DESTINATION

Canada / New England

From nature’s most extraordinary autumn colour show sweeping across New England’s hills to the centuries-old cobblestone streets of Québec City and the rugged, windswept shores of the Canadian Maritimes, a Canada & New England cruise is unlike anything else on the water.

Embark on a Canada & New England Voyage

Few cruise destinations engage every sense the way Canada & New England does. Picture yourself gliding past coastlines ablaze with crimson and amber, stepping ashore to taste buttery Maine lobster rolls still warm from the dock, and wandering through 400-year-old fortified cities where French and English history collide. Whether you sail in the warmth of summer or during the legendary foliage season from September into October, this corner of the continent rewards with dramatic scenery, rich culinary traditions, and an authenticity that keeps seasoned cruisers coming back year after year.

A picturesque historic street in Skagway, Alaska, featuring preserved gold rush-era buildings with snow-capped mountain peaks in the background. A small stream runs through the foreground, lined with purple lupine flowers.
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A picturesque harbor view of Ketchikan, Alaska, featuring colorful waterfront buildings, fishing boats, and mountains at golden hour, showcasing the town's maritime character.
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A large MSC cruise ship docked at the pristine Ocean Cay marine reserve in the Bahamas, with a white lighthouse and turquoise waters surrounding a white sandy beach.
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View from inside a helicopter cockpit with two pilots flying over a snowy mountainous landscape with rocky peaks visible through the windshield.
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Breathtaking Autumn Colour

Watch entire hillsides transform into a tapestry of crimson, amber, and gold as you sail along the northeastern coastline during peak foliage season.

Legendary Regional Cuisine

Indulge in fresh-off-the-boat Maine lobster, hand-shucked Nova Scotia scallops, creamy New England clam chowder, and Montréal’s famous poutine and bagels.

Centuries of Living History

Trace the American Revolution on Boston’s Freedom Trail, explore Québec City’s 400-year-old ramparts, and uncover centuries of maritime heritage in Halifax.

Discover Three Distinct Cruising Regions

Canada & New England cruises span three uniquely rewarding regions, each delivering its own character and charm. Our expert advisors have sailed these routes personally and love helping you choose the itinerary that fits your travel style.

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New England Coast

Key Ports: Boston, Bar Harbor (Maine), Portland (Maine), Newport (Rhode Island), Martha’s Vineyard, Provincetown

Known For: Legendary fall foliage, fresh lobster, iconic lighthouses, colonial history, quaint seaside villages

Ideal For: First-time Canada/New England cruisers, history lovers, and foliage enthusiasts

Duration: 5–7 nights

A picturesque view of a colorful Alaskan fishing harbor with vibrant boats docked along wooden piers, backed by snow-capped mountains and a distant glacier at sunset.
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Canadian Maritimes

Key Ports: Halifax, Saint John (New Brunswick), Sydney (Nova Scotia), Charlottetown (PEI), Corner Brook (Newfoundland)

Known For: Dramatic coastal scenery, Bay of Fundy tides, Celtic heritage, whale watching, warm Maritime hospitality

Ideal For: Nature lovers and travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path discoveries

Duration: 7–10 nights

An intimate dining scene featuring a person in a red top holding a glass of red wine, with a blurred table setting and wine bottle in soft, warm lighting.
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St. Lawrence Seaway & Québec

Key Ports: Québec City, Montréal, Saguenay, Trois-Rivières, Gaspé

Known For: French-Canadian culture, UNESCO World Heritage sites, whale watching in the St. Lawrence, stunning river scenery

Ideal For: Culture enthusiasts, foodies, and experienced cruisers seeking a unique inland voyage

Duration: 7–14 nights

Side-by-Side Region Comparison

Feature New England Coast Canadian Maritimes St. Lawrence Seaway & Québec
Typical Duration 5–7 nights 7–10 nights 7–14 nights
Main Departure Ports Boston, New York, Cape Liberty (NJ) Boston, New York, Québec City Montréal, Québec City, New York
Best For First-time cruisers, foliage seekers, history buffs Nature lovers, whale watchers, off-the-beaten-path explorers Culture enthusiasts, foodies, experienced cruisers
Highlights Fall foliage, lobster bakes, lighthouses, Freedom Trail Bay of Fundy, whale watching, Celtic heritage, Peggy’s Cove French-Canadian culture, UNESCO sites, Saguenay Fjord, river cruising
A large group of emperor penguins gathered on a snowy landscape with a massive white ice shelf in the background under a cloudy gray sky. The penguins are densely clustered across the frozen terrain, showcasing the harsh Antarctic environment.
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Let our expert advisors chart the perfect course for your Canada & New England voyage.

