Canada/New England cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning strategies and things to do
Most Canada and New England cruises are designed to highlight the region’s two most celebrated assets: its stunning coastal scenery and the rich history that led to the formation of both Canada and the United States. A Canada and New England cruise appeals to a wide range of travelers with its stellar seafood, a mix of picturesque towns and sophisticated cities, and accessible wildlife viewing. Active families and couples can enjoy fun outdoor activities, and retirees can peep at autumn foliage.
Itineraries vary, but a Canada/New England cruise generally highlights a few of the region’s leading cities, which include Montreal, Quebec City and Halifax in Canada, and Boston and New York City in the U.S. They may also call at smaller ports such as Newport, Rhode Island; Bar Harbor, Maine; and Canada’s Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Longer sailings may be one-way itineraries between New York City and Montreal or Quebec City, and you may visit four U.S. states and five Canadian provinces. In port, you can enjoy activities that include everything from food tours and Gilded Age mansion visits to whale watching and sea kayaking.
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This Canada and New England cruise guide highlights the many options available — from seven-night round-trip sailings from New York or Boston on board family-friendly megaships to more ambitious small-luxury-ship voyages lasting two weeks or more.
Read on for basics on itineraries, cruise lines, ports, when to go and when to book your two-country North America journey.
Why cruise to Canada and New England?
Leaf peeping is a popular reason travelers choose a Canada and New England cruise vacation. You can view a changing landscape of fall foliage from the water instead of driving your own car along trafficky scenic drives.
The provinces of Atlantic Canada and New England’s coastal states offer an abundance of cultural and culinary traditions to experience. Savor the sweetness of maple candy and the gooey richness of poutine in Quebec. Listen to Acadian musicians fiddle during a kitchen party in Nova Scotia. Engage in all things “Anne of Green Gables” and 1864 (the year of the Charlottetown Conference) in Prince Edward Island. Follow the Freedom Trail and then warm up with a bowl of New England clam chowder in Boston.
Convenience can also be a factor since closer-to-home cruises don’t require long-distance international flights. A Canada and New England sailing round-trip from New York or Boston might not even require a flight if you live within driving distance. And while a one-way cruise between Boston or New York and Montreal or Quebec City requires additional planning in terms of flight logistics, the cost is likely to be a fraction of most transatlantic airfares.
It’s also very cool that French-speaking Quebec — and in particular, atmospheric Quebec City, founded in 1608 — will effortlessly transport you with historic architecture and distinctive cuisine that seems lifted from the birthplace of its European founders across the Atlantic. Better still, there’s absolutely no jet lag required to enjoy its old-world charm.
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When do cruises go to Canada and New England?
Cruise lines offer Canada and New England sailings from April to October, but you’ll find the greatest itinerary choice from August through the season’s end. The most popular sailings are the ones timed to coincide with prime fall foliage viewing in early- to mid-October.
Cruises are timed to coincide with the weeks when fall foliage turns the region’s oak, maple and birch forests into a vibrant realm of red, orange and gold. During these weeks, several dozen ships from most of the leading cruise lines will call on ports along the Eastern Seaboard, the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the St. Lawrence River.
Related: Best fall foliage cruises in New England, Canada and beyond
Late-spring and summer sailings round-trip from New York or Boston during May, June and July are also available from several cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean. These cruises are on larger ships and are designed to appeal to families and multigenerational groups looking for easy-access summer voyages.
Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
Best Canada and New England itineraries
Typically, two main types of Canada and New England cruises include round-trip seven- to 10-night sailings from New York or Boston (and even Baltimore during peak season in autumn) and one-way 10- to 16-night sailings departing from New York or Boston to Montreal or Quebec City. Which one you choose depends largely on your desired cruise length, budget and the number of ports you want to visit.
Here are some of the best Canada and New England cruise itineraries to consider.
Round-trip from New York
You’ll find plenty of Canada and New England cruises, both during the summer months and peak season in the fall, sailing round-trip from New York City or nearby Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, New Jersey. Options include seven-night cruises that call on U.S. ports such as Newport, Rhode Island, and Bar Harbor, Maine, as well as Saint John, New Brunswick, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, in Canada. Longer round-trip sailings lasting 10 nights or more add Boston or Canada’s Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Round-trip from Boston
This is becoming a popular route, especially in summer, when seven- to 10-night itineraries typically visit four or five ports, such as Halifax and Sydney in Nova Scotia, Charlottetown in Prince Edward Island, and Quebec City.
