Discover Canada with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Are you thinking of a cruise to Canada? Then why not opt to cruise with a line that has a rich history with this picturesque country?

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is old friends with Canada, with the Olsen family possessing strong links to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at L’Anse aux Meadows – as they provided the boat for explorer Helge Ingstad and Anne Stine for their expedition to discover the Viking settlement in Newfoundland in 1960.

What’s more, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has timed the sailings to Canada perfectly for you to arrive in time to appreciate the natural beauty of the autumn season, think every shade of yellow, red and brown imaginable.

And – yes it gets better – you’ll sail from the UK, so no messing around with early mornings in airports.

Read on to discover what you can expect on a cruise to Canada with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

HIGHLIGHTS OF A CANADA CRUISE

Newfoundland
It’s only right to start with the capital city of Newfoundland, St Johns. This city offers an abundance of old-world charm combined with a colourful coastline and bustling cultural scene.

Travel to the outskirts of the city, where you’ll be likely to spot puffins and whales – or travel downtown, where foodies thrive with a large assortment of cuisine to peruse.

Signal Hill, a national historic site in Canada, is a must-do for unrivalled views of the harbour. Fun fact – this was where the first transatlantic message was received in 1901, proving that signals can travel great distances, starting a new age of communication.

Gaspé
Your first glimpse of Gaspé is astounding, as it’s located at the mouth of the York River, framed by dramatic mountain scenery and home to four national parks. If you only have time to visit one, we recommend Percé Rock, an island like no other made up of limestone that arches over the sea in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

If you pay close attention, you’ll notice that both the culture and buildings in Gaspé reflect British, Irish and French influences that have moulded the city since the 1500s.

Québec
Located on a cliff that drops down to the St. Lawrence River, Québec boasts being home to one of the world’s most photographed hotels – Chateau Frontenac, so be sure to snap a picture while you’re here.

Beyond this, you can head to admire some of the finest buildings in Old Montréal in the open square called Place d’Armes. This square features Québec’s oldest bank, first skyscraper and Basilique Notre-Dame.

Why visit Canada on a cruise?
If the appeal of visiting multiple destinations in one trip, sailing from the convenience of the UK onboard a classy ship with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines isn’t enough – then may we present you with the beauty of scenic cruising.

A Canadian cruise includes lots of ‘top-deck’ moments, where you don’t even have to step foot offboard to admire breathtaking views.

Take cruising St Lawrence River for example, which is home to a variety of fauna and flora. Expect to see mink, muskrats and seabird species including great blue herons and gannets on the shores of the river. In the river itself, you might be lucky enough to spot beluga whales or even a huge blue whale – cameras at the ready.

More wildlife sightings present themselves when cruising the Saguenay Fjord. Breathe in the fresh air in the natural landscape made up of towering cliffs and dense forests while onboard and observe wolves, black bears, lynxes and falcons as they wander their natural habitat. A staggering four whale species call this fjord home due to the depth of the seas.

Cruising by Spike Island is another highlight, as this island holds massive importance in Irish history and is often referred to as ‘Ireland’s Alcatraz’. In the 7^th century, Spike Island was a Monastic settlement before becoming an important site for defence and imprisonment due to its strategic location.

Ready to get onboard? We certainly are. Check out Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s ‘Canada in the Fall’ itinerary here, departing from Southampton on October 3 for 26-nights onboard Borealis.