While cruising to New England and Canada is a memorable experience in itself, you can add a touch of adventure to your journey by choosing some amazing shore excursions from their ports.
New England and Canada’s unspoiled charm, panoramic coastal views, and inviting towns will amaze you — don’t miss them!
From outdoor adventures in national parks to exploring iconic cities, these regions offer something for every kind of traveler.
These shore excursions give you a chance to do some extra activities during your cruise vacations and take you to the spots you might miss otherwise.
In this article, we have listed some of the best shore excursions in New England and Canada, with all the details and insights to help you choose better.
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Top ports where you can take shore excursions
Depending on the cruise line and the duration of the cruise you choose, you will get a chance to disembark at some ports.
Below are the top ports where you can take great shore excursions.
Bar Harbour
Bar Harbor is a charming seaside hamlet on Maine’s Mount Desert Island. It is known for its breathtaking vistas and is the entry point to Acadia National Park.
It’s a must-visit location on your New England and Canada cruise because it’s a terrific place for outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.
The allure of famous buildings and delicious local seafood add to the experience.
You can take a 2-hour Windjammer sailing trip, a relaxing boat tour through the calm waters of Frenchman Bay, and enjoy scenic views of Acadia National Park.
While sailing on a Windjammer, you might spot wildlife like eagles, seals, or porpoises and take in the sights of the Porcupine Islands from the spacious deck.
Or, if you want to get some relief from sailing, you have the option to take a bus tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.
On this half-day bus tour, you’ll explore Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, and Mt. Desert Island, including the stops at Cadillac Mountain, Sieur de Monts Spring, and Thunder Hole, letting you enjoy the sights and wildlife.
Boston
Boston is a fantastic stop on your New England and Canada cruise. It offers the perfect combination of history, culture, and attractions.
As one of America’s oldest cities, Boston is home to important landmarks from the American Revolution.
The city’s compact size makes exploring it on foot or by public transport easy.
You can take the Freedom Trail walking tour, which takes you through an extensive heritage with an expert guide, showing you all 16 monumental sites like the Old North Church and Bunker Hill Monument.
For a more flexible experience, the hop-on hop-off trolley tour allows you to visit top attractions like the USS ‘Constitution’ and the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum at your own pace.
If you have a full day, consider the vineyard day trip, which includes a cruise to Martha’s Vineyard and a 3-hour island tour.
Charlottetown
Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island, is a delightful stop during your New England and Canada cruise.
Known as the “Birthplace of Confederation,” this city flaunts time-honored traditions and beautiful landscapes.
On a shore excursion, you can explore Charlottetown’s highlights easily. The city highlights tour takes you on a double-decker bus to key sites like Province House and Victoria Park, providing a great overview of the town.
Alternatively, a comprehensive half-day tour lets you explore the island’s must-see spots, including the Anne of Green Gables Welcome Centre and the Cavendish Cliffs, all in comfort.
For a more active option, try the 2-hour e-bike tour of Charlottetown.
You’ll ride through scenic areas and capture great photos while enjoying a bit of exercise.
Each of these excursions features a unique way to experience Charlottetown’s charm and history, making your visit both enjoyable and memorable.
Halifax
Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, is a dynamic stop for cruise travelers with its rich maritime history and radiant waterfront.
The city sits on the Atlantic coast and is renowned for its historic sites like the Halifax Citadel and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
Halifax’s waterfront, with its legendary architecture and scenic parks, makes it a picturesque destination.
The harbor hopper tour lets you explore Halifax both on land and water.
You’ll ride in a renovated amphibious vehicle, visiting top spots such as St Paul’s Cathedral and Citadel Hill before splashing into Halifax Harbour for a unique waterfront view.
Alternatively, the Peggy’s Cove express tour takes you to the charming fishing village of Peggy’s Cove.
Here, you can see the famous Peggy’s Point lighthouse and enjoy time in the quaint village.
For a flexible option, the hop-on hop-off bus tour covers the city’s top attractions, including Province House and the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.
You can explore at your own pace, hopping off at any stop that catches your interest.
New York City
New York City, known as “The Big Apple,” is an exciting cruise port with countless shore excursion options.
The city’s port has easy access to world-famous icons, making it a fantastic stop for travelers.
Located along the bustling Hudson River, the port connects you to iconic sites like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline.
During your shore excursions, you can explore notable landmarks, colorful neighborhoods, or scenic views of this city.