One-way between New York and Montreal or Quebec City
Most one-way itineraries that originate in New York and end in Montreal or Quebec City (or vice versa) are seven to 10 nights in length, although some luxury cruise lines offer more comprehensive 12- to 14-night sailings. A one-way itinerary generally includes two or three more port calls than a round-trip and includes visits to ports in Quebec along the St. Lawrence River.
Related: Best cruises to Canada and New England
One-way between Boston and Montreal or Quebec City
Several cruise lines offer one-way itineraries between Boston and either Quebec City or Montreal. Some, lasting seven nights, call on five ports along the way, while those 10 nights or longer add in two or more smaller ports, such as Saguenay, Quebec, or Corner Brook, Newfoundland.
Sailings from Baltimore
A few mainstream cruise lines offer 11-night, one-way cruises from Baltimore to Quebec City and nine-night, round-trip Baltimore cruises during the peak season in September and October.
Repositioning cruises
At the beginning and end of the Canada and New England cruise season, you’ll find more unusual itineraries as cruise lines reposition ships from Northern Europe to the Caribbean or vice versa. During the fall months, longer sailings might originate in Copenhagen; Southampton, England; or Reykjavik, and call on ports in Greenland, Canada and New England before ending in New York.
In spring, as the Caribbean’s peak season is ending, some cruises originate in Fort Lauderdale or Miami and visit ports such as Charleston, South Carolina, and King’s Wharf, Bermuda, before calling on New England and Canada cities in advance of beginning regular summer sailings from Montreal, Boston or New York City. In October, Montreal to Fort Lauderdale or Miami sailings are also available.
Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises
Best Canada and New England cruise lines
Most major cruise lines, from mainstream megaship lines to luxury small-ship operators, offer Canada and New England itineraries of varying lengths.
Travelers seeking affordable cruise fares can find sailings from either New York City or Boston offered by Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Princess and Holland America. Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and Carnival also offer cruises to Canada and New England from Baltimore.
Among premium cruise lines, Celebrity Cruises has round-trip sailings from Boston. Cunard Line offers cruises from New York, as well as longer voyages paired with a transatlantic crossing, and Oceania Cruises has sailings from New York and Boston and longer repositioning itineraries from Northern Europe and Miami.
Luxury cruise lines Crystal, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises and Viking, and newer cruise lines, such as Explora Journeys and Atlas Ocean Voyages, offer Canada and New England sailings of varying lengths.
Things to do in Canada and New England
During leaf-peeping season, nature is the star as fall foliage paints the New England and Atlantic Canada landscape with autumnal hues, especially around Bar Harbor, Maine (home to Acadia National Park), and along the St. Lawrence River in Quebec. In summer and fall, the region offers a terrific mix of nature-based activities and historic sites that appeal to a wide range of interests. There’s great local food to sample, too.
Nature lovers can enjoy sea kayaking, coastal walks or whale-watching excursions to spot humpback, finback and minke whales, especially during port calls in Portland, Maine, and Saint John, New Brunswick. The latter port is also home to the Bay of Fundy, which records the highest daily tides in the world and is home to dramatic sea caves and the Reversing Rapids caused by the extreme shifting of water, creating rapids and whirlpools.
History buffs can explore The Breakers and other Gilded Age mansions in Newport; spot landmarks along Boston’s Freedom Trail, including the Old North Church of Paul Revere fame; visit the 18th-century Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site in Nova Scotia; and stroll the 400-year-old walled old town of Quebec City. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, delights with both history and literary legacy. It’s the site of the 1864 conference that led to the founding of Canada and where you’ll find the home of “Anne of Green Gables” author Lucy Maud Montgomery.
Seafood fans will be in foodie heaven. This region is renowned for its lobster (enjoying a classic lobster roll or two is a must), oysters and traditional clam bakes. Try Quebec’s favorite fast food, poutine (French fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy), snack on Nova Scotia’s traditional fish cakes and take a foodie walking tour in Charlottetown, where craft beer, mussels and local potatoes are on the menu.
