Cruising Canada & Alaska
Embark on a Canada & Alaska cruise and uncover two of North America’s most awe-inspiring regions.
■ Canada’s charm: Wander the cobblestoned streets of Old Montreal and Quebec City, explore Nova Scotia’s rugged coastlines, and sail past forests that blaze with autumn colour.
■ Alaska’s wilderness: Journey through the Inside Passage, stand in awe before glaciers like Hubbard and Sawyer, and spot wildlife ranging from breaching whales to soaring bald eagles.
With itineraries from short getaways to extended voyages, cruises depart from key ports including Vancouver, Seattle, Montreal, Quebec, Boston and New York. Whether you’re seeking colonial history, Indigenous culture, or raw natural beauty, a Canada & Alaska cruise delivers a journey you’ll never forget.
Cruise Season in Canada & Alaska
Canada’s Sailing Season
Canada’s cruise season reveals the country at its most picturesque, with every few months offering a new perspective from the water. Spring brings blooming gardens and festivals in cities like Montreal and Quebec, summer offers warm days for outdoor adventures, and autumn transforms the coastline into a blaze of colour — the perfect backdrop for a voyage along the East Coast or Maritimes.
⚓ Spring (Mar–May): Fresh blooms, rising temperatures, and lively festivals.
⚓ Summer (Jun–Aug): Long sunny days, perfect for outdoor exploring.
⚓ Autumn (Sep–Oct): Spectacular fall foliage and crisp air.
Alaska’s Sailing Season
Alaska’s cruise season runs from May to September, when the state’s rugged landscapes are at their most accessible. Early season offers excellent value and fewer crowds, peak summer brings long days and prime wildlife viewing, and September voyages combine vibrant fall colours with a calmer atmosphere onboard. No matter the month, cruising here delivers unmatched scenery and adventure.
⚓ Jun–Aug: Peak wildlife, warmer weather, and long daylight hours.
⚓ May & Sep: Shoulder season with fewer crowds, better value, and sharper scenery.
Highlights of Canada & Alaska
Highlights of Canada
Canada’s coastal regions are best appreciated from the water, where rugged cliffs, colourful fishing villages, and cosmopolitan cities create a stunning tapestry of experiences. On the east coast, cruises immerse you in French-Canadian culture, maritime heritage and autumn colours, while the west delivers dramatic Pacific scenery and world-class whale watching.
■ Whale Watching: In British Columbia, set out from Vancouver Island for encounters with orcas and humpbacks, while Quebec’s Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is home to belugas and seasonal migrations of blue and minke whales.
■ Cape Breton Highlands & the Cabot Trail: This legendary Nova Scotia route winds past cliffs, forests and ocean vistas, especially spectacular in autumn. Moose, bald eagles and dramatic coastal lookouts make it a must-see.
■ Iconic Cities: Wander Old Quebec’s cobblestoned streets, explore Montréal’s vibrant food and arts scene, and enjoy Halifax’s harbourside charm and historic Citadel. Each city blends heritage with a distinctly Canadian flavour.
Highlights of Alaska
Alaska offers one of the world’s most dramatic cruising backdrops, with ice-carved fjords, towering glaciers and frontier towns steeped in history. The Inside Passage itself is a scenic wonder, lined with wildlife-rich forests and glacier-carved channels that make every voyage unforgettable.
■ Hubbard Glacier: The largest tidewater glacier in North America, Hubbard’s vast wall of ice is awe-inspiring, with thunderous calving that locals call “white thunder.”
■ Denali National Park: A highlight of Alaska’s interior, Denali offers the chance to see the “Big Five” — bears, moose, caribou, wolves and Dall sheep — with North America’s tallest peak dominating the skyline on clear days.
■ Skagway & the Inside Passage: Relive the Gold Rush era on Skagway’s historic boardwalks, ride the White Pass & Yukon Route railway for alpine vistas, then return to serene fjords and glacier-carved waterways along the Inside Passage.
Key Ports to Visit in Canada & Alaska
Canada and Alaska’s ports showcase the very best of North America’s natural beauty and cultural charm, from historic cities to glacier-carved harbours.
⚓ Vancouver, British Columbia – A cosmopolitan gateway to Alaska, framed by mountains and ocean. Explore Stanley Park, Grouse Mountain and the lively Granville Island Market.
⚓ Halifax, Nova Scotia – Rich in maritime heritage, Halifax is home to the star-shaped Citadel, fresh lobster, and whale-watching adventures.
⚓ Montreal, Quebec – A vibrant mix of French elegance and Canadian warmth, with cobblestoned Old Montreal, legendary cuisine and sweeping views from Mount Royal.
⚓ Juneau, Alaska – Alaska’s remote capital, surrounded by glaciers and rainforest. Don’t miss Mendenhall Glacier, kayaking, or whale watching in Auke Bay.
⚓ Skagway, Alaska – A Gold Rush town with historic boardwalks and access to the White Pass Railway, offering stunning alpine views and rich local history.
⚓ Ketchikan, Alaska – The “salmon capital of the world,” known for Native Alaskan culture, totem poles, and the dramatic scenery of Misty Fjords.
Weather in Canada & Alaska
Weather Guide for Canada
Canada’s cruise season runs from spring through autumn, with each season offering a different experience both ashore and at sea.
⚓ Spring (March – May): As the snow melts, cities come alive with blooming gardens and rising temperatures. It’s a quieter time to cruise, perfect for seeing historic ports and coastal wildlife awakening after winter.
⚓ Summer (June – August): Long, sunny days make this the most popular season for Canadian cruises. Expect lively festivals, outdoor adventures, and mild to warm weather ideal for sightseeing.
⚓ Autumn (September – October): Famous for vibrant fall foliage, especially in Quebec and Nova Scotia. Crisp air and brilliant colours make this the most scenic season for cruising Canada’s coastlines.
Weather Guide for Alaska
Alaska’s cruise season is shorter, running from late spring through early autumn, but each part of the season offers something unique.
⚓ Spring (May – June): Glaciers are at their most active, and wildlife — from bears to whales — begins to emerge. Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds make this a great value season.
⚓ Summer (July – August): Peak season with the warmest weather (still mild by most standards) and the longest daylight hours. This is the best time for wildlife viewing and outdoor excursions.
⚓ Autumn (September): The season winds down with fewer ships and lower prices. Autumn colours start to paint the tundra, and it’s still possible to spot wildlife before winter sets in.
Insider Tip
The best cruises go beyond the ship — they’re enhanced by unique experiences ashore. In Canada, boutique wineries and culinary tours let you taste the region’s heritage, while in Alaska, cruise-tours combining rail and land extend your journey into the heart of the wilderness. These insider options add depth to your holiday and create the kind of memories most travellers miss.
- Canada: Visit wineries in Quebec, Nova Scotia and Ontario — including world-renowned ice wine.
- Alaska: Add a cruise-tour with rail and land journeys to Denali National Park for a deeper adventure.
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