Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive cruise experience or prefer to book everything individually, there are a lot of details that go into planning a trip to Canada.
The country is home to culturally rich cities, long, beautiful coastlines, and some of the most breathtaking National Parks in the world. You won’t want to miss a thing! Here are some tips to help you plan a Canadian vacation that you’ll never forget.
What to Know About Planning a Cruise in Canada
Cruising is fantastic value for the money, and it’s a popular choice for folks who want to have fun and experience the beauty of Canada without stressing over multiple accommodations, packing and unpacking, transportation, etc. Less time worrying about logistics means more time to actually enjoy your trip!
Here’s what to keep in mind when planning a trip to Canada with a cruise line.
- Some cruises are adults-only – If you’re bringing the whole family, be sure all ages are welcome. This can vary by cruise line or even by ship.
- Pack warm clothes, even in summer – Nights can still get chilly!
- Pick the perfect itinerary for you – Even similar routes can offer very different excursions. We can help make sure you pick one that matches your travel style.
- Decide if all-inclusive is important to you – Some travelers prefer the convenience of all-inclusive perks like complimentary meals and drinks, while others prefer to pay as they go. Be sure your cruise line offers the options you need.
- Gather the necessary documents – Passports, other ID requirements, and anything else you may need per your chosen cruise line. (We can help here, if you’d like!)
Planning a Trip to Canada with Royal Caribbean®
From pub tours through Sydney, Nova Scotia to whale watching excursions, incredible hiking opportunities, fascinating museums, and interesting walking tours, Royal Caribbean® cruise packages have everything you need for an unforgettable Canadian vacation.
Royal Caribbean® Canada cruises depart from ports on the Atlantic coast, and you can see each area’s various highlights depending on the itinerary you choose. You can also select a cruise that explores both Canada’s eastern coastline and areas in New England.
No matter which itinerary you go with, Royal Caribbean® provides an excellent assortment of shore excursions that allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Canada!
Some of the exciting destinations include:
- Sydney, Nova Scotia – Explore Cape Breton, visit the historic Louisbourg Lighthouse, enjoy a walking tour (or a haunted walking tour!) of Sydney, and more.
- Saint John, New Brunswick – See Saint John’s top attractions on a double decker bus or wheelchair-accessible coach, get to know the fishing village of St. Martins, sample traditional Yip Cider, or view beautiful sea caves in the Bay of Fundy.
- Halifax, Nova Scotia – Take a “Top-Ten” tour of Halifax, journey through the picturesque seaside village of Peggy’s Cove, or follow the coastal lighthouse route.
Royal Caribbean® also offers Alaska cruise packages that depart from Vancouver. Contact Key to the World Travel® to learn more about our Royal Caribbean® vacation packages!
Canada & New England Cruises with Holland America®
Holland America® offers Canada and New England cruise itineraries which depart from Boston, Massachusetts. All but one of the cruises are six- to eight-day trips that contain the perfect blend of both popular ports and hidden gems. The other is a 13-day adventure that departs from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and travels up the entire east coast to Quebec, Canada.
Some of the excursions you can choose from include:
- Pedaling through the charming streets of Old Quebec City, exploring its historic architecture, parks, and scenic viewpoints
- Visiting beautiful gardens in Halifax and enjoy a wine tasting experience to savor local flavors
- Taking a boat tour to witness the majestic whales in the Saguenay Fjord
- Explore the Prince Edward Island landscapes that inspired the beloved novel Anne of Green Gables
- Touring the stunning landscapes of Gros Morne National Park, known for its fjords, mountains, and diverse wildlife
- And much more!
Exploring Canada with Norwegian Cruise Line®
Norwegian Cruise Line® offers cruise itineraries that include Canada and New England, as well as longer trips that include Canada, Iceland, and Greenland. From shorter five- to eight-day getaways to two-week voyages, we can help you pick the perfect itinerary for you!
Planning a trip to Canada with Norwegian Cruise Line® means you’ll have plenty of opportunities for educational excursions, relaxing, and exploring your port cities.
Norwegian Cruise Line® is a great choice for active travelers on the go, as their Freestyle Dining option means you don’t have to schedule your day around predetermined meal times.
Other cruise lines offer trips to New England and Canada as well, including Viking®, Carnival®, and Celebrity Cruises®. Reach out to us if you’d like help organizing your trip and finding the best deals!
Planning a Trip to Canada with Adventures by Disney®
Dreaming of a vacation that seamlessly combines the enchantment of Disney with the breathtaking beauty of Canada? This is the one for you!
Planning a trip to a country as expansive as Canada can be daunting. Adventures by Disney® eliminates the stress by providing meticulously planned itineraries, accommodations, and expert guidance. From flights to accommodations, every detail is taken care of, allowing you to focus on enjoying the journey.
Explore the gorgeous Banff National Park, cruise along the stunning Lake Louise, or immerse yourself in the history of Old Quebec. Expertly planned vacation packages ensure you don’t miss a single highlight, with carefully curated activities for all ages.
As of now, you can choose from two available adventures.
The Canadian Rockies – This seven-day itinerary takes you through Calgary, Alberta, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, the Columbia Icefield, and more.
Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island – A slightly longer eight-day itinerary along the Atlantic coast whisks you away to Halifax, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, the Bay of Fundy, and other highlights throughout Canada’s eastern landscapes.
Visiting Canada Your Way
Planning an entire vacation by yourself comes with challenges, but it also allows you to fully customize your trip.
Canada experiences distinct seasons, each offering a unique set of attractions. Whether you prefer the vibrant colors of fall, the snowy landscapes of winter, or the warm summer days, choose a time that aligns with your interests and desired activities.
Canada’s National Parks are a huge draw, and we recommend booking campsites well in advance – especially if you plan to visit in summer. Those spots fill up quickly!
If you’d like to have control over your own itinerary, dining options, excursions, and more, we can help you plan a unique, once-in-a-lifetime getaway without the stress of juggling all the details yourself. At Key to the World Travel®, we help coordinate things like:
- Flights and bus transportation
- Hotel bookings, campsite reservations, and RV rentals
- Car rentals
- Dining reservations
- Personalized itineraries with your top highlights
- Planning hiking routes
- Event tickets
- Travel insurance
- and anything else you need!
Your Key to the World Travel® Advisor will work closely with you to create an amazing experience with none of the restrictions that can come with cruise itineraries or pre-planned travel packages.
Ready to Pack Your Bags?
Key to the World® Travel Advisors will help you plan all the details of your trip to Canada – including flights, accommodations, custom itineraries, and more!