Related: Best Canada and New England cruise excursions
Best Canada and New England cruise ports
From postcard-perfect coastal villages to skyline-filled metropolises, New England and Atlantic Canada boast more than a dozen cruise ports, some globally recognized and others somewhat sleepy but loaded with charm. Most cruises to the region don’t call on all of them, so look for an itinerary that offers port calls best suited to your interests.
It’s worth noting that while major cities such as New York, Boston, Montreal, Quebec City and Halifax feature modern cruise terminals, some smaller ports — notably popular Newport and Bar Harbor — require ships to anchor offshore and transfer guests by tender. Others, such as Charlottetown, Sydney and Saguenay, may require a tender transfer if there are multiple ships in port.
The following ports are the most visited and offer a wide range of experiences to satisfy every interest.
Montreal
Often a starting or ending point for one-way Canada and New England sailings to or from New York and Boston, this dynamic and bilingual city offers a unique blend of modern sophistication (museums, shopping, dining) and a historic pedigree (it was founded in 1642).
Cruise ships dock along the St. Lawrence River close to cobblestoned Old Montreal, so strolling to top historic sites is easy. Don’t miss the early-19th-century Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal with its jewel-like interior and bustling Place Jacques-Cartier. Also, ride La Grande Roue de Montreal (Canada’s largest observation wheel), visit Time Out Market Montreal to sample local foods, or enjoy a stroll through the Montreal Botanical Garden.
Quebec City
Also on the St. Lawrence, the capital of the province of Quebec is undoubtedly one of the region’s most photogenic ports. It’s often where Canada and New England cruises either start or end, and ships dock at the base of Old Quebec, with Lower Town easily accessible on foot. Getting to Upper Town requires climbing quite a few steps or hopping a shuttle, but the effort is well worth it. Explore the charming maze of 400-year-old streets leading from historic Place Royale and stroll the promenade at the base of Fairmont Chateau Le Frontenac, the palatial hotel that dominates the skyline of Upper Town. You can also book an excursion to Montmorency Falls, about 20 minutes away, and enjoy a view from a daring suspension bridge.
Saguenay, Quebec
The big attraction at this more remote cruise port on the St. Lawrence River is a dramatic 60-mile-long fjord in Saguenay Fjord National Park. Day hikes, whale watching and sea kayaking are other popular activities. The cruise dock is in the town of La Baie, which accommodates just one ship. During peak season, your ship may anchor offshore, and you’ll take a tender boat in. Once in port, you can walk to some small shops lining Main Street.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Famous for its beaches, its potato crop and the fictional red-headed title character in the “Anne of the Green Gables” books, Prince Edward Island welcomes cruise passengers via its atmospheric capital, Charlottetown. It’s the spot where representatives of provincial governments conferenced in 1864, leading to the Canadian Confederation. This walkable city is like a living museum with Heritage Players, local guides in period dress who bring 1864 to life, and historic landmarks like St. Dunstan’s Basilica. Food tours are popular, but it’s also easy to wander on your own, visiting the bars and cafes along Victorian Alley and Queen and Prince streets. Don’t miss the ice cream and chocolate-covered potato chips at Cows.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
A highlight for many visitors to Halifax is an excursion to Peggy’s Cove, a picturesque coastal village dating to 1811, about an hour’s drive from downtown. Halifax is also home to some worthy sites like the Halifax Public Gardens, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (which houses some Titanic memorabilia). You can visit them all with a hop-on/hop-off bus tour. The Halifax cruise port is downtown, and some sites are easily reached by foot.
Sydney, Nova Scotia
The world’s largest fiddle welcomes cruise passengers to the port in Sydney, the gateway to Nova Scotia’s scenic Cape Breton Island. Travelers interested in creativity and arts will enjoy the Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design in Sydney and watching buskers perform along the waterfront. Additionally, beer fans will love the robust local craft brewery scene, and history buffs can book a tour of the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site or the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site and Museum.
Saint John, New Brunswick
The Bay of Fundy, with the world’s highest tides, is the star in this port city. Some excursions (like to the famous red-hued Hopewell Rocks) must be timed to the tide, and the Reversing Rapids create dramatic whirlpools and waves twice daily during high tide as the bay’s waters collide with the Saint John River. Coastal New Brunswick is a haven for nature lovers, and whale-watching excursions by boat are popular. Those who prefer to sightsee from land can enjoy coastal drives, including Saint Martins, which is home to photogenic sea caves exposed at low tide.
