Travel Tips
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable stay in Canada New England
Our countries | Spoken Languages | Climate | Time Zones | Currency
Spoken Languages in Canada New England
- The official language in United States is the English.
- There are two official languages in Canada – English and French. English is the most predominant in the Atlantic Canada provinces, but most of the signs and literature are printed in both languages. As well, many people are bilingual.
- French is the official language of the province of Québec however English is also commonly spoken.
Many Québécois are bilingual and in some cases even speak a third language (over 20% of the population of Montréal is trilingual!). You will be greeted in French and English in the majority of businesses throughout the port in the province of Québec.
Climate in Canada New England
Boston
Summertime temperatures for Boston usually hover around 80°F during the day with temperatures dipping down to 60°F at night. Because it can often be hot and humid, summertime thunderstorms are not uncommon. During the fall season, temperatures can range between 60°F-70°F during the day and evenings are usually about 10° degrees cooler.
New York
Summer days in New York are usually sunny and hot, with cooler breezes near the waterfront. Temperatures can range from 60°F to 90°F, and sunsets are later in the evenings. Winters in New York are cold and snowy, but are often sunny and crisp. Temperatures can range from 32°F and 50°F.
Maine
- Coastal Areas
Peak temperatures normally occurring in July average about 70°F throughout the state. Summer nights are usually comfortably cool. - Portland
On average, there are 203 sunny days per year in Portland. Summer high days in July is around 77°F degrees with warm nights, and nice ocean breezes. - Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor weather in the spring months often is rainy and cool, with some fog rolling in. Temperatures can range between 60°F-70°F during the day and down to 30°F at night. Summertime temperatures can range between 70°F-80°F during the day and evenings are pleasantly warm between 40°F-50°F. During the fall season, temperatures have highs in the 70°F falling around 40°F at night.
In Canada
- New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
The summer daytime temperature ranges from a very comfortable 68ºF to 77ºF (20ºC - 25ºC). Spring and fall temperatures are a little cooler. - Newfoundland & Labrador
May and early June feature mild days and cool nights with temperatures ranging from 55ºF (12ºC) daytime to 40ºF (4ºC) nighttime. Summer days range from cool to hot with temperatures from 60ºF - 75ºF (15ºC - 23ºC). Labrador summers are shorter and generally cooler, extreme high temperatures are not uncommon in Labrador. - Québec
The majority of cities in the province of Québec are characterized by a humid continental climate, with four clearly defined seasons and significant gaps in temperature between them. Although summer is warm temperature ranges from 68ºF to 77ºF (20ºC - 25ºC) and winter sees lots of snow. - Please visit Environment Canada's website for an accurate weather forecast in Canadian ports.
- Wardrobe ideas: In summer, be sure to pack shorts and sandals. But don't forget to bring a light sweater or two for evenings by the sea. In fall, be sure to pack warmer clothes as windbreaker, walking shoes and raincoat.
Time Zones
- Québec province, Maine, New York and Massachusetts are in the Eastern Standard Time.
- New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time. It's called Atlantic Standard Time (AST).
- Newfoundland & Labrador is even more unique - a half hour ahead of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in Newfoundland Standard Time (NST).
When you're here, just know that the sun rises in Atlantic Canada before anywhere else in North America.
Currency in Canada New England
- The currency in United States ports is the American dollar.
- The currency in Canada ports is the Canadian dollar.
- While the difference between the Canadian and the American dollar fluctuates, on the whole the American dollar is worth more. You'll find the best exchange rates at banks, large hotels and of course your cruise ship.
- Most major credit cards such as VISA, MasterCard and American Express are accepted as payment throughout the Canada New England but please check with your bank before you leave home to see about any conditions or reasons why your card may not work here.