The cruises to Canadian shores are great experiences. Many visitors flock to the North American country to see the maritime provinces or explore the Arctic regions on a boat.
A common question in these cases is whether a Canadian eTA is needed for a cruise. This is because visitors from different countries, such as the United Kingdom and Australia, need the Canadian eTA travel authorization to enter the country by plane.
But do the same requirements apply when it comes to Canadian cruises? In this guide, you will find all the information you need to explore the North American country by boat with the correct documentation.
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Where do cruises sail in Canada?
The type of cruise and the embarkation point is decisive to know if you need a Canadian eTA or not.
There are several cruise routes that visitors to Canada can enjoy. Many not only cruise the shores of Canada but also stop at ports in Greenland or in the United States.
Some of the most popular Canadian cruises are:
- Canada and New England cruises.
- British Columbia and Alaska cruises.
- Arctic cruises (including Greenland and parts of the Northwest Passage).
- Cruises across the Atlantic to Canada.
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Is a Canadian eTA required to embark on a cruise?
Travelers heading to Canada for a cruise often have questions about the documentation they will need. As a general rule, foreign tourists need a Canadian electronic travel authorization (eTA) or visa.
Australia is one of the nations eligible to travel to Canada with an eTA. This entry authorization has a more agile registration process than that of the Canadian tourist visa. SEE HERE FOR THE LIST OF eTA ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES
In the case of the eTA, applicants do not need to travel to an embassy, whereas for a traditional visa it is mandatory. The Canada eTA application form can be completed online from the comfort of your own home.
Thus, the eTA is a mandatory requirement for all Australian visitors and visitors from other eligible countries, such as the U.K or Andorra, flying to Canada or transiting through a Canadian airport.
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This means that, from the outset, you do not need a Canadian eTA to embark on a cruise. However, there are situations in which it will be mandatory:
- When the traveler flies to Canada to begin his cruise in a Canadian port.
- When the tourist transits through a Canadian airport on the way to start his cruise.
In contrast, passengers will not require a Canadian eTA for a cruise in the following circumstances:
- When the passenger enters Canada by land or by boat before embarking on the cruise.
- If the cruise departs from the United States or Australia and the traveler does not fly to Canada.
- When the visitor is on a transatlantic cruise to Canada and reaches Canadian land by ship.
It will not be necessary to apply for a Canada eTA if the traveler leaves Canada by plane. On the other hand, if one of your travel plans is to arrive at a Canadian airport by plane, it will be necessary to go through border control and have a valid eTA.
The visitors from countries that have visa-free entry to Canada must obtain a Canadian visa from an embassy or consulate.
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Is it advisable to take a cruise in Canada?
Canadian cruises can be a great adventure. Whether sailing the coast of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island or braving the frozen Arctic, there is much to see in the waters of the North American country.
Cruises are a place to relax with luxurious accommodations. Many offer evening entertainment and have a variety of facilities for passengers.
Sailing Canada offers passengers a taste of Canadian hospitality in charming port cities like Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Quebec. It also offers spectacular views of the Canadian fjords.
Many cruises also offer the opportunity to stop in cities in the United States, such as Boston, Portland, and New York. Without a doubt, a perfect way to visit both countries on the same trip.
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Canadian sea cruises
The Canadian Maritime Provinces are 3 of the smallest regions in Canada located on the Atlantic coast, close to the United States. The maritime ones are:
- New brunswick
- New Scotland
- Prince Edward Island (PEI)
Many of the most popular Canadian cruises include the maritime provinces and the northeastern United States (parts of New England and, in some cases, New York). Some also visit parts of Quebec and Newfoundland.
Passengers can enjoy the Canadian coastline, especially in the fall, when the foliage turns the landscape into vivid shades of red and orange in port cities such as Halifax, Saint John, Quebec, Charlottetown, and Sydney, Nova Scotia.
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Canadian Arctic Cruises
Arctic cruise ships sail along various routes around the coast of the Nunavut Territory, including Baffin Island, as well as the northern part of Quebec (Nunavik). Many cruise ships also cross into Greenland, making stops at ports like Nuuk.
Some cruise ships take passengers deep into the Northwest Steps, channels between the islands of Canada’s Arctic archipelago, where various explorers of history were lost trying to find a route to the Pacific.
Canadian Arctic cruises are the perfect opportunity for wildlife lovers to observe polar bears, seals, whales, and Arctic birds.
The magnificent frozen landscapes of Canada’s Arctic include fjords, icebergs, and glaciers. Many cruise ships give passengers the opportunity to see these natural wonders up close and take hiking tours in the harbor.
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Vancouver to Alaska Cruises
Several cruise companies sail from Vancouver, British Columbia, along the Pacific coast to the US state of Alaska. Passengers can enjoy both the Canadian coastline and the American coastline while sailing north.
Cruises from Vancouver to Alaska offer the opportunity to see grizzly bears, humpback whales, and belugas and enjoy them in their natural environment.
Vancouver is one of Canada’s most artistic and diverse cities and is well worth a visit for its arts scene, music, local seafood, and fun excursions to the nearby mountains.
Remember that all eligible travelers flying to Vancouver must obtain the Canada eTA through the online form. Once through border control, you can enjoy your Canadian cruise adventure.
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