Canada & New England: Maritimes & Montreal Collectors

Montreal is Canada's vibrant francophone metropolis on the St. Lawrence River, where 17th-century colonial architecture, the world's largest jazz festival, and one of North America's most exciting food scenes create a city that feels genuinely European in spirit. Must-dos include the lavish Basilique Notre-Dame, tasting Montreal bagels and poutine, and browsing Jean-Talon Market. Visit September through mid-October for spectacular autumn foliage or summer for the jazz festival.

Montreal is the world's second-largest francophone city, set on an island in the St. Lawrence River where French colonial heritage meets North American energy and one of the continent's most exciting food scenes. Must-dos include visiting the stunning Basilique Notre-Dame, eating smoked meat at Schwartz's and bagels at St-Viateur, and exploring the Plateau's bohemian streets. June through September offers peak festival season, including the world's largest jazz festival.

Quebec City is North America's only walled city, a UNESCO treasure where 400 years of French colonial architecture crown a St. Lawrence promontory beneath the iconic Château Frontenac. Visit September through October via Cunard or Seabourn for autumn foliage transforming stone ramparts, elevated Québécois terroir cuisine, and the singular experience of genuine Old World atmosphere on a continent that rarely provides it.

Cap aux Meules, Canada, offers an authentic North American experience where stunning natural landscapes meet communities of genuine character. Visitors should explore the surrounding wilderness and sample the honest, locally sourced cuisine that defines the region. The ideal visiting period is May through October, when the climate is at its most welcoming for outdoor exploration. Cruise lines including Scenic Ocean Cruises feature this port on their most compelling itineraries. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the port rewards exploration at every pace and in every direction.

Halifax, the historic capital of Nova Scotia, is a refined Atlantic port where centuries of maritime heritage meet a flourishing culinary scene anchored by Digby scallops, donairs, and one of North America's oldest farmers' markets. Visitors should not miss the star-shaped Citadel Hill and the harbourfront boardwalk's constellation of galleries and tasting rooms. The ideal season stretches from late June through October, when autumn's blazing foliage transforms the entire province into a masterwork of colour and the cruise terminal welcomes the world's finest vessels.

Saint John is Canada's oldest incorporated city, perched on the Bay of Fundy where the world's highest tides create the spectacular Reversing Falls Rapids. Must-do experiences include watching the tidal reversal, feasting on Fundy lobster and dulse at the historic City Market, and walking the ocean floor at Hopewell Rocks. June through September offers the best weather for exploring this dramatic tidal coast.

Eastport, Maine, United States is a distinctive port city where deep cultural heritage meets authentic local atmosphere, featured on itineraries by Princess Cruises. Must-do experiences include walking the historic center to experience the layered architectural heritage, and seeking out the regional culinary traditions at a locally favored establishment away from the port area. The optimal time to visit is May through September, when mild temperatures and long days favor unhurried exploration.

Boston is America's revolutionary birthplace and intellectual capital, a supremely walkable city where the Freedom Trail connects sixteen historic sites past Italian North End bakeries and Beacon Hill's gaslit streets. Must-do experiences include walking the Freedom Trail, eating a lobster roll at the Union Oyster House, and exploring the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. September and October bring peak fall foliage; spring brings the Marathon and blooming gardens.

Eastport, Maine, United States is a distinctive port city where deep cultural heritage meets authentic local atmosphere, featured on itineraries by Princess Cruises. Must-do experiences include walking the historic center to experience the layered architectural heritage, and seeking out the regional culinary traditions at a locally favored establishment away from the port area. The optimal time to visit is May through September, when mild temperatures and long days favor unhurried exploration.

Halifax, the historic capital of Nova Scotia, is a refined Atlantic port where centuries of maritime heritage meet a flourishing culinary scene anchored by Digby scallops, donairs, and one of North America's oldest farmers' markets. Visitors should not miss the star-shaped Citadel Hill and the harbourfront boardwalk's constellation of galleries and tasting rooms. The ideal season stretches from late June through October, when autumn's blazing foliage transforms the entire province into a masterwork of colour and the cruise terminal welcomes the world's finest vessels.

Sydney, on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, is a charming harbour city where Scottish-Acadian heritage meets raw Atlantic beauty, serving as the gateway to the legendary Cabot Trail — one of the world's most spectacular coastal drives. Visitors should savour the island's renowned seafood chowder and traditional oatcakes while exploring the colourful waterfront boardwalk. The peak season stretches from late June through October, when autumn's fiery foliage transforms the highlands into a tapestry of crimson and gold.

Charlottetown is the Birthplace of Canadian Confederation and Prince Edward Island's gracious Victorian capital, where Province House witnessed the nation's founding and the world's longest-running annual musical has played since 1965. Visit June through October via Cunard or Regent Seven Seas for legendary PEI oysters and lobster, red sand beaches, and the Green Gables landscape that inspired one of literature's most beloved heroines.

Quebec City is North America's only walled city, a UNESCO treasure where 400 years of French colonial architecture crown a St. Lawrence promontory beneath the iconic Château Frontenac. Visit September through October via Cunard or Seabourn for autumn foliage transforming stone ramparts, elevated Québécois terroir cuisine, and the singular experience of genuine Old World atmosphere on a continent that rarely provides it.

Montreal is the world's second-largest francophone city, set on an island in the St. Lawrence River where French colonial heritage meets North American energy and one of the continent's most exciting food scenes. Must-dos include visiting the stunning Basilique Notre-Dame, eating smoked meat at Schwartz's and bagels at St-Viateur, and exploring the Plateau's bohemian streets. June through September offers peak festival season, including the world's largest jazz festival.