The best fall foliage cruises in the U.S.

Sailing from New York, New York to Montreal, Quebec, 12-Day Canada & New England Fall Foliage itinerary features three U.S. ports of call in Newport, RI (with its quaint tree-lined downtown and Gilded Age mansions that are made all the more charming come autumn), Boston, MA (where history buffs can tour important landmarks while leaf-peeping); and Bar Harbor; ME (where travelers can explore the expansive Arcadia National Park, which teems with fiery foliage each fall). Then, it’s off to Canada with an overnight in Halifax, Nova Scotia, followed by stops in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Saguenay, Quebec; Quebec City, Quebec; and Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, before disembarking in magnificent Montreal. Bonus: In between Saguenay and Quebec City, passengers will enjoy scenic cruising through the Saguenay Fjord National Park, where they can spot wildlife like whales, seals, wolves and bears while admiring the changing colors of the towering trees.

Experience the best of the Pacific Northwest—and its ample leaf-peeping opps—aboard Lindblad Expeditions’ Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey. History lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike will appreciate this bucket-list cruise, which features an onboard historian, geologist and team of naturalists. Admire Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams, both of which are flooded with vibrant foliage come September and October, right from the bow of the ship. The spectacular ports of call—Astoria, OR (where travelers can savor local beers and oysters while catching a glimpse of the awe-inspiring Cape Disappointment); Walla Walla, WA (where wine tasting opps abound and harvest season is in full swing ); and Clarkston, WA (where you can admire Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge)—are best explored on foot, kayak, Zodiac or jet boat. The itinerary also includes scenic cruising through the Hood River, Columbia River Gorge and the Palouse River.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Charles Riverboat Company (@charlesriverboatcompany)

Searching for some of the best fall activities in Boston? Head out on the water and set sail on a 90-minute ride with the Charles Riverboat Company along the Charles River. These foliage-themed cruises offer some of Boston and Cambridge's best (read: most Instagrammable) views. With tickets from $30 per adult, this short but scenic sailing is the most wallet-friendly option on our list. And, since it’s just an hour and a half long, you’ll be back long before dinnertime (may we suggest booking a table at one of Boston’s best new restaurants to cap off the fun-filled day?). This cruise is an excellent option for those tight on time but still craving some fall fun—all without having to leave the city.

For a fun-filled fall foliage cruise for the entire family, look no further than this 10-night sailing from Royal Caribbean. The 10-night voyage sails from Cape Liberty, NJ, to Quebec City, Quebec, aboard Jewel of the Seas, offering a rock climbing wall, mini-golf, several pools, state-of-the-art entertainment and many bars and restaurants. Off the ship, explore stunning ports of call like Boston (MA) and Portland (ME) before heading off to some of the most awe-inspiring locales in Canada (Saint John, New Brunswick; Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and Saguaney, Quebec). These destinations feature some of North America's best fall foliage views, thanks to their vast landscapes. While on board, sit back, relax, and take in the breathtaking scenery from the comfort of your stateroom balcony.

Oceania Cruises’ aptly named Autumn in Canada & New England itinerary is perfect for passengers eager to catch a glimpse of the region’s changing leaves over the course of 11 days. Upon embarkation from New York, you’ll travel to Newport before cruising the Cape Cod Canal. After, the ship makes its way to Portland, where cruisers can tour Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park. Then it’s off to Canada to visit New Brunswick (Saint John) Nova Scotia (Shelbourne and Sydney, where, in the later, cruisers can take a shore excursion to Cape Breton Island to admire some of North America’s most vibrant foliage coupled with sweeping ocean vistas). The trip's final leg includes Newfoundland (Corner Brook, which features orange, yellow, and bright red-hued leaves in peak season) and Quebec (Saguenay and Quebec City).

City Experiences’ New York Fall Foliage Lunch Cruise is among the best fall day trips from New York City. The three-hour cruise, which takes place on October 21, 2023, sails roundtrip from Manhattan’s Chelsea Piers and cruises up the Hudson River. Along the scenic route, passengers can sip cider and savor pumpkin pie while surrounded by seasonal décor, adding to the festive fall vibes. For the best leaf-peeping views, head up to the open-air rooftop lounge— and prepare to be dazzled by the kaleidoscope of autumnal hues. Additional onboard highlights include a buffet lunch, live DJ entertainment and a selection of creative cocktails (additional cost). Oh, and did we mention tickets start at under $100 apiece?

Embark on a fantastic foliage-filled journey through New England and Canada aboard this epic itinerary from Norwegian Cruise Line. The seven-day voyage—which has fares as low as $429 per person—conveniently sails roundtrip from New York aboard the family-friendly Norwegian Escape, stopping in three other American ports (Newport, Portland and Bar Harbor). From there, the ship sails to Canada (Saint John and Halifax) before returning to The Big Apple. Throughout the weeklong sailing, passengers will have the incredible opportunity to admire the colorful leaves while heading out on bucket-list-worthy excursions like whale-watching and hiking; otherwise, consider more laid-back albeit equally fun activities like shopping or attending an authentic New England lobster bake.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Circle Line Sightseeing (@circlelinenyc)

Circle Line’s Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise is one of the best things to do in NYC this fall. The four-hour cruise—which Circle Line dubbed “New York's floating Oktoberfest”—sails 40 miles up the Hudson River. For the sailing, passengers can enjoy live music and Oktoberfest-themed food like Bavarian pretzels, bratwursts, and pork schnitzel while sipping on German brews. Take in the Instagram-worthy foliage—and breathe in the crisp fall air—from one of the expansive outdoor decks. Cruisers may even spot a bald eagle amongst the colorful trees and mountain landscapes if they're lucky.

Enjoy a New York to Quebec City sailing with luxury cruise line Crystal, which recently relaunched just a few months earlier. This specific eight-night voyage takes place onboard the revamped Crystal Serenity, which calls on Newport, Boston, Halifax (where it will stay overnight), Sydney and Quebec City (where it will also remain overnight before disembarking the following day), In between the Sydney and Quebec City port stops, Serenity will cruise along the tree-lined St. Lawrence River, where the turning of the leaves will be on full display. While the ports of call alone are reason enough to book this voyage, you should also consider that all staterooms have ocean views. Other ship amenities include a fine-dining restaurant helmed by Nobu (yes, that Nobu), a tranquil spa and chic common areas where cruisers can leaf-peep and sip cocktails in style.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Classic Harbor Line (@classicharborline)

New Yorkers looking for a romantic way to experience the surrounding region’s fall foliage can —and certainly should! —book the Classic Harbor Line Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise. The two-and-a-half-hour sailing takes place aboard an elegant ‘20s-style yacht (either one of two aptly named vessels, the Manhattan or Manhattan II ), making it one of the most glamorous ways to go leaf-peeping. As part of the ticket price, cruisers will enjoy a three-course prix fixe brunch—served at their own private table—and, as a bonus, one complimentary Bloody Mary, mimosa, beer, wine or glass of bubbly. (Cheers!) Lastly, while indoor and outdoor seating is available, keep in mind that it is assigned.