Canada Cruises
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Vast landscapes and coastal grandeur
A Canada cruise presents two entirely different experiences depending on which coast you choose to visit. Choose to explore the east coast on a classic Canada & New England itinerary during September or October and witness the region in its full autumnal splendour, with the forests lining the St Lawrence River in deep hues of gold, red and amber. These natural highlights perfectly complement cities like Quebec, with its UNESCO-listed old town perched above the river, and are ideal for an overnight stay or late-evening departure.
Less frequented, the Saguenay Fjord provides cruise guests with some truly dramatic scenery, and beluga whale sightings from the deck or veranda are genuinely common. Halifax, meanwhile, is a lively port full of character and provides a glimpse into life living and working on the East Coast.
On the west coast, Vancouver and its stunning waterfront is one of cruising’s most appealing embarkation cities, set between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific. A pre or post-cruise stay is highly recommended, not just to recalibrate after a long flight, but to take in sights like Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. From Vancouver, Alaska’s Inside Passage opens up a wilderness of tidewater glaciers, humpback whales and bald eagle-lined fjords that few other itineraries can match. Lines such as Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, and Oceania Cruises all operate in this region, often basing ships there during the summer and autumn seasons.
If you would like to learn more about Canada cruise holidays or discuss an upcoming itinerary, please call our Voyage Consultants on 0800 008 6677. Alternatively, simply submit an online enquiry for your preferred sailing.
Best time to go
May to October
Things to do
Wildlife, glaciers & fall foliage
Stand-out features
UNESCO Quebec City & the St Lawrence River
The best time to cruise Canada
The best time to cruise Canada depends on the coast. East coast Canada and New England cruises run from May to October, with September and October offering the spectacular autumn foliage that draws visitors from around the world. The peak foliage season typically falls in the first two weeks of October, when the forests of Quebec, Nova Scotia and New England blaze with red, orange and gold. West coast cruises to Alaska and British Columbia run from May to September, with June to August offering the warmest weather and longest daylight hours. Canadian winters are too cold for mainstream cruising on either coast, though some expedition voyages operate in Arctic waters during the brief summer window.
- Fall foliage (East Coast): September to October – the most popular period for New England and Canada cruises
- Alaska season (West Coast): May to September – glaciers, wildlife and midnight sun
- Summer (East Coast): June to August – warm weather and whale watching in the St Lawrence
- Shoulder months: May and late October – cooler but quieter and often good value
Canada cruise highlights
Explore UNESCO Quebec City
A walled French-Canadian city above the St Lawrence
Quebec City is one of the most captivating cities in North America and a highlight of any Canada and New England cruise. The UNESCO-listed old town, known as Vieux-Quebec, is the only walled city north of Mexico, and its cobblestone streets, stone buildings, sidewalk cafes and French-language signs create an atmosphere that feels distinctly European. The Chateau Frontenac, one of the most photographed hotels in the world, dominates the skyline above the St Lawrence River. The city’s restaurants serve outstanding French-Canadian cuisine, and the warmth of Quebecois culture is evident in every interaction.
Witness the fall foliage
Nature's most spectacular colour display
The autumn foliage along Canada’s eastern coastline and the St Lawrence River is one of the most visually stunning natural phenomena in the world. From late September through October, the forests transform into a tapestry of red, orange, gold and burgundy that extends as far as the eye can see. Cruising through this landscape, with the colours reflected in the still waters of the St Lawrence and the rivers of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, is an unforgettable experience. The peak foliage period typically falls in the first two weeks of October, and itineraries during this window book up well in advance.
Watch whales in the St Lawrence
One of the world's great whale watching destinations
The St Lawrence River and the Gulf of St Lawrence are among the best whale watching locations in the world. The nutrient-rich waters attract a remarkable diversity of cetaceans, including blue whales, the largest animals ever to have lived, along with humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales and beluga whales. The Saguenay-St Lawrence Marine Park, at the confluence of the Saguenay Fjord and the St Lawrence, is a prime viewing area. Many cruise ships sail through these waters, and dedicated whale watching excursions from ports like Tadoussac and Baie-Comeau offer close encounters with these magnificent creatures.
Discover Halifax and the Maritimes
A vibrant port city with deep maritime heritage
Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, is a lively, walkable port city with a strong maritime identity. The waterfront boardwalk stretches along the harbour, lined with restaurants, pubs, shops and the excellent Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. The Halifax Citadel, a star-shaped fortress overlooking the city, offers panoramic views and historical re-enactments. Excursions from Halifax reach the iconic Peggy’s Cove lighthouse, the Annapolis Valley wine region and the dramatic tidal bore of the Bay of Fundy, where the world’s highest tides create one of the most remarkable natural spectacles on the Atlantic coast.
Sail from Vancouver
A stunning embarkation port between mountains and ocean
Vancouver consistently ranks among the most beautiful cities in the world, and arriving or departing from its cruise terminal at Canada Place is a spectacular experience. The city is set on a peninsula between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, with Stanley Park, a 400-hectare urban forest, at its tip. Granville Island Public Market, the vibrant neighbourhoods of Gastown and Chinatown and the mountain gondola at Grouse Mountain are all within easy reach. Vancouver is the primary embarkation port for Alaska cruises, and many passengers extend their stay to explore this remarkable city before or after their voyage.
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