The cosmopolitan city of Toronto is the starting point of this two-week circular tour.
Northbound from Toronto, explore the national parks in Ontario's interior. After a brief stay in the capital, Ottawa, return to the tranquillity of nature in Quebec's national parks. The trail leads southbound via the bustling cities of Quebec City and Montreal, famous for their joie de vivre, to the thundering splendour of Niagara Falls.
DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN TORONTO
Arrive Pearson International Airport, Toronto,Pick up your car hire and make your way to your downtown hotel. Pick up your Canada Roadbook we provide at the front desk as you check in. Remainder of day is at leisure for shopping at the Eaton Centre or perhaps sampling the fine cuisine and nightlife of Toronto. Overnight in Toronto.
DAY 02: TORONTO TO MIDLAND ( 145 KM )
Scenic drive to Huron country with a detour through Penetanguishene, an old native village. We suggest a visit to Georgian Bay's "30 000 Islands" and a tour of the Jesuit mission at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. Overnight in Midland.
DAY 03: MIDLAND TO HUNTSVILLE ( 185 KM )
Leaving Midland, the road leads north-east to century-old Algonquin Provincial Park and the beautiful Muskoka region. Overnight near Huntsville.
DAY 04: HUNTSVILLE
The Huntsville area offers tennis, golf, boat cruises, horseback riding and hiking trails. A short drive away are Lion's Lookout Park or Muskoka Pioneer Village. Overnight near Huntsville.
Activity
ALGONQUIN CANOEING (UNGUIDED) - 4 HRS ( at additional cost )
After a short instruction on the basics of canoeing you’ll be ready to explore Algonquin Park’s tranquil waterways on this self-guided canoe excursion. As you enjoy a leisurely paddle, be sure to keep a close eye out for moose, great blue heron and beavers along the shore. Consider a visit to the Algonquin Visitor Centre to learn about Algonquin's famed flora and fauna; or, for those wanting to stretch their legs after a long paddle, the Spruce Boardwalk and Centennial Ridge lookout offer lovely settings for a walk or hike. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit, a towel and a water bottle.
DAY 05: HUNTSVILLE TO GATINEAU PARK / OTTAWA ( 350 KM )
Journey into Quebec to Gatineau Park. In Gatineau Park, enjoy kilometres of bicycle paths and fascinating views from look-outs over the river. Overnight in Ottawa.
DAY 06: OTTAWA TO TREMBLANT ( 200 KM )
Explore the capital region and the Parliament Buildings, or take a cruise on the Ottawa River. It is a short drive into the Laurentian Mountains. Overnight in Tremblant.
DAY 07: TREMBLANT
Enjoy a full day in the Laurentians. A good local excursion includes the village of St. Jovite and Mont-Tremblant Park, Quebec's oldest provincial park. Overnight in Tremblant.
DAY 08: TREMBLANT TO QUEBEC CITY ( 380 KM )
A scenic drive on the Chemin du Roy, Canada’s first year-round carriageway, brings you past numerous historical French-Canadian villages. Trois-Rivieres is Quebec’s second-oldest city and many of its streets are characterised by 18th-century style structures and galleries. In Batiscan, you can view the stone prebystery that is an architectural gem and perhaps see historical craft demonstrations. Overnight in Quebec City.
DAY 09: QUEBEC CITY
Full day in Quebec City, Canada's oldest city. Highlights include the Fortifications, a national historic park; Place Royale and Old Quebec, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO; or the Montmorency Falls. Overnight in Quebec City.
Activity
QUEBEC CITY TOUR #1 ( at additional cost )
The tour provides a comprehensive orientation of historic and modern Quebec City. You will see the Latin Quarter, the Plains of Abraham, the Citadel, the Fortifications, the National Assembly, Place Royale, the Basilica and other points of interest within Quebec City.
DAY 10: QUEBEC CITY TO ST.MICHEL-DES-SAINTS ( 280 KM )
Scenic drive through the fertile plains and rolling hills of the Mauricie / Bois-Francs and Lanaudiere regions, bound for the forests and unspoiled scenery of Lac à la Truite. Overnight in St.Michel-des-Saints.
DAY 11: ST.MICHEL-DES-SAINTS
Beautiful scenery surrounds you at Lac à la Truite, with numerous outdoor activities at your disposal. We suggest canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking or sailing. Alternatively, head for the hills along the hiking trails. Overnight in St. Michel-des-Saints.
DAY 12: ST.MICHEL-DES-SAINTS TO MONTREAL ( 160 KM )
Traverse the Lanaudiere region and its numerous lakes. Stop in Berthierville and visit the Gilles Villeneuve Museum, then continue to the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Montreal. We suggest a visit to Notre-Dame Basilica, the Olympic site, the Biodome, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Mt. Royal Park, Casino or the underground city. Overnight in Montreal.
DAY 13: MONTREAL TO KINGSTON ( 290 KM )
Cross the border into Ontario and explore the tranquillity of the Thousand Islands region. Visit Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg and Old Fort Henry or take a leisurely cruise through the Thousand Islands. Overnight in Kingston.
