Many Brits have visited Canada in conjunction with an Alaska cruise, touring in the Rockies and spending some time in Vancouver. But Eastern Canada has, in our opinion, even more to offer - iconic destinations, stunning scenery, great wildlife and, if travelling in September and October, vivid autumn foliage.
To whet your appetite, we have chosen our top five Canada cruise itineraries, including departures in 2018, 2019 and even 2020...
Best for visiting Newfoundland
Seabourn Quest's 19 September 2018 sailing offers something a little different from the standard Canada and New England cruise. This round trip from Montréal gives you plenty of time on the St Lawrence river, looking for whales in the Gulf of St Lawrence, and an unusual circumnavigation of Newfoundland with calls including L'Anse aux Meadows and St Johns, with time to learn more about the arrival of the very first settlers from Europe. A full day in Québec City is another highlight.
Best small ship cruise to Canada
It's lovely to see Windstar's little 212-passenger Star Pride in Canada and New England for the first time, sailing on 11th October 2018 from Montréal to New York City. For Windstar guests it's all about the itinerary - port-intensive to give you plenty of time ashore to explore, enjoying National Parks, charming heritage towns and lots of spectacular scenery, all in Windstar's unpretentious style. You will travel in perfect comfort, and in the company of like-minded, fun-loving travellers.
Best for iconic New York and transatlantic
Mundy's Autumn Enchantment Crystal and Cunard experience gives you a wonderful and varied combination. A classic Canada and New England cruise on the newly refurbished Crystal Symphony from Montréal, departing 15th October 2018, enables you to enjoy glorious fall colours as you sail the St Lawrence river and then set course southwards for New York. Then hop onto Queen Mary 2 for a leisurely transatlantic journey back to Southampton.
Best East Coast expedition
An adventure to remember, Silversea's Silver Cloud sails on 25th September 2019 the whole length of the East Coast from Québec to Fort Lauderdale. Start your journey with plenty of classic 'expedition' experiences: the gannet colonies at Bonaventure Island, looking for whales (humpback, Minke and right), seals, Atlantic puffins and dolphins along the way. Then enjoy a fantastic tour through the historic architecture of the colonial period, the Civil War and the Gilded Age. Throughout the voyage, you'll learn about the geology, wildlife and botany of these locations with lecture presentations from the Expedition Team.
Best for the Great Lakes
Join Hapag-Lloyd's newest expedition ship, Hanseatic Inspiration, during her inaugural season on 3rd June 2020 for an unforgettable Great Lakes cruise from Toronto to Chicago. The Lakes are like an eighth ocean set amongst the forests of North America, and will take you to wilderness locations and magical waterside towns whose pristine beauty will blow you away. The beautiful Inspiration, with her team of onboard experts, will ensure you really make the most of this unusual itinerary. Visit the Mundy Adventures website to find out more.
