Something Special Every Season
Fall is an amazing time to cruise Canada and New England: craggy coasts meet vast forests in bright crimson, gold, and orange. The St. Lawrence River and Saguenay Fjord offer some of the best views in travel. But while fall is the most popular time to visit, the seasons we cruise in may surprise you. From spring icebergs to summer whale watching and early autumn apple harvests, each season reveals a new side of the region.
Key Takeaways
- Holland America cruises to Canada and New England in spring, summer, and autumn, and each season offers something special to see and do.
- Spring is best for travelers who want good value, while summer is ideal for first-time guests and families on multi-generational trips.
- Autumn itineraries book up fast, as the vivid colors are a highlight.
Spring (May through Mid-June)
Spring is a brief but welcome season in the north. Migratory birds return, and sap begins to flow through the maples, bringing back tree tapping — a longstanding seasonal tradition — that entails visiting a cabane à sucre for maple treats.
Newfoundland is spectacular at any time of year, but spring brings extra special events. In May and June, towering icebergs drift through Iceberg Alley, one of Newfoundland’s biggest attractions. Bird watchers should put Witless Bay at the top of their lists, as it’s home to the largest colony of Atlantic puffins in North America, along with kittiwakes, Arctic terns, and black guillemots.
With cooler temperatures and wildflowers covering coastal areas, spring is a great time to visit a national park or a lighthouse. Overall, spring is best for travelers who enjoy a calm pace and good value.
Featured Spring Itineraries:
May: 14-Day Atlantic & Colonial New England, from Ft. Lauderdale to Montréal
June: 11-Day Canada & New England Circle, from Montréal to Boston
Best things to do:
- Participate in a Newfoundland Screech In
- Wildlife Cruise to Witless Bay
- One-hour Zodiac Ride through Iceberg Alley
What to taste: fresh Atlantic fish, maple treats, blueberry dishes.
Ready to explore Canada & New England? Book a cruise.
Summer (Mid-June through August)
In summer, the Atlantic Coast truly shines. July and August offer long daylight hours and the best weather for lounging on our spacious decks. Whale watching is a popular activity with endangered right whales in the Bay of Fundy and beluga whales, known as the “Canaries of the Sea” popping up in the Saguenay Fjord. You may also see humpbacks and fin whales.
While we love ambling the coast in the off season, there’s no denying the beauty of Atlantic beaches in summer. Prince Edward Island’s sienna shores are worthy of any bucket list, as are the sites that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables.
Montréal and Québec City are at their most convivial. Historic fountains flow, renowned music festivals draw lively crowds, and it’s the best time to wander cobblestone side streets or visit the Isle of Orleans for artisanal goodies.
Overall, summer is the best season for first-time travelers to Canada and New England, as well as those planning a multi-generational cruise.
Featured Summer Itineraries:
July: 7-Day Canada & New England, from Boston to Montreal
August: 11-Day New England, New France & Newfoundland from Boston to Montreal
Best things to do:
What to taste: Maine lobster and Prince Edward Island mussels, ice cream, Quebec cheeses.
Fall (September, October)
With cooler temps and vivid colors, autumn is truly magical. There are plenty of reasons to cruise to Canada & New England outside of peak fall foliage, which runs from late September to mid-October and moves north to south. Early autumn brings the apple harvest and local culinary experiences. The crisp air is ideal for bike rides, shoreline strolls, and cozying up with New England chowder after a day spent outdoors. With pleasant temperatures and shorter lines, autumn is the optimal time to visit historical attractions in Boston, Halifax, Portland, and other cities.
Wildlife is active in autumn. Birds begin their migrations south in September. Migratory whales begin their journey later in the season, typically leaving for warmer waters in late October, so whale sightings are still a possibility.
Bonus tip: Fall cruises fill up early, so plan your cruise in advance.
Featured Fall Itineraries:
September: 7-Day Canada & New England, from Quebec City to Boston
October: 14-Day Canada & New England: Atlantic Coast & Quebec
Best things to do:
- Historic Salem & Salem Witch Museum
- Walking the Freedom Trail Curated with The HISTORY Channel
- Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse
What to taste: New England chowder, Canadian poutine, apple cider.
Seasonal Highlights, at a Glance
| Season | Cruise Months | What to Enjoy | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | May to June | Iceberg viewing, migrating birds, puffins, and wildflowers. Cooler air and quieter ports | Travelers who like a calm pace and nature sightings |
| Summer | Mid-June to August | Whale-watching, fresh Atlantic seafood such as Maine lobster and Prince Edward Island mussels, and coastal exploration. Long daylight hours | First-timers, families, and multigenerational trips |
| Fall | September to October | Vibrant foliage, harvest season, and colorful landscapes. Best color runs from late September to mid-October and moves north to south | Photographers, culinary travelers, and leaf-peepers |
Canada & New England by Season FAQs
What is the best time of year to cruise Canada and New England?
Every season has its own “something special.” Choose the one that matches what you’d most like to experience. Late September to mid-October is the best time to cruise Canada and New England for fall foliage and culinary events. Spring brings icebergs and puffins, and summer is best for whale watching and fresh seafood.
What is the best time to see fall foliage on a Canada and New England cruise?
The best time to see fall foliage on a Canada and New England cruise is generally late September to mid-October. Color moves from north to south, so a mid-autumn sailing catches peak color across most ports. Fall is also the most in-demand season, so book early.
