Atlantic Canada

Atlantic Canada


Atlantic Canada is made up of four provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland & Labrador. Although considerably smaller than the Alaska / Pacific Coast, Atlantic Canada, as the second largest Canadian cruise market, has nevertheless experienced a strong rate of annual positive growth. With vessels averaging 1,900 passengers, this growth was driven in large part by Canada / New England itineraries and Trans-Atlantic voyages.

Regional Highlights

Passengers travelling on a Canada / New England cruise are diverse since history and traditions are what attract them. As a result Atlantic Canada has perhaps the most balanced profile of cruise brand types operating including contemporary, premium, luxury and expedition / soft adventure cruise companies. Because of the cruise brand variety, the introduction of successful Canadian Indigenous tourism products in this market will need speak to the specific needs of the individual cruise lines and not just focus on the total passenger numbers at a specific port.

Regional Itineraries

Canada / New England itineraries are primarily 3, 4 and 7-day roundtrip cruises that originate in north-eastern US ports.  The 7-day cruises usually make 2 port calls in Canada and 2 or 3 calls in New England ports. The Atlantic market has also experienced Canadian port calls from Trans-Atlantic voyages of 10 to 25 nights from the UK and Germany, and ships travelling to the Canadian Arctic.  The cruise season extends from late spring through fall with foliage cruises in October being the peak season.

Main Ports

Charlottetown, PEI |  Corner Brook, NF |  Halifax, NS |  Saint John, NB |  Sydney, NS


Other ports that have been included in cruise itineraries are Baddeck (NS), Pictou (NS), St. Andrews / Campobello (NB),  Caraquet (NB), Summerside (PE), Shelbourne (NS). Note: only the main ports or the destinations that provide Indigenous tourism opportunities have been reviewed and analyzed. 

Average Vessel Size

1,900 passengers