cruises to new england and canada

When is the Best Time for a Canada and New England Cruise Trip?

An Exciting, New Adventure Awaits

With a cruise to Canada and New England, you can explore picturesque seaside towns, beautiful vistas and the area's rich colonial history. From whale spotting to hiking, you’ll never run out of activities, whether you are taking the whole family with you or embarking on your first solo travel experience. Read on to learn more about cruises to New England and Canada!

The Canadian and New England Cruise Season

The cruise season for Canada and New England runs between May and October, with the season's peak occurring between August and October. These are the warmest months of the year in the Canada and New England area, but temperatures can still drop to the low 60s during the evenings.

The peak of the cruise season is typically dominated by families taking advantage of summer break. As such, if you are eager to unwind on a quiet, relaxing cruise, it’s better to depart at the start of the season in May or to wait until late September and October. While you’ll have colder weather, you’ll be able to marvel at the beautiful fall foliage and delight in the maple syrup that Canada is known for.

The itineraries for summer cruises vary drastically depending on which company you book with. Lines such as Holland America and Princess Cruises offer five-night, roundtrip cruises that stop off at Rhode Island and allow guests to explore Bay Fundy and its incredible local sea life.

If you are eager to explore quiet areas off the beaten path, opt for a cruise with either Seabourn or Silversea. These lines run smaller ships that can call at a wider variety of ports along the route of the Saint Laurance Seaway toward Quebec. Some Canada cruises even include an expedition to Sable Island, off the coast of Newfoundland, offering guests the chance to observe the wild horse population and grey seals.

For those looking for a grand adventure, Viking Cruises offers a transatlantic trip that calls at Montreal and Newfoundland before crossing the Atlantic to visit Norway, Scotland and Iceland.

Going to Canada and New England in the Off Season

If you wish to go on a New England cruise or a Canadian cruise in the off-season, then your options are somewhat limited. Due to the colder temperatures and extreme weather, traveling to Canada between November and April is considerably less popular.

Some cruise lines begin their season in April, offering travelers reduced prices and quieter experiences. Temperatures can reach highs of 55 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal weather for outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking. Just be sure to pack your waterproofs, the Canadian spring is known as the mud season for good reason.

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If you want to enjoy the winter in Canada to make the most of the snowsports, you will have to travel by plane or car. The winter months come with unpredictable and extreme weather, introducing new risks to sailing and making it less desirable for cruise lines and customers alike.

The Best Canadian and New England Cruises

To make the most out of your Canadian cruise, it’s best to embark during the summer months of July and August. While you’ll have to compete with the crowds, these months offer you the best of the weather and the natural beauty Canada is known for.

If you visit Newfoundland or Labrador between June and August, you can while away your time onboard whale watching. This is also the perfect time to fawn over the grey seals that populate the waters around the Canadian coast. To enjoy these beautiful experiences with nature, consider booking a cruise with Royal Caribbean, Holland America or Carnival Cruise Line.

A luxury cruise with the likes of Silversea and Seabourn offers guests a combination of quiet, tranquil ports and bustling cities, with stops at New York, Boston and fishing towns along the Canadian coastline. These cruises are tailored for adults, with fine dining experiences, nightly entertainment and numerous wine and cocktail bars. If you are looking to indulge in the finer things in life away from the crowds, then these are the cruises for you.

Final Thoughts

Whether you want to go whale spotting, sample the incredible cuisine in Montreal or take in fall colors, there is nothing quite like the cruise season in Canada and New England. Book your cruise today to discover all that the New England area and Canada have to offer.


Another option would be an American river cruise; learn all about them here.