Rich in maritime history, hockey culture, seafood selections and stunning fall foliage, Canada's coastal provinces (The Maritimes) are worth a visit, particularly for travellers who aren't sure where to begin touring, given the country's massive size.

The best way to see several Canadian highlights in one trip is on a cruise, where you unpack once, your accommodations travel with you and dinner awaits at the end of a fun day in port.

You'll typically see a sailing to Canada billed as a Canada/New England cruise, as most voyages include a mix of ports from both regions.

Beyond the Canadian Maritimes, Alaskan cruises also visit British Columbia.

There's lots to see on a Canadian Maritimes cruise, and options abound. In Halifax, you might hop on a bus tour that touches on the port's maritime ties and hits several highlights, such as Citadel Hill and Fairlawn Cemetery, where more than 100 Titanic victims are buried.

In Charlottetown, you won't want to miss a visit to the "Anne of Green Gables" house, and if you're in Montreal at night, the Notre-Dame Basilica's AURA light show is an absolute must.

Or in British Columbia, Vancouver is a world-class destination known for its international filmmaking, food scene and art and First Nations museums; and Victoria is popular for The Butchart Gardens just outside the city.

Although Canada sailings are generally offered from May through October, autumn is the best time to go. Temperatures are cooler, and if you time it right, you can take in the breathtaking fall foliage with its fiery red, orange and yellow hues.

The most popular ports include Halifax, Saint John, Quebec City, Prince Edward Island's Charlottetown and Sydney. A handful of American ports -- such as Bar Harbour and Portland, Maine -- are also offered on some Canada/New England itineraries.

Canadian ports along the west coast can also be found on Alaska itineraries, such as Vancouver and Victoria in British Columbia.

Most Canada cruises actually begin and end in the United States, often sailing roundtrip from Boston. Other departure ports for Canada itineraries include Baltimore, New York, Bayonne and Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades in the U.S., as well as Montreal and Quebec City in Canada.

Here are our best tips for finding a cheap cruise or cruise deal to Canada. If you book a “guaranteed cabin” (they choose for you), a cabin on a lower deck or sail on an older ship from a brand you like, then you can get the best price for a specific cruise to Canada. Last-minute cruise deals to Canada appear as you get closer to the sail date, around four weeks before. Like Alaska, Canadian cruises are shortly seasonal, so off-season specials are not usually available.