Bar Harbor, Maine
One of Maine’s legendary coastal towns, Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park, where visitors can visit rocky coves and enjoy panoramic views from atop Cadillac Mountain. Its bustling downtown teems with shops, galleries and restaurants serving Maine’s signature snack: the lobster roll. Whale watching and sea kayaking are other popular activities. Like several other smaller ports on Canada and New England itineraries, Bar Harbor requires that cruise passengers be ferried ashore in tender boats.
Portland, Maine
The state’s largest city welcomes passengers via the downtown Portland Cruise Terminal and several adjacent piers. Portland is a mecca for foodies and anyone who loves craft beer — several local breweries are within walking distance from the port — as well as anyone who loves iconic coastal lighthouses (photogenic Portland Head Light is just a short drive away) or wants to enjoy whale watching.
Boston
If Boston is your itinerary’s port of embarkation or disembarkation, consider adding a pre- or post-cruise stay to fully enjoy the sights. If the city is a port call on your sailing, you can usually hop a shuttle from the cruise port, which is about a 30-minute walk from downtown past the South Boston waterfront, to a central drop-off point and explore central Boston on foot. History is around practically every corner, and top sights include Boston Common, the North End with its Italian restaurants and Paul Revere landmarks, Beacon Hill, the shops in Back Bay, and, of course, legendary Fenway Park (home of the Boston Red Sox).
Newport, Rhode Island
It’s hard not to fall for Newport. This coastal charmer is home to historic Thames Street, lined with shops and restaurants. It’s perhaps best known for Ocean Drive’s extravagant mansions built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by industrial titans with names like Vanderbilt, Astor and Morgan. The port is easily explored. Active travelers can enjoy a seaside stroll along Newport’s Cliff Walk, which passes behind several of the mansions, or book guided tours of the interiors. However, there is no cruise terminal and guests must be tendered ashore to a dock near Perrotti Park, a short walk from downtown.
When to book a Canada and New England cruise
Canada and New England itineraries generally open for booking at least 18 months ahead of departure, offering plenty of time to pick the date that works best for you. However, sailings during peak fall foliage weeks (late September to mid-October) usually fill up quickest. It’s best to book early or comparison shop during “wave season” (January to March) when cruise lines run promotions to fill empty cabins for sailings later in the year. You can often book late-spring and summer cruises closer to the sail date, even two to three months out.
Related: The best time for a Canada and New England cruise
What to bring on a Canada and New England cruise
This isn’t the Mediterranean. The weather in Canada and New England can change often — sunny and warm one moment and windy and cold the next, even in summer when temperatures can drop precipitously at sundown. Check the weather forecast before your cruise and pack accordingly for the temperature range that’s expected, which could be 60 to 80 degrees by day and 40 to 50 degrees at night. If cruising during peak season in autumn, prepare for generally chilly temperatures by packing layers, scarves, and even hats and gloves. Rain gear is also advisable.
Canada and New England cruises can also be active, so pack comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, quick-dry activewear and windproof outwear if you plan to whale watch, sea kayak, visit waterfalls or enjoy scenic hikes. Pack sturdy footwear, as you’ll likely log a few miles on foot in major cities such as Boston, Montreal, Quebec City and New York, where uneven cobblestone surfaces are common.
Evening dress codes vary by cruise line, with the luxury lines more apt to have a formal evening on board during a sailing. In general, “casual elegant” attire — no shorts, torn jeans, flip-flops or T-shirts — is the standard evening dress code. A shawl or pashmina is a great accessory for women since it can do double duty when temperatures are cooler in the morning or if the ship’s restaurants and lounges are excessively air-conditioned at night.
Related: Canada and New England cruise packing list: What to pack for every season
Bottom line
A Canada and New England cruise is a wonderful option for travelers who prefer to avoid long-haul flights but still crave the historic ambience of Europe — Quebec City and Montreal deliver it quite nicely, merci beaucoup.
The region also surrounds cruise passengers with spectacular scenery, has an abundance of historic sites and offers easy access to some amazing culinary experiences. The Canada and New England cruise season may be short, but the region is long on memorable experiences, offering an immersive mix of culture and nature that’s quite unique in cruising.
Better still, there’s a ship to match every travel style and budget, from a family-friendly megaship to an adult-centric luxury vessel.
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