What about outdoor activities in the warm weather: hiking, whale viewing, or leaf peeping? The optimal time of year to take a cruise across Canada and New England is variable depending on which of those activities you value more.

The month of April marks the beginning of the restricted cruise season in Canada and New England, which continues through October. The peak season runs from August until October. To escape the freezing temperatures and snow that winter brings, cruise ships relocate back to the Caribbean and Mexico.

From April through October, each month has its particular features and advantages. Some have more favorable weather, while others attract tourists on a budget with lower rates during the shoulder season. During the peak travel season, cruise lines typically offer more variety in terms of ships and itineraries; however, these trips also come at a higher price.

Sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter to receive news, reviews, and helpful cruising advice.

We have broken down the sailing season in Canada and New England month by month so that you can be aware of what to anticipate about the weather, special events, crowds, and pricing. In the end, it is up to you to determine the best time to go on a cruise based on the kind of vacation you want to take, the things you want to do, and the amount of money you have available.

April

If you want to avoid the crowds and take advantage of shoulder season pricing, April is a fantastic month to take a cruise to either Canada or New England. This applies to the cruise fare as well as any pre- or post-cruise stays ashore.

In April, Holland America, Viking, and American Queen Voyages, which is a small ship operator, all offer cruises of seven days or longer.

As spring begins to emerge in New England, cruisers will discover that high temperatures will be in the 50s earlier in the month and will get closer to the 60s by the end of the month. This is the ideal weather and season to wear layers outdoors to explore off the ship, especially if you prefer hiking and bicycling.

Because this time of year is also known as mud season, it is a good idea to bring rain clothing, including waterproof boots, as there is a chance that there will be rainy days in the forecast. It may even snow in the early morning hours. spring.
Attend a Red Sox game at Fenway Park in Boston if you consider yourself a fan of the team. The preparation of shops and companies in Maine for the upcoming season will begin soon. The Acadia National Park is open throughout the entire year. On the other hand, certain park loop roads open around the middle of April, while the dirt roads remain closed until the 15th of May.

Because the temperatures will be lower in Canada, you need to adjust how you pack accordingly. As your trip heads further north to more chilly locales, there is a possibility that you will see snow.

Since April is a transitional month in Canada, you should make it a point to schedule some traditional wintertime and early springtime activities for your trip to Quebec during this time of year.

You can indulge in a sugary maple delight at a sugar shack, try out the hydrotherapy treatments at a Nordic spa, or witness the yearly migration of tens of thousands of greater snow geese at the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area, which is located around 50 kilometers west of Quebec City.

May

Plan your trip along the Eastern Seaboard for May to take advantage of the shoulder-season rates, smaller crowds, and slightly more options for cruise companies and itineraries.

This month, additional cruise lines are sending ships to the region. These lines include huge firms such as Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, as well as luxury cruise lines such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises and expedition lines located in Germany such as Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
By May, the New England springtime has reached its full glory. As the temperatures rise and spring progresses towards summer, many businesses that are only open during the summer months will have opened their doors by this time, at least on the weekends. Temperatures will reach the middle to upper 60s during the day, and there will be a minor chance of rain. In Boston, the Red Sox baseball season is currently in full swing.

May brings somewhat lower temperatures to Canada, with highs averaging in the low 60s and a chance of rain throughout the month. This is the month in which floral plants begin to blossom, leaves begin to fill out the trees, and the landscape becomes a vivid shade of green.

In the latter half of May, Nova Scotia plays host to the Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival. This event includes parades, a car show, a children's funfair, and fireworks, among other activities. The wine country of Nova Scotia can be found in the Annapolis Valley, which is located near the Bay of Fundy.

Related: here are five underrated Canadian towns you may visit this year with your frequent flyer points and miles.

In the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, the month of May marks the beginning of the whale-watching season. These provinces are widely recognized as being among the most spectacular locations on the planet from which to observe these beautiful creatures. This region is visited annually by humpback whales as well as 21 other species of whales and dolphins so that they can consume krill, squid, and capelin. Make plans to go whale watching in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve by taking a tour that departs from the Port of St. John's.

The season for puffins runs from May through about the middle of September. You might even catch a glimpse of an iceberg drifting by between the middle of May and the latter half of June.

Be aware that the black fly season can be a problem in Maine from May through October, as well as in Canada, particularly Nova Scotia, from the second week of May through the middle of June or even into the early part of July. In Maine, the problem can last as long as four months.