DAY 14: KINGSTON TO NIAGARA FALLS ( 390 KM )
Drive along Lake Ontario, skirting Ontario's capital, Toronto, to reach Niagara Falls. Visit Niagara-on-the-Lake, a charming 19th-century village. Once in Niagara Falls, put on your rain jacket 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 unsurpassed photo opportunities. Overnight in Niagara Falls.
DAY 15: NIAGARA FALLS TO TORONTO / END OF TOUR ( 130 KM )
Return to Pearson International Airport, Toronto where you will for your return flight.
Toronto
360 Restaurant Dinner, £69 per person - 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower, one of Toronto's finest, features unforgettable food combined with a magnificent revolving view of Toronto more than 351 metres (1,151 ft) below. 360 offers market-fresh cuisine, featuring regional ingredients to ensure an incomparable culinary experience. After dinner guests are invited to explore the Look Out and Glass Floor Levels. Food, Wine & Nightlife , Sightseeing & Tours
360 Restaurant Lunch, £57 per person - 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower, one of Toronto's finest, features unforgettable food combined with a magnificent revolving view of Toronto more than 351 metres (1,151 ft) below. 360 offers market-fresh cuisine, featuring regional ingredients to ensure an incomparable culinary experience. After lunch guests are invited to explore the Look out and Glass floor levels.
Art Gallery of Ontario, £20 per person - Founded in 1900 by a group of private citizens as the "Art Museum of Toronto", the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America, with a physical facility of 45198 square meters. Currently under construction, the AGO's new facility will boast 54219 square meters, and will re-open in 2008 with an innovative architectural design by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry
Beer Makes History Better, £29 per person - Throughout its history, from the early 1800s when Toronto was known as "York", to the modern metropolis it is today, the citizens of this city have used beer for refreshment and merrymaking. This tour is a historic walk through the streets of the old Toronto and an introduction to Canadian beer, with a focus on beer made in Toronto and regional craft brews.
CN Tower, £25 per person - Defining the Toronto skyline at 553.33m and the world's tallest for over 3 decades, Canada's National Tower is a landmark icon representing Toronto, Ontario and Canada. The CN Tower is a celebrated architectural marvel, engineering Wonder of the Modern World, and a Toronto must-see.
Casa Loma Toronto's Famous castle, £20 per person - On the brow of a hill overlooking the city, a 98-room castle dominates the Toronto skyline Casa Loma. This renowned Edwardian landmark features unique architecture, soaring ceiling, rich wood carving, sumptuous marble and luminous stained glass.
Gray Line Toronto Hop on, Hop Off City Tour, £30 per person - Experience Toronto aboard one of our London-style Double Deckers, Trolleys or Motor Coach. Gray Line has designed this tour to allow you complete flexibility to explore Toronto on your own terms. For the North/South Loop you can start the tour at Nicholby's Souvenir Shop, The Toronto Coach Terminal or at any of our more than 25 scheduled stops.
MEDIEVAL TIMES, £60 per person - Nestled in Toronto's Exhibition Place is Medieval Times' the only Canadian Castle. The Toronto Castle features unique (but no less regal) architecture from its former life as the Arts and Crafts Building of Exhibition Place. As our largest castle, Toronto provides ample space for King Philippe's massive feast, show of medieval games of skill and, of course, the authentic jousting tournament.
Niagara Falls Evening Light Tour, £99 per person - This tour allows you to experience the wonder of Niagara Falls in the daylight as well as the magic of the Falls at night! You will depart Toronto in the afternoon, and embark on a fully narrated tour through the beautiful countryside of the Niagara Peninsula, where we will stop for a winery visit to sample some fine Ontario wines.
Ontario Science Centre, £20 per person - The mission at the Ontario Science Centre is "To delight, inform and challenge visitors through engaging and thought-provoking experiences in science and technology. Visit one of Canada's most famous attractions as it celebrates its 40th Anniversary with new temporary exhibitions, science demonstrations, hundreds of interactive experiences, and new films under the IMAX® Dome.
Romantic Interlude Helicopter Flight, £530 per person - This dreamy flight is a private flight just for two aboard the jet helicopter high above a sensational skyline. The unfolding panorama provides a breathtaking view of the Toronto skyline, waterfront and tracks west to the Bay and north to the castle. At the completion of the flight you will receive a wonderful gift package.Bottom of Form
Toronto City Pass, £60 per person - Beat the queues and visit five of Toronto’s most famous attractions for one low price. Toronto City Pass includes prepaid admission to the following attractions: the CN Tower, Canada’s most celebrated architectural triumph with Toronto’s most spectacular views – day or night. This Toronto must-see is a world-class entertainment and dining destination.
Vertical Reality Tour, £80 per person - Experience Toronto like never before. Soar into the air and look down through the tall Skyscrapers at all that Toronto has to offer. This tour takes place at 2600 m and at speed averaging 160 km per hour. It is amazing what you can see from this height and the distance you can travel without congested streets and traffic lights.
Ottawa
Discover The Capital hop on hop off, £35 per person - one of our authentic London-style double deckers, turn of the century trolleys, or first-class, air-conditioned, washroom-equipped motor coaches. The tour officially begins at the corner of Sparks and Elgin Streets, however one can hop on and off at any of the stops located throughout the National Capital Region. Let the award winning guides introduce you to the history and excitement.
