10 Best Canada Small Ship Cruises & Tours for 2022-2023

Name: Canada Tours & Travel
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.9 (398 reviews)

A mother polar bear and her young relax on the Arctic landscape

Kugluktuk to Kangerlussuaq
17 Days from $11,995

The Northwest Passage remains one of the world’s last true frontiers. Embark on the Ocean Endeavour for a 17-day Arctic cruise to the far reaches of the north. The crown jewel of Arctic expedition travel, a trip through the Northwest Passage leaves one forever changed.

High Arctic Explorer

Resolute Bay to Kangerlussuaq
12 Days from $7,595

Explore the high Arctic on this 12-day expedition cruise aboard the ice-class Ocean Endeavour. Departing from Resolute Bay high in the Arctic Circle, you'll navigate the iconic fjords and rugged islands of the icy north before heading across wildlife-rich Baffin Bay towards Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Enjoy hikes and opportunities to meet local communities.

Greenland & Wild Labrador

Kangerlussuaq to St. John's
15 Days from $6,995

The splendor of Greenland meets the charm of Newfoundland on this 15-day expedition cruise aboard Ocean Endeavor. From Greenland, cruise through northern Canadian, exploring French, Basque, and Viking influences. Visit four distinct Canadian National Parks, awe-inspiring landscapes & gain a deep understanding of the cultural connections to the land.

Calm waters disturbed only by the flick of a whale's tail

Inside Passage & Glacier Bay Wilderness Cruise

Seattle to Juneau
13 Days from $4,995

On this 13-day small ship tour onboard Safari Endeavour, explore the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay. Whales and wildlife, kayaking, and hiking are just some of the activities available. Thirteen days immerse you in the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay National Park, as well as secluded landscapes, native culture, and history.

A bear catches a fish as it swims upstream

Great Bear Rainforest Expedition

Ketchikan to Ketchikan
8 Days from $5,400

This 8-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Ketchican aboard National Geographic Venture takes you to Prince Rupert, Great Bear Rainforest and Union Passage as you enjoy an active itinerary featuring ample opportunities to hike, kayak, and explore a northern rainforest brimming with wildlife.

Kayak quiet waters as you sail to remote polar regions

Best of the Western Arctic: Canada and Greenland

Kangerlussuaq to Kangerlussuaq
20 Days from $17,495

Embark on Ocean Adventurer and join this 20-day itinerary in the exploration of the Arctic Circle through the legendary Northwest Passage, searching for the Arctic wildlife and visiting the communities that are rich in culture and traditions. You will be amazed by the stunning glaciers, fjords, and icebergs surrounding the Western Arctic.

Chilko Experience Wilderness Lodge

4-8 Days from $4,543

Explore the wilderness of British Columbia from the luxurious Chilko Experience Wilderness Lodge on a flexible itinerary. This seven-home luxury estate offers active travelers an opportunity to get away from the noise of society and enjoy nature while you ride horses, hike, explore thousands of acres of woods on ATVs, and relax in the luxury and serenity of the resort.

Polar Bear Migration Fly-in

8 Days from $12,410

Get as close to polar bears in the wild as possible so that you can literally walk with them in their natural environment. Join this 8-day Arctic expedition, considered one of the best polar bear tours. Follow the path that polar bears take when they migrate in search of the first sea ice to form on the bay.

Great lakes of North America

Toronto - Milwaukee
8 Days from $5,480

Set sail aboard Le Bellot for an 8-day cruise to discover the Great Lakes of North America. Admire the splendid colors of early autumn from Toronto to Milwaukee, following the footsteps of the first settlers, trappers, and Native Americans. Visit the stunning port towns of Colborne, Parrysound, Little Current, Sault Ste. Marie, & more.

Portland to Toronto

Portland - Toronto
12 Days from $4,999

Ocean Navigator takes you up the gorgeous St. Lawrence Seaway and along the Atlantic Coast. Explore ports such as Halifax, Québec City, Montreal, and more as you make your journey across the Atlantic Ocean. Learn about Canada's Maritimes region and New England on a 12-day trip from Portland in Maine to Toronto in Ontario.

