Don’t sweat your summer travel plans this year. When hot temperatures seem relentless and you could sizzle an egg on the pavement, a cool breeze and misty mornings sound pretty appealing.
If you’re looking to escape the heat with a summer adventure, you don’t even have to leave the continent to find your perfect getaway. In fact, some of North America’s most scenic – and temperate – destinations are best experienced by cruise or rail, so all you need to do is pack your bag and climb aboard. Just sit back, relax, and watch the landscapes unfold.
From glacier-lined coastlines to peaceful mountain passes, here are some top picks for summer travel that let you relax, explore, and chill.
Alaskan Cruise
If you’re craving a summer trip that combines jaw-dropping scenery, cool weather, and the feeling of an adventure, Alaska delivers in spades. An Alaskan cruise is a “bucket list” experience for many people, for good reason. Imagine waking up to invigorating ocean air and sipping your coffee on the deck while you spot a humpback whale just off the bow of your ship. Seeing Alaska by water offers an incomparable mix of rugged beauty and relaxed exploration.
Small ship experiences allow you to visit intimate Alaskan villages like Petersburg, Wrangell, and Haines, where you’ll find charming small-town vibes with local shops, fresh seafood, and rich Native and Gold Rush history.
As you cruise between ports, watch for towering glaciers, eagles soaring overhead, and brown bears along the shore. While you’re in port, you can choose from unique shore excursions like salmon fishing, Gold Rush towns, petroglyph tours, or jet boat rides to view wildlife. In between, you’ll be chillin’ on deck, glad you left the heat behind.
Cruise the Puget Sound and San Juan Islands
Cruising through the Puget Sound and San Juan Islands feels worlds away from everyday life. This northwestern corner of Washington state is known for its stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and history. Small ships weave between inlets and harbors, giving you an up-close experience of this archipelago with over 450 islands, rocks, and pinnacles.
As you cruise among the islands of the Salish Sea, each stop has its own character – Friday Harbor is known for art galleries and seaside eateries, while Lopez Island offers pastoral scenery and a local vibe. Orcas and harbor seals are frequent companions, and bald eagles are almost guaranteed.
Your itinerary may also include Puget Sound ports like historic Port Townsend and Poulsbo, a town rich in Norwegian heritage. Cruising truly captures the soul of the Pacific Northwest – easygoing, beautiful, and always cool. Many Puget Sound cruises start and end in Seattle, so they’re easy to access and ideal for shorter trips such as five to seven days.
The Waterways of New England and Canada
A summer cruise from Montréal to Portland, Maine delivers a refreshing escape from sweltering inland heat as it winds through the cool, scenic waterways of eastern Canada and the North Atlantic coast. You’ll soak in the European flair of Montréal, meander down the St. Lawrence River, and explore historic towns and breezy waterfronts. Plus, keep an eye out for wildlife; whales are often spotted right from the deck.
You’ll stop in unique destinations like Québec City, Tadoussac, and Prince Edward Island and take in dramatic coastlines and lush green countryside. The Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Strait of Canso offer uninterrupted views of rugged cliffs, lighthouses, and serene seascapes. Coastal cities like Halifax, Nova Scotia and Portland, Maine are rich in historic charm. Halifax’s maritime heritage and lively waterfront make it a favorite among cruise travelers, while Portland delights with its fresh seafood, walkable streets, and creative local culture.
This part of Canada enjoys some of the country’s most temperate summer weather, and the air is often cool and crisp, especially in the mornings and evenings. Put your feet up and chill as you relish the easy-going pace of cruise travel.
See North America by Rail
A rail journey through Canada, Alaska, or the Colorado Rockies is a spectacular way to experience some of North America’s most breathtaking landscapes. With wide picture windows and relaxed seating, rail travel lets you take in mountain vistas, alpine lakes, and wild forests without taking a step. It’s a carefree way to explore high-altitude destinations where the air is fresh and cool and the views are endless.
One of the most iconic train routes is a Canadian Rockies rail tour through cities like Vancouver, Banff, and Jasper. As the train climbs into the mountains, you’ll pass turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and wildlife-rich valleys. These luxury train journeys feature locally inspired meals and expert storytelling on board, so you’ll travel in comfort.
Summer highs in the Rockies tend to stay in the 60s and 70s°F (15–25°C), making it ideal weather for stepping off the train and exploring historic mountain towns, glacial parks, or just breathing in that crisp alpine air.