Discover the Capital and Cruise, £55 per person - This excursion provides you with a complete tour experience of our Nation's Capital. You will start the tour with Gray Line's Hop-On-Hop-Off City Tour, where you can explore the history of the region. Along with the Discover the Capital City Tour pass, you have the option of choosing between Ottawa River Cruise and Rideau Canal Cruise. Ottawa River Cruise: Option 1, hosted by Paul's Boat Lines. This cruise consists of a 01:30 h fully narrated boat ride along the Ottawa River. On this tour you can enjoy majestic views of Parliament Hill, Rideau Falls, and the Prime Minister's residence 24 Sussex Drive, as can only be seen from the riverbanks. Option 2, hosted by Capital Cruises. Cruise the Capital aboard a 75 minutes narrated journey through time with music, sound effects, and historical vignettes creating a floating theatre experience. The professionally produced commentary will captivate you as the story of Ottawa unfolds in your choice of English, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, or Spanish. Rideau Canal Cruise: Option 3, hosted by Paul's Boat Lines. This cruise consists of a 01:25 h boat ride along the world famous Rideau Canal.
Quebec
City Tour, £75 per person - Experience the European charm of the first French settlement in North America. This is a chance to visit history first hand. The Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, Ramparts of Quebec City, world famous Chateau Frontenac, National Assembly, Basilica, City Hall, Place-Royale, Citadelle and a glimpse of modern Quebec City are the perfect introduction to the city.
Quebec City by Land and by Sea, £73 per person - Treat yourself to this unique combination of the classic city tour and a guided cruise ("Stories of an explorer") along the Saint- Lawrence River. Now, you can see Québec City from a sailor's point of view. Discover the city and its surroundings: the Montmorency Falls, île d'Orléans, the Côte-de-Beaupré, and the Laurentians. Experience a breathtaking view of Place Royale, the Chateau Frontenac and Old Québec as the waves kiss the side of the boat, tempting you to come closer.
City and Country Side Tour, £75 per person - This is the ideal way to see just what Quebec City has to offer. You can start by a complete visit through Old Quebec, the Plains of Abraham, the fortified city including the Citadelle and the Chateau Frontenac, the Place-Royale. You can enjoy as well a trip along Beaupre Coast where you can visit the Ste Anne De Beaupre Shrine, see the Montmorency Falls and the Islands of Orleans.
Maritime Guided Cruise, £25 per person - Board the Louis Jolliet and let yourself be captivated by our famous explorer bearing the same name. He will help you discover Quebec and its surroundings from the river, as did the first settlers. Learn about the social and economic aspects of Quebec City and its development through the years, taking in account the capricious and seasonal changes of the St. Lawrence River.A surprising and enriching visit revealing the secrets of this region, in an ideal maritime setting.
Quebec Country Tour, £42 per person - Travel back in time to rural Quebec and enjoy the view. As you ride along the 40 km of Chemin du Roy to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre, you will pass through the many traditional villages of rural Quebec. In Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre you will be given time to visit the Shrine. You will also stop at the Montmorency Falls which in 1.5 times higher than Niagara Falls. Just as you think the day is over, you will be treated to a short visit on the Island of Orleans, discovered by Jacques Cartier in 1535, where the picturesque village of Sainte Petronille with its 19th century rural atmosphere waits to be rediscovered again.
Montreal
3 Day Montreal Museum Pass, £67 per person - The Montreal museums pass is a practical and inexpensive way to visit 35 museums in Montreal, only one visit per museum.
Laurentian Mountains Tour, £75pp - Enjoy a memorable day exploring the idyllic Laurentian Mountains that border Montreal. A thousand freshwater lakes and picturesque villages dot the landscape. A short hour-long drive brings you to the stunning Laurentian Mountains; the vast mountain range forms part of the Canadian Shield and its presence can be felt like a guardian over Montreal’s skyline.
Olympic Park, £19 per person - The Montréal Tower Observatory is located in the highest inclined tower in the world, with its 175 m elevation and 45-degree angle. The Tower of Pisa, by comparison, has a 5-degree angle. The Observatory is at the top of a building that, in and of itself, totals 14,606 m2 and weighs 16,363 metric tons - comparable to 3 aircraft carriers. The view of Montréal is as unique as it is exceptional. On a clear day, visitors can see up to 80 km all around, including the Laurentian Mountains. The guided tours begin with a brief history of the 1976 Olympic Games. Afterwards, the experienced guides take you to the Sports Centre, where you can admire the impressive Olympic pools. You will then go to the Olympic Stadium. At the end of this visit, you will understand why the stadium is considered one of the wonders of modern architecture!
Maritime Guided Cruise, £23 per person - Board the Cavalier Maxim and let yourself be captivated by our famous explorer, Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve. He will help you discover Montreal and its surroundings from the river, as did the first settlers. Explore 20 kilometres of history and attractions along the St. Lawrence River, the city, the river. The historical facts: A surprising and enriching visit revealing the secrets of this region, in an ideal maritime setting.