Eastern Explorer | Escorted Tour of Quebec and Ontario

Day 1

Toronto

Arrive into Toronto Airport from the UK and transfer on your own to your downtown hotel. After checking in with your tour director, the remainder of the day is free.

2 nights Toronto. Breakfast Included.

Day 2

Toronto

Get better acquainted with your travelling companions at breakfast before exploring Toronto on a morning city tour. Experience the sights and sounds of this cosmopolitan city as you explore the downtown area and residential areas. Highlights include the Eaton Centre, old and new City Halls, Casa Loma, Yorkville and the University of Toronto. You will pass by the Rogers Centre and the CN Tower and drive along the harbourfront for a complete impression of this city. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration.

Day 3

Toronto to Montreal

Departing early, enjoy a pleasant drive east. Following the north shore of Lake Ontario, you will pass endless miles of rolling farmland. Your first destination is the beautiful Thousand Islands resort region, where you will embark upon a relaxing cruise. After taking in the sights and sounds of this river playground, you will re-board the tour coach for the drive to Montreal.

2 nights in Montreal.

Day 4

Montreal

Today you will tour the second-largest French-speaking city in the world. The dynamic city of Montreal encapsulates the two founding cultures of Canada and boasts a curious blend of history and modernity. Touring the downtown area you view the Olympic Complex, charming Old Montreal, McGill University, the residential streets of Mount Royal and the bustling shopping streets. Afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, perhaps embark on an optional dining excursion and experience ‘Montreal by Night’ – a scenic trip out on the town to one of the city’s best known Greek restaurants.

Day 5

Montreal to Quebec City

This morning, prepare to depart from Montreal’s cosmopolitan atmosphere and follow the route of Canada’s first carriageway, the Chemin du Roy deep into French Canada. Winding your way through typical French-Canadian villages and towns, you experience true immersion in French culture. Upon arrival in Quebec City, you tour within the walls of the old city and view lower town, the Citadel, Battlefields Park and the ornate city gates.

2 nights in Quebec City.

Day 6

Quebec City

The day is at your leisure to further explore the sights of this charming World Heritage Site. You can enjoy an optional full day excursion to Tadoussac, including a 3-hour whalewatching tour on the St. Lawrence River at the mouth of the Saguenay River. Step aboard and go in search of the world’s largest mammals. You will also visit the spectacular Montmorency Falls that are 30m higher than the world-famous Niagara Falls. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore this historic French-Canadian city with narrow streets and unique boutiques.

Day 7

Quebec City to Ottawa

Following the shore of the St. Lawrence, this morning you travel west past Montreal, across the Ontario border, and on to Ottawa — the nation’s capital. Stop for lunch (included) along the way at the Sucrerie de la Montagne — an authentic sugar shack and pioneer-style restaurant. Upon arrival to Ottawa take a tour of Ottawa: view the Parliament Buildings, residences of the Prime Minister and the Governor General, the Rideau Canal (designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site), and much more. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

2 nights in Ottawa.

Day 8

Ottawa

This morning, enjoy the Turtle Island aboriginal experience breakfast on Victoria Island. The afternoon is free for independent exploration of Ottawa’s many museums and fine galleries, shopping at the Sparks Street Mall or perhaps a boat cruise on one of the city’s many water-ways.

Day 9

Ottawa to Midland

Your journey west from Ottawa features sparkling lakes, rushing streams, deep forests and characteristic northern towns. The trip will be highlighted by a visit to Algonquin Provincial Park where you will take a walk along the scenic trails. This immense wildlife and forest preserve is a favourite destination for camping expeditions during the summer months, and your walk will give you the opportunity to experience a little of it for yourself. Soon, you enter the Muskoka resort region, your destination for the night.

1 night in Midland.

Day 10

Midland to Niagara Falls

This morning, breakfast is taken upon arrival to Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. This fascinating three-acre historic site is a detailed reconstruction of the first inland European community in Canada. Next, you will be driven south past Toronto and then through the orchards and vineyards of the Niagara Peninsula, with a final destination of Niagara Falls. A thrilling boat ride on the Hornblower brings you to the foot of the thundering waterfalls for an unforgettable experience. Take a ride to the top of the Skylon Tower, providing a spectacular view of the falls and the surrounding district of Niagara. Afterwards, you can enjoy an optional Niagara Helicopter Tour that gives you a breath-taking view of Niagara Falls and the surrounding region. The evening is free for exploring North America’s “honeymoon capital”.

1 night in Niagara Falls.

Day 11

Niagara Falls to Toronto

Leave Niagara Falls this morning. Your drive follows the scenic Niagara Parkway through the historic village of Niagara-on-the-Lake, home of the Shaw Festival. Here we see a small but thriving community, proud to display a carefully-preserved nineteenth century atmosphere. The afternoon completes the tour with a short drive back to Toronto. The evening features our special “Farewell to Canada” dinner at the CN Tower.

1 night in Toronto.

Day 12

Toronto

The tour is over.  You will either transfer to the airport for your homeward flight, or if you wish to stay an extra day or two in Toronto, this can easily be arranged.