All About Cruising

5 Things To Do on Your Canadian Cruise

Published April 25, 2013

Updated December 2, 2025

Travel Experts

at The Cruise Web

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse stands on rocky granite shore with waves crashing against rocks under a dramatic cloudy sky at sunset.
Peggy's Cove Lighthouse stands on rocky granite shore with waves crashing against rocks under a dramatic cloudy sky at sunset.

There is nothing quite as rustic as a Canadian cruise in the fall. The crisp air is still mild enough to snuggle under a blanket on the top deck and gaze up at the stars. Before the sunsets, you will get spectacular views of the bright trees as they transition from green to yellow, orange, and even purple, and don't forget the picturesque lighthouses that line the coast of Maine, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.

But a cruise to Canada is not just about taking in the scenery; there are amazing things to learn and experience in this rugged country. Here are our top five experiences to have on a cruise to Canada.

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1. Visit the Green Gables Homestead in Prince Edward Island

The iconic Green Gables house on Prince Edward Island, Canada, the setting of the 'Anne of Green Gables' novels. The two-story white farmhouse features a distinctive green roof and green shutters. The front yard is a lush green lawn, with a few trees and bushes adorned with colorful flowers. The sky above is bright blue with scattered white clouds, creating a peaceful and classic scene that represents a key cultural landmark of the Canada and New England region.

Relive a piece of your childhood at the house that was the inspiration and setting for the beloved children's books about Anne of Green Gables. The Green Gables Homestead was built in 1872 by the aunt and uncle of the series' author, Lucy Maud Montgomery. A visit to the house will also include a stop at the Anne of Green Gables Museum.

2. Discover Canadian Immigration History at Pier 21

Exterior wide shot of the Pier 21 national museum in Halifax, Canada.

Learn about the one million people who immigrated to Canada from 1928 to 1971 at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Just as New York's Ellis Island was one of the major entry ports to America, this was the equivalent in Canada. The museum recounts the stories of some of these immigrants.

3. Experience the Bay of Fundy's Incredible Tides

A picturesque view of the Reversing Falls Rapids in Saint John, New Brunswick, with a bridge crossing the water and the city's skyline in the background, as seen from a grassy park with a bench.

Explore the Bay of Fundy, which rises and falls up to 50 feet twice a day. This amazing waterway also flows upstream twice daily because the powerful tides rise faster than the St. John River empties. The area around the Bay is one of the oldest in Canada, with quaint covered bridges and lighthouses.

4. Take a Ferry to Cranberry Isles from Bar Harbor

Two people sit on a rocky outcrop, enjoying a scenic view of Bar Harbor, Maine, with islands scattered across a calm bay and a vast forest below.

As you sail toward Canada, you will most likely stop in Bar Harbor, Maine. From here, you should take a ferry to Cranberry Isles, which are a chain of five small islands that are only accessible by boat. They get their name because in the fall, small pea-sized cranberries grow in bushes on the island. These tiny islands offer a nice, relaxing getaway from the mainland with great views of Acadia National Park.

5. Tour a Traditional Sugar Shack in Quebec

A close up shot of hot maple syrup being poured onto cold snow at a Canadian sugar shack in order to make taffy.

Visit the Cabane à sucre du Quebec, one of many sugar shacks in the region. Here you'll learn about the tradition of tapping maple trees and boiling down the sap to make syrup. This sugar shack has a fascinating museum on maple and serves traditional Québécois food, including maple taffy pull. Quebec City is full of many awesome things to do, but be sure to save time to explore the interesting history and culture of this city, where people speak French and English.

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Ready to Experience Canada from the Sea?

From the literary charm of Green Gables to the natural wonder of the Bay of Fundy's tides, a Canadian cruise offers the perfect blend of culture, history, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you're watching the fall foliage from the deck or exploring quaint coastal towns, these unforgettable experiences are waiting for you.

Our Cruise Experts are ready to help you plan your perfect Canadian getaway—call us at 1-800-377-9383 or visit cruiseweb.com to explore our latest Canadian cruise deals and set sail on your next adventure!