Alternatively, a rail and cruise journey through Alaska is a truly unforgettable way to experience the state’s wild, majestic beauty. Train routes travel through remote landscapes that you can’t reach by car and wind past vast stretches of wilderness. You’re not just getting from point A to B – you have a front-row seat to some of the most stunning scenery in North America.
You’ll be sipping coffee in a glass-domed railcar while you watch moose graze in the distance, or stepping out onto an open-air platform as your train curves through a mountain pass. This is an extraordinary way to experience stunning wilderness areas like Denali National Park and the rugged coastline of Kenai Fjords.
Train travel offers a slower pace that gives you time to really take in Alaska’s scale and stillness. If you’d like to avoid the heat just a little bit longer, you can opt for a combined cruise/rail journey that lets you see the best of Alaska from both viewpoints.
The Rockies to Red Rocks journey takes you through some of the most stunning and geologically diverse landscapes in the American West, from Colorado’s Rocky Mountains to the red-rock wonders of Utah’s canyon country.
Highlights of the trip include scenic overnights in Glenwood Springs, a charming resort town surrounded by mountains, and Moab, Utah’s desert gem and the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Along the way, you’ll cross the Continental Divide, roll alongside the Colorado River, and watch the scenery shift from alpine forests to dramatic red rock formations. Rail travelers enjoy a guided visit to Arches National Park, a picnic at Dead Horse Point, and a stargazing evening with local astronomers – the perfect way to take in Utah’s famously clear desert skies.
The luxurious Rocky Mountaineer features glass-dome coaches and gourmet meals so you’ll ride in the utmost comfort. The Rockies to Red Rocks train is an awe-inspiring way to discover the variety of the American landscape.
This summer, trade the heat for high country, ocean breezes, and unforgettable landscapes. With so many routes to choose from, your cool-weather adventure might just be your most memorable yet.
Take a Guided Land and Water Tour of Maine
If you’ve ever wanted to experience the true spirit of coastal Maine—the one locals treasure and travelers dream about—this adventure is your ticket. Summer in Maine means misty mornings on the water, winding trails through hardwood forests, and tiny harbors with historic lighthouses and plenty of fresh lobster.
Maine has over 3,478 miles of coastline and 4,600 offshore islands, offering quiet coves and pristine nature around every bend. You’ll wind through its long, narrow peninsulas, indented coves, and rocky headlands, and discover protected nature reserves and wildlife habitat.
On this small group excursion, you’ll get an up-close look at one of the most scenic corners of the country, guided by experts who know the landscape, the wildlife, and the best-kept secrets of the Maine coast. Get a taste of local life on the water when you sail on a chartered schooner and a lobster boat.
This is a tour where you can take your time and savor the special magic of Maine. Groups are limited to 14 travelers, offering the best way to experience nature. In fact, you can even book this tour as a private getaway for your family, group, or friends.
Wherever your travels take you, it’s nice to know that summer doesn’t have to mean doesn’t have to mean sticky clothes and overheated afternoons. From breezy coastlines to misty mountains, these cooler destinations offer a refreshing way to enjoy the season without overheating. Find your perfect cool escape—and soak up the season without breaking a sweat.
Why Should You Take a Small Ship Cruise?
A small ship cruise offers a completely different experience from cruising on a large ship. Because of their size, smaller vessels offer unique itineraries that include smaller ports and less-traveled waterways, giving you a close-up view of some of the most beautiful coastal towns and scenery. You’ll explore off-the-beaten-path destinations–charming fishing villages, remote islands, or historic harbors–where tourism hasn’t overrun the culture or scenery. It’s a more intimate and immersive way to experience your destination.
Small ships also offer a personal and relaxed atmosphere onboard. With fewer passengers, typically fewer than 200 guests, you won’t have to deal with long lines or crowded decks. The crew get to know your name and preferences, so the journey is more like staying at a boutique hotel.
Many small-ship cruises feature expert guides, naturalists, and cultural historians who provide talks or lead excursions, offering an insider’s look at each location. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, allowing you to truly relax, take in the view, and experience your journey close up.
Book Now To Reserve Your Cruise or Rail Journey
Don’t wait to plan your perfect escape—small ship cruises and scenic rail journeys fill up fast, especially in the summer months. With limited capacity and high demand for cooler, crowd-free getaways, you’ll need to reserve your spot as early as you can. Whether you’re gliding through glacial fjords or rolling past mountain vistas by train, booking early ensures you get the best itinerary, cabin, or seat.
Your summer of comfy and cool adventures awaits you!
