Trip Advisor Pro

Canada is a really popular destination for cruise holidays, especially in the summer. Therefore it's well worth booking a trip during autumn. The colours in the maple trees and the crisp clear days make for a stunning journey, and you can get discount cruise rates at this time as well. It's the perfect time to go. Taking a cruise is a great way to see Canada, from the Canadian ports you'll be stopping in, the many excursions you take, and the great amenities on board. You can avoid the long plane journeys and instead opt for comfort and convenience.

The Inside Passage to Alaska is one of the most popular Canadian cruises. Over a million passengers a year take the trip up north on this very scenic journey. British Colombia is the main embarkation point for this cruise although Vancouver is another accessible embarkation point. In fact, you'll see the 5 cruise ships lined up, ready for passengers at the scenic Canada Place Pier.

Vancouver is also the starting point for two cruises offered by Holland America. They are the Glacier Discovery Cruise and the Glacier Bay Inside Passage Cruise. Both travel the scenic route through glacial waters, where there are often sightings of whales and other wildlife. There is so much diversity here; small frontier towns, rugged scenery and of course, this is the area in which you'll see the Northern Lights.

An activity-filled cruise is offered by Royal Caribbean in the autumn, just as the leaves are turning. You'll be able to retrace some of America's history by walking the 3 mile Freedom Trail in Boston, you'll have the opportunity to mountain bike through Acadia National Park and sail the coast of Nova Scotia in a 63 foot schooner.

If you fancy some retail therapy on your cruise then there's a trip to Freeport to hit the major shops. There's some familiar names, such as L.L. Beane, Lobster Bake restaurants, and many other popular stores. It doesn't end at shopping though - stop and take in the Montmarency Falls, a truly unmissable sight.