6 Luxury Cruises & Tours of Canada for 2022-2023

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Best of the Western Arctic: Canada and Greenland	$17495	20	Sep 13, 2022	Embark on Ocean Adventurer and join this 20-day itinerary in the exploration of the Arctic Circle through the legendary Northwest Passage, searching … 0
Chilko Experience Wilderness Lodge	$4543	4-8	Jul 28, 2022	Explore the wilderness of British Columbia from the luxurious Chilko Experience Wilderness Lodge on a flexible itinerary. This seven-home luxury … 0
From Canada to the American East Coast	$11420	15	Oct 16, 2022	Board the luxurious Le Bellot to explore the natural beauty and historic cities of the Saint Lawrence Seaway. Cruise from Toronto, Canada to … 0
Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic	$15495	17	Aug 30, 2022	Marvel at highlights of the Canadian Arctic and Greenland’s stunning west coast aboard the Ultramarine on a 17-day adventure cruise. Participate in … 0
Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin	$15495	17	Aug 1, 2022	On this compelling 17-day Arctic cruise aboard the game-changing new vessel, Ultramarine, passengers retrace the steps of the intrepid Franklin … 0
Canada’s Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands	$10495	12	Aug 21, 2022	Join a 12-day adventure cruise around the Canadian High Arctic aboard the Ultramarine. See the unique wonders and the breathtaking environment at the … 0

Top 8 Expedition Ships Exploring Canada for 2022-2023

Ultramarine

New in 2021, the Ultramarine is designed with an ice rating of 1A+, PC6, making it one of the most capable polar exploring vessels on the planet. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size.

National Geographic Resolution

New in 2021, The National Geographic Resolution is a next-generation 126-passager expedition ship purpose-built for polar exploration in comfort with an extremely smooth ride even on the world's roughest, most demanding seas. National Geographic is legendary for immersive trips focusing on the ecology of the polar regions.

Le Commandant Charcot

The polar explorer ship Le Commandant Charcot travels to remote regions of the Arctic and Antarctic. This expedition ship is unique because of its revolutionary and environmentally friendly design.

Greg Mortimer

With only 132 passengers on board, Greg Mortimer reimagines arctic expedition cruise for the future. Robust, robust, and designed with guests in mind, this ship represents a major increase in the capability of polar sailing.

National Geographic Venture

National Geographic Venture is perfectly designed to explore Alaska?s Inside Passage and beyond accommodating 100 passengers and providing a new standard of comfort and style while sailing through Alaska's remote locations.

Safari Endeavour

The newly refurbished expedition vessel Safari Endeavour's three decks provide ample outside viewing opportunities and relaxing public spaces for gathering with new found friends. A full-beam swim step makes launching a kayak and boarding the skiff easy.

Ocean Endeavour

Updated as recently as 2014, the 200-passenger ice class Ocean Endeavor explores the most remote areas in comfort and style. With several decks and lounges, 20 zodiacs, and even a swimming pool, sauna, and hot tub, this is the perfect ship for Arctic exploration.

L'Austral

The L'Austral, sister ship to the Le Boreal, is the fruit of Italian expertise and French sophistication. A superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins, the L'Austral links tradition and innovation, cruising to worldwide destinations in luxury.

Top 10 Tours of Canada by Land for 2022-2023

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Chilko Experience Wilderness Lodge	$4543	4-8	Jul 28, 2022	Explore the wilderness of British Columbia from the luxurious Chilko Experience Wilderness Lodge on a flexible itinerary. This seven-home luxury … 0
Polar Bear Migration Fly-in	$12410	8	Oct 13, 2022	Get as close to polar bears in the wild as possible so that you can literally walk with them in their natural environment. Join this 8-day Arctic … 0
Narwhal & Polar Bear Safari	$15608	8	May 15, 2023	Experience the classic spring floe edge 8-day safari where you may have the opportunity to view polar bears, narwhal and icebergs under the Midnight … 0
Baffin Island Dive Safari	$18042	7	May 15, 2023	Experience the most exhilarating 7-day diving adventure in the company of the Arctic's leading scuba diving experts. Settle into a safari-style base … 0
Polar Bears & Glaciers of Baffin Island	$13063	7	Aug 4, 2022	Discover the remote and rugged beauty of the Arctic on this 7-day tour of Baffin Island. Experience the long Arctic summer days from the comfort of … 0
Guided Northern Lights Getaway	$3709	4	Nov 18, 2022	Discover the best of the aurora season and Iqaluit’s top highlights and attractions on a 4-day guided stay in the True North, Nunavut's capital. On … 0
Taste of the Arctic Summer	$3661	4	Jul 29, 2022	Discover the charm of Canada's hidden jewel, the marine city of Iqaluit. On this 4-day Arctic tour, explore the Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park by … 0
Arctic Watch Discovery Experience	$13551	10	Jun 29, 2023	Experience the wild Arctic tundra on this 10-day Arctic tour, based in Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge. View shy beluga whales, muskox, and polar bears … 0
Canadian Rockies & Northern Lights	$5010	11	Dec 4, 2022	Discover the rocky Canadian Rockies and hunt for the northern lights in Alberta's night skies on this 11-day epic adventure. Stop to view the … 0
Miminiska Lodge	$4172	5	Jul 28, 2022	Spend your days learning to fish, kayaking, canoeing, and exploring the heart of the Northern Ontario wilderness. Let local First Nations guides … 0

