Explore Central and Eastern Canada on its waterways via cruise lines that operate trips around the waters of the Atlantic, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the Great Lakes.
Credit: Viking Cruises
Between these major waterways are the multiple different provinces and states, and each has its natural attractions, must-visit cities, and jaw-dropping shoreline scenery. These Eastern Canada and Northern American cruises offer something for everyone, too. Choose between more relaxing trips centred on dining, sightseeing, and cultural experiences, or the more adventurous activities, often available as package add-ons.
Set sail this spring, summer, or fall, for an epic voyage around iconic locations like the Georgian Bay, St. Lawrence Seaway and 1000 Islands, the Bay of Fundy, or the expanse of the Atlantic.
Note: Bigger cruise lines have various options. Only selected are listed.
National Geographic Explorer
The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland
The National Geographic’s next Canadian Explorer expedition is centred around the culture and history of the maritime provinces. Many stops will take place in Newfoundland, like St. John’s, Gros Morne National Park, and L’Anse aux Meadows, and the eastern coast. Plus, the cruise also makes stops in Saint-Pierre, Cape Breton Island, and sails the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The trip circumnavigates the entire Newfoundland coast.
Duration: 10 Days
Departing: August, September, and October
Departure location: St. John’s, NL
Price: $9,135 USD per person & up
Sailing the St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritimes
The St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritimes cruise from National Geographic is only available in September, but it still offers two departure options within the month. The trip begins in southeastern Newfoundland’s St. John’s before sailing to what is technically France’s island of St. Pierre and Miquelon. The trip continues into the Gulf of St. Lawrence before entering the seaway. The trip heads all the way down the river to Quebec City before turning around and heading back to St. John’s.
Duration: 11 Days
Departing: September
Departure location: St. John’s, NL
Price: $10,150 USD per person & up
Eagle Eye Tours
Newfoundland Circumnavigation Cruise
Explore every rugged coastal section of Newfoundland this fall with Eagle Eye Tours’ Circumnavigation trip. After leaving St. John’s, the cruise will make stops at several coastal landmarks and attractions like the St. John’s port, L’Anse aux Meadows, the Red Bay whaling station, Gros Morne National Park, and the town of St. Pierre. These fall vacation cruises are scheduled right on time for whale-watching, birding, and iceberg viewing from the ship or shores.
Departing: June, July, September
Departure location: St. John’s, NL
Price: $$7,676 USD & up
St. Lawrence Cruise Lines
River Cruises
View the scenic cities, towns, and shorelines of the St. Lawrence with the several cruise types available from St. Lawrence Cruise Lines. They offer a handful of cruise types, including 4-, 5-, and 7-night vacations. The cruises depart all summer-long, and will include a few signature cruises as well. Those signature trips include things like a Discovery Heritage cruise or a Harvest Fall Colour cruise.
Duration: 5 to 8 Days
Departing: July-October
Departure location: Kingston, ON
Price: $2480 CAD per person & up
Ontario Waterway Cruiselines
Cruise the Kawartha
Sail the Kawartha Voyageur through the scenic Trent-Severn Waterway, a 386 km route connecting Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay. This five-day cruise passes through 22 locks, including the Peterborough and Kirkfield Lift Locks and the Big Chute Marine Railway. Travelers experience historic sites, picturesque lakes, and charming towns like Orillia, Bobcaygeon, and Lakefield. The journey ends in Peterborough, with a bus return (or vice versa).
Duration: 5 Days
Departing: May-October
Departure location: Severn/Peterborough
Price: $3113 & up
Cruise the Quinte
The Quinte Cruise covers 370 km along the Trent-Severn Waterway, Bay of Quinte, and Thousand Islands. Departing from Peterborough, stops include Healey Falls, Frankford, Picton, and Gananoque, offering scenic views of rivers, lakes, and historic sites. Passengers explore Rice Lake, Percy Reach, and the St. Lawrence River, with highlights like Boldt Castle and hydroplane race sites. The journey concludes in Kingston, with a bus return to Peterborough (or vice-versa).
Duration: 5 Days
Departing: May-October
Departure location: Peterborough/Kingston
Price:$3113 & up
Cruise the Rideau
Experience a relaxed cruise aboard the Kawartha Voyageur, a 45-passenger riverboat sailing Ontario’s historic Rideau Canal. Now in its 43rd season, the five-day journey explores the UNESCO-listed waterway, passing through 45 locks and scenic lakes between Kingston and Ottawa. Stops include Jones Falls, Westport, Smiths Falls, and Merrickville, offering visits to historic sites and charming villages. The voyage ends at Hartwell Locks, followed by a bus return to Kingston (or vice versa).
