Why Canada should be your next cruise destination..

When us Brits think of cruise holidays, we generally think of sailing through the Med or perhaps the Caribbean if we’re felling exotic. What’s not to love? After all, that’s the generic idea of a cruise isn’t it? Tropical sunshine and relaxation. But what about Canada..? Canada is fast becoming one of the most rewarding (and surprisingly accessible) destinations for cruise enthusiasts and offers something beyond cocktails and sunbathing. With its breath-taking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and convenient travel options, Canada cruises offer an experience quite unlike any other.

A Landscape Like No Other

Few countries rival Canada when it comes to sheer natural variety. Cruise passengers can enjoy gliding past the rugged cliffs of Nova Scotia one day and navigating the glacier-carved fjords of British Columbia the next. These routes offer more than scenic views too. Think up-close whale watching off the Atlantic coast or sailing past ancient ice fields in Alaska-bound itineraries that dip into western Canada. Whether you’re photographing coastal forests or marvelling at dramatic rock formations, the journey itself is the destination.

Culture with Depth and Charm

Canada’s cities are equally compelling. Cruise stops in Québec City and Montréal let you step into a world where cobbled streets and centuries-old architecture meet a thriving arts and food scene. These cities feel both comfortably familiar and refreshingly new for UK visitors. Enjoy locally sourced cuisine, explore historic sites like Old Québec (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), or catch a jazz performance at a riverside café. Cruise itineraries often build in time for meaningful exploration, turning stopovers into memorable cultural immersions.

Travel That Works for You

What makes Canada even more appealing for UK cruisers is the ease of getting there and getting around. Direct cruises from UK ports to eastern Canada offer a no-fly option for travellers who prefer to stay grounded. For those seeking to combine land and sea, fly-cruise packages make it simple to connect with departure points in Vancouver, Toronto, or Montréal. Some tours even pair Canadian rail journeys (like the legendary Rocky Mountaineer) with cruise itineraries, giving you two iconic travel experiences in one trip.

Wildlife Up Close

Canada’s vast wilderness is home to creatures most people only see in documentaries. Cruise excursions often include wildlife-spotting adventures: imagine watching a grizzly fish for salmon in British Columbia or seeing puffins off the Newfoundland coast. Whether it’s hiking through pristine parks or kayaking in serene inlets, the country’s natural beauty becomes your playground.

A destination on the rise the word is getting out. UK travel to Canada rebounded to 83% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023 and is projected to surpass 2019 figures by 2025. That’s no accident. As more travellers seek meaningful, scenic, and sustainable experiences, Canada checks all the boxes. Its growing popularity signals a shift toward destinations that offer both adventure and comfort something Canadian cruises deliver in spades.

From the Atlantic to the Pacific, Canada’s coasts are calling, and with diverse experiences, cultural richness, and unmatched natural wonders, it’s time to answer