Canada & New England Cruises: Experience the Charm of the Coastal Northeast

If you’re looking for a cruise vacation that’s a bit off the beaten path, consider a seasonal cruise to northeastern Canada and New England. While summers can be humid, they offer ideal weather for recreation. In the fall, when foliage is at its peak, the scenery is mystical.

Cruise lines commonly offer a week-long or 14-day cruise between Canada and the U.S., starting either in Boston, Massachusetts or in Montreal, Quebec. Treat someone you love to a cruise this year, or take yourself out on a new adventure.

Canada Cruise Highlights

Canada-New England cruises typically offer stops in Quebec City, Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island), Sydney and Halifax (Nova Scotia). And if you plan your trip with an extra free day at the start, you can also explore the gems of Montreal. Tiny Quebec offers old-world Francophone charm and high-end hot spots, like the Hotel Frontenac, home to a luxurious spa. Cruise the St. Lawrence and experience the tiny coastal islands and wildlife as you approach the St. Lawrence Gulf.

Photo of Cavendish Beach off of St. Lawrence Gulf by cphoffman42 via Flickr

The capital of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, is a hub for food and art lovers alike, and offers plenty of leisure activities. Walk the island-wide Arts and Heritage Trail or spend time at Peake’s Wharf, a dockside haven of shops and dining. Golfers can explore the island’s four courses and clubs, and boaters can rent a sailboat and see the island by shore. If the idea of exploring the shores in a power boat appeals to you, consider taking the Canadian boater exam before your trip. A Pleasure Craft Operator Card is required in Canada for anyone operating a recreational powered watercraft so by being pre-certified, you will have flexibility to select a boat that’s suitable for a day excursion.

Photo of Charlottetown by GNU via Wikimedia Commons

Sydney and Halifax provide a glimpse into the history of Eastern Canada, as well as the chance to sample fresh seafood from local fishermen. You can even find a chartered fishing expedition if you’re interested in doing some deep sea fishing of your own. Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, offers wine tasting, brewery tours, historic museums and attractions, and the opportunity to whale watch. Artisan boutiques and fine dining restaurants complement the city’s charm.

New England Cruise Highlights

Typically, cruises stop in Bar Harbor, Maine and Boston, Massachusetts. The latter is home to Acadia National Park, which offers 35,000 acres of rivers, streams, mountains, cliffs, bluffs and ocean coastline. Keep your eyes peeled for shore birds, moose, deer and other wildlife. Rent bicycles, kayaks or sailboats in the park, or head off on foot to trek the coastal trails. Should you need a break from nature, head into the quaint town of Bar Harbor, which offers restaurants and shops.

Photo by Princess in the Rain via Flickr

In Boston, highlights include Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, the Freedom Trail and world-class educational institutions. Smaller gems include the Isabella Gardner Stewart Museum, the site of to the largest unsolved art heist, the high-end boutiques along Newbury Street and the historical monuments.