Planning a cruise to the east coast of Canada? There are some fun cruise ports in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, but it helps to know what to pack for these ports.
We have been to the east coast of Canada on cruises a couple of times. Both times we were already packed for cold weather in June because of the other destinations (or non-destinations).
Planning a trip to Canada and Greenland? Read about our experience with that here.
These days you can see a weather forecast over a week in advance so a lot of the time you can pack for the weather you actually expect to have. However, we have experienced a lot of cold, foggy weather in Canada, but also days where the weather changes very quickly.
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These are the must-have items to bring on a cruise to the east coast of Canada:
Raincoat
A raincoat is a must for Canada. I love my Columbia raincoat because it doesn’t have a lining. If it’s cold, I just layer.
Jacket
Even in summer, a jacket or sweatshirt is very important to bring to Canada. Even if you don’t need a jacket all day (which you might), you will want it for mornings or evenings.
Hat
A beanie or winter hat is important for Canada. You may want this on the cruise – we wore it in the hot tub – or for on land. Again, the weather can change very quickly on the coast and you may be cold in the morning.
Day Pack
Because you need a bag to put all of this winter gear in. A collapsible backpack is a great idea if it is just for putting jackets and hats in later in the day. But a solid day bag is also a good idea.
Sunglasses
Because it can go from foggy and cold to sunny and hot in just a few minutes. Don’t forget the sunglasses!
On Board Entertainment
It may be cold on your way to and from the Canadian ports, especially if you are traveling early in the summer or in the fall. Plan to be inside more than you would on a warm cruise.
If you like to read, bring a Kindle so you have plenty of books in a small space. I like to bring a book of puzzles or even coloring to keep me entertained while inside the ship on sea days.
Blanket
You can ask your room steward if they can provide a blanket for you, but we brought a small blanket on our last cruise. (It helps that we drove to the port.) It was so nice when it was cold outside to be able to snuggle up in our own blanket and watch the scenery go by while staying warm!
Long pants and long sleeves
We are from Georgia. Long pants and long sleeves are not something we wear in June, but they were needed in Canada in June. Make sure you bring some clothes for the climate!
An attitude of flexibility
Because of fog and inclement weather, there may be adjustments to your schedule more than in the Caribbean or other cruise destinations. We were fogged in so badly in St. Anthony that they had to cancel the port after they had already started loading people onto the tenders. It was definitely disappointing, but it was clear based on the limited visibility that it was not safe to send people to shore in the small boats.
What to read now that you know what to pack for a cruise to Canada:
What to expect on a Transatlantic Cruise
Our experience cruising to Greenland and Canada
