Charming cities, mesmerizing mountains and lucid lakes await in Canada.
Canada is the land of glacial-fed lakes, incredible coastlines, French-speaking cities and friendly locals. Nicknamed the Great White North, the world’s second-largest country is full of colonial and indigenous history. Cruise to Canada to step into 17th-century Notre Dame Cathedral in Montreal, and wander the European-styled Old Town in Quebec City. Venture out of the urban centers and explore the country’s wild terrain: Traverse 80 miles of trails in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Mountain-bike up Bear Mountain in Victoria, British Columbia. Or go zip-lining or bungee jumping in the Coast Mountains outside Vancouver.
THE CALL OF THE WILD
Only 10 percent of Canada is urbanized, which means there are endless rural and remote escapes and travel adventures to experience across the country. Whether you’re a winter sports enthusiast, an avid hiker or admirer of nature’s beauty, you’re sure to find an adventure fit for you.
CONNECT WITH THE CULTURE
Besides being a haven for outdoor adventures and activities, there are many urban epicenters in Canada that will immediately captivate you. Transport yourself to French colonial times in Quebec’s Old City, and feel the pulse of life in modern metropolises like Montreal and Vancouver during your vacation.
Fall in love with New England’s enchanting foliage, historic landmarks and small-town culture.
New England’s quintessential charm lines its streets — literally. Each of the six states that comprise the region is unique, but New England’s shared history can be felt in both its small towns and its bustling cities. Cruise to New England and wind your way through cobblestone streets dotted with antique lampposts and colonial homes. Take a trip to Maine and hike your way through Acadia National Park, known for its stunning granite cliffs and rocky beaches along the Atlantic coastline. Then make your way further south to the old seaside town of Portland, a haven for artists, foodies and water lovers alike. Walk the Freedom Trail in Boston to learn about the American Revolution in the very places it began.
Pack your shades and get ready to explore the West Coast.
Discover your adventurous side with a cruise to wild West Coast of the U.S. and Canada. Take in the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles with a drive down Sunset Boulevard. Peruse through bustling Pike Place Market in Seattle, or head to Vancouver, Canada, and hike the exhilarating Grouse Grind to a panoramic chalet at the summit. Jump onboard a West Coast cruise to marvel at Alaska’s glacial mountains from the deck of the ship as you cruise north. Or head south to Hawaii and marvel at the dramatic cliffsides and lush, green valleys of the Napali Coast.
Aloha, the local greeting that means love, affection and peace.
Just the word “Hawaii” conjures visions of turquoise waves lapping at colorful sands, a rich historical tapestry that’s as Polynesian as it is American and a welcoming culture you can distill into a single word: Aloha. Once you arrive, trace the history of Pearl Harbor on Oahu, where you can tour battleships and see the memorial to that fateful day in 1941. Cruise to Hawaii and head to the Big Island to scale volcanoes like Mount Kilauea and chase waterfalls on the slopes of Mauna Kea. Or enjoy the sun and surf on the remote shores of Kauai and Maui.
LET ADVENTURE FLOW
Hawaii offers some of the world’s best in outdoor exploration. Trek through the lush Hana Rainforest, or enjoy a more volcanic experience on the Big Island. Marvel at the lava flows of Kilauea, or savor the coffee that grows in the soil made fertile by millions of years of eruptions.
DIVE INTO THE CULTURE
Hawaii might look like a postcard, but it’s more than just a pretty face. Counterbalance naps on Waikiki with a tour of the USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor or a visit to Iolani Palace, the residence of Hawaii’s royal family.
PILE ON THE POUTINE
Known as Canada’s national dish, poutine is a delightfully indulgent French-Canadian dish found from coast-to-coast that includes three ingredients: fries, cheese curds and gravy. What more do you need, really?
HOLY CANNOLI
Once you’ve made it to Boston, you must try the delicious chocolate chip cookies at Chipyard located in Faneuil Hall. Another must-try are the cannolis at Modern Pastry in the North End, but be prepared to wait — these are not Boston’s best-kept secret.
KEEP YOUR COOL
Beat the heat with the Hawaiian classic shaved ice. You’ll find both locals and travelers enjoying this icy cool treat. What is shaved ice? It’s a dessert made with ice finely shaved from a block, topped with fruit and fruit puree syrups. Head to Island Vintage Shaved Ice in Honolulu and order the lilikoi over soft serve ice cream.
POLYNESIAN PORK
Is there any meal more Polynesian than a whole, roasted pig? Vegetarians have plenty of choices in Hawaii, but this isn’t one of them. After cooking for hours over an open flame, this tender meat is plucked off the bone and plated, or sandwiched in a Hawaiian roll.
OK, POKE
Poke bowls are a great way to enjoy Hawaii’s renowned ahi tuna. Ahi tuna has become famous all over America, most commonly seared and added to Asian-style salads. The best way to sample this Hawaiian favorite, however, is in bowl form. There are several varieties of poke, with modern versions substituting avocado and spicy mayo for classic accompaniments like seaweed and rice.
On both Canada’s east and west shores, the whale watching is world-class. Head to Nanaimo, British Columbia, and sight orcas and humpbacks off Vancouver Island. Or check out the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park is Saguenay, Quebec, where belugas live year-round and other whales travel to come feed each season from May to October.
Portland, Maine, is the quintessential New England town, surrounded by miles of coastline and idyllic lighthouses. Visit the coastal shops and restaurants along Commercial and Exchange Streets. You’ll find artsy spots like Asia West and Sea Bags Maine filled with keepsakes and sundries. If you have the chance, head to the picturesque Portland Head Light, a lighthouse just a 15-minute drive away in Cape Elizabeth.
Check out the island prison of Alcatraz in San Francisco. Eat a classic California burrito in San Diego, with French fries actually wrapped into the tortilla. Or try spam musubi — essentially spam sushi — in Hawaii.
A trip to the West Coast wouldn’t be complete without a celeb spotting in Los Angeles. Take a tour of the Warner Brothers Studio, then head to Griffith Observatory for sprawling views of the city. End your day with a live performance at the Dolby Theater.
Cafe culture is huge on the west coast, so a visit wouldn’t be complete without stopping by a local coffee shop and enjoying a warm cuparagraphCopy of joe. Get a scientifically precise pour over at Blue Bottle in San Francisco or a stoutly pulled espresso shot at Dubsea Coffee in Seattle.
Hawaii offers a tropical twist on the hip travel hobby called “forest bathing.” It’s all the rage among spiritually minded travelers these days and a great way to see nature uparagraphCopy close. Hike to Rainbow Falls on the Big Island, or through the lush Hana Rainforest on Maui.
1.
Pack comfortable walking shoes no matter which cruise you choose — New England cities are best experienced walking.
2.
Try to wake up for sunrise when you’re sailing along the coast for beautiful views of the Atlantic.
3.
Plan some slower days during your trip to jibe with the leisure-loving locals. The phrase “island time” isn’t a joke.
4.
Although the West Coast is known for its sunshine, it tends to cool off at night no matter the season, so pack light layers.
5.
Hiking in Vancouver is a must! Be sure to pack insect repellent and bear spray to be cautious.
6.
Like its southern neighbor, tipping is customary in Canada, and a 15 to 20 percent tip is expected at restaurants.