Highlights of Eastern Canada

Today marks the beginning of your tour to Canada. You’ll fly from your selected airport, with connecting flight(s) along the way, before arriving later today in Canada’s largest city, Toronto, located in one of the country’s ten provinces, Ontario. 

Once you’ve landed, you’ll pass through immigration and collect your luggage. Follow the signs for Car Rental in the arrivals hall, where you’ll find your car hire desk (details are provided on your voucher)*. 

After collecting your car, you’ll set off towards Niagara Falls – one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. The drive is pleasantly manageable, and before long you’ll be checking in to your centrally located hotel in Niagara Falls. You may be feeling tired after your journey, but before you settle in, why not have a wander and get a feel for the local area? It won’t be long before you hear an unmistakable humming in the air – the thunder of nearly 2.8 million litres of water crashing down every second from the three spectacular waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls. 

You’ll know you’re heading in the right direction as the sound grows ever louder. Suddenly, you’re there – standing right at the edge of the mighty Niagara Falls. If you arrive at dusk, you’ll witness the waterfalls illuminated in a kaleidoscope of colour. 

Welcome to Canada. 

Today’s driving distance: approx. 122 km / 1.5 hrs

*If you’d like to upgrade your hire car, please get in touch with your travel specialist for more details. 

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before making your way by bus or on foot towards the immense cascade of the three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. The largest of the trio is Horseshoe Falls, which accounts for around 90% of the total water flow. Here, the powerful torrents plunge 57 metres, casting a spectacular mist into the air. On sunny days, you might be lucky enough to spot rainbows shining through the waterfall.

Standing at the edge of the falls is awe-inspiring in its own right, but today you’ll get to experience something truly extraordinary – a tour behind Horseshoe Falls itself. With your voucher in hand, you’ll gain access to manmade tunnels leading you to two observation decks: one behind and one at the base of the falls. Here, just a few metres away from nature’s raw power, you’ll be grateful for the yellow rain poncho provided at the start of your adventure.

Round off this breathtaking encounter with a boat trip right up close to the falls, or settle into one of the local eateries and savour a glass of the region’s famous ice wine—a true local speciality.

We highly recommend spending your evening in the ever-charming village of Niagara-on-the-Lake, just a short half-hour drive away. Renowned as Ontario’s wine capital, you’ll spot several award-winning vineyards en route. In the town centre, take a leisurely stroll through cobbled streets lined with historic buildings, art galleries, and inviting little shops.

*Included excursion behind Horseshoe Falls: Details regarding the meeting time and location can be found on your voucher.

Today, you’ll be heading north towards the Algonquin region. If you didn’t manage to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake yesterday, it’s well worth stopping there as you make your way today. From here, the journey continues to the town of Huntsville – the gateway to Algonquin Provincial Park and the quintessential Canadian wilderness. 

The direct drive from Niagara takes roughly 3–3.5 hours, but as with any self-drive tour, you can always pause for worthwhile sights along the way. Get a taste of the spectacular scenery with a stop at Arrowhead Provincial Park, home to tranquil lakes and easy walking trails. It’s entirely up to you whether you want to venture into Algonquin Provincial Park itself today, or perhaps take the time to enjoy charming Huntsville, nestled in the heart of Muskoka and surrounded by forests, lakes, and rocky outcrops. Huntsville offers an authentic encounter with both the local Canadian community and the wilderness that borders the town. From here, you have the perfect base to explore nature at your own pace and truly unwind. 

Today’s driving distance: approximately 336 km / 3.5 hours

Today, you will have the freedom to explore Algonquin Provincial Park at your leisure*. Even before you reach the park entrance, you can soak up the region’s stunning scenery with a stop at Oxtongue River– Ragged Falls Provincial Park, home to one of the area's most powerful waterfalls.

A perfect place to begin your adventures in Algonquin Park is the Visitor Centre, located along Highway 60, around 43 km from the West Gate. The centre’s interactive exhibits offer an insight into the park’s geology, wildlife, and history – from the origins of the Algonquin people to today’s efforts in conservation. Don’t miss the viewing deck, where you’ll be treated to a sweeping panorama of the park’s diverse landscapes, from coniferous and deciduous forests to sprawling lakes and wetlands.

