Ontario & French Canada

Welcome to Toronto, Ontario’s capital and Canada’s largest city. Your Tour Director is available from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to answer any questions. Known for its vibrant multicultural character, Toronto is one of the world’s most diverse cities, with residents representing cultures and languages from around the globe. Once settled into your hotel, perhaps browse the shops at nearby CF Toronto Eaton Centre, visit the Hockey Hall of Fame, or sample local specialties at St. Lawrence Market, a beloved city landmark that has served Toronto for more than 200 years.

View some of Toronto’s most recognizable landmarks, including the CN Tower and Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays, then follow the shores of Lake Ontario to one of the world’s most famous natural wonders, Niagara Falls. Board your Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise for an unforgettable up-close experience. Feel the mist and hear the roar as you approach the base of the Falls, where more than 3,160 tons of water plunge every second! After your cruise, enjoy free time at Niagara Falls or consider an optional excursion to the Skylon Tower for a buffet lunch and spectacular panoramic views before returning to Toronto. NOTE: Operation of the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise is subject to favorable weather and/or river conditions. Favorable conditions usually exist from May to October. When conditions are unfavorable, a visit to Journey Behind the Falls will be substituted.

Depart Toronto and travel east to Kingston, a historic city on the shores of Lake Ontario with roots dating back more than 300 years. Continue along the St. Lawrence River, enjoying scenic views of the Thousand Islands region. In Rockport, board your boat for a narrated cruise through this remarkable archipelago, where wooded islands are dotted with everything from charming cottages to grand Gilded Age summer estates. Later, continue to Ottawa, Canada’s beautiful capital city.

This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Ottawa, beautifully situated along the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal. Highlights include the Royal Canadian Mint, the embassy district, and stately Parliament Hill. This afternoon is free to explore. Perhaps visit the Canadian Museum of History, known for its outstanding exhibits and views across the Ottawa River, or browse the shops, restaurants, and local specialties at lively ByWard Market.

Travel into the French-speaking province of Québec, where a distinct culture, language, and heritage create a unique sense of place. Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Cap, one of Canada’s most important pilgrimage sites, and learn about its remarkable history. Continue along the historic King’s Highway, tracing the northern shore of the St. Lawrence River, before arriving in Québec City, the heart of French Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening, consider an optional excursion to the Érablière le Chemin du Roy Sugar Shack to learn about the process of maple syrup production and enjoy a traditional Québec dinner.

Enjoy a guided tour of Québec City, Canada’s only walled city, crowned by the turrets of the iconic Château Frontenac. Until the British victory of 1759, Québec City served as the capital of New France; today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore historic landmarks, including Place d’Armes, Laval Seminary, the star-shaped Citadelle, and Place Royale. You’ll also see the stone buildings and narrow streets of Lower Town along the St. Lawrence River. The rest of the day is free to explore. This evening, perhaps join an optional excursion to Montmorency Falls, cascading 272 feet into the St. Lawrence River, followed by dinner featuring regional specialties at a charming 18th-century restaurant on nearby Île d’Orléans.

This morning, travel south to Montréal, a dynamic city recognized as a UNESCO City of Design. Highlights on this afternoon’s guided tour include historic Old Montréal, once protected by city walls, and sweeping views from Mount Royal, the hill that gave the city its name. This evening is at leisure. Perhaps discover Montréal’s renowned culinary scene, known for its diverse influences and distinctive local flavors.

Your vacation ends this morning. Or extend your stay with extra nights and enjoy more time exploring Montréal’s historic neighborhoods, museums, shops, and restaurants.