Ontario & French Canada

Ontario & French Canada

Welcome to Ontario and Québec—where exciting cities and breathtaking scenery await you on this eastern Canada tour. You'll spend two nights in Toronto, Ottawa, and the Québec City area, and one night in Montréal. On your sightseeing tour in each city, you'll see the must-see sights, such as the 1,815-foot-tall CN Tower in Toronto, Canada’s largest city; the Canadian Mint in Ottawa, Canada’s capital; Québec City's Place Royale, the historic square known as the birthplace of French America; and Montréal's Mount Royal, designed by the same designer as New York City’s Central Park. In Ottawa, you’ll visit the Royal Canadian Mounted Police stables, a tribute to Canadian heritage and history. In Québec, visit the Basilica of Notre Dame, dating to the 19th century, and Cap de La Madeleine, a national shrine with its fine stained-glass windows. Also enjoy time to explore Québec City, Canada’s only walled city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But that’s not all…you’ll enjoy stunning scenery on this eastern Canada tour. For a tour highlight, board a sightseeing boat for a thrilling ride to view breathtaking Niagara Falls. You’ve seen photos of Niagara Falls, and now’s your chance to see it up close. These falls are nothing short of spectacular! Also enjoy a cruise that takes a scenic route through the many islands of Thousand Islands National Park. From the vibrant cities to the beautiful scenery, this eastern Canada tour designed for the value-minded traveler is a wonderful vacation!

Day 1: Toronto

Welcome to Ontario’s capital. Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

Day 2: Toronto. Excursions to Niagara Falls

Skirt the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls, one of the Natural Wonders of the World. Board your Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise for a thrilling ride to view the thundering falls. Return to Toronto, where sightseeing includes the city’s major landmarks, such as the banking district, City Hall, the CN Tower, the University of Toronto, and ultra-modern Rogers Centre. This evening, enjoy an optional outing to the top of the CN Tower for a delicious dinner and spectacular views.r

Day 3: Toronto - Kingston - Thousand Islands National Park - 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 Thousand Islands National Park. At Ivy Lea, board your boat for a cruise that takes a scenic route through the many islands that are sprinkled with beautifully simple to opulent summer homes. Next, head to Ottawa, Canada’s beautiful capital.

Day 4: Ottowa

This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of this lovely city on the banks of the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal. See the Canadian Mint, the embassy district, and stately Parliament Hill. 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 History or the array of restaurants and shops at lively Byward Market.

Day 5: Ottawa - Québec City Area

Drive into the French-Canadian province of Québec for a sudden change in language and tradition. Follow the historical King’s Highway along the north shore of the mighty St. Lawrence River. Visit the Basilica of Notre Dame de Cap de la Madeleine before arriving in Québec City, the heart of French Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 6: Québec City Area

Enjoy 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 Place d’Armes, Laval Seminary, the star-plan Citadelle, 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

This morning, join 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, head south for sophisticated Montréal, one of Canada’s largest cities. Major attractions on this afternoon’s guided tour include once-walled Old Montréal, the Seminary of St. Sulpice, Mount Royal, and modern Montréal.

Day 8: Montréal

Your vacation ends this morning.