CANADA/NEW ENGLAND CRUISES

It’s common for New Englanders to feel that Canada/New England cruises are for people from other parts of the country because “we can drive there.” Well, nothing could be further from the truth, as many of the more popular ports are 700 - 800 miles north, and that’s a haul! It’s a beautiful itinerary, and all the stops along the way have something special to offer.

Old Port, next to Casco Bay in Portland, ME, has a European feel, with lots of neat shops and great seafood restaurants. For the adventure minded, there’s a day trip to L.L. Bean in Freeport.

Bar Harbor, ME is known for its great  lobster, and Acadia National Park. The park boasts 49,000 acres of some of the most amazing scenery and wildlife in the world, including rugged shoreline, open mountain summits and stunning views of the ocean and outer islands. Acadia welcomes more than 2 million visitors a year from all over the world.

Halifax, NS is home to Peggy’s Cove and its 50 full-time residents. Peggy’s Cove, a favorite of artists and photographers, is one of the busiest   attractions in Nova Scotia, and a prime stop on the Lighthouse Trail scenic drive. It’s also the site of the Swissair Flight 111 Memorial.

Sydney, NS and Cape Breton Island offer  unique and treasured experiences featuring attractions such as the Alexander Graham Bell Historic Site, Cabot Trail, and the Fortress of Louisbourg, the largest historical reconstruction in No. America.

In St. John, NB, you’ll anchor at the mouth of the famous Bay of Fundy, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Visitor attractions include fascinating museums, galleries and shops, all within walking distance of the cruise ship terminal. And twice every day, 100 billion tons of salt water slowly fill the Bay of Fundy, creating the highest tides in the world.

Nestled at the end of a beautiful fjord in the sheltered Bay of Islands, Corner Brook, NF is rich in history and culture, and there are endless opportunities to enjoy nature at its finest. Downtown shops and restaurants abound, and Gros Morn National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a great shore excursion opportunity.

The hidden gem in Canada/New England is Charlottetown, on Prince Edward Island, with its stunning seascapes, tiny villages, and bustling harbors, all along the Green Gables Shore. The Duck Boat Tour is an exciting way to experience the historic heritage district by amphibious vehicle.

Quebec City, founded in 1608, is one of the oldest cities in North America. Its most famous landmark is the Chateau Frontenac, the world’s most   photographed hotel. The centuries-old architecture, historic sites, and the distinct European charm of  Quebec City are just a few of the reasons it has been named a UNESCO world heritage treasure. 

There are convenient cruise departures from Boston and NYC to the quaint ports of Canada & New England, with the fall foliage having perhaps the most alluring appeal. If you’re from New England, the richest of cruise destinations is right at your finger tips!