Page 38 - 2024-25 Travel Guide to Canada

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PACIFIC PLEASURES
Canada’s signature cruise is undoubtedly the
west coast one that traces the British
Columbian shoreline from mid-April
through October. Since it covers a hefty
portion of the so-called Alaska Route,
stunning vistas are guaranteed. Indeed, few
sea-going experiences can compare with
threading the island-studded Inside Passage,
where snow-crowned mountains, glacier-
carved fjords and abundant marine life vie
for attention. Luckily, the ports you visit en
route are as appealing as the sights you see
from your deck chair.
In 2023, a new arrival record was made, as
the Port of Vancouver welcomed an average
1.25 million passengers. The cruise season
started with the first ship of the season, the
Disney Wonder, which entered the port on
March 11th in Vancouver. The Norwegian
Bliss, the largest ship to visit Canada Place
arrived soon after. However, this vibrant city
isn’t just a convenient embarkation point. It
delivers a full slate of urban enticements:
top-rated restaurants, theatres and oh-so-
trendy shops among them, along with easy
access to the area’s parks and peaks. Victoria,
meanwhile, mixes a “high tea” tradition with
high adventure opportunities. If you really
want to go wild, eco-oriented outfits like
Maple Leaf Adventures, Bluewater
Adventures, and Outer Shores Expeditions
all have sailings that include Haida Gwaii,
“The Galápagos of the North.”
ATLANTIC IDYLLS
On the opposite side of the country, historic
communities, towering tides and legendary
Maritime hospitality make the Canada/New
England Route another classic choice from
mid-April to early November. The scenery
does not disappoint, especially in autumn
when forests blaze with brilliant foliage; nor
do the distinctive ports. Leading the list in
passenger traffic is Halifax (coincidentally,
Cruising
in Canada:
Bon Voyage
BY SUSAN MACCALLUM-WHITCOMB
SYDNEY, NS • TOURISM NOVA SCOTIA/CINQ FOURCHETTES,
NANCY BORDELEAU
Instagrammable scenery? Check. Intriguing
ports of call that promise unique sites and
excursions? Check. How about a wide variety of
vessels and up-to-date facilities? Cruise ship
passengers in Canada can tick those boxes, too.
Factor in the endless on-the-water options
available in a country that boasts Great Lakes,
mighty rivers, plus three oceans and it’s easy to
see why this place adds up to one incredible
cruising destination.