Isle of Shoals is a coo spot, if weather is reasonable.
After that I suggest going into Casco Bay and coasting from there. There are dozens of nice spots from Cape Ann onwards
If the crew are shy of overnighters, they can coast all the way, from the canal, but should be aware that once out of the canal, the first shelter is 20 miles or more away. Not great if wind is NE.
It is often recommended to avoid transiting the canal against the current, but it is no big deal if you allow the time.