There's more to these annoying flying insects than meets the eye. They are unrelenting, and the bites they give can make you swell up and itchy. Consider wearing long pants, shirts with high necks and long sleeves, and possibly even a head net if you plan on engaging in outdoor activities such as trekking in forested regions, fishing or kayaking on freshwater lakes, or any other activity that takes place outside. Bug spray is an absolute must.

June

Since June is not yet the height of the peak season for cruising in Canada, pricing on the larger vessels is still more affordable. Additionally, there won't be as many tourists around compared to the end of June and the beginning of July.

During the month, ships from a few additional lines will be repositioning to the area, including one from Cunard that will depart from New York on a seven-day journey. Both a seven-day and a ten-day cruise are offered by American Cruise Lines out of the port of Boston and the city of Portland, Maine, respectively. On the other hand, neither of these itineraries makes any stops at ports located within Canada.

Temperatures in the high 70s are usual for the beginning of summer in New England, and rain showers are almost always in the forecast. In addition, cruisers will have at least 15 hours of daylight to visit classic coastal villages or to take advantage of the comfortable weather while hiking or bicycling in the great outdoors.

In Acadia National Park, visitors who are interested in seeing wildlife may come across snowshoe hares, mink, beavers, bobcats, coyotes, and otters.

Related: here are six national parks that can be visited by cruise ship

The month of June in New England brings a lush scenery, and coastal communities are getting their businesses ready for the summer season. At this time of year, luscious and juicy red strawberries are the focus of many festivals held all over the world. As June is also LGBTQ Pride Month, activities such as Boston's Pride march, which takes place in early June, may be found across the city.

By the middle of June, Canada has fully transitioned into its summer season. The days are long, the high temperatures are in the low 70s, and the humidity is high, which is typical for Atlantic Canada at this time of year.

Now that the majority of the snow and ice has melted, it is the perfect time to go on an adventure in the great outdoors, such as visiting the Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia.

Views of the ocean in its entirety should not be missed, while the valleys and river canyons are excellent places to spot wildlife such as bears and moose. In the summertime, visitors to Prince Edward Island will have the opportunity to go seal-watching along the island's coastline.

At the end of this month, the Montreal International Jazz Festival will officially get underway. According to the "Guinness World Book of Records," this event is the largest jazz festival that has ever been held. By the last weekend in June, the city will be crawling with people who are passionate about jazz. If you are a lover of Formula One racing, you should schedule your cruise such that it coincides with the Canada Grand Prix, which takes place in the middle of June.

July

Because July marks the beginning of the high season for tourism in Canada and New England, destinations such as museums and historic sites should expect an increase in foot traffic at this time of year.

Cruises to New England and Canada are not available during the fall foliage season in either country. However, the warm and bright days of summer, it is a wonderful time to visit for whale watching and for spending time outside in general. In the latter half of July, Princess Cruises will begin sailing from Fort Lauderdale to join the other ships in Canada and New England.

Temperatures increase in New England throughout July, averaging somewhere in the middle of the 80s. There is a chance that the high temperature will be close to 100 degrees. When preparing for your trip, even though it's not normal, you should be prepared for hot weather. Even while the breezes from the coast are pleasant, the air near the water can be quite damp.

The Fourth of July is a wonderful holiday to celebrate in the ports of New England, particularly in Boston. The Queen Mary 2 will spend the night in port to participate in the celebrations and see the fireworks.

In Maine and other parts of New England, July is a wonderful month for eating fresh lobster, as the majority of these delicious crustaceans are collected in Maine and New Hampshire between the late months of June and December. While you are in port, you should indulge in a full steamed lobster and pick up a few "lobster" rolls prepared in the Maine style.

Related: a day excursion to Maine; the entertaining technique that we discovered to make use of the elusive Delta companion certificate

Temperatures normally peak in the early 70s and are somewhat lower further north along the coast of Canada. Pack a range of clothing appropriate for warm weather as well as some lighter layers in case the temperature drops as you go farther north, particularly in the evenings.

Activities that take place outside, such as fishing, hiking, and boating, are at their best when the days are warm yet pleasant. Walking along the pier in downtown Halifax, going to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Town Lunenburg, or taking pictures of the gorgeous harbor at Mahone Bay are all wonderful things to do today because the weather is so nice. The months of June through September are prime time for whale watching in the Bay of Fundy.

