America's Northeast coast is full of history and natural beauty: cozy bays and fishing villages, rugged coast, and remote islands are explored the best by sea. Canada & New England cruises are some of the most popular in North America. Discover the iconic landmarks, such as the majestic Château Frontenac, the Peggy's Cove lighthouse in Halifax, or the Gilded Age mansions in Newport. Take a voyage down the enchanting St. Lawrence River, the scenic Saguenay Fjord, and cruise past the Fundy National Park and the Acadia National Park.
When is the best time for Canada & New England cruises
The high season of cruising in the Northeast runs from May to October. The best time for a cruise is in the fall, thanks to the magnificent fall foliage that the region is so famous for. Crimson, gold, and amber tones make any landscape simply breathtaking. Fall colors usually peak between mid-September and mid-October.
Summer months are also quite popular thanks to mellow dry weather and comfortable temperatures. It's a good time for hiking, kayaking, and whale-watching. Migratory whales are abundant in the Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of Maine, from Nova Scotia to Cape Cod. Their largest numbers can be seen between July and September. Summer is also a good time to spot seals off the coast of Prince Edward Island.
Cruise routes
Canada & New England cruises usually take off from the U.S. ports of Boston and New York City or Canada's Montreal and Quebec City. Some cruises also start in Baltimore, Maryland, or Cape Liberty, New Jersey. The Canadian part of the cruise includes landmark tours in Montreal and Old Quebec, excursions to small ports and villages and larger cities, such as Halifax and Saint John, as well as the passage through the Saint Lawrence Seaway and the Bay of Fundy.
The New England part of the cruise includes the scenic Bar Harbor, the views of the Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park, the historical Boston tour with its Freedom Trail, and the tour of Newport, Rhode Island.
Cruise itineraries vary from 7 to 24 days. Longer cruises might include excursions to Greenland, Newfoundland, and Sable Island. It's also possible to find routes going further east, to the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Scotland. Prices for a classic week-long Canada & New England cruise start from $300.
Practical info
What are some popular departure ports for a Canada & New England cruise?
Departing from Boston or New York City, or Montreal and Quebec City, are popular choices for a Canada & New England cruise. There are also departure ports from Baltimore, Maryland, or Cape Liberty, New Jersey. These cruises take passengers to scenic destinations like Montreal and Old Quebec, small ports, and villages, and larger cities such as Halifax and Saint John. Passengers also explore Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Boston, and Newport, Rhode Island. Show more
When is the best time to witness fall foliage while on a Canada & New England cruise?
While the cruising season is from May to October, fall is the optimal time to witness the fall foliage during a Canada & New England cruise. North America's Northeast coast is known for its breathtaking fall foliage. The season usually peaks between mid-September and mid-October when the landscapes explode with crimson, gold, and amber tones. Despite the excellent cruising conditions in summer, autumn is undeniably the best time to witness this spectacle. Show more
Which national parks are part of a typical Canada & New England itinerary?
Acadia National Park and Fundy National Park are typically part of a Canada & New England itinerary. Acadia National Park features 47,000 acres of rugged coastline and forest terrain to explore, with the high-point being Cadillac Mountain. Fundy National Park, located on the Bay of Fundy, is famous for the highest tides globally, and a wealth of trails perfect for hiking enthusiasts. If you choose to extend your trip, Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland could also feature on your itinerary. Show more
What are some highlights of the Canadian component of a Canada & New England cruise?
The Canadian portion of a Canada & New England cruise encompasses touring Montreal and Quebec City, as well as visiting landmarks such as Château Frontenac. This itinerary also includes visits to small ports, quaint villages, and larger cities such as Halifax and Saint John. In addition, the ship passes through the Saint Lawrence Seaway towards the Bay of Fundy, whose claim to fame is the highest tides globally. Lastly, the unique Canadian landscape and culture make this cruise an unforgettable experience. Show more
Are there longer Canada & New England itineraries available?
Longer Canada & New England itineraries exist, featuring destinations past the Northeast coast, such as Greenland, Newfoundland, and Sable Island. If you choose extended itineraries, you may enjoy visiting the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Scotland. These itineraries last more than one or two weeks and come at a higher cost. However, passengers may participate in additional exciting activities, including hiking a glacier, swimming in a hot spring, or visiting a Viking settlement. Show more
