10-Day ~ Canada - New France & Montreal (May 2027)

10-Day Canada - New France & Montreal Knitting Cruise with Tonia Lyons
May 29 - June 8, 2027

We invite you to pack up your needles and join Master Hand Knitter and TKGA-Certified Knitting Instructor Tonia Lyons on a remarkable journey through her home region-Canada's New France-aboard Holland America's Volendam. This 10-day roundtrip voyage from Montréal takes you through the scenic St. Lawrence River to Québec City's European charm, the dramatic Saguenay Fjord, Prince Edward Island's pastoral beauty, and the rugged shores of Newfoundland. Experience magnificent French culture without ever leaving North America, guided by an instructor who calls this beautiful region home.

Tonia Lyons is passionate about helping knitters become confident and adventurous. Her teaching philosophy focuses on helping you truly understand your knitting so you can tackle new projects and techniques with confidence. Whether you're working on sweater fitting, mastering chart reading, learning to fix mistakes without fear, or exploring the magic of variegated yarns, Tonia's blend of lecture-style teaching, slideshow presentations, and hands-on demonstrations ensures plenty of individual attention for every student.

Discover local yarn shops featuring Canadian wool, Québécois knitting traditions, and maritime fiber arts. From the cobblestone streets of Old Québec to the colorful fishing villages of Newfoundland, each port offers unique opportunities for knitters and fiber enthusiasts. Onboard, participants will enjoy knitting classes, social gatherings, and being pampered by Holland America's attentive staff. In port, shop for souvenir yarn and take excursions highlighting textile arts, culture, and history.

Tonia's designs and articles have been published in Interweave Knits, Cast On, and Knit Now magazines, and she's designed for yarn companies including Knit Picks, Biscotte Yarns, and Brown Sheep Company. You may also know her from her popular YouTube channel, Nerdy Knitting, where she shares tips and techniques to help knitters find their confidence.

This cruise is perfect for knitters of all skill levels who want to learn new techniques, connect with fellow fiber enthusiasts, and explore Canada's rich French heritage while traveling in style and comfort.

10-Day Canada - New France & Montreal Knitting Cruise Highlights

• Depart from Montréal, Canada's cultural capital, known for its European flair, vibrant fiber arts scene, and excellent dining. Consider arriving early to explore Old Montréal's cobblestone streets, Notre-Dame Basilica, and local yarn shops.


• Visit Biscotte Yarns in Montreal's vibrant Mile End district, a colorful boutique known for its beautiful hand-dyed yarns and creative knitting designs. Browse unique fibers, patterns, and tools while discovering one of Quebec's most beloved destinations for knitters and fiber enthusiasts.


• During the cruise, several of the knitting projects will feature stunning hand-dyed yarns from the beloved Biscotte Yarns!


• Experience scenic cruising along the majestic St. Lawrence River, one of North America's most beautiful waterways, as you sail between ports.


• Explore Québec City, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only walled city in North America north of Mexico. Walk the historic Plains of Abraham, visit the iconic Château Frontenac, and browse the charming shops of Petit Champlain-the oldest commercial district in North America.


• In Quebec City, visit Biscotte's flagship store-the largest Biscotte location-known for its vibrant hand-dyed yarns crafted on natural fibers.


• Sail the breathtaking Saguenay Fjord, where dramatic cliffs rise over 1,000 feet from the dark waters below. This spectacular natural wonder offers stunning scenery and opportunities for whale watching.


• Visit the family-run Alpaca Bersi Farm to learn about alpaca habits and the process of turning their rare, luxurious fiber into beautifully crafted garments. Meet the owners, see their herd of over 25 alpacas, and discover why alpaca wool-often called the "Gold of the Andes"-is prized for its softness, warmth, and quality.


• Meet the herd at Le Chevrier du Nord, a family-run farm where angora goats are raised to produce luxurious mohair that is transformed into beautifully crafted yarn and clothing using traditional techniques.


• Visit Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, birthplace of Canadian Confederation and the setting for Anne of Green Gables. Explore rolling farmland, red sand beaches, and sample world-famous PEI mussels and lobster.


• Discover St. Pierre, a tiny French territory off the coast of Newfoundland-a piece of France in North America with authentic French culture, cuisine, and duty-free shopping.


• Explore St. John's, Newfoundland, North America's oldest and easternmost city. Discover Signal Hill, the colorful row houses of Jellybean Row, and the warmth of Newfoundland hospitality. Don't miss local wool and traditional knitting patterns unique to the region.


• Learn from Tonia Lyons, a Quebec-based Master Hand Knitter whose classes focus on building knitting confidence through understanding ease, reading charts, fixing mistakes, and creating beautiful garments that actually fit.


• Enjoy Holland America's acclaimed Destination Dining featuring regional specialties including Maine lobster, PEI mussels, poutine, and local cheeses paired with Québec wines.