Elegant, historic cities, spectacular landmarks, and delightful cuisine combine for an incredible Canadian vacation. You''ll begin in Montreal with sightseeing highlights that include Notre Dame Cathedral and McGill University as well as the scenic wonder, Montmorency Falls, the highest falls in Eastern Canada. In Quebec City, your tour includes a drive past the Chateau Frontenac, the Parliament, and the St. Louis Arch and ends at Place Royale, the site of the original settlement of the city of Quebec. In the beautiful capital of Canada, Ottawa, a panoramic tour includes views of the Rideau Canal, the Prime Minister''s residence, and the city''s beautiful embassies. A short drive takes you to Kingston, gateway to the breathtaking 1,000 Islands of the St. Lawrence River. Here you''ll enjoy a relaxing, scenic cruise of Lake Ontario. Toronto introduces you to the many ethnic neighborhoods and commanding landmarks of this exciting, cosmopolitan city. You''ll also visit amazing Niagara Falls, and enjoy a visit to the colorful Floral Clock which contains 25,000 plants in its 40-foot-diameter face.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive Montreal, Quebec - Your tour begins in the second largest French-speaking city in the world, Montreal.
Day #2 Montreal - Today enjoy a fantastic sightseeing tour of Montreal highlighting Notre Dame Cathedral, St. Joseph’s Oratory, Jacques Cartier Square and McGill University. Your city tour concludes with a stop high atop Mount Royal from which the surrounding view is spectacular. Ascended by Jacques Cartier in 1535, Mount Royal is the jewel of Mount Royal Park. The afternoon is yours to explore the city’s famous underground shopping. This evening you will be treated to dinner in one of the restaurants for which this renowned city is famous, capping off a wonderfully memorable day.
Day #3 Montreal - Quebec City - Reach the shrine of St. Anne de Beaupre after a drive featuring scenic views of the busy St. Lawrence River. Visit the Basilica and take some time to explore the beautiful grounds. Continuing on to Quebec City, the remainder of your day is at leisure to wander the streets of this quaint setting which is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight's dinner is included at a quintessential restaurant in Quebec.
Day #4 Quebec City - This morning enjoy breakfast at a local sugar shack nestled in the Quebec countryside. Learn about the traditions of maple syrup making and enjoy sampling many delicious traditional foods made with local maple syrup. Before leaving, try a favorite regional treat - maple taffy in the snow!! Later today you experience the beauty and history of both Old and New Quebec with a fascinating sightseeing tour of the city. See the stately Chateau Frontenac, the Parliament, the St. Louis Arch, and Place Royale, the site of the original settlement of the city of Quebec. Some leisure time allows you the opportunity to independently discover more of this delightful city.
Day #5 Quebec City - Ottawa - This morning, depart for Ottawa - the beautiful and cosmopolitan capital of Canada. This afternoon you will embark on a city tour showcasing the Rideau Canal (in winter the world’s longest skating rink), the Prime Minister’s residence, picturesque Rideau Falls, the Supreme Court, and Byward Market. Tonight, enjoy dinner while overlooking the city.
Day #6 Ottawa - This morning enjoy a visit to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officers Musical Ride Center. Here you will admire some of the majestic horses, tour the stables and stop by the riding school to learn about this colorful Canadian tradition. No visit to Ottawa would be complete without a tour of Parliament where you learn more about the Canadian government and the history of these breathtaking buildings. Later, savor the flavor of a local specialty - a beavertail - while you enjoy a stroll through the Byward Market, known for its fruits, vegetables, flowers and arts & crafts. Later, enjoy some leisure time to discover the city independently. You may wish to explore one of Ottawa's famous museums or spend some additional time exploring the Byward Market.
Day #7 Ottawa - VIA Rail - Toronto - This morning, board the VIA Rail train and sit back, relax and soak in the local scenery as you travel from Ottawa to Toronto. This afternoon you will discover the exciting city of Toronto with a sightseeing tour that includes the business district, the University of Toronto and Yorkville, home of upscale restaurants and trendy shops, before enjoying some leisure time to explore the city on your own.
Day #8 Toronto - Niagara Falls - Toronto - Today you travel to the thundering and awe-inspiring Niagara Falls where breathtaking views remind you of the power of Mother Nature. Of course, a visit to Niagara Falls would not be complete without experiencing the incredible Maid of the Mist cruise. Board the boat to see and feel the falls up close. Don’t forget to bring a camera! Later, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city which includes a visit to the colorful Floral Clock and the attractive Horticultural Center.
Day #9 Toronto - Your tour ends today in Toronto.