August

If you want to go on a cruise during the summer, the month of August has the greatest options for ships that go to Canada and New England on their itineraries. August sees the arrival of cruise lines such as Celebrity Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line, and smaller luxury and expedition lines such as Oceania Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises, Lindblad, and Ponant in the region.

Because it is possible for certain smaller ships to make port calls at locations that are inaccessible to larger ships, you should give some thought to the possibility of taking a trip on a yacht or a smaller vessel. Additionally, Silversea offers a trip that lasts 11 days and makes multiple stops in Iceland at different times.

August is the warmest month of summer in New England, with average high temperatures in the high 80s and, as was said earlier, the occasional off-the-charts hot day that can reach temperatures approaching 100 degrees. August is also a busy month at the port, as many people are still on vacation and taking advantage of the last few weeks of summer.

With the high temperatures, it is a good time to stay along the coast, and it is even a good time to head to a beach, to take advantage of the coastal breezes and the cold ocean waves that New England has to offer. A windjammer cruise in Maine is another great option for sightseeing along the rocky shoreline and maintaining a comfortable temperature while out at sea because it provides a breeze. After that, look for a restaurant that has air conditioning and is not too crowded to stop at for one last lobster roll or a basket of fried whole-belly clams before heading back to the ship.

In August, the average temperature in Canada can fluctuate anywhere from the high 60s at night to the middle to high 80s during the daytime hours. Bring along a thin jumper or light jacket because the evenings tend to be cooler once the sun goes down.

Because we are still in the middle of the summer tourist season, you should expect to encounter many people. On the other hand, due to the high temperatures, this is the perfect time of year for outdoor activities such as kayaking.

Take a picturesque boat tour through the water to search for whales and seals if you want an activity that is more laid back. Have lunch at a restaurant in one of the seaside towns, and while you're there, order some of the fresh local seafood that Atlantic Canada has to offer, such as scallops, clams, or oysters. You can sample one of the beers brewed in Halifax or have a glass of wine from the Eastern Annapolis Valley, which is close by.

September

The busiest fall season and the peak time for leaf-peeping begin in September when there are also more possibilities for ships and itineraries in New England and Canada.

MSC Cruises, Cunard, Windstar Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas, an expedition operator called Swan Hellenic, and a brand new luxury cruise line called Explora Journeys will all have ships based on the Eastern Seaboard. These cruise lines are in addition to the ones that have already been listed.

It is difficult to make an accurate prediction of when the peak colors will appear. On the other hand, you can anticipate a stunning display beginning at the end of September and continuing through the first week of October in locations such as Bar Harbor, Nova Scotia, and Quebec City. In Boston, the most vibrant fall colors won't be seen until October.

September marks the beginning of New England's temperature decline, with highs averaging between 70 and 75 degrees and lows ranging from the 50s to the 60s. The leaves are beginning to change into their beautiful autumn colors, which is a sure sign that autumn is right around the corner. Bring along some sweaters and light jackets because the mornings and evenings of the ship tend to be chilly.

The return of children to school has resulted in a decline in the number of families taking vacations, but the autumn season is a popular time for vacations in this region of the country. As we move closer to the peak of leaf season, which occurs between the middle of September and the beginning of October, the port towns and attractions will be bustling with activity due to the increased number of cruisers and tourists who will be making the trip.

Related: where to find this year's most breathtaking autumn foliage

If one of your cruise stops is in Newport, Rhode Island, the fall is an excellent time to see the famous houses and take a lovely walk along the Cliff Walk. If your cruise includes a call in Newport, Rhode Island, click here. Warm up on one of the cooler September days by getting a bowl of clam chowder at Faneuil Hall, or make use of the outdoor beer gardens and markets in Boston to take advantage of the remainder of the warm weather. Attend the Acadia Night Sky Festival in Bar Harbor somewhere around the middle of September.

Temperatures in the middle to upper 60s to as high as 70 degrees Fahrenheit can be expected in the autumn months in Canada, which are slightly lower than those in New England. When you go outside in Nova Scotia or Quebec, you should bring some warmer clothing because the temperatures frequently drop into the forties at night.

The harvest begins in the wine area of Nova Scotia around the middle of September. One of the many celebrations and events that take place in the fall is the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival, which takes place in Charlottetown in the middle of September. It is also a wonderful time to go sightseeing in harbor towns like Sydney, take a trip to the picture-perfect Peggy's Cove, or go to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site to see the magnificent living museum there.

