Although Canada is not the first country that you would think of when it comes to taking a cruise, it is home to a number of fabulous ports that feature direct ship to shore access, newer state of the art facilities and an outstanding selection of shore excursions. Cruise lines that make stops in Canada include Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Royal Caribbean International and Princess.
Here are just a few of the ports you can see:
Prince Edward Island
One of the most popular stops in Canada, Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island and is often referred to as the “Birthplace of Confederation” because of its history. This island is perhaps best remembered as the setting of the classic novel “Anne of Green Gables”. Many cruise passengers are impressed by the island’s lush scenery as described in the novel.
Halifax
Located in Nova Scotia, this cruise port has become well known in the cruising world for its excellent and impeccable sights and hospitability. From when the cruise arrives, a series of highlanders play traditional music as you enter the Pavilion 22 to obtain information or unique mementos. Areas to visit in Halifax include Peggy’s Cove or the Bay of Fundy, both of which have enough history to appease any history buff.
Montreal
Well known as the city of high culture of Canada, there are plenty of things to do such as visiting museums, art galleries, fancy boutiques and much more. The French influence can be seen from its architecture to its culture in Montreal’s old town. Montreal is the closest port to the heartland of North America and some cruise lines offer special voyages down the St. Lawrence River whose banks are situated here.
Quebec City
Also located on the St. Lawrence River and containing much of the same charm as Montreal, Quebec City is rich with historical sites and contains the only remaining walled city on the entire continent. A bit of knowledge of the French language will help whilst sitting in one of the many sidewalk cafes. Over 20 cruise lines make their stops here so getting to the city should be no trouble at all.
Saint John-New Brunswick
There are two Saint John’s in Canada but the one in New Brunswick contains the largest tides in the world, courtesy of the Bay of Fundy. These tides can stretch up to 50 feet and there are plenty of other water sights such as rapids that go in reverse and even a chance to walk on the ocean floor. The port also highly caters to cruise passengers and there is a special area, the Fundy Cruise Market that sells notable items directly to them.
St. John’s – Newfoundland and Labrador
Considered to be the most economically important port in Canada, St. John’s continues to accommodate the growing influx of cruise ship traffic. The port’s proximity to St. John presents quite a bit of history to visiting passengers. As the earliest English founded city, it also lays claim as being the oldest city in North America. Nature lovers will appreciate an excursion on a whale-watching expedition or hiking along the East Coast Trail.
Canada is one of those cruise destinations that have become popular during the late summer and early autumn. Its pleasant weather, surroundings with unsurpassed scenery and rich history is what draws holiday makers from all over the world.
Written by Veronica Shine
