Última actualización: 22 de octubre de 2026
You can still reach Canada from Britain the way generations of emigrants did: by sea. No passenger liner runs a regular UK–Canada service today, but container ships sail every week from British and European ports to Halifax and Montreal, and some carry a handful of paying passengers. The crossing takes around 9–12 days and is one of the most rewarding freighter voyages for a first-timer.
| Ruta | Typical departure ports | Arrival port | Typical sea time |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Atlantic to Nova Scotia | Liverpool, Antwerp, Hamburg, Le Havre | Halifax | About 8–10 days |
| North Atlantic and St Lawrence | Antwerp, Hamburg, Liverpool | Montreal | About 9–12 days |
| Via the US east coast | Northern Europe | New York/Newark, then Halifax | About 12–16 days |
Rotations change, so we confirm the exact ports and dates when you enquire. Some ships call at Halifax and Montreal on the same voyage.
Allow 9–12 days at sea for most direct services, plus a few days’ leeway, because freighter schedules can move. Winter crossings can be rough and the St Lawrence can have ice, which slows ships down. Late spring to early autumn usually brings the calmest seas.
Freighter fares are charged per person per day, typically around US$90–150, including your cabin and three meals. A 10-day crossing therefore usually costs roughly US$900–1,500 per person one way, plus booking fees, port taxes where applicable and travel insurance.
You will have an outside cabin with private shower and toilet, eat with the officers, and can usually visit the bridge. On the North Atlantic you may see whales, seabirds and icebergs off Newfoundland in spring. Read life on a container ship and our packing list.
| Option | Time | Luggage | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | About 7 hours | Strict limits | Fast but forgettable |
| Repositioning cruise | 10–14 nights, occasional dates | Generous | Busy ship with entertainment |
| Buque de carga | 9–12 days, year-round | Very generous | Quiet, authentic, unforgettable |
Freighters are ideal for people relocating with lots of luggage, slow travellers and anyone who wants to arrive in Canada rested. Compare with a barco del Reino Unido a EE. UU..
Yes. Some container ships sailing from UK and European ports to Halifax and Montreal carry a few paying passengers.
About 9–12 days at sea on a direct container ship service.
Around US$90–150 per person per day, so roughly US$900–1,500 one way for a 10-day crossing.
The eTA is required for air travel. Visa-exempt travellers arriving by sea generally do not need one, but check the latest Canadian government guidance.
May to October usually brings calmer seas and no ice in the St Lawrence.
Tell us your dates and we’ll check passenger cabins on container ships to Halifax and Montreal.
Ask about Canada cabins →
