harbor, where you will learn about the fateful attack that took almost 2,500 lives. At the Visitor Center, stroll the exhibits that document the events before the surprise attack and its aftermath, including displays of personal memorabilia, dramatic photographs and artifacts.

Set sail around the scenic coast of Kauai during a delightful afternoon catamaran cruise. Travel to the pier, where you will meet the legendary Kauai Beach Boys and board their 50-foot catamaran. Take a seat and relax as your experienced crew sets sail out of Nawiliwili Harbor. Your panoramic sightseeing route will allow you to see Kauai’s strikingly beautiful natural landscapes, including the legendary mountain peak of Hā’upu, picturesque Kalapaki Beach and Ninini Point with its 86-foot-tall lighthouse. You will also travel up the Hule’ia River and view the historic Menehune fishpond. Sip on a complimentary glass of beer or wine, cocktail or nonalcoholic beverage as you listen to music and an insightful narration of the culturally significant areas of Nawiliwili and Kalapaki Bay. Finish you cruise back at the harbor, then return to your ship.

Admire unparalleled vistas from an awe-inspiring lookout during a panoramic excursion around Oahu. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach through the heart of Waikiki Beach’s resort district. Renowned for surfing and striking views of Diamond Head, its vibrant streets are lined with high-rises, luxury resorts and upscale restaurants. Journey along the coast, making a brief stop at Waimanalo Bay before continuing into the rugged Ko’olau Mountains for a visit to the stunning Nu’uanu Pali Lookout. Feel the strong ocean wind against your face as you gaze out at spectacular views of the island; legend has it that this was the site of a bloody battle won by King Kamehameha I in 1795. Board your coach for the return trip to your ship, your route taking you through the picturesque Ko’olau Mountains en route to Honolulu.

Witness the magnificent Waimea Canyon, a geological wonder offering dramatic views of Kauai’s interior. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach to the west side of Kauai and begin your ascent of the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” At 14 miles long and 3,400 feet above sea level, the canyon may not be as big or as old as its Arizona cousin, however the vistas are incredible. From the lookout point, enjoy stunning views as you admire the red and brown hues of the volcanic rock, enveloped by tropical vegetation and the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. After time to pause for photographs, continue to Waimea Town, where you can spend time at your leisure to browse the gift shop or enjoy a cup of coffee. En route back to your ship, stop in Kaloa and admire views over Spouting Horn, and hear tales of the legend behind its blowhole.

Retrace the steps of the Yukon’s fortune seekers in their 19th-century quest for gold. Begin your exhilarating journey by vintage rail car. Marvel at scenic mountain vistas as you climb to more than 3,000 feet along Alaska’s White Pass summit. Enjoy the thrill of cliff-hanging turns and marvel at this narrow-gauge railroad, constructed more than 100 years ago. Arrive at the summit and witness the unparalleled beauty of an Alaskan landscape comprised of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls and more. See the original Klondike Trail of 1898 worn into the rocks, a reminder of those who traversed this route in search of gold. Hear tales of the extraordinary lengths to which gold seekers went more than a century ago, and the severe hardships they suffered in the unforgiving northern wilderness. Upon arrival in Skagway, you may explore the town at your leisure or return to your ship.

Discover the coastal community of Ketchikan and learn about the ancient native craft of totem pole carving. Drive by motor coach to Potlatch Totem Park, a modern recreation of a 19th-century native village located on historic Tlingit fishing grounds along the shores of the Tongass Narrows. Here, you can see numerous houses, totem poles and panels, and hear the legends behind the designs. Visit the carving studio to learn about the ancient techniques used to create these iconic native sculptures. You will also have an opportunity to view a display of rare antique weapons, some dating back to the 16th century, including firearms, whaling harpoons and authentic uluknives. After, return to your coach and begin the journey back to your ship—along the way, gain insight into Ketchikan’s rich timber heritage and the historic Ketchikan Pulp Company mill.

Explore the sights of Juneau and visit Mendenhall Valley to stroll its scenic trails with views of its glacier. Embark on a panoramic drive from downtown Juneau to see the city’s highlights. As you approach the Mendenhall Valley, your guide will run through suggested experiences that you can participate in during your time here. You may enjoy the viewpoint from Photo Point at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, which provides a breathtaking perspective of the glacier from above. During your enriching visit, your guide will share stories and insights about the region. After, you can head out to explore one of the nearby scenic trails, including Nugget Creek Falls, Steep Creek or the Moraine Ecology Trail, with each route showcasing the region’s natural wonders and stunning vistas of the Mendenhall Glacier and the Tongass National Forest. Afterward, return to your awaiting ship.