While at the Visitor Centre, you can browse information on the walking trails that suit your ability. Or, you might decide to embrace the tranquillity of the wilderness with a canoe trip on Canoe or Smoke Lake. There’s always a good chance of spotting one of the park’s many moose or beavers. Canoes can be hired locally at each of these lakes. 

*A permit is required to enter Algonquin Provincial Park. Please refer to the Practical Information section for guidance. 

With dense forests in your rear-view mirror, you'll leave Huntsville today and make your way to Ottawa. The initial stretch of today’s journey is particularly spectacular, as part of Highway 60 to the east takes you through the heart of the Algonquin corridor. It’s worth noting that you don’t need an entry ticket just to drive through Algonquin. However, if you wish to stop and explore the park again today, you’ll need to pay the entrance fee and obtain a ticket.

Later in the day, you’ll arrive in Ottawa, the capital of Canada. Spend a relaxing afternoon wandering the city’s charming streets, alive with the buzz of locals and fellow travellers alike. Enjoy a picturesque stroll along the Ottawa River and soak up the atmosphere of the area. In less than a 15-minute walk, you’ll find yourself at the city’s—and the nation’s—political epicentre, Parliament Hill, home to several government buildings. Prepare to be impressed by the grand Parliament Building, an enchanting example of neo-Gothic architecture that looks as if it’s sprung from the pages of a fairytale. Free guided tours inside the Parliament Building are available, but do bear in mind that you’ll need to book your ticket in advance.

Today’s driving distance: approx. 342 km / 4 hrs 15 min.

Today, you’ve got plenty of time to explore the delightful city of Ottawa at your own pace. If you missed the Parliament buildings yesterday, make sure they’re top of your list today. If you’re visiting in the summer months, you’ll have the chance to watch the daily Changing of the Guard — a spectacular, ceremonial display set to the stirring sound of bagpipes and drums from around 9:45am.

Right beside the Parliament buildings lies the beautiful Rideau Canal, which flows into the Ottawa River. In summer, you might want to take a guided boat tour here to enjoy the sights from the water. When winter arrives and the canal freezes over, it transforms into a vast, open-air skating rink.

A short walk from your hotel you’ll find one of Canada’s most popular attractions, the Canadian Museum of History. Here, you can dive into Canada’s cultural heritage and the fascinating history and identity of its indigenous peoples, showcased through an impressive collection of historical artefacts and towering totem poles.

At the famous ByWard Market, the city’s European and Canadian roots mingle in a wonderfully diverse array of culinary delights. Sample the classic Canadian snack, BeaverTails – deep-fried dough served with sugar and shaped like a beaver’s tail – or try some locally made maple syrup sweets. And if you’re longing for some fish & chips, schnitzel, or a croissant, you’ll find those here as well.

Today, you’ll be leaving Ottawa’s political heart behind and making your way towards Québec City, the lively hub of the French-speaking province of Québec. We recommend setting off from Ottawa early in the morning, as this is one of the longer journeys on your tour – giving you plenty of opportunities to make some exciting stops along the route.

The first leg of your journey follows the Ottawa River through the picturesque landscapes of the Ottawa River Valley. During the warm summer months, do as the locals do and take a refreshing swim at one of the secluded river beaches.

Near Montreal, the Ottawa River flows into the mighty St. Lawrence River, forming the border between Ontario and Québec provinces – a historic trading and transport route for both the indigenous peoples and early explorers.

As you leave Montreal behind and continue north, consider stopping for lunch at one of the region’s many sugar shacks – the famous Maple Syrup Farms or Sucreries – where the world-famous maple syrup is made.

Upon arriving in Québec City, one of North America’s oldest cities, you’ll have the rest of your afternoon and evening to wander through the charming historic streets and soak up the unique atmosphere of this beautifully preserved city, truly a step back in time.

Today’s driving distance: approximately 442 km / 4 hrs 45 mins.

