The
breathtaking sight of colorful trees along a stretch of blue ocean is part of
what makes fall foliage cruises of New England and Canada’s
Maritime Provinces
so appealing. There are also wonderful places to explore on shore.
Portland, Maine, sits on a peninsula that extends into the
beautiful seascape of Casco Bay. It’s easy to
spend a day exploring the charming Old
Port area, which has
cobblestoned streets and restored brick buildings from the 19th
century. The original occupants – warehouses and offices for the export and
fishing industries – have been replaced by specialty shops, restaurants and
pubs. Or, enjoy more of the striking coastal scenery by riding a ferry to a
quiet island or taking an excursion to a classic coastal village, such as Kennebunkport. If you
love walking along a sandy beach, there are several beautiful beaches just
outside Portland,
some watched over by historic lighthouses.
If
you have just one day to spend in Bar
Harbor, Maine, it may
not seem like enough. There’s the rugged beauty of Acadia
National Park, which occupies much of Mount Desert Island. Rounded mountain summits made of
pink granite peek out from slopes covered with colorful fall trees and
evergreens. There are more than 50 miles of carriage trails in the park,
perfect for walking and biking while catching glimpses of Frenchman Bay.
Mount Desert Island is also home to the waterfront town of Bar Harbor, the charming summer colony that
used to be reserved for the very wealthy. Walk along the Shore Path to admire
some elegant summer homes and inns, then enjoy lunch in one of the town’s many
fine restaurants.
Saint
John,
New Brunswick, may be best known for the
amazing Reversing Falls, a natural phenomenon created by strong tides
pushing against the outflow of the Saint John River.
In a rocky gorge, the river forms rapids and small waterfalls that flow one way
during the outgoing tide, then reverse direction during the incoming tide. In
addition, there are lovely hiking and biking trails along Fundy Trail Parkway, complete with
pullouts that offer spectacular views of the coast. If you stroll through Irving Nature
Park before mid-October,
you’re likely to see groups of seals sunning themselves on the rocks. If you’d
rather stay close to the ship, explore Saint
John’s historic waterfront – look up to see a host of
gargoyles and other Victorian decorations on the buildings.
To
select your fall foliage cruise of New England
and Maritime Canada, talk with your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.
