Canada you were amazing! I have been lucky enough to join Cosoms Ontario and French Canada tour. It definitely did not disappoint.
Day 1 - We started our first day with a fight from London Heathrow to Toronto. Before the flight we had some time in the Air Canada Maple leaf lounge. This was lovely and would definitely recommend this. All you can eat and drink and they even had maple leaf shaped waffles. After a very smooth flight we landed in Toronto. The Hotel Chelsea was in a great location to explore the city. The tour guide was waiting for us at the hotel where he gave us our joining packs which had everything you needed to know for the week ahead.
We had the evening at leisure so we found a lovely restaurant to eat. There are many to choose from withing a short walk of the hotel.
Day 2 - Like many people this is somewhere I have always wanted to visit. It certainly did not disappoint. We were transferred by coach which took around an hour and a half but this is really dependent on traffic. When we arrived our tour director went to get us the tickets for the boat ride to the falls.. We then skipped the queues and went straight to the boat. We were given red ponchos as we were advised that we would get very wet. Once on board we sailed past the American falls, and then on the magnificent Horseshoe falls of Canada. It was absolutely stunning. You could feel the sheer force and power of the water and yes, we did get very wet. The boat trip lasted for around 20 minutes.
After this we spent some time at leisure looking around other parts of Niagara which is full of attractions and rides. The then joined an optional excursion for lunch which is up the Skylon tower. This was amazing the views up the Tower of the Niagara falls were spectacular. I would 100% recommend doing this. The lunch was lovely too with lots of different options to choose from and it was all you can eat.
The coach then took us to Table Rock. From this point you are standing right next to the top of the falls as it starts to spill over. It was amazing to see the falls from three different perspectives.
After making our way back to the hotel in Toronto we had the evening at leisure. We took this opportunity to go up the iconic CN Tower. Wow the views were just amazing to be at the highest point of the city. I am not good with heights but I am glad I pushed myself to do this, it was amazing. A day I will never forget!
Day 3 - Today we moved from Toronto to Ottawa. On route we stopped at a lovely town Kingston. It is situated in Lake Ontario. We stopped here for lunch before heading onto Rockport for our included Thousand island boat cruise. Yes, this is where they make Thousand Island dressing was invented. It is situated along the St Lawrence River. There are many different tiny islands all scattered around. Some belong to Canada and others are the USA.
Some of the buildings were built over 200 years ago. Some looked like castles and others were tiny little houses. It was fascinating. The boat trip took around 40 minutes. After this we made our way to Ottawa for our new hotel. Again, this was situated in the perfect location with lots of restaurants and bars around. The evening was at leisure and we ate at an Italian restaurant and explored the City.
Day 4 - Wheels were rolling today at 9am for our guided tour of Ottawa. This is the capital city of Canada and it really does not feel like a city. It was so pretty. We were taken to the parliament buildings. Our tour director had so much knowledge he told us all about their history and how government works in their country, he took us to the Canadian war museum, Rideau Hall which is the home of the governor general and this is also where royalty stay on their visits to Canada. The long driveway up to Rideau Hall was so picturesque with the colours of the falls.
After our tour we were able to wonder the city at leisure. We took the opportunity to visit Byward Market where we had lunch. The then explored the city at our own pace. We watched the guards change at the war memorial which took my breath away. The evening was also spent at leisure. So we enjoyed a fantastic meal out at Aulde Dubliner where I enjoyed the Jambalaya. It was to die for and the biggest shrimps I have seen.
Day 5 - Wheels were rolling at 08:30 this morning as we depart Ottawa and head for Quebec City. This journey took most of the day but there were lots of stops along the way, including Notre Dame Du Cap and a visit to the Basilica. The views from the coach kept us entertained the further north the prettier it got with the colours of the falls. Once we go to Quebec we checking into the hotel and straight out to enjoy the optional excursion to the Sugar Shack. What a great night this was. We learnt all about Maple Syrup and how this is produced. Then followed by an all you can eat dinner. The idea is that you pour the maple syrup over the food. There was also live music and traditional dancing. The staff were so friendly and funny and made the evening very entertaining. I would 100% recommend this excursion.
Day 6 - Today we had a city tour of Quebec City. We hand a stand in guide today who specialises in Quebec City. Her knowledge was outstanding and could answer any questions that we might of had. She took us around the city. Everyone speaks French in Quebec although they do speak English in the shops and restaurants. We went to the Parliment buildings, Le Chateau Frontenac and walked around the stunning cobbled streets. So many lovely restaurants and shops to explore. I was advised by our tour director that the best place to try the Canadian delicacy Poutine. This is fries cheese curs and gravy. I was not too sure about this but had to try and I must say it was delicious.
We left Quebec city around 2:30 to return to the hotel as we had another excursion booked for the evening.
Before heading to the Countryside dinner we stopped at Montmorency water falls. You can go to the top on a cable car and walk across of the waterfall via a bridge, to get some better views. We stayed here for about 40 minutes before heading to the island of St Laurent for our countryside dinner. It was in a lovely little cute building that dates back to 1720. Originally it was a water mill used to grain flour for the residents living on the island. The food was stunning. Salad and soup for starter. I opted for the pork loin in a honey and mustard sauce. (delicious), Maple sugar pie or fruit salad for dessert. The setting of this restaurant was incredible.
On the way back to the hotel, it was dark and we could see the Montmorency falls lit up in different colours. So beautiful.
Day 7 - Today was the last full day of our tour. We were heading to Montreal and we arrived here by lunchtime. After lunch at leisure, we joined s city tour of Montreal. We had another stand in guide for this and she specialist in Montreal. We learnt all about the history of Montreal, the universities and their style of housing. After the tour we had the rest of the day to explore at leisure. I walked to the Old City of Montreal. It's a European style district with 17-19th century architecture and cobbled streets. It is located along the St Lawrence river so they are some lovely views. The evening we went to another Italian restaurant.
Day 8 - Today we say goodbye to Canada!
I had such a great experience with Cosmos and I cannot speak highly enough of our Tour Director Daniel. He went above and beyond for all of us. On the coach he always had treats for us. We played games watched videos relating to the destination of where we were going. The knowledge he had for Canada is second to none. He was an absolute joy. The coach driver was great too. Always smiling assisting people on and off the coach and he had a very good sense of humour.
Overall, I had the best time. Canada was stunning and I learnt so much about the country and has many pinch me moments. Especially in Niagara falls, this was the highlight of my trip for sure.
Inspired to explore Canada? Rachel at Miles Morgan Travel Yeovil would love to help you plan your perfect Canadian adventure. Get in touch on 01935 577 293 or email [email protected] to start planning your dream trip.