Favorite Destinations in Canada

Baffin Island

Venture into the Arctic Circle and one of Canada's greatest wilderness regions in search of Polar Bears as you sail by fjords with glaciers that crash into the sea, or visit remote Inuit villages and learn about their ancient cultures on Baffin Island

British Columbia

Cruises through British Columbia's Inside Passage, athousand-mile archipelago, a long chain of islands stretching from Seattle to Alaska reveal an expansive wilderness of fjords, verdant mountainscapes, rainforests, and abundant wildlife perfect for accessing on a small cruise ship. British Columbia is the embarkation or disembarkation point …

Northwest Passage

Trace the route of great explorers through the northernmost islands of Canada via the Northwest Passage. Experience Inuit culture and witness the rugged wildlife that calls this home, including thousands of seabirds, reindeer, polar bears and more, all as the Aurora Borealis light up the night sky.

Look for Nova Scotia's iconic lighthouse

Canadian Maritimes

Explore the Canadian Maritime provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island on a small ship cruise with Adventure Life. Delightfully "off-the-beaten-path" the coastline is dotted with fishing villages with quaint clapboard houses and spectacular views of the Atlantic coastline.

Newfoundland & Labrador

Follow in the footsteps of Vikings to the oldest settlement in North America. These sparsely populated provinces are perfect for travelers seeking adventure- go hiking in the Torngat Mountains, whale watching along Newfoundland's coast or kayaking amongst icebergs floating in the bays.

A group of puffins sit on the side of a cliff overlooking the ocean.

Canadian Arctic

Niagara Falls

Montreal

Famous for its gentle way of life, Montreal, Canada’s second-largest city, is a warm and cosmopolitan metropolis. As it is surrounded by the Lawrence River, it is a very popular stop for our river cruises. While in Montreal, popular activities to do around the city include Mount Royal Park where you can get a beautiful view of almost the …

Toronto

The largest city in Canada and the capital of the province of Ontario, Toronto fascinates as much by its incredible diversity as by its sheer size. Our Toronto cruises will often visit popular arctic destinations such as the Northwest Passage, we also have some cruises that take the Lawrence River and head south to the United States east coast and …

Quebec

Take a small ship cruise to the gorgeous province of Quebec, located on the North East coast of Canada where it gets cold during the winters. Don’t miss out on visiting the beautiful Parc de la Chute-Montmorency and the Place Royale. Consider cruising on a small ship cruise in order to be able to access smaller beaches, reefs, and coves. As …

Get Inspired to Travel to Canada

Small Ship Cruises

Land Based Tours

Adventure Options

A view from the cliffs of Gros Morne National Park.

Luxury Cruises & Tours

Wilderness Lodges

8 Amazing Canadian Wilderness Lodge Experiences

Wilderness Lodges

Chilko Experience Wilderness Lodge

4-8 Days from $4,543

Polar Bear Migration Fly-in

8 Days from $12,410

Narwhal & Polar Bear Safari

8 Days from $15,608

Experience the classic spring floe edge 8-day safari where you may have the opportunity to view polar bears, narwhal and icebergs under the Midnight Sun. Travel to the northern reaches of Baffin Island where the sea ice meets the open water, and marine mammals and other wildlife congregate at the floe edge – also known as the “line of life”.

Baffin Island Dive Safari

7 Days from $18,042

Experience the most exhilarating 7-day diving adventure in the company of the Arctic's leading scuba diving experts. Settle into a safari-style base camp on the sea ice and dive in the most incredible ice formations. Witness the Arctic's wildlife such as pods of narwhal, a variety of seal species, bowhead, beluga whales, and polar bears.

Polar Bears & Glaciers of Baffin Island

7 Days from $13,062

Discover the remote and rugged beauty of the Arctic on this 7-day tour of Baffin Island. Experience the long Arctic summer days from the comfort of your safari-style base camp, and spend your time roaming the land in search of polar bears & wildlife in the beautiful silence of the Arctic as you explore Auyuittuq National Park.

