Unique things to do along the St. Lawrence River

The spine of Eastern Canada and its defining geographical feature, the St. Lawrence River, lie at the heart of both the nation and its history. A key thoroughfare for First Nations people, a touchpoint for French explorers, and now a vital bridge between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic, it is a body of water that can feel like the gushing veins of Canada itself.  

With over half of the national population living within the broader water system, it is also home to charming locales, breathtaking national parks, and unexpected treasures that paint a full picture of life in the east.  

Pack your bags and discover the heartland for yourself with these unexpected eye-catching destinations for your next road trip.  

Walk through a rainbow tunnel in Brockville

Close to where the Saint Lawrence flows from Lake Ontario, Brockville straddles the shore. A historic town tracing its lineage to American loyalists fleeing the Revolutionary War, it went on to become a hub in Canada’s 19th-century railway boom before settling into the riverside locale it is today.  

Built in the 1850s, the Brockville Railway Tunnel was the first of its kind in Canada and now stands as a proud emblem of the region's history. Visitors can walk the length of the underground corridor, where they can enjoy light shows and learn about the town.  

While in the area, it’s worth stopping at Fulford Place, a grand estate from the same era. 

Boat tour to Boldt Castle

Not far from Brockville, on the American side of the Thousand Islands, travellers with a taste for the romantic shouldn’t miss a boat cruise to Boldt Castle, built on top of a uniquely heart-shaped island.  

The castle, built by hotel magnate George C. Boldt, was designed to evoke European chateaus and impress his beloved wife, Louise. Tragically, Louise died before construction finished, and the castle lay vacant for decades before being re-vitalized as a tourist destination. The modern structure offers a window into both the tragic love story and lavish lifestyle of the original owners.  

Shakespeare by the river in Prescott  

Downriver, in the town of Prescott, timeless tragedies of a different kind unfold. Every summer, the town is visited by vengeful princes, fae courts and conspiring kings at the acclaimed St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival.  

Drawing audiences for decades, the long‑running festival is known for its professional productions, experienced performers and riverside setting that brings Shakespeare’s works to life year after year. 

Cruise through the Old Port of Montreal 

The jewel of the Saint Lawrence Seaway, Montreal’s culture and history, are defined by the city’s connection to the river. A walk through the metropole’s most historic district can feel like stepping back to a time when trade through the port formed the backbone of Canadian society. Winding cobblestone streets, chic storefronts, and a rich concentration of galleries and museums give this North American neighbourhood an unmistakably European feel.  

Set along the waterfront, one of the best ways to experience the old town is from the river itself. As the city comes alive in the evening light, a cruise offers a front‑row view of its historic streets and skyline.  

Travel tip: When Members book an Oceania Cruises, they get shipboard credit for added value onboard and other CAA Member Benefits. 

Spend a night in Quebec City’s Hôtel de Glace 

Down at the roaring mouth of the Saint Lawrence River, Quebec City rises from the rapids as the heart of Canada’s francophone world. With a historic core that rivals the quaintest European cities and a thriving tourist scene that is sure to dazzle, it is a vibrant destination in both sun and snow. 

Just beyond the city limits, visitors with a taste for the unexpected will love the Hôtel de Glace, a lodging built entirely of ice and snow. Imaginative and otherworldly, yet distinctly Canadian, it captures a fairy-tale ambience and deep reverence for Québécois life all at once.                                                                                      

See Canada’s tallest lighthouse and the Onondaga Submarine  

Once the salt begins to spray, Quebec’s rich maritime tradition comes alive at the Point-au-Père Maritime Historic Site - home to Canada’s tallest lighthouse. The structure, guarding over one of the country’s most important shipping corridors, can be ascended for picturesque views of the Lower Saint-Laurent region.  

Down at the water’s edge is Onondaga, a Cold War-era submarine that offers an immersive glimpse into subnautical life, making the stop a stunning blend of natural beauty and thought-provoking insight into Canada’s Atlantic heritage. 

Spot seals and whales 

Past the widening of the river, travellers will find the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park is one of the best places in the world to spot a whale. From belugas to blues and plenty in between, it provides near-unparalleled access to the ocean’s most majestic beasts.  

Further west, at Parc National du Bic, visitors can kayak through a labyrinth of rugged coves, where curious seals swim and play alongside them. Together, the two parks reveal a wilder side of the Saint Lawrence, where animal life meets the most stunning landscapes. 

Save on your next road trip 

From historic towns to hidden castles and icy escapes, the Saint Lawrence River offers new surprises at every bend in the river. However you explore it, CAA Members can enjoy savings at Shell along the route.