French elegance in Quebec City

You'll explore much of the Great White North during your Canada and New England cruise, but when you get to Quebec, you'll be forgiven if you think you're in France for a second. While all of Canada bears some French influence, nothing compares to Quebec City, which is really like a slice of Paris on the other side of the Atlantic.

Be sure to bring your camera, as Quebec is simply one of the most beautiful cities to walk around in. In fact, the entire Old Town district has been recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old buildings and cobblestone streets are postcard-perfect in all kinds of weather - they look just as pretty in the summer as they do dressed in white at wintertime. If you've ever been to France, you'll likely get a very strong sense of deja vu - in a good way.

Quebec City is the perfect destination if all of you is want to do is shop and eat. According to Frommer's, "cafe culture reigns supreme in Quebec City." Sit down for a cup and take in the beauty of Place Royale, or enjoy the recently revitalized St-Roch district.

Of course, there's much more to Quebec City than simply perusing shops and sipping on coffee. Head to the Chateau Frontenac for a tour of one of the most historic buildings in Canada, a former fortress that has since been converted into a hotel. At Parc des Champs de Batalle, you can learn all about the 1759 battle that turned the sprawling green field into a national landmark.

Adventuring outside of the city is just as rewarding. Don't miss Montmorency Falls, a stunning collection of waterfalls that are actually taller than another famous Canadian destination, Niagara. While they are far narrower and thus not as impressive in scope, they're still well worth a visit.