This 12-day Eastern Canada escorted coach tour is a relaxing and informative way to easily visit four cosmopolitan cities – Toronto, Montréal, Québec City, and Ottawa – and to experience the country’s French and English cultural mix. History, culture, and gorgeous natural scenery all feature equally on this diverse trip.
Nature takes the forefront as you experience Thousand Islands in the St. Lawrence River, Algonquin Provincial Park, and misty Niagara Falls. Culture takes priority when you experience Old Montréal, the historic Chemin du Roy road, Québec City’s walled old city, the museums of Ottawa, the first settlement in Ontario, and even lunch at a traditional Quebec sugar shack!
After checking in with your tour director upon arrival, you’re free to explore one of the city’s distinctive neighbourhoods, including the Entertainment District or Toronto Island Park. Meet your travelling companions for breakfast the next morning before setting out on a Toronto city tour, passing by the famed CN Tower and, yes, a real castle, the 1914 Casa Loma.
An enjoyable drive the next day follows the green north shore of Lake Ontario on the way to Montréal. Bring out the cameras for a stop in Ontario’s beautiful Thousand Islands region. Embark on a boat cruise along the St. Lawrence River past Boldt Castle (you will learn all about the castle’s tragic history) and Millionaire’s Row. Continue on to Montréal.
Tour the second-largest primarily French-speaking city in the world on Day 4. Vibrant Montréal is an enchanting mix of historic and modern attractions, including cobblestoned Old Montréal – founded by French settlers in 1642 – the green jewel of urban Mount Royal Park, and St. Catherine Street shopping artery. Montrealers live for their food, so this is a great place to try poutine, bagels, traditional smoked meats, or Quebec cuisine at a wine and tapas bar.
Travel with your group from Montréal to Québec City the following day and enjoy a tour within the walled old city. Explore on your own the next day, book an optional whale watching cruise on the St. Lawrence River, or visit Montmorency Falls Park for a look at its 276-foot high waterfall and a thrilling walk on the suspension bridge. Don’t worry, it’s worth the view.
Cross the Ontario border towards Ottawa, the nation’s capital. Look forward to lunch along the way at the Sucrerie de la Montagne, an authentic sugar shack. The next day, see history-rich Ottawa on a city tour, passing by the Parliament Buildings, Prime Minister’s residence, and the Rideau Canal. Explore Ottawa’s many museums, take a tour on the Rideau Canal, or flex your shopping muscles.
Day 9 and 10 are full of natural sights and experiences. Take a walk along scenic trails in Algonquin Provincial Park, drive through Muskoka cottage country, visit a three-acre historic site, Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons, and take a thrilling boat ride on a Niagara cruise to the Falls. Ride to the top of Skylon Tower for a spectacular perspective of the falls, enjoy an optional Niagara Helicopter Tour or Niagara Skywheel ride, then explore North America’s “honeymoon capital,” attracting newlyweds since 1801.
Leave Niagara Falls in the morning for a drive along the scenic Niagara Parkway and through the historic village of Niagara-on-the-Lake, until arrival in Toronto, where you and your new touring friends will celebrate with a memorable “Farewell to Canada” dinner at the CN Tower.