"Canopus" departed the Abrolhos Rocks on 8 October 1914 to assist Cradock's ships in searching for the German East Asia Squadron of Vice Admiral Maximilian von Spee, which was en route the South Atlantic from the Far East. "Canopus" arrived at Stanley in the Falkland Islands on 18 October 1914, where she took up guard ship and escort duties. Cradock had initially intended to take "Canopus" with his squadron, which consisted of the armoured cruisers and , the light cruiser "Glasgow" and the auxiliary cruiser , but her late arrival, coupled with the fact that she required an overhaul upon arriving in the Falklands, forced Cradock to proceed without her. In addition, "Canopus" could make no more than , which would have made it difficult for Cradock to force the East Asia Squadron into battle. Cradock ordered "Canopus" to join him when possible, though he intended to use her only to protect his colliers. On 27 October, Cradock detached his light cruiser to Coronel to gather intelligence, and the next day ordered "Canopus" to bring the colliers to the Juan Fernández Islands, where his squadron would replenish its fuel. "Glasgow" arrived in Coronel on 31 October, but departed too early on 1 November to receive an order from the First Sea Lord that Cradock should not risk engaging Spee's squadron without "Canopus".