Head to Seward’s renowned Alaska SeaLife Center for independent exploration, compliments of Viking. As you disembark your ship, receive an overview of the varied venues throughout Seward, beautifully set on a mountain-ringed bay. Shuttles will operate between our berth and the marine center, so you may depart and return at your leisure and explore more of Seward if you wish. At the fascinating Alaska SeaLife Center, dedicated to putting visitors in close contact with cutting-edge marine research, admire the species in the public aquarium and learn about the research animals in the exhibit tanks. North Pacific mammals, birds, fish and invertebrates are profiled in the center’s comprehensive displays. Here, you will discover how both injured wild animals and resident animals requiring medical treatment are nursed back to health. Experience the center as long as you wish and return to the pier via our shuttles.

Discover the rugged beauty of Alaska’s wilderness during a scenic excursion around Valdez. Embark on a panoramic drive by motor coach through Valdez, learning about the town’s gold-rush era and visiting Old Town Valdez. You will also hear stories about more contemporary pivotal moments such as the Good Friday earthquake of 1964 and the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 that have shaped this community. Stop for photos at Horsetail and Bridal Veil Falls, their snow and icy meltwaters cascading over towering canyon walls from hundreds of feet above. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may travel to Keystone Canyon, where you will find numerous waterfalls nestled within its steep rock face. Alternatively, you may visit the Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery to learn about one of Alaska’s most abundant resources, salmon.

Set off on a scenic journey through Prince William Sound on this cruise to the Columbia Glacier. Embark your boat and witness one of the most rapidly changing glaciers in the world today. This tidewater glacier is retreating at a rate so rapid that it has moved more than 12 miles over the last 30 years. Global warming has contributed to the shrinking of this glacier; however, once it reaches the shoreline and creates a more stable surface, its retreat is likely to slow down enough to make it possible for the glacier to reform. Enjoy a light lunch on board as you cruise past fjords and stunning ice walls. Your vessel’s ability to get close to the glacier will be dependent upon the ice and water conditions at Prince William Sound. At the end of your cruise, you will return to port and your awaiting ship.

Explore the protected waters and rugged coast of Resurrection Bay on board an exclusive Viking-chartered vessel. Nicknamed the “Gateway to the Kenai Fjords,” the bay’s calm waters are home to an abundance of marine and terrestrial wildlife. Board your ship and head out for an opportunity to experience up-close encounters with wildlife as you cruise along massive bird rookeries and past sea lion colonies. Along the way, you will stop to view any passing whale pods or frolicking sea otters. Enjoy a delicious deli-style meal as you admire the alpine glaciers nestled in the surrounding mountain ranges of Chugach and Kenai. Gaze at the blue-tinged ice of Bear Glacier, a 13-mile-long expanse of ice and snow. At the end of your cruise, you will return to the pier and your awaiting ship.

Unwind during a scenic boat tour and enjoy pristine nature and plentiful animal life from the boat. Be captivated by the rich marine wildlife; these glacial waters are home to sea otters, porpoises, sea lions and a variety of whale species, including the killer whales that also reside in the waters of Kenai Fjords National Park. Discover some of the 191 species of bird that have been documented so far. A national park since 1980, Kenai preserves the fjord and rain forest ecosystems and wildlife while conserving the area’s historic and archaeological remains. Dip into sizable fjords and cruise beneath awe-inspiring mountains exceeding 6,000 feet in height. Admire the park’s many glaciers, and get an up-close view of the looming face of one of these icy giants. The seemingly harsh terrain of the Kenai Peninsula is also home to many terrestrial animals that can be spotted from the boat’s deck.

Discover the jewel of the Resurrection River Valley on a guided hike to a viewpoint along the scenic Exit Glacier. Covering an area of approximately 2.5 miles, this valley glacier is one of the most accessible and iconic in Alaska. After a short drive to the trailhead, disembark your motor coach and follow your naturalist guide along the path on an invigorating hike toward the picturesque viewpoint. Along the way, your guide will provide insights about the topography, vegetation and natural habitats of this glacial environment. Learn how rising global temperatures have affected the glacier and take note of the markers along the trail that indicate its aggressive retreat. See up-close how the glacier has shaped the surrounding landscape and learn how plant life is reclaiming the barren, rocky land exposed by its retreat. At the overlook, take in the views before returning to your ship.