Planning a Canadian cruise: Know before you go

Some cruise destinations can require a little more persuasion than others to get someone to go, and this may be true about eastern Canada. Travelers who are used to sailing the warm Caribbean waters might feel hesitant to sail in the region’s colder aid, worried about seasickness or simply unsure about the destinations themselves.

I had the privilege to sail on a seven-day cruise from Quebec to New York City the last week of September. It sailed to Saguenay; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Sydney, Cape Breton Island; and Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Taking my experience in hand, here are a few things you should consider about a Canadian cruise.

Quebec is a great pre-cruise port

Old Quebec City is the most beautiful city in North America.

There, I said it.

While this might just be my own opinion, Quebec City is a perfect pre-cruise port. It’s walkable, has tons of history, and oozes Old World charm. It’s a great all-season destination, worth spending two or three days exploring. Don’t worry too much about speaking French, though I recommend brushing up on your bonjour and merci, just to be polite.

It’s also famous for fans of the Korean drama "Goblin: The Great and Lonely God," which means you’ll find travelers, especially from Asia, taking pictures at various filming locations throughout the city, providing fans a fun way to connect over shared interests.

In the fall, residents and travelers alike all enjoy dining outdoors, even in their jackets, and some streets are closed in the evenings just for this purpose. Travelers can enjoy the fall colors everywhere in the city, but especially on the Promenade and in its several parks. We were a bit too early for the colors, but I enjoyed a few red maples that had a jump on the season.

Be warned, though: make some extra room in your suitcase for souvenirs, because this little city has a whole lot to offer.

Expert Tip: It should also be noted that Quebec can be a challenging destination to fly into, depending on where you’re coming from. Some travelers prefer flying into Montreal and taking the train a few hours to Quebec. If you have the option of choosing a cruise from Montreal and are wary of taking the train, maybe just choose the Montreal cruise instead. You’ll likely make a stop in Quebec either way, and Montreal is a much larger, but also lovely, city.

The weather changes

The weather in Canada is variable, depending on when you visit. Typically, Canadian cruises run through the fall, so if you’ll be traveling then, make sure you pack a few layers, including waterproof boots and jacket. But don’t forget a tank top or a pair of shorts, either.

While I got stormed out of Saguenay (not even my umbrella could save me), I had to take off a few layers in Halifax. It was around 70 degrees and sunny that day, so I walked around in a pair of jeans and a tank top the entire day.

If you’re prone to getting sunburn, bring along some sunscreen, too, just in case.

Expert Tip: If you don’t like the idea of being unable to go up on the top deck to swim or sunbathe, maybe rethink the Canadian cruise. We weren’t really able to go up on deck until the last three days of the cruise, when it was both warm enough and dry enough to sit outside comfortably. That means that the ship you choose is also important: does it have enough indoor spaces to sit and be comfortable? What about indoor activities?

The nature is pretty cool

My ship’s route from the St. Lawrence to the Atlantic Ocean was a beautiful one, filled with islands ringed in red-earthed cliffs and dark, forested riversides. While our cruise ship sailed through St. Lawrence’s Saguenay Fjords at night, and therefore we missed seeing them, they’re hailed to be a beautiful sight.

We also sailed through a region of water called a "whale anti-collision zone," which led many of us to find a cozy spot by a window and watch for any whale sightings. Our ship went slower through this zone so as to avoid any unintentional collisions.

I was fortunate enough to see a pod of belugas come up for air near our ship — while I couldn’t see too much, I did see their spouts and enjoyed the sign of their presence.

Expert Tip: Bring a pair of binoculars with you. It’s nerdy, I know, but you’ll love being able to view any potential whale sightings and see the fjord (if you’re lucky) and the islands you visit as your ship pulls into view.

The cities differ in size and experiences

You might be a little surprised at the destinations you visit while on a Canadian cruise. Saguenay and Sydney were small towns, and likely more suitable for a tour farther inland to a larger attraction than an exploration on their own.

Sydney is especially more of a developing destination, so don’t expect anything too impressive there (unless you’re looking for the best fish and chips of your life, then get excited and go to the Governor’s Pub & Eatery).

Halifax and Charlottetown are perfectly charming and offer plenty for travelers to do themselves.

It should be noted, however, that Charlottetown is where travelers will be able to go on an hourslong tour in honor of Lucy Maud Montgomery and her beloved series, Anne of Green Gables. Those just visiting Charlottetown will enjoy wandering around a charming, mostly flat town with ample restaurants, bookshops and other attractions.

It should also be noted that Halifax is a hilly city, and so travelers who find it hard to walk steep inclines should consider getting a bus tour or find a more accessible way to see the city. Its waterfront area is well developed and worth a stroll, and the cruise ships dock within a good distance of several museums, restaurants and shops.

Expert Tip: A Canadian cruise is sort of like a Pacific coast cruise, a blend of larger cities and smaller towns with mild, sometimes inclement weather. If you’re unsure about the cruise, consider your likelihood of visiting these destinations on their own. If you live in an area that makes it too challenging to fly into Charlottetown, for example, maybe choose the cruise first, and if you really love a destination, plan a longer trip later on. Many of our fellow passengers on the cruise were from Germany, China, Australia and beyond, attracted by the convenience of cruising and (likely) Anne of Green Gables.

So, should you go on a Canadian cruise?

What do you think? I hope you have a bit more knowledge and guidance to make a choice on whether to take a cruise in Canada someday. From freshly caught fish to history tied to First Nations groups, European immigrants and Canada’s confederation, this region of the world is home to a lot worth appreciating.

Overall, my experience was positive and I enjoyed being able to introduce myself to it. Who knows? Maybe I’ll find myself on Prince Edward Island or Nova Scotia again in the future, and for a longer trip!