Canada’s Eastern cities are sometimes overlooked in favour of Vancouver, Victoria and Banff. We love them for their mix of activities – adventure and culture. We created this 8-night trip to make the most of Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City, mixing canoeing, cruising, food tours and history, to give you a real sense of the distinct character of each.
After you clear customs at Toronto Pearson International Airport, your greeter will be waiting for you with a sign and take you to meet your driver who will whisk you away to the gorgeous The Hazelton Hotel.
Once you have checked in, the rest of your day is at your own leisure.
Overnight at The Hazelton Hotel
After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel with bikes in tow to engage you in a guided bike tour Toronto. During this 2.5-3 hour private tour, you will enjoy a customized experience that highlights the best of Downtown, including its must-see cultural and historical landmarks such as Kensington Market, Chinatown, the Distillery District and the waterfront. You will navigate to places only accessible by bike to reveal unique views of the city and discover unique points of interest. Your knowledgeable guide will share stories about Toronto’s rich history and provide insight into the future plans for the city’s growth.
After a long day, head back to your hotel for some much needed R&R.
Overnight at The Hazelton Hotel
En route to Canada’s capital city of Ottawa, enjoy a morning cruise on the St. Lawrence River through the scenic Thousand Islands, a region charming cottages, stately mansions and island escape. Afterwards, continue to the heart of Ottawa to check into your hotel.
Overnight at Fairmont Château Laurier
This morning, you will head on a tour of Ottawa with your expert guide. Start with a privately guided visit to the city’s grand Parliament buildings, including the House of Commons. Next, you will visit the Canadian Museum of History. Dating back to 1856, it is one of Canada’s oldest public institutions and a showcase of Canadian history, archaeology, ethnology and cultural studies.
The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore this charming city on your own.
Overnight at Fairmont Château Laurier
In the morning, make the 2-hour drive from Ottawa to Montreal.
After you have checked into your hotel and have had time to grab a bite to eat, head on a half-day VIP tour of the city. Experience Montreal’s French heritage and rich architecture as you explore the city. Montreal offers diversity in its concentrated districts including the cobblestoned Vieux-Montréal, the luxurious “Golden Square Mile,” and the incredible views atop Mont-Royal.
Your expert guide will take you to a mix of historical landmarks, places where only the locals go and some of the exciting new haunts in this ever-changing and vibrant city. If food is your passion, your guide can also include visits to some famous markets and districts to sample and appreciate some of the local culinary highlights.
Overnight at The Ritz-Carlton Montreal
Today your guide will lead you on a walking tour of Old Montreal, exposing the charm of this well-preserved historical neighbourhood. During your private tour, you will learn about the history of the city, explore off-the-beaten-path stops and hear the stories of its residents both past and present.
Your tour will be tailored to your taste. Some of the highlights of your tour can include:
For those who are hungry for more culture, we can organize an optional after-hours tour of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. The museum has one of the largest and most prominent in Canada. With the crowds on their way out, you will enter to meet your guide for a private tour of either the museum’s permanent collection which features more than 40,000 works or an in-depth tour of the featured exhibit.
Overnight at The Ritz-Carlton Montreal
Leave Montreal this morning for Quebec City, following the mighty St. Lawrence River to Trois-Rivières. En route, stop to visit a traditional Québecois sugar shack, to see where maple syrup is produced by local trees. Continue on to majestic Montmorency Falls – approximately 100 feet taller than Niagara Falls.
Here you will enjoy a guided tour and a gondola ride. You will then transfer to Quebec City, your home for the next two nights. Your hotel, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, sits up high above the St. Lawrence River. Below lies the walled Old Quebec City.
Overnight at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Today head on a privately guided tour of a Quebec City. This tour will provide you with an overview of sights like La Citadelle de Québec, the largest British fortress built in North America (overlooking the St. Lawrence River) and the adjacent Plains of Abraham. Next, you will go enjoy a special visit to historic Île d’Orléans, a French-inspired island of red-roofed farmhouses and bountiful fields of agricultural produce, from vegetables to fruits. The remainder of the day is free.
To end your Canadian adventure, taste your way through Lower Town in Quebec City on a 2.5-hour food tour covering the areas near the Fortifications, Place Royale, Petit-Champlain Street, Old Port, as well as the Farmers Market. Stop for tastings while exploring the area’s charming historic neighbourhoods, architecture and antique shops. Tastings include rillettes with maple onion confit, cheese and beer pairings, organic artisanal food, ice ciders, and sweets at a specialty chocolate shop. The stops on the tour can be tailored to preferences and interests.
Overnight at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Upon checking out of your hotel, transfer to the airport in time for your flight home.