A popular choice is the private half-day tour, where a local guide shows you top sights like Chinatown, SoHo, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
You’ll get insider knowledge and have a more personalized experience.
For those arriving before or after their cruise, there are pre- or post-cruise private tours, perfect for seeing Lower Manhattan’s highlights or getting a great view of the city from Brooklyn Heights Promenade.
These tours offer convenient pick-up and drop-off services, making your day in the city easy and stress-free.
Quebec
Quebec City, founded in 1608, is an ancient port that ensures a unique glimpse into North America’s past.
Located on the St. Lawrence River, the city’s old-world charm immediately draws you in.
Its port gives direct access to the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Divided into Upper and Lower Town, this area is home to iconic sites like Château Frontenac and Place Royale.
You can enjoy a walking tour of Old Quebec, where a guide takes you through the city’s long-standing history, and visit places such as the Citadelle and Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church.
For a more adventurous outing, consider a half-day trip to Montmorency Falls, where you can admire the lovely waterfalls that rise higher than Niagara Falls.
This popular excursion combines visiting the picturesque Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica with stops at charming local spots like a chocolaterie.
For food lovers, there’s the Old Quebec food and drink tour, where you’ll savor local cuisine while learning about the city’s culinary traditions.
Saint John, New Brunswick
Saint John, New Brunswick, is Canada’s oldest incorporated city, blending history with organic beauty.
As a cruise port, it gives easy access to both the city’s artistic landmarks and the surrounding natural wonders.
The Bay of Fundy, known for having the world’s highest tides, is one of the area’s top highlights.
The Reversing Falls is a must-see, where the river’s flow reverses with the tide, creating dramatic rapids.
You can watch this spectacle from Fallsview Park.
Another popular untouched spot is the St. Martins Sea Caves, where you can walk along the beach at low tide and explore the caves carved into the cliffs.
Shore excursions include the Fundy Coast to Fundy Shore tour, where you explore the coast, visit sea caves, and experience the Reversing Falls.
The Bay of Fundy tour by bus lets you discover other local sights, including Fort Howe and the Saint John City Market.
For those with limited time, the Bay of Fundy and more highlights tour is a perfect half-day option, covering major attractions and giving you a chance to try local seafood.
Sydney, Nova Scotia
Sydney, Nova Scotia, is a charming port on Cape Breton Island, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich history and mesmerizing scenic surroundings.
Established in the late 18th century, the city has a diverse ethnic background, with influences from Scottish, Irish, and Mi’kmaq communities.
The Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion, the main terminal, welcomes you to this scenic destination, where you can easily explore the area’s history and beauty.
Breathtaking landscapes surround Sydney, including the Bras d’Or Lakes and rolling hills.
It is also a gateway to the famous Cabot Trail and Cape Breton Highlands National Park, making it ideal for nature lovers.
Popular shore excursions include the Baddeck and Cabot trail tour, which offers ocean views, visits quaint villages and explores the Alexander Graham Bell Museum.
The city and coastal tour provides a deeper look into Sydney’s history and coastal scenery, including visits to wartime defense posts and lighthouses.
For a more adventurous experience, the private UTV/ATV side-by-side trail tour takes you through Cape Breton’s diverse landscapes, with a trailside lunch included
Montreal
Montreal, an energetic city in eastern Canada, is a mix of European charm and modern flair.
As the second-largest French-speaking city in the world, after Paris, Montreal showcases its cultural heritage through its architecture, cuisine, and atmosphere.
Old Montreal, the city’s well-known heart, dates back to 1642.
You can wander its cobblestone streets, visit 17th—and 18th-century buildings, and enjoy local cafes and shops.
The Notre Dame Basilica, a neo-Gothic marvel, features amazing wood carvings and stained glass windows.
Mount Royal Park, a 500-acre green space, provides great city views and outdoor activities.
As a popular port for cruise ships, Montreal has various shore excursions.
The Old Montreal walking tour guides you through key sites like Notre-Dame Basilica and Place d’Armes.
For a broader city experience, the Montreal highlights city tour covers Old Montreal, Mount Royal Park, and other attractions.
Food enthusiasts can join the Montreal walking food tour, sampling local specialties in neighborhoods like Little Italy.
Another option is the Montreal city hop-on hop-off tour, which allows you to explore the city’s top attractions at your own pace.