The range of ports waiting for you on a Canada & New England sailing is genuinely remarkable. Along the New England shore, you can step off in Boston for a Freedom Trail walk, crack into the freshest lobster imaginable on the docks of Bar Harbor, or wander Portland’s thriving arts-and-foodie district. Sail northward into the Canadian Maritimes and Halifax’s lively waterfront unfolds before you, followed by the record-setting tides of the Bay of Fundy at Saint John and the unmistakable Celtic spirit of Cape Breton Island. Continue up the St. Lawrence and Québec City’s old-world elegance steals the spotlight, while Montréal’s legendary dining scene and the awe-inspiring Saguenay Fjord round out an unforgettable itinerary. Some voyages even venture as far as the remote beauty of Newfoundland. If sorting through all these incredible options feels like a lot, that’s exactly what our team of 23+ expert advisors is here for—we’ve sailed these routes and can match you with the right itinerary, cabin, and rate. Talk to a cruise expert today!

Extend Your Journey Beyond the Northeast

Plenty of Canada & New England itineraries connect naturally to neighbouring destinations, giving you even more ways to make this voyage unforgettable.

  • Greenland – Arctic landscapes and Viking history on extended northern itineraries
  • Iceland – Geothermal wonders on transatlantic repositioning sailings
  • Bermuda – Pink sand beaches as a pre- or post-cruise add-on
  • Great Lakes – Freshwater cruising through historic American waterways
A breathtaking coastal scene featuring a small boat, seals on rocky shores, and bald eagles soaring against a vibrant sunset in a lush Alaskan landscape with snow-capped mountains.
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Find your specialty cruise today!

We’ll help find the perfect specialty cruise—whether you’re crossing oceans, transiting canals, or exploring the ends of the Earth.

When to Sail Canada & New England

Unlike year-round tropical destinations, Canada & New England is a seasonal gem with sailings running from late spring into late autumn. Each window delivers a completely different experience.

Peak Foliage Season (Mid-September – Mid-October): This is the headline act. The coastline transforms into an unbroken canvas of red, orange, and gold that you have to see to believe. These are the first sailings to sell out, so we recommend reaching out to our team 9–12 months ahead to lock in your preferred cabin and rate.

Summer Season (June – August): Long daylight hours, comfortable temperatures, and prime conditions for hiking in Acadia National Park, whale watching, and exploring coastal towns at their liveliest. A fantastic choice for families travelling during school holidays.

Shoulder Season (May – Early June, Late October – November): Fewer crowds, excellent pricing, and its own quiet beauty—spring wildflowers give way to dramatic late-autumn skies and cosy harbour towns wrapped in early winter charm.

Repositioning sailings in spring and fall frequently deliver exceptional value as ships shift between their summer and winter home ports. These hidden gems are one of our team’s favourite recommendations—ask us about them!

A sleek and modern retail space within a cruise ship, featuring merchandise displays with blue and white branding, branded clothing, and souvenirs in glass cabinets with mood lighting.
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Why Book with Cruise Help

Expert Advisors

Specialty cruise specialists who understand the unique requirements of expedition and world voyages.

Exclusive Perks

Access to special deals, onboard credits, and amenities not available when booking direct.

Personalised Planning

Custom recommendations for ships, itineraries, and cabin selection on complex voyages.

Full Support

Assistance from booking through disembarkation and beyond—we’re with you every step.

Canada & New England Cruise FAQs

The most coveted sailing window is mid-September through mid-October, when the fall foliage reaches its peak brilliance. Summer months (June through August) bring warm days and long sunshine, making them perfect for outdoor adventures and family travel. For travellers looking for great value, the shoulder periods of May, early June, and late October offer reduced fares and thinner crowds. Because foliage-season cabins sell out quickly, our advisors recommend securing your spot 9–12 months in advance so we can lock in the best group rate and cabin placement for you.

