Welcome to Ontario, Québec, and Nova Scotia! This Canadian vacation begins in cosmopolitan Toronto, Canada’s largest city and Ontario’s capital. See major landmarks such as the CN Tower and SkyDome Stadium on a city tour. But first, travel to Niagara Falls and board the Maid of the Mist for up-close views of thundering Niagara Falls. After Toronto, visit historic Kingston and cruise the St. Lawrence River in St. Lawrence Islands National Park before arriving in Canada’s capital, Ottawa. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of this lovely city and visit the Royal Canadian Mounted Police stables. Next, travel to the French-Canadian province of Québec and to Québec City, the heart of French Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour this historic walled city—one of the best-preserved cities in North America. Perhaps dine at one of Québec City’s French restaurants. Then head south to sophisticated Montréal, one of the world’s largest French-speaking cities. Your sightseeing tour of Montréal shows you the city’s famous sites. From Montréal, board the overnight Ocean train bound for Nova Scotia for a 2-night stay in Halifax. Tour Halifax, the largest city east of Montréal and the capital of Nova Scotia, and take an excursion to postcard-pretty Peggy’s Cove. Exploring this quaint fishing village is a wonderful way to end your vacation to Ontario, Québec, and Nova Scotia!
Highlights:
Scenic Highlights:Niagara Falls, Kingston, Gananoque, St. Lawrence Islands National Park, Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal, and Rideau Falls.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Toronto. Welcome to cosmopolitan Toronto, Ontario’s capital and Canada’s largest city. Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.
Day #2 Toronto. Excursion To Niagara Falls. Skirt the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls, one of the Natural Wonders of the World. Board the MAID OF THE MISTMaid of the Mist for a thrilling ride to view the thundering falls. Sightseeing also includes the beautiful Floral Clock. See Toronto’s major landmarks on today’s city tour, including the banking district, City Hall, the CN Tower, the University of Toronto, and ultra-modern SkyDome stadium. This evening, enjoy an optional outing to the top of the CN Tower for a delicious dinner and spectacular views.NOTE: The operation of the Maid of the Mist cruise is subject to favorable weather conditions. When weather is unfavorable, a walking tour through the scenic tunnels will be substituted.
Day #3 Toronto–Kingston–Ottawa. Leave Ontario’s capital and stop in Kingston, a city with an exciting history dating back more than 300 years. Proceed along the St. Lawrence River, with splendid vistas of St. Lawrence Islands National Park. At Ivy Lea, board your boat for a CRUISE that takes a scenic route through the many islands of St. Lawrence Islands National Park. Next, head to Ottawa, Canada’s beautiful capital.
Day #4 Ottawa. This morning, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of this lovely city on the banks of the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal. See the Canadian Mint, the embassy district, stately Parliament Hill, and Rideau Falls—named for the curtain-like appearance they give. Visit the ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE STABLES, a tribute to Canadian heritage and history. Suggestions for this afternoon include a visit to the magnificent Canadian Museum of Civilization or the array of restaurants and shops at lively Byward Market.NOTE:Due to seasonal hours, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Stables will be closed and unavailable on the April 25, August 29, September 5, 12, 19 & 26 and October 3 & 10 departures.
Day #5 Ottawa–Québec City Area. Drive into the French-Canadian province of Québec, where there is a sudden change in language and tradition. Follow the King’s Highway, tracing this historical route along the north shore of the mighty St. Lawrence River. Late-afternoon arrival in historic Québec City, the heart of French Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day #6 Québec City Area. This morning, join your fellow traveling companions on a unique optional excursion to the Érablière le Chemin du Roy Sugar Shack. Visitors to the sugar cabin will enjoy a typical Québec breakfast, along with a guided visit and presentation to explain the process of maple extraction. Afterward, return to Québec City for a guided tour of Canada’s only walled city, crowned by the turrets of Château Frontenac. Until the British victory of 1759, Old Québec was the center of New France; today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the walls reside the Place d’Armes, Laval Seminary, the star-plan Citadelle with grand vistas from its bastions, and ancient Place Royale. Also see the stone houses crowding the narrow streets of Lower Town by the St. Lawrence River. The afternoon and evening are free—your Tour Director will have suggestions for sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
Day #7 Québec City Area–Montréal. A late-morning arrival in sophisticated Montréal, one of Canada’s largest cities. Major attractions on this afternoon’s tour include once-walled Old Montréal, NOTRE DAME BASILICA, the Seminary of St. Sulpice, Mount Royal, and modern Montréal.
Day #8 Montréal. The next two days are at leisure in cosmopolitan Montréal. Its here you can find European charm and style, Canadian warmth, and a “small-world feel.” Visit Saint-Denis Street which is lined with numerous boutiques featuring local and European-influenced designers or relax at one of the outdoor terraces. Explore Mount Royal and the surrounding park for a great view of the city.
Day #9 Montréal–VIA Rail Ocean Train. This evening, transfer to the train station and board the overnight Ocean train bound for Nova Scotia. Travel along the south shore of the St. Lawrence River in the comfort of your private sleeper car. (D)
Day #10 VIA Rail Ocean Train–Halifax. Enjoy a continental breakfast this morning and views of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Arrive in Halifax and transfer to your hotel, the Lord Nelson. The balance of the day is at leisure. (CB,L)
Day #11 Halifax. Excursion To Peggy's Cove. The day begins with highlights of Halifax, the largest city east of Montréal and the capital of Nova Scotia. Founded in 1749 to protect British interests in North America, Halifax is steeped in maritime history. Highlights include the Halifax Explosion, Titanic Graves, historic downtown, dockyards, Halifax Public Gardens, and Halifax Commons. From Halifax, proceed down the coast to postcard-pretty Peggy’s Cove. Explore one of Canada’s most visited places with its lighthouse perched on the edge of the ocean and quaint fishing village.
Day #12 Halifax. The trip ends today with guests departing on independent schedules. Transfers are provided to Halifax International Airport.
Hotels:
TORONTO Best Western Primrose (F)
OTTAWA Capital Hill Hotel & Suites (MF)
QUÉBEC CITY AREA Hotel Classique (MF)
MONTRÉAL Hotel Maritime Plaza (MF)
VIA RAIL OCEAN TRAIN Sleeper Plus class (June 6-September 30) and Sleeper class (April 22-June 3 & October 3-10)
HALIFAX Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites (F)