Look forward to spending a morning delving into the heart of the city’s French-Canadian heritage as you set off with a guide on an almost two-hour walking tour exploring the charming Old Town, Vieux-Québec*.  

This fortified district is unique north of Mexico. Its intact city walls, encircling a treasure trove of historic buildings, were built over 400 years ago. It’s for this reason the area was inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage list in 1985. 

Beginning at Place Royale, where the city was founded in 1608, your walk takes you past Canada’s oldest church, Notre-Dame-de-Québec Basilica-Cathedral, and on to the impressive Château Frontenac hotel, which towers above the streets and dominates several corners of the city. From the Dufferin Terrace, soak in beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River—a reminder of Québec’s military past. In 1759, British forces sailed into the city, launching and winning the decisive battle on the Plains of Abraham. French Canada was formally ceded to Britain in 1763.
 
From colonial battlegrounds to streets bursting with French-Canadian culture, you’ll reach the lively Petit-Champlain district, brimming with delightful boutiques, cafés, and galleries. Your walking tour ends here, making it the perfect spot to enjoy lunch before heading out to discover more of Québec’s charming streets on your own.  

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. 

If the great outdoors is calling, nearby Montmorency Falls is well worth a visit. At 83 metres tall, it’s nearly 26 metres higher than Niagara Falls. For breathtaking views of this majestic waterfall, a ride on the area’s cable car is highly recommended. 

*Walking tour in Québec: Information about the meeting place and time can be found on your voucher. 

Today you’ll leave Québec and drive on to Montreal – a true melting pot of nationalities and cultures.

“Bonjour!” – you’ll hear that a lot here. If your French is a little rusty, you’ve come to the perfect place to brush it up. After Paris, Montreal is the world’s largest French-speaking city, but speaking English is absolutely fine too.

Montreal was founded in 1642 as Ville Marie, later taking its name from the city’s iconic mountain, Mount Royal – the royal peak offering fabulous panoramic views from the Kondiaronk Lookout. We highly recommend making this your first stop today and kicking off your stay with a stunning view over the city’s rooftops. Alternatively, you might like to save the experience for dusk, when Montreal’s twinkling lights begin to glimmer on the horizon as evening falls.

If you haven’t yet tried the Canadian dish poutine, now’s your chance. This indulgent local favourite combines chips, gravy, and cheese curds – and there’s nowhere better to sample it than right here in Quebec province.

Today’s driving distance: approx. 263 km / 3 hrs 15 mins

Today is yours to explore this vibrant city as you wish. With your accommodation right in the heart of Montreal, you’re perfectly placed to make the very most of your time here. 

Among the city’s many highlights, the magnificent Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal stands out, its intricate stained glass telling the story of the city’s past. Situated at the heart of the historic Old Montreal district, it’s the perfect starting point for a stroll through the quarter’s charming, cobbled streets. Take your time to soak up the atmosphere in this enchanting part of town.

Not far away, around the lively Saint Laurent Boulevard, you’ll discover a wonderful array of shops and restaurants, all set against a backdrop of vibrant colours. This street is famous for its many street art murals, celebrated each year during the MURAL Festival—a major draw for art lovers from all over the world. 

Just outside the city centre, you can visit Montreal’s Olympic Park—a complex that includes the city’s Olympic Stadium, a beautiful botanical garden, and the fascinating Montreal Biodome, home to an impressive collection of plants from a range of climates and ecosystems. 

Visiting Montreal on a rainy day? There’s no need to worry. Beneath the city streets lies a hidden underground world of shops, eateries, galleries, and cinemas—welcome to RESO, Montreal’s subterranean city. Here, you can stroll through more than 32 kilometres of passageways, linking you conveniently to different districts above ground.  

Today, you’ll be swapping the hustle and bustle of the big city for wide open spaces, fresh air, and... a thousand islands. Be sure to set off from Montreal with time to spare, so you arrive promptly for today’s excursion, which begins in the charming town of Rockport. Here, you’ll embark on a delightful boat cruise along the St. Lawrence River, which forms the border between Canada and the USA and, in this area, is dotted with countless islands. Although this archipelago is called the Thousand Islands, there are actually a staggering 1,864 of them. You won’t see all of them today, of course, but you’ll get more than enough opportunity to soak up the enchanting landscape as you cruise amongst the islands.  