Arctic Char Fly Fishing

10 Days from $20,120

This 10-day Arctic vacation, located at Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge, offers exceptional fly-fishing opportunities and close encounters with the region's wildlife. As you travel by helicopter, on foot, or in an all-terrain vehicle through the Arctic, you can see animals like polar bears, beluga whales, and muskoxen.

High Arctic Muskoxen & Polar Bear Photography

10 Days from $15,815

Join this 10-day tour to capture Arctic muskoxen and polar bears. Experience the wildlife of Arctic Watch and Somerset Island in a small, photography-focused adventure.

Belugas in Cunningham River & Guests near Arctic Watch

Arctic Watch Discovery Experience

10 Days from $13,550

Experience the wild Arctic tundra on this 10-day Arctic tour, based in Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge. View shy beluga whales, muskox, and polar bears as you explore the Arctic via raft, kayak, and ATV.

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Canada Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit Canada

While Canada is a worthwhile destination to visit year-round; spring, summer, and fall are the best times to visit for spring flowers, warm weather, and fall colors as well as wildlife in the far-off regions of British Columbia.

Yukon Canada taiga wilderness and McQuesten River

Canada Travel Overview

Travelers sometimes overlook that they can experience the Arctic conveniently in our neighboring Canada. The vastness of this country results in a beautifully diverse landscape, a variety of wildlife, interesting history, and many different cultural characteristics. With so much to offer, it is a great destination for all types of travelers!

Arctic Cruise: When to Go?

Though the austere Arctic landscape is often imagined to be a cold white wasteland, the brief months of summer see the flora blossoming and the fauna emerging from their long winter dormancy. Find out the best time to visit the Arctic based on your interests and expectations.

With 10 diverse provinces and three northern territories, this country on top of the world has fascinating human culture & history and even more fascinating wilderness and wildlife. A trip through the wild and wonderful Canadian countryside might acquaint you with opportunities to:

Watch wildlife. As you navigate the ice fields or trek across the landscape, you could see breaching blue whales, beluga whales, snow white polar bears, seals, and a stunning variety of birds.
Dive in the biodiversity of the Baffin Sea, where polar bears, narwhals, jellyfish, and other spooky underwater creatures haunt the submarine icebergs.
Explore the vast landscapes on ATVs.
Paddle around beautiful inlets on kayaks and explore magnificent fjords of Newfoundland and Labrador via motorized dinghies.

Return of a Legend

The Kapitan Khlebnikov is back in action! This renowned ice breaker vessel is able to reach remote polar regions that are inaccessible to most other passenger expedition ships. This means access to places rarely explored by tourists. Perhaps it will provide the perfect way for you to explore the Arctic.

Adventure cruising goes luxury

Small ship cruising has often been characterized by rugged, expedition-style vessels. Operators have recognized their ability to offer creature comforts and luxury while still providing the same adventures as expedition trips. Discover how you can have the best of both worlds on a luxury small ship cruise!

Cruise Beyond Canada

Many of our cruises visiting Canada visit other coutries as well.

Several Alaskan small ship cruises begin in British Colombia before cruising north to Alaska's Inner Passage.

The Arctic Ocean has been a major international shipping route for centuries connecting the Pacific Ocean with the North Atlantic via the Northwest Passage.

Many cruises include Canada's Baffin Island with Greenland, and some cruises also include Iceland and Norway.

Polar bear balances on the ice in the Arctic

Wildlife Guide to Polar Regions

Which Polar region is home to penguins? Or how about those elusive narwhals? Before your travels, it will be helpful to learn more about the different species that inhabit the Polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctica. You may be surprised to learn the differences!

Getting to various destinations in Canada:
Our expeditions to Canada visit both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, travel through the glaciated Arctic tundras, and even weather the famed Northwest Passage. So how do you know where to begin your trip? We can help you figure that out, but here are some starters to help you plan... If you are traveling to –

Nunavut and Baffin Island, you will normally fly to Ottawa and transfer to your final destination on a domestic Canadian flight.
British Columbia, you can either take the train from other destinations in Canada or fly directly into the Victoria International Airport.
Newfoundland & Labrador (Sable Island, Torngat Mountains), you can fly directly into St. John's International Airport. If you are already in Nova Scotia on another Canada tour, you can catch a ferry straight to Newfoundland to enjoy a bit more of the scenery.
Northwest Passage, you will either start in Greenland, Nunavut, or Ottawa, all of which have international airports.
St. Lawrence River, you'll start in Quebec and transfer to your boat for the start of your river cruise of this mighty waterway.
Canadian Maritimes, you can start in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, also famous among Canadian and St. Lawrence Seaway cruises.

