Can you apply online from Saskatchewan for a Chinese multiple entry visa.

We are going to be leaving Sept. 29/19 from Vancouver on a cruise that goes to Asia and includes 4 ports in China. I'm happy to get a multiple entry visa for the trip, but we don't want to have to travel 11 hours by car and spend 2 nights in Calgary to get one! I run a seasonal business and can not leave it until we close for the season and this trip. Is it possible to get this visa online, or do you really have to appear in person to be photographed and finger printed?