Day 3
Toronto – Kingston (166 miles)
Collect your hire car and drive along the north shore of Lake Ontario to Kingston and maybe take a short evening dinner “Islands and Harbour” cruise. This provides a fascinating introduction to the sights and history of the 1000 Islands region as well as Kingston. Ontario's oldest city, Kingston was the first capital of the united Upper and Lower Canada before the National Seat of Government was moved to Ottawa in the 1840s.
Overnight(1): Kingston
Day 4
Kingston – Montreal (195 miles)
Today’s drive takes you along the northern bank of the St Lawrence River across the provincial border into Quebec Province and Montreal. The suggested route passes Upper Canada Village, located just off Highway 401. It is well worth spending some time exploring this recreated village and its associated rural industries to gain an insight into some of the challenges and rewards of daily life in a small Canadian village in the 1860s.
Overnights(3): Montreal
Days 5-6
Montreal
Enjoy the included river rafting and Discoverer's cruise on the St. Lawrence. Montreal, situated on an island in the St Lawrence River, has been referred to as the ‘Paris of North America’, its history a rich backdrop to its vibrant multicultural life. Montreal has numerous festivals, beautiful botanic gardens, street fairs and innumerable terrace cafés where locals and visitors alike gather to socialize. The lookout on top of Mount Royal presents a superb panorama of the city and the Underground City, linking many buildings and malls, is a shopper's paradise.
ST. LAWRENCE RIVER RAFTING (2 hours and 15 minutes)
River rafting on the St. Lawrence River, 15 minutes from downtown Montreal, offers two types of excursions. The first option is a leisurely-paced excursion on the tranquil waters of the river giving you time to view the scenery around you with some rapids. The second option is for those who want to experience faster-flowing currents. A descent through the main channel of the river offers a thrilling rollercoaster ride. Each trip includes guide, life jacket, helmet and paddle. Complimentary shuttle service from Montreal Infotouriste Centre to the base is available. (Level I-III)
Minimum age 6 - INCLUDED May 08-Aug 26 departures.
THE DISCOVERER'S CRUISE (1.5 hours)
Departing from Old Port of Montreal - Quai King Edward
Accompanied by a guide, discover the many facets of Montreal from the comfort of a cruise boat on the St. Lawrence River. You will explore 25 km of history and attractions along the St. Lawrence River: Old Port, Ste-Helen’s Island, the unspoiled landscape of the Boucherville Islands and much more!
Day 7
Montreal - Quebec City (159 miles)
Travelling along the northern shore of the St Lawrence your route takes you further into the French-speaking province of Quebec. Quebec City, located on a spectacular promontory that towers above the St Lawrence, is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Overnights(3): Quebec City
Days 8-9
Quebec City
Quebec City is the capital of the province of Quebec and the only walled city in North America. During your stay enjoy two included excursions. Full of historic old world charm and with a wonderful “joie de vivre” atmosphere, the city is located on the north shore of the St Lawrence River. Impressive views of the old port and city can be had from the Old Port Interpretation Centre. Visit the Old Fort, or take a horse drawn carriage ride down the cobbled streets of Old Quebec City with its quaint shops, bistros, and market squares.
SIGHTSEEING CRUISE OF QUEBEC (1.5 hour cruise)
See Canada's oldest city from the decks of a cruise ship on the St. Lawrence River. As you cruise along the shoreline, a guide relates the story of "New France" and tells you about the origings of Quebec's famous landmarks. Relax and take in the spectacular views of the Chateau Frontenac, Cap Diamant and Montmorency Falls.
WHALEWATCHING EXCURSION (11 hours)
From Québec City, a scenic transfer takes participants through the Charlevoix Region and onto Baie-Ste-Catherine for an exciting whale watching cruise. on the 2 hour, 30 minute cruise, a naturalist guide will help passengers learn more about the beluga and finback whale environment, underwater marine life and the majestic Saguenay Fjord. Participants should take warm clothes on the excursion. Return transfer to Québec City included. INCLUDED May 22-Sep 26 departures.
Day 10
Quebec City – Ottawa (274 miles)
Cross the St Lawrence River and drive parallel to the south shore to Montreal on the Trans-Canada Highway. Re-enter Ontario and, staying on the Trans-Canada Highway, head west to Canada’s capital city, Ottawa. on the way, try lunch at a typical “sugar-shack” restaurant, a traditional Quebecois meal in a pioneering setting.
