You are invited to explore the most scenic and calm waters in Canada onboard a replica heritage style steamboat, with each nautical mile, natures northern masterpiece unfolds.
M/V Canadian Empress
The Canadian Empress is a grand ship with a warm and friendly personality. The interior is designed in charming early heritage style, with wood furnishings, brass handrails, and ornate metal ceilings. This replica steamboat recaptures the grace of a turn-of-the-last-century lifestyle. This classic steamboat style is combined with modern technology to provide all of the comforts and amenities expected by today’s travellers.
Staterooms can be found on the St Lawrence and Ottawa Deck and all cabins are above the waterline and include daily maid service. Also, on Ottawa deck is the Grand Saloon, in its Turn-of-the-Century warmth is where all meals are served and all of the nightly entertainment is enjoyed. Up on the Sun Deck sit back, relax and enjoy some of Canada’s most beautiful scenery. From your comfortable deck chair or lounge watch as each scene unfolds. Join your Cruise Director on the sun deck for some fun activities including shuffleboard or kite flying.
Why cruise with St Lawrence Cruises
- They are the rivers’ most experienced cruise operator. This is their home
- Their years of experience, knowledge of the region, and attention to guests ensures full value
- Their cruises are special because of the breathtaking, ever-changing scenery, and protected gentle waters between safe and secure overnight ports
- All shore excursions are included and educational information is presented en route
- Wholesome, generous regional cuisine throughout your cruise
- All riverboat staterooms are outboard, completely above the water line and contain modern conveniences within each room
- Friendly and congenial crew
- Onboard entertainment nightly
The Waterways
St.Lawrence River
The St. Lawrence River in its most limited bounds, begins at the foot of Lake Ontario, opposite the city of Kingston and flows generally in a north-easterly direction about 775 miles, when its flood mingles with that of the gulf by the same name. Beyond the Gulf of St. Lawrence lies the vast Atlantic Ocean. The St. Lawrence River has its source in the largest body of fresh water on the globe, and among all of the big rivers of the world, it is the only one whose volume is not greatly affected by the elements. This river, which Sir J.M. LeMoine called “The noblest, the purest, most enchanting river on all God’s beautiful earth,” for miles upon miles acts as a natural boundary between the good friends of the United States and Canada.
The 1000 Islands
With each nautical mile, nature’s northern masterpiece unfolds. Within one 50-mile stretch on one of the world’s largest rivers you will find no less than 1,870 islands. In these “1000 Islands”, birthplace of the famous 1000 Islands Dressing, you will explore intricate river channels, sumptuous greenery, mysterious coves, nooks and crannies veiled in folklore. Here you will find opulent summer residences including famous mansions and castles. These islands have been the summer homes of many of the rich and famous: the Astors, the Pullmans, Helena Rubenstein, Irving Berlin, Mary Pickford, the McNallys and a host of others.
The Ottawa River
First explored by Samuel de Champlain in 1613, the Ottawa River is the largest tributary of the St. Lawrence River. The total length of the Ottawa River is approximately 790 statute miles with a total drop in level of no less than 1,100 feet. It drains an area of 57,000 square miles and has an average flow of about 70,000 cubic feet of water per second. This is said to be greater than that of all the rivers of England and Wales put together. This is significant, particularly when one considers that it is only a tributary of the mighty St. Lawrence.
The St. Lawrence Seaway
The St. Lawrence Seaway is one of the most ambitious engineering feats of the last century. The objectives: increase the size of the St. Lawrence River shipping channel and generate hydro-electric power for Ontario, Quebec and New York State. Entire villages were relocated to higher ground, utilizing the largest moving and construction equipment in the world. As the temporary “coffer dams” were blown on July 1st, 1958, people watched with mixed emotions. Slowly rising water covered familiar land forever. It was sad for some to know they could never go home again. Others were excited to think of the new conveniences and services, modern schools and new friends. A major highlight is the opportunity to pass through the locks between Kingston and Montreal, experiencing an overall change in water level of 246 feet.
