Eastern Canada Highlights

Day 2

Toronto

Enter the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto, where the iconic CN Tower soars above the city - ascend the tower for a view like no other. An abundance of excellent museums, great public transport, lively bars and a thriving nightlife come together to create a fantastic cosmopolitan city, while a divergence of cultures and cuisines has generated some of the world’s most exceptional eateries, just waiting to be sampled.

Day 3

Niagara Falls

Head along the shores of Lake Ontario to the roaring torrent of Niagara Falls, where you’ll stay in a hotel overlooking the falls. Feel the spray and witness the drama of one of the world’s most impressive natural marvels on a boat trip. Then, for something more tranquil, continue to historic Niagara-on-the-Lake. This self-proclaimed ‘loveliest town in Ontario’ is filled with colourful gardens, cosy cafes and pretty lake views.

Day 4

Minett

Continue to the beautiful Lake Rousseau near Minett. It’s a peaceful spot surrounded by forest and tranquillity, with plenty of activities to try – choose from cycling, water skiing, pedaloeing and canoeing in summer, and skating, cross-country skiing and husky sledding in winter. The hotel itself offers plenty of facilities, and wonderful lake views from the pool, the lounge and some of the rooms. Try out its spa for a day of relaxation in the gorgeous Ontarian countryside.

Day 5

Pembroke

Check out the street murals in Pembroke. There are more than 30 of them dotted around, telling the story of the town and its history, right up to present day. You can learn more at the Champlain Trail Museum and Pioneer Village, which covers early settlers to the region. If the weather’s fine, don’t miss a trip to nearby Algonquin Provincial Park, where you can rent a canoe and search for moose, beavers, deer and various birds including the black and white loon.

Days 6-7

Ottawa

The Capital of Canada is found at the confluence of the Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau Rivers. It’s a bilingual city, with French and English spoken, with a good number of open spaces and parks breaking up the buildings. There’s plenty to see and do, with Parliament Hill being a great place to start, and the changing of the guard daily occurring at 9am. Many museums chart Ottawa’s and indeed Canada’s history, from early human settlement to more recent wars and even future technologies. Discover the very best of Ottawa including the Canadian Royal Mint and the War Museum on a city tour.

Days 8-9

Mont Tremblant

Head to the pretty peaks and dense forests of Mont Tremblant, where the stunning Parc National du Mont Tremblant is home to 206 bird species and offers stunning vistas of forests, lakes, waterfalls and rivers, criss-crossed with excellent mountain biking and canoe trails. Perhaps ride the gondola for sweeping panoramic views of the Laurentian Mountains, or follow the numerous hiking trails to the Rouge River and cool down with a spot of canoeing. There’s never a dull moment here, as a whole range of exhilarating outdoor activities will keep you entertained, from cycling, horse riding and mini golf, to alpine luging, rock climbing and river rafting.

Days 10-11

Quebec City

Tour vibrant Quebec City and stay at the fairy-tale Château Frontenac, the world’s most photographed hotel. The beautiful old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also worth a look - don’t miss the imposing Citadelle and the impressive Hôtel du Parlement, the most important structure in the city. Quebec is the only walled city north of Mexico, so be sure to walk along the fortifications, which stretch for 4.6km around the town. While you’re in town, have a taste of Quebec’s warm and filling traditional food and locally made wines.

Day 12

Montreal

Heading south, captivating and cosmopolitan Montreal is your next stop. Take a stroll through Old Montreal’s cobbled streets and admire the romantic architecture, a delightful mix of modern European and North American colonial styles. Check out the heritage churches and the intricate Basilique Notre-Dame, then head to the bars and restaurants of The Main and Rue St-Denis, where there’s a distinct francophone tone.

Day 13

Kingston

Take a look around the historic churches of Kingston, perched on the eastern tip of Lake Ontario. Kingston was the capital of Canada from 1841 to 1844, an honour removed by Queen Victoria, who considered the city too vulnerable to American attack. Today it’s filled with historic charms, fascinating museums and the Royal Military College, as well as two universities, which bring with them the liveliness of student-friendly bars, restaurants and arts venues. Check out Fort Henry, with its military exercises and drum displays.