The Best Way to See Lighthouses & National Parks in Canada & New England

Nothing is quite as iconic to the coast of Canada & New England as a whitewashed lighthouse with a red roof standing sentinel over a sparkling sea. In fact, lighthouse photos are one of the top posts on social media from visitors to the area. Snap those perfect vacation photos for yourself on a Holland America cruise which offers more unique itineraries to Canada & New England than any other cruise line.

In addition to lighthouses, you can take in some of the best fall foliage viewing right from the deck of Holland America’s perfectly sized ships. You can also explore the region’s natural beauty by visiting up to five National Parks on a single journey.

New for 2027, the 9-day Lighthouses & Harbors of Canada & New England itinerary lets you visit up to 10 iconic lighthouses on 22 unique shore excursions on your way from Montreal to New York.

Maine’s oldest lighthouse perches dramatically on Cape Elizabeth’s rocky cliffs. This white tower was commissioned by President George Washington in 1787 and completed in 1791. Since its illumination, Portland Head Light has guided mariners to Portland Harbor and still operates to this day. Check out the fascinating displays in the maritime museum located in the fetching, red-roofed keeper’s house.

This lighthouse began illuminating the coast in 1897 after seven steamship companies complained that their vessels kept running aground on Spring Point Ledge. While this caisson-style light station may not be as tall as other lighthouses, its unique design helps it withstand harsh storm conditions. Thanks to a 900-foot breakwater made of granite, visitors can easily walk to this unique lighthouse.

The rugged coastline of Prince Edward Island hosts several charming lighthouses, but the Woods Island Lighthouse might be the coziest looking of them all. The red-roofed keepers quarters turned interactive museum invites you to imagine living in this three-story white lighthouse topped with a red iron lantern.

Among the museum’s 11 themed rooms, explore the 1950s period kitchen, hear tales about the double lives of rumrunners in the original parlor, and marvel at a colorful array of sea glass before heading up to the observation deck for stunning 360° views.

It’s not hard to see why Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse is one of Canada’s most photographed lighthouses and a prime stop along the Lighthouse Route. Walk to the accessible viewing area or along the rounded granite boulders surrounding the towering beacon and snap your own pictures to the sound of waves crashing against the shore.

• Breakwater Light, Maine
• Point Prim Lighthouse, Prince Edward Island
• Brighton Beach Lighthouse, Prince Edward Island
• Burntcoat Head Lighthouse, Halifax
• George’s Island Lighthouse, Halifax

Unpack once and visit up to five national parks on a Canada & New England cruise with Holland America. From brilliant fall foliage to landscapes so stunning they were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the best of the region’s natural beauty is waiting for you.

• Discover Prince Edward Island National Park’s unique coastal dunes
• See Jacques-Cartier National Park, tucked in a beautiful glacial valley, from Québec City
• Experience Gros Morne National Park from Corner Brook and Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve from Havre-Saint-Pierre
• Journey through Saguenay National Park, home to the world’s southernmost beluga whale population
• Explore the largest concentration of erosion monoliths in Canada at Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve

If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, historic lighthouses, and quaint seaside villages all in one trip, a Holland America cruise to Canada & New England has you covered. Book your cruise now and get ready to take in coastal splendor and relax on perfectly sized ships with plenty of room at the rail. Just remember to pack your camera!

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