Welcome to Ontario and Québec! This Canadian vacation begins and ends 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. In sophisticated Montréal, one of the world’s largest French-speaking cities, your sightseeing tour shows you the city’s famous sites. On your way back to Toronto, visit the Upper Canada Village and step back in time to the 1860s at one of the largest living-history museums in Canada. What a great way to end this vacation to Ontario and Québec.
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 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–Toronto. En route to Toronto, visit Upper Canada Village, one of the largest and most complete living-history museums in Canada. During your visit you will be transported back in time to the 1860s. Afterward, the motorcoach will transfer you to the Best Western Primrose for an overnight stay.
Day #9 Toronto. The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport are included.