Duration: 5 Days
Departing: May-October
Departure location: Kingston/Ottawa
Price: $3113 & up
Viking Cruises
Undiscovered Great Lakes
Sail across Lake Superior from Duluth to the Soo Locks, exploring its North Shore Inside Passage and rugged wilderness. Hike clifftop trails, visit Kakabeka Falls, and learn about Anishinaabe First Nations heritage in Thunder Bay. Explore Silver Islet’s sunken silver mine, the Battle Island Lighthouse, and the Soo Locks along the St. Mary’s River.
Experience the charm of Mackinac Island, a car-free retreat, before concluding in Milwaukee. Enjoy wildlife spotting, kayaking, and historic sites along this scenic and adventure-filled journey.
Duration: 8 Days
Departure months: June or September
Departure location: Thunder Bay
Price: $10,495 & up USD per person
Great Lakes Treasures
Viking Cruises’ Great Lakes Treasures is the cruise line’s newest offering and will set sail in 2025. The getaway begins on Lake Michigan in the United States before crossing the border into Lake Huron. From here, the cruise explores the thousands of islands of the Georgian Bay and Fathom Five National Marine Park.
The cruise takes a historic route through the Soo Locks to enter Superior from Lake Huron, then loops back south to Lake Michigan. In all, this trip explores most of Lake Michigan, the Georgian Bay plus the north shores of Lake Huron, and the notable crossings between the Great Lakes.
Duration: 10 Days
Departure months: May, June, or September
Departure location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Price: $16,495 USD per person
Niagara & the Great Lakes
This incredible journey and vacation will take you on a trip across four out of the five Great Lakes. This includes both Canadian and American locations. And as the cruise roams across Lake Ontario, Erie, Huron, and Michigan, there are several notable stops or sights to watch for, like historic areas (Welland Canal or Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Centre), natural attractions (Niagara Falls), or parks and recreational opportunities (Point Pelee National Park).
Duration: 8 Days
Departing: April-July, September, and October
Departure location: Toronto, Ontario
Price: $10,495 USD per person & up
Canada & New England Scenic Shores
Whether it be the spring Canada & New England Scenic Shores cruise or the fall cruise, this trip ensures gorgeous views, from blooming flowers to leaves changing colour. Available in either April or October, the Scenic Shores Cruise from Viking combines a journey along the St. Lawrence Seaway with a trip down the Atlantic coast. See all of the East Coast’s iconic cities like Newport, Portland, St. John, and Charlottetown, as well as the iconic riverside cities like Saguenay, Quebec City, and Montreal!
Duration: 15 Days
Departing: April and October
Departure location: Montreal, QC
Price: $12,499 USD per person & up
Canadian Discovery
Explore the remote wilderness and colonial history of eastern Canada on a scenic cruise. Sail the Atlantic Ocean and St. Lawrence River, taking in the rugged beauty of the Saguenay River Valley. Stops include Halifax, known for its historic sites and Lighthouse Route; Charlottetown, with its charming farms and ceilidh traditions; and Quebec City, home to Château Frontenac. Enjoy whale watching, hiking, and cultural performances in Sept-Îles, Saguenay, and Trois-Rivières before concluding in Toronto.
Duration: 13 Days
Departing: April – October
Departure location: Toronto/New York
Price: $11,995 CAD per person
Norwegian Cruise Line
Canada & New England Cruise
The Norwegian Cruise Line’s Canada & New England cruises provide a ton of flexibility when it comes to planning this epic trip around the East Coast. Choose from numerous departure locations in Canada and the United States, and departure dates from August to October. These sightseeing trips are also open for booking in 2027. The number of ports your trip stops at depends on the many dates and cruise options available for this trip. These cities could include Charlottetown, Sydney, Quebec City, Boston, Bar Harbour, Portland, Halifax, Sydney, or Saint John.
Duration: 7 Days
Departing: August-October
Departure location: Quebec City, QC, New York, NY, Boston, MA, or Philadelphia, PA
Price: $1,144CAD per person & up
Royal Caribbean
Canada Cruises
Royal Caribbean’s Canada Cruises are available as 4-night or 7-night vacations. The 4-night Canada Cruise is a simple sail from Cape Liberty to Halifax, NS. See a bit more of the U.S. and Canadian east coast on the 7-night Canada Cruise, which stops in Halifax as well as Saint John and the Bay of Fundy, Sydney, NS, and Boston, MA.
Duration: 4 Days & up
Departing: April-October
Departure location: Cape Liberty, NJ or Boston, MA
Price: $1,185 & up
Canada & New England Cruises
The Royal Caribbean’s Canada & New England Cruise trips are a more extended voyage across the Atlantic coast. These 9-night trips offer spectacular views and sightseeing opportunities for places like Boston, Portland, Halifax, the Bay of Fundy, Saint John, and Cape Liberty. Plus, these trips include a full day (7-8 hours) docked at each port of call to offer tons of time for exploring on land.
Duration: 4 Days & up
Departing: September-October
Departure location: Cape Liberty, NY, or Baltimore, MD
Price: $1,185 & up