Many of the islands are home to houses built right by the water’s edge. The smallest island in the group, aptly named Just Room Enough, measures only 310 square metres – about the same size as a tennis court – and features a tiny house with just enough space for a chair in the "front garden", where you can dangle your feet in the water at the same time. 

Your cruise will depart from the small town of Rockport, taking you on a one-hour tour past several of the region’s famous islands. You’ll sail by everything from opulent summer residences and grand mansions from the late 19th century along Millionaire’s Row, to tales of romance and heartbreak on Heart Island, before passing Zavikon Island, where a small bridge is said to connect Canada and the USA.  

After your cruise, you’ll continue on to your hotel in the welcoming town of Kingston. 

Today's driving distance: approx. 288 km / 3 hrs 15 mins.

*Utflykt till Thousand Islands: Anländ 1 timme före avgång för incheckning. Du hittar information om mötestid och plats på din voucher. Gratis parkering finns på plats.

It’s entirely up to you when you wish to leave Kingston, but we recommend setting off towards today’s destination after breakfast so you can spend the afternoon exploring Toronto – Canada’s largest city.

Upon arriving in Toronto, you might like to drive to your hotel, park the car, and if your room isn’t ready for check-in just yet, you can dive straight into discovering this vibrant, multicultural metropolis. Getting around the city is easy – whether you choose to go on foot or hop on the metro.

No visit to Toronto is complete without experiencing its iconic landmark, the CN Tower. Standing an impressive 553 metres tall, the tower can be spotted from most street corners – it’s a fantastic way to take in the city.
To make things easy, we’ve included a trip up the tower for you. While you won’t go all the way to the very top, you’ll leave the lift at the 346-metre mark, where the observation deck offers spectacular views over Lake Ontario and the city’s rooftops and green spaces. For a thrill, you can also test your nerves by stepping out onto a glass floor on the level below, your eyes darting between your shoes and the tiny cars far beneath you that resemble little insects from this dizzying height.

Once back on solid ground, you’re free to enjoy the rest of your afternoon and evening however you please.

Today’s driving distance: approx. 258 km / 2 hrs 45 min.

Today is yours to spend in Toronto, just as you please. Perhaps you’d like to round off your Canadian adventure with a spot of shopping, or maybe you’re still hungry for more culture and new experiences. Whatever your interests, Toronto has something for everyone.

Marvel at the impressive dinosaur displays at the Royal Ontario Museum, or head to the colourful, vibrant neighbourhood of Kensington Market, where you’ll find galleries, vintage boutiques, and cosy eateries. You could continue on to neighbouring Chinatown, or admire Toronto’s striking skyline from the water on a boat trip. Round off your day in the atmospheric Distillery District, once home to the famous Gooderham and Worts whisky distillery back in the 1860s. Today, the beautifully preserved industrial buildings house everything from specialist shops to top-notch restaurants, with a lively, bustling atmosphere all year round.

It’s time to say goodbye to Canada after a memorable tour packed with fantastic experiences.  

You’ll check out of your hotel and drive to Toronto airport, ensuring you arrive in good time for your departing flight. Your hire car must be returned beforehand, with the precise drop-off time and location detailed on your hire car voucher. The process is straightforward, and once it’s done, simply take your luggage into the airport. From here, you’ll board your flight to Europe, often with connecting flight(s) along the way. 

If you wish to extend your stay in Canada or perhaps combine your tour with a visit to a major U.S. city, your journey continues to your chosen destination. 

Today’s journey: Approx. 29 km / 45 min – 1hr

*It is your own responsibility to arrive at the airport on time, regardless of whether your hire car drop-off is scheduled close to your flight’s departure. Treat the car return time as the latest possible – but feel free to return it earlier if it suits you. Be sure to allow extra time to refuel the car to the same level as when you collected it.

You will land at your selected airport, returning from a thrilling tour filled with unforgettable experiences and memories to treasure.