Best Canadian Small Ship Cruise Lines for 2022-2023

Silversea Cruises - offers fourteen all-inclusive packages to Canada and New England. Autumn is the greatest season to take in the explosion of seasonal color. From Quebec to Massachusetts, Rhode Island to the rocky beaches of Nova Scotia, navigate the region's magnificent coastlines aboard the small ships Silver Whisper, Silver Shadow, and Silver Cloud, perfect for accessing the off-the-beaten-track ports that other ships cannot reach.
Ponant - has six cruises that visit the second-largest country in the world. While Arctic Canada is ideal for the curious contemporary traveler searching for isolated lands, the Great Lakes offer a fantastic Indian summer. A cruise onboard Le Bellot and Le Dumont-d'Urville on the Saint Lawrence River or the western Canadian coast guarantees an unparalleled getaway, with excellent natural sites and pleasant urban explorations.
American Queen Voyages - offers Eastern Canada and New England cruises that call on popular Canadian ports like Halifax and Quebec City and highlight New England attractions such as the mansions of Newport, Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, or historic Boston. Guests see rugged coastlines guarded by lighthouses, quaint villages, and fishing boats bobbing in picturesque harbors aboard the comfort of modern riverboat American Countess™.
Aurora Expeditions - explore the frigid and winding Northwest Passage, a route that enthralled explorers like Franklin, Amundsen, and Larsen for generations. A voyage on the Greg Mortimer along the Northwest Passage offers the chance to experience the archipelago of islands and channels that form Canada’s High Arctic region.
Hurtigruten - sails from San Diego to Vancouver on the Pacific and Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Boston on the Atlantic. Uncover an old Viking settlement and meet rural people in Newfoundland and Labrador on another itinerary aboard MS Fram.
Adventure Canada - highlights the Atlantic Canada Explorer, Mighty Saint Lawrence, and Newfoundland expeditions. The spacious, ice-strengthened Ocean Endeavour features twenty Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, and stabilizers.
Lindblad Expeditions - sail among islands of unsurpassed beauty and discover living history from Vikings to European explorers on a 9-day circumnavigation of Newfoundland aboard the National Geographic Explorer.
Quark Expeditions - provides Canadian High Arctic expedition options exploring the Northwest Passage. The newest addition to its fleet, the 199-guest Ultramarine, equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, 20 quick-launching Zodiacs, spacious suites, wellness amenities, and numerous outdoor wildlife viewing spaces.

Canada Travel FAQs

Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
US citizens only need a valid US passport to travel to Canada. While a visa is not required for most other countries, you will need to visit https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization, which costs CA$7.

Is tipping customary in Canada?
Tipping between 15-20% on restaurant bills and giving taxi drivers and other service workers a small tip is a cultural expectation in Canada. It is a courteous way to show gratitude and helps supplement what are frequently very low wages (which is how Canada keep prices lower). We always leave the decision of how much to tip (if at all) up to the individual travelers, but it is a cultural norm in Canada.

What is the internet access like in Canada?
If you're in cities and towns, you will probably have good access to fast, wireless internet. Many of our Canada expeditions do visit some of the more remote regions of the Arctic, and in these areas and while cruising, it is possible that you will not have internet for several days while we are out of range. Otherwise, Canada's internet is reliable.

Can I use my cell phone while in Canada?
Check with your operator if you have activated mobile roaming for Canada on your phone before leaving home. You will get good cellular coverage in cities and throughout most of southern Canada. However, since most of our itineraries venture into the depths of Canada's remote wilderness and Arctic regions, far from any cell towers, it's likely that you will not have service for some or most of your trip.

Do I need a power adapter/ converter?
Canada has 110V power with the same sockets as those in the United States. If you are traveling from another part of the world, you will need a power adapter/ converter to use the outlets.

What are the toilets like in Canada?
You will find standard flush toilets throughout most of Canada.

Approximately what will it cost for (in USD):
Public transportation - $1.70
Coffee - $1.28
Dinner - $15.00
Takeout food - $4.00

Can I drink the water in Canada?
Yes, you can drink tap water in Canada. Try to be environmentally friendly by re-filling your water bottle rather than buying new plastic ones.

What is the most common way of paying for things in Canada?
Canada has the Canadian Dollar, which normallly trades less than the US dollar. You will be able to pay with your credit card in almost all businesses in the major cities and tourist destinations, and ATM access is pretty easy. You should still have some cash on hand for smaller purchases.

Should I purchase travel insurance for my trip?
You should always purchase travel insurance! We have more information on one of our recommended providers here.

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