October

October is the finest month to take a cruise to Canada and New England to experience the kaleidoscope of colors that fall has to offer. There is no set moment when the leaves will be at their most beautiful.

On the other hand, if you plan your cruise for October, you should be able to enjoy stunning autumn foliage, especially when you stop in Acadia National Park, which is widely regarded as one of the top locations in the United States for viewing the vivid colors of autumn. In a manner parallel to that of Boston, Prince Edward Island, and Montreal are two of the last places in North America to witness the foliage season at its most vibrant.

This busy month offers a wonderful number of itineraries, including two sailings with Crystal, to explore Canada and New England before the leaves fall from the trees and the long, bitter winter sets in. Before the leaves fall from the trees, you may visit Canada and New England on one of these itineraries. During the final full week of October, the majority of cruise lines operate their final Canada/New England cruises, which are often one-way sailings that terminate in Florida. Nevertheless, there are a few lines that operate their very final departures at the very end of October or the very beginning of November.

Related: The best itineraries for an autumn cruise, according to TPG

The first half of this month will bring milder temperatures to New England, with highs in the mid-60s during the afternoon and lows in the lower 50s. The end of the month will bring highs in the 50s and overnight lows in the low 40s as cooler air moves in.

Autumn, particularly the month of October, is a wonderful time in New England because of the crisp cool days, brilliant autumn leaves, and picturesque coastal fishing communities that are adorned for harvest and Halloween. The end of the tourist season means that shops in communities like Bar Harbor are clearing out their inventory, which means that now is an excellent time to purchase mementos at a discount. Some fish shacks may have already shut down at this point. If not, here is your opportunity to try one more of the regional seafood specialties.

Going outside in Canada may demand warmer clothing due to the highs in the 50s and the lows in the 40s. This is especially true if you are planning to hike or cycle through Cape Bretons Highlands National Park, which is home to some of the most breathtaking autumn foliage in all of North America. In addition, you'll want to make sure you keep warm while you explore the bustling streets of Halifax or visit the local markets that are brimming with autumn's bountiful harvests of apples, pumpkins, and other brightly colored fresh fruit.

Hiring a guide to take you to various wineries, cideries, breweries, and distilleries along Nova Scotia's Good Cheer Trail—which features a passport app that you can download—could be an interesting and unusual thing to do in October. It's the ideal way to tour the countryside and sample the beverages that are manufactured locally in this part of Canada all at the same time.

If you are interested in learning more about the local customs and traditions, or if you are a fan of Gaelic music, fiddling, or bagpiping, and one of your ports of call is Sydney in Nova Scotia, you should plan your cruise for the beginning of October so that you can attend some of the events and concerts that take place during the weeklong Celtic Colours International Festival on Cape Breton Island. The festival lasts for seven days.

Bottom line

The ideal month for your cruise will be determined by the things that are most important to you as well as the sights and activities that you wish to experience while you are in New England and Canada.

The warmest time of year in this area is the summer when maximum temperatures often range between the 70s and 80s. The months of June, July, and August are perfect for going on adventures in the great outdoors and participating in activities like hiking and biking. It is also the best time of year to go whale watching, seal watching, and bird watching for species such as the Atlantic puffin. The summer is the perfect time to partake in some of the local festivities and taste lobster that has been freshly harvested in the area.

You should plan your trip such that it takes place between the middle of September and the end of October if you want to view the spectacular fall foliage along the Eastern Seaboard. The most popular months of the year are also the busiest months for cruises to the region, so you should be prepared for crowds and higher pricing during these times.

Cruise before the height of the summer season, which runs from April to early June, if affordability is the most important consideration you need to make or you want to avoid crowds. Even though it is starting to become chilly, there are still a lot of things to see and do. During this season, however, you will only have access to a select number of different ships to choose from.

You might also discover better deals on airfare towards the beginning of summer, before the traditionally busiest travel months of August and the fall foliage season.

Making plans for a cruise? You can get started with these tales:

• These are the five-cabin positions on a cruise ship that passengers covet the most.
• How to Choose Your First Cruise Line: A Guide for Novices
• The eight stateroom placements that are the most undesirable on any cruise ship
• The complete list of items that you need to bring on a cruise
• An overview of the most well-known cruise lines in the industry
• 21 helpful hints and suggestions that will make your trip more enjoyable
• 15 reasons why cruisers are a money pit.
• The complete guide to picking the perfect accommodation on a cruise ship
   

2023 wave season cruise deals: Save money on your upcoming voyage