Canada and New England Autumn / Late Summer Cruise Port Guides

by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac
Quebec, Canada Autumn

The Canada and New England Autumn Cruise offers a wonderful opportunity to see the Fall colors and visit charming ports.  As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I experienced the Boston to Quebec City cruise dozens of times.  In this article I provide links to most of these cruise port guides.  I never tire of this cruise with its charming, seaside towns, vibrant fall foliage and dramatic coastlines.  Read on and discover why you should take this cruise especially in fall or late summer. 

The cruise itineraries vary according to cruise lines and their schedule.  I include below the cruise port blog links for Boston to Quebec City. 

Tip on Scheduling Cruise:  In these northern ports, the leaves change colors a couple weeks earlier than most of the U.S.  I observed that the best time for the autumn leaves is usually the first and second weeks of October.  During mid to late September, the leaves are starting to change. 

Canada and New England Autumn
Cruise Port Guides

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Many of these cruises disembark from either Boston, Massachusetts or Quebec City, Canada.  Both of these cities and their regions are worth a vacation all on their own.  So, many guests take the time to stay in one or both the ports for extra time to explore them before or after their cruise.  Also, many guests take both cruises round trip, returning on the ship to their disembarkation port. 

Embarkation Port: Boston, Massachusetts

Massachusetts State House
Massachusetts State House on Freedom Trail

Boston is one of the best places in the U.S. to discover American heritage and rejuvenate patriotism. It’s called the “Cradle of Liberty” because of the many revolutionary activities, that happened here from mid to late 1700’s. The Boston Freedom Trail sites review the heroic events from the founding forefathers that ignited American history. 

Port Guide:  Historic Boston Freedom Trail Walking Tour

Cruise Port: Portland, Maine

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Portland, Maine

If ever a town was born from the sea, it would be Portland, Maine.  It’s big enough to offer a modern art and culinary scene, yet small enough for old, maritime charm.   Portland has something for everyone with its incredible museums, restaurants, breweries, water tours and scenic beauty.  It’s ideal for both walking and water tours. 

Port Guide:  15 Incredible Things to Do in Portland, Maine

Cruise Port: Saint John, New Brunswick

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Saint John, New Brunswick

Saint John on the Bay of Fundy is an incredible destination for nature, history and architecture.  The town is most known for its reversing rapids, the only place in the world where the tide affects the river flow to reverse.  The city center is an outdoor museum displaying some of the most incredible 19th century architecture. 

Port Guide:  20 Top Things to Do in Historic Saint John, New Brunswick

Cruise Port: Halifax, Nova Scotia

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Nova Scotia Waterfront

The seafaring history of Halifax is incredible, leaving in its wake countless things to see and do.  As one of the largest harbors in the world, the Halifax Harbor is the heart of its city.  Additionally, Halifax is a gateway to Nova Scotia, with its long coastline and 170 lighthouses.  

Port Guides:  20 Top Things to Do in Historic Halifax, Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Tour at Peggy’s Lighthouse, Alexander Graham Bell Museum & Highland Village

Cruise Port:  Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

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The best way to learn about Charlottetown is by taking the historic and waterfront walking tours.   The Visitor Centre offers maps, showing the walking tours: historic on red lines and waterfront on green.  These walking tours reveal that there is much more to Charlottetown than Anne of Green Gables and the “Birthplace of the Canadian Confederation.” 

Port Guides:  Charming Charlottetown, PEI Self-Guided Walking Tour

Inspirational Anne of Green Gables Farm Tour in PEI, Canada

Cruising Saguenay Fjord in St. Lawrence River

Fiord (2)

This cruise takes you through the stunning St. Lawrence River and its fjord. An absolutely enchanting way to see the Autumn foliage colors is on a Saguenay Fjord cruise Quebec. The breathtaking granite walls, enswathed by the trees, engulfs you in misty coves of pristine and colorful wilderness.  Lush greens let go into waterfalls and golden hues as you cruise into the mystery.

Cruising the Majestic Saguenay Fjord in Quebec, Canada’s Autumn Colors

Cruise Port: Quebec City, Canada

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Quebec City, Canada

Being in Quebec City is like stepping into a beautiful storybook with its well-preserved architecture and quaint cobblestone streets.  This French-Canadian landmark is one of the oldest European cities in North America and also the only walled city north of Mexico.  Whether you want to just shop and take in the ambiance or go on a historic tour, this city enchants. 

Port Guides: Top 12 Things to Do in Enchanting Quebec City, Canada

My Healing Pilgrimage to Shrine of St. Anne de Beaupre in Quebec, Canada


Enjoy Canada and New England Cruise!

The Canada and New England Cruise is a majestic voyage into the vibrant fall colors.  The ship takes you to unique and remote locations in the fjord on the St Lawrence River and along the coast.  Overall, this cruise is a must for those that love the autumn season.  If your travels bring you on this cruise, feel free to leave tips below.   

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