Thinking of a Canadian Cruise? A Guide to Help You Decide

Some cruise destinations can require a little more persuasion than others to get someone to go, and this may be true about eastern Canada. Travelers who are used to sailing the warm Caribbean waters might feel hesitant to sail in the region’s colder aid, worried about seasickness or simply unsure about the destinations themselves.
I had the privilege to sail on a seven-day cruise from Quebec to New York City the last week of September. It sailed to Saguenay; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Sydney, Cape Breton Island; and Halifax, Nova Scotia.
There, I said it.
While this might just be my own opinion, Quebec City is a perfect pre-cruise port. It’s walkable, has tons of history, and oozes Old World charm. It’s a great all-season destination, worth spending two or three days exploring. Don’t worry too much about speaking French, though I recommend brushing up on your bonjour and merci, just to be polite.
It’s also famous for fans of the Korean drama “Goblin: The Great and Lonely God,” which means you’ll find travelers, especially from Asia, taking pictures at various filming locations throughout the city, providing fans a fun way to connect over shared interests.
In the fall, residents and travelers alike all enjoy dining outdoors, even in their jackets, and some streets are closed in the evenings just for this purpose. Travelers can enjoy the fall colors everywhere in the city, but especially on the Promenade and in its several parks. We were a bit too early for the colors, but I enjoyed a few red maples that had a jump on the season.
Be warned, though: make some extra room in your suitcase for souvenirs, because this little city has a whole lot to offer.
Expert Tip: It should also be noted that Quebec can be a challenging destination to fly into, depending on where you’re coming from. Some travelers prefer flying into Montreal and taking the train a few hours to Quebec. If you have the option of choosing a cruise from Montreal and are wary of taking the train, maybe just choose the Montreal cruise instead. You’ll likely make a stop in Quebec either way, and Montreal is a much larger, but also lovely, city.
While I got stormed out of Saguenay (not even my umbrella could save me), I had to take off a few layers in Halifax. It was around 70 degrees F and sunny that day, so I walked around in a pair of jeans and a tank top the entire day.
If you’re prone to getting sunburn, bring along some sunscreen, too, just in case.
We also sailed through a region of water called a “whale anti-collision zone,” which led many of us to find a cozy spot by a window and watch for any whale sightings. Our ship went slower through this zone so as to avoid any unintentional collisions.
I was fortunate enough to see a pod of belugas come up for air near our ship—while I couldn’t see too much, I did see their spouts and enjoyed the sign of their presence.
Sydney is especially more of a developing destination, so don’t expect anything too impressive there (unless you’re looking for the best fish and chips of your life, then get excited and go to the Governor’s Pub & Eatery).
Halifax and Charlottetown are perfectly charming and offer plenty for travelers to do themselves.
It should be noted, however, that Charlottetown is where travelers will be able to go on an hourslong tour in honor of Lucy Maud Montgomery and her beloved series, Anne of Green Gables. Those just visiting Charlottetown will enjoy wandering around a charming, mostly flat town with ample restaurants, bookshops and other attractions.
It should also be noted that Halifax is a hilly city, and so travelers who find it hard to walk steep inclines should consider getting a bus tour or find a more accessible way to see the city. Its waterfront area is well developed and worth a stroll, and the cruise ships dock within a good distance of several museums, restaurants, and shops.
Overall, my experience was positive and I enjoyed being able to introduce myself to it. Who knows? Maybe I’ll find myself on Prince Edward Island or Nova Scotia again in the future, and for a longer trip!