Overnights(2): Ottawa
Day 11
Ottawa
Discover the Capital of Canada on your included sightseeing tour. Ottawa is an architecturally stunning city with a unique combination of urban and rural experiences. The city’s museums, heritage buildings, parks, (Ottawa’s springtime tulips are a sight to behold) and monuments paint a vivid picture of Ottawa’s colourful past while also allowing a glimpse of its future. Visit the Notre-Dame Basilica, Ottawa’s oldest surviving church with its famous collection of statues, stroll the shopping malls, and take an included cruise on the Rideau Canal as it meanders through this historic city.
RIDEAU CANAL CRUISE
Float down the picturesque Rideau Canal, North America’s oldest operating 19th-century canal, and one of the most recognizable sights of Canada’s capital. Built in 1832, as a military supply route between Lake ontario and the Ottawa River, the canal today is a recreational waterway, lined with parks and a network of trails. A true jewel in the heart of Ottawa, the Rideau Canal is also well-known for its transformation in winter into the world’s longest skating rink! Sights of interest on this tour included the National Arts Centre, Landsdowne Park, Dow’s Lake, the Experimental Farm and much more. The custom-built canal tour boat features live, guided commentary throughout.
DISCOVER THE CAPITAL TOUR 1 (step on/step off) (2 hours)
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Ottawa - Canada’s national capital. You will explore the Parliament Buildings, embassies, universities and museums. You will see the Canadian Mint, the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of Civilization, the residence of the Prime Minister and the National Arts Centre. You will drive through scenic gardens and parklands and along the Rideau Canal, one of Ottawa's picturesque waterways. Ticket is valid for two days.
Day 12
Ottawa – Huntsville (225 miles)
Heading west, today’s route crosses the Ottawa River at Pembroke and then takes you through Algonquin Park. Perhaps visit the Logging Museum, located at the eastern gate to the park, near Whitney, where the fascinating story of logging is brought to life.
Overnights(2): Huntsville
Day 13
Huntsville
Spend today exploring this beautiful area. There are numerous walking trails in the Arrowhead Provincial Park, a few minutes from Huntsville centre. Also close to the centre is Muskoka Pioneer Village, a collection of almost two-dozen early homesteads, workshops, stores and other buildings typical of a rural ontario community in the period between 1860 and 1910. There are several golf courses, cycling trails (bicycles are readily available for hire) or you could try your hand at fishing in one of the many lakes in the area.
Day 14
Huntsville – Niagara Falls (264 miles)
On your drive south today it is well worth taking the short detour to Midland to visit the 17th century fortress and headquarters for the French Jesuit mission to the Huron nation, ontario's first European community at Sainte – Marie now recreated on the original site where its compelling story is brought to life once again. Continue south, driving through the orchards and vineyards to discover what has been described as ‘one of the prettiest towns in Canada’, Niagara on The Lake. Continue to one of the Seven Wonders of the New World - Niagara Falls.
Overnights(2): Niagara Falls
Day 15
Niagara Falls
Rightly regarded as one of nature’s most impressive spectacles, Niagara Falls leaves an indelible memory of power and sound. Take a included trip on the famous Maid of the Mist boat to the foot of the thundering falls (waterproofs are provided, but expect to get wet!). For a very different view of the might and majesty you can walk below and behind the falls or afterwards take an included helicopter flight over the area for a breath-taking panorama of both the Horseshoe and American Falls.
MAID OF THE MIST BOAT RIDE (30 minutes)
Put on your rainjacket and step aboard for the ride of a lifetime! The Maid of the Mist will take you to the American Falls before sailing past massive rock formations to the magnificent sight of the thundering Horseshoe Falls. As the Maid of the Mist battles the waters, take advantage of the unsurpassed photo opportunities. Length of operating season is weather - dependent.
HELICOPTER FLIGHT (9 minutes)
This helicopter flight allows you to experience a breathtaking view of Niagara Falls and the surrounding region. This tour is an exciting combination of magnificent scenery and the thrill of a helicopter ride. Highlights include the Niagara River, Whirlpool Rapids, Rainbow Bridge, Niagara Falls, the American Falls and, of course, the unrivalled Horseshoe Falls. A certificate of flight is provided for all passengers as a souvenir of this high flying adventure.
Day 16
Niagara Falls to Toronto (88 miles)
Enjoy some last minute sightseeing and shopping before returning your car to Toronto Airport before checking in for your overnight flight back to the UK.
Day 17
Arrive UK