We typically point first-timers toward a classic New England coastal route departing from Boston or New York. These 5- to 7-night sailings call on marquee ports like Bar Harbor, Halifax, and Québec City, blending spectacular scenery, phenomenal seafood, and rich history into one well-paced voyage. If your sailing is a closed-loop departure from a U.S. port, you may not technically need a passport—but we always recommend having one for peace of mind.

New England coastal itineraries focus on charming American ports—Boston, Bar Harbor, Portland—celebrated for their lighthouses, lobster shacks, and revolutionary heritage. Canadian Maritimes routes head further north to Halifax, Saint John, and Cape Breton, where dramatic coastlines, world-class whale watching, and Celtic traditions take centre stage. St. Lawrence Seaway cruises navigate deep into Québec, visiting the fortified capital, Montréal’s culinary heart, and the jaw-dropping Saguenay Fjord. Our advisors can walk you through the differences and help you pick the region—or combination of regions—that matches your interests.

It depends on how much of the region you want to explore. A focused New England coastal sailing runs about 5 to 7 nights. Add the Canadian Maritimes and you’re looking at 7 to 10 nights. Extended St. Lawrence Seaway voyages or itineraries that combine multiple regions can stretch to 10–14 nights. Let your Cruise Help advisor know what excites you most and we’ll recommend the length that gives you the right balance of ports, sea days, and value.

Yes—a valid passport is required for virtually every Canada & New England itinerary because Canadian ports are part of nearly all of them. Even on closed-loop sailings that leave and return to the same U.S. port, we strongly encourage carrying a passport. It provides flexibility if you ever need to fly home from a foreign port in an emergency and speeds up the embarkation process. One-way voyages (for example, New York to Québec City) absolutely require a passport.

Think layers. Mornings can be crisp—especially during foliage season—while afternoons often warm up nicely. Pack a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and national park trails, binoculars for whale watching, and a cosy sweater for evenings on deck. If your ship has formal nights, bring appropriate attire as well. Our advisors are happy to send you a personalised packing checklist based on your exact sailing dates and itinerary.

You’ll find an impressive range of options. Holland America, Celebrity, Norwegian, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Cunard all operate popular itineraries. On the luxury side, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Oceania, and Seabourn deliver premium experiences. Smaller expedition-style vessels from Viking and Windstar are wonderful for travellers who prefer a more intimate atmosphere. With 23+ expert advisors on our team—and no fees, ever—we’ll narrow the field to the cruise line that best suits your style, cabin preferences, and budget.

It can be an incredible family cruise, particularly in summer. Kids love whale-watching excursions, hands-on maritime museums, and hiking through Acadia National Park. Ports like Bar Harbor and Halifax offer plenty of interactive experiences for younger travellers, and many cruise lines run dedicated youth programmes and family-friendly shore tours throughout these itineraries. Our advisors have helped many multi-generational groups plan the perfect Canada & New England family voyage.

There’s no shortage of memorable experiences ashore. Highlights include hiking the carriage roads in Acadia National Park from Bar Harbor, tracing Boston’s Freedom Trail, touring Halifax’s historic Citadel, strolling the cobblestone lanes and Château Frontenac of Old Québec, whale watching off the coasts of Nova Scotia and Maine, photographing the iconic Peggy’s Cove lighthouse, and tasting your way through Montréal’s world-renowned food scene. Many ports also offer scenic foliage drives during autumn that are absolutely worth the splurge.

Absolutely—and it’s one of our favourite recommendations. Repositioning cruises in spring and fall often link Canada & New England with the Caribbean, Bermuda, or even transatlantic crossings to Europe. Several cruise lines also offer back-to-back sailings so you can experience both the New England coast and the deeper Canadian Maritimes or St. Lawrence in one extended holiday. Reach out to your Cruise Help advisor and we’ll map out a combined itinerary that maximises your time at sea—with no booking fees and weekly price monitoring to make sure you always have the best rate.