Fall Foliage, Canada/New England: A Cruise Experience That Just Might Teach You a Thing or Three about Life

Teijo and I are on the homestretch of our first “fall foliage” cruise together around Canada and New England. What strikes me about this experience is how different it is from my only other voyage in the region, that one on Holland America in fall of 2001. Then, it traditionally was an itinerary aimed at leaf peeping, lots of motorcoach rides through the countryside, and walking tours of downtowns, like Saint John and Halifax, that really, I don’t know, don’t compete with the rural aspect of this region, at least at this time of the year.

These days, there’s so much variety in the Canada/New England region. Hiking and motorsports and kayaking, forest bathing and whale watching, not to mention Michelin-level dining, are all part of the menu – along with the quieter explorations if that’s what you’re looking for. We have loved this experience, and we are still (relatively) young and definitely active. If you haven’t yet considered Canada/New England, its short leaf peeping season (about three weeks, timing varies, but I’ll take a summer cruise here any day, too) is every bit as powerful a travel experience as the Mediterranean or Caribbean.

Oddly, on our journey from New York to Quebec (photo snapped in Quebec City, above), via Boston and New Brunswick’s Saint John, it wasn’t until a few days ago that the true color-pop of fall foliage began to show its face, and that’s as we were approaching Quebec City. Travelers who are now headed east and south will have plenty of time to enjoy its peak. We arrived at Quebec City for an overnight, before debarking, and were lucky enough to get some lovely light. Sure, QC is touristy but sometimes…touristy…in a gorgeous place like this still manages to offer an experience.

Let’s put it this way: At home, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, we get the autumn colors just like Canada/New England. Because we’re so busy living our lives (too busy, laughing) we just don’t take the time to absorb the beauty. On this trip, because we were not just out of our normal comfort zone but were also wonderfully removed from our daily routines, there was time to sit, be still, and appreciate.

Maybe the lesson is we need to try harder to be present at home. I'd prefer, though, to enjoy the best of both worlds -- admiring the beauty from our digs in Chestertown and yet...also enjoying a much-needed pampering getaway that's not too far from home.