Ontario and French Canada

Welcome to Ontario’s capital and the largest city in Canada. Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6pm this afternoon in the lobby to answer any questions.

Toronto is considered the most culturally diverse city in the world with its population representing a wide range of ethnicities and languages. Once checked into your hotel, perhaps do some shopping at nearby Eaton Centre or venture a little further and check out the Hockey Hall of Fame or try some local culinary treats at St. Lawrence Market, a city landmark over two centuries old.

Begin the day with city sightseeing including major landmarks such as City Hall, Union Station, and the CN Tower. Then skirt the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls, one of the most loved landmarks in the world. Board your Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise for a thrilling ride to view the thundering falls up close. Then consider joining the optional excursion afterward to the Skylon Tower for more amazing views of the Falls and a buffet lunch before returning to Toronto.

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 Rockport, board your boat for a cruise that takes a scenic route through the many islands that are sprinkled with charmingly simple to opulent summer homes. Next, head to Ottawa, Canada’s beautiful capital.

This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of this lovely city on the banks of the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal. See the Royal Canadian Mint, the embassy district, and stately Parliament Hill. Suggestions for this afternoon include a visit to the magnificent Canadian Museum of History or perusing the array of restaurants and shops at lively Byward Market.

Drive into the French-Canadian province of Québec for a sudden change in language and tradition. Visit Notre Dame du Cap de la Madeleine and its Basilica and learn of its miraculous past. Follow the historic King’s Highway along the north shore of the mighty St. Lawrence River before arriving in Québec City, the heart of French Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rest of the day is free. Tonight, join a unique optional excursion to the Érablière le Chemin du Roy Sugar Shack to learn how maple syrup is made and enjoy a traditional Québec dinner.

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-shaped 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. Tonight, enjoy an optional excursion to Montmorency Falls, cascading 272 feet into the Saint Lawrence River, followed by dinner featuring local cuisine at a charming 18th century restaurant on nearby Orleans Island.

This morning head south for ultra-modern Montréal, named a UNESCO City of Design in 2006. Major attractions on this afternoon’s guided tour include once-walled Old Montréal and majestic views of the city from the top of Mount Royal. This evening is at leisure.

Your vacation ends this morning.