East Canada Explorer: History, Culture & Cuisine

You will be transferred from Toronto to your hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake in a private vehicle. The duration of the trip is about 1.5 hours.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a scenic town in Southern Ontario, brimming with natural and cultural attractions. It is located at the confluence of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario.

Niagara Falls Adventure Pass Classic

Niagara Falls Adventure Pass Classic lets you explore Niagara’s most popular attractions with a single ticket purchase. Don a yellow poncho as you descend 38 metres through the bedrock’s 130-year-old tunnels to reach Niagara’s Horseshoe Falls’ lower observation deck. Soak in the breathtaking view of 280,000 litres of water thundering over the rim every second!

Take a self-guided walk through the Butterfly Conservatory, an enchanting tropical paradise with waterfalls and forty-five butterfly species. Travel 70 metres underground by elevator to the riverside boardwalk to see the millennia-old rock layers of the Niagara gorge. Several viewing platforms allow a closer look at the Whirlpool Rapids.

You also have access to Floral Showhouse, a collection of orchids, tropical plants and the Life on Display art installation. Ride the Whirlpool Aero Car for a bird’s-eye view of the Whirlpool and Class-6 whitewater rapids of the Niagara River. The pass allows you unlimited rides on WEGO, Niagara’s extensive and convenient hop-on-hop-off transport system, and provides exclusive discounts for shopping and dining.

Explore Niagara-on-the-Lake on Your Own

Start your explorations at the atmospheric Heritage District of Niagara-on-the-Lake, admiring the architecture of its well-preserved, colourful buildings from the early 1800s. The Memorial Clock Tower, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, the Old Court House and City Hall are good examples. Queen Street, Prideaux Street, and the harbourfront Ricardo Street are perfect for people-watching and window shopping.

Learn about Canada's past at Fort George and Fort Mississauga historic sites. Explore various historical perspectives at the Niagara Apothecary, and Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum. Visit the charming Living Water Wayside Chapel that can accommodate only six guests!

After all the walking, enjoy a leisurely picnic at the lakefront Queen's Royal Park. The Royal George Theatre and the SHAW Festival Theatre are great to watch local performances. Drop by the distilleries and breweries across town. Embark on a trail of vineyards and wineries just outside of town to sample world-class Canadian wines, especially vinifera varietals and ice wines.

You will be transferred from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Toronto in a private vehicle. The duration of the trip is about 1.5 hours.

Toronto, Canada's financial hub, is nestled on the scenic shores of Lake Ontario. The city serves as an excellent base to explore the Great Lakes region that includes the spectacular Niagara Falls. Apart from world-class dining and themed contemporary museums, Toronto  also boasts a myriad of waterfront entertainment venues along its 28-mile coast!

Dinner at the 360, The Restaurant in CN Tower

Enjoy breathtaking views and a delicious dinner at the top of the CN Tower! An architectural marvel, the CN Tower was opened in 1976 and is one of Toronto's main attractions. 360, The Restaurant is celebrated for its gourmet Canadian cuisine, fine dining experience and a 360-degree view of Toronto's skyline in all its glory.

Sip on a glass of award-winning Canadian wine as you sit back and enjoy a panoramic view of Toronto. A unique specialty of the restaurant is that it revolves once every 72 minutes, allowing you to see different perspectives of the city. Tuck into a three-course dinner of inventive dishes made with market-to-table ingredients.

After your meal, head to the Observation Levels from where you can get a bird-eye view of the city at night through a glass floor.

Group Best of Toronto Tour

Enjoy a tour of Toronto’s top attractions. Start at CN Tower, an iconic Canadian landmark. Standing at a height of 550 metres, this telecommunications tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding area from the Main Observation Level. Walk on the glass floor and catch ‘Artmosphere’, an interactive art display.

After, drive through Ontario’s capital city, passing by the University of Toronto and the Romanesque-style Toronto Old City Hall. Traverse Nathan Phillips Square and Queens Park in downtown Toronto, and make your way to the waterfront. Embark on a cruise along the Inner Harbour with its chain of small islands.

Back onshore, proceed to Saint Lawrence Market, one of Canada’s oldest all-season markets. This gourmet haven is filled with culinary delicacies ranging from fresh produce to artisanal sausages, cheeses, lobster and caviar. Then, time permitting, browse through the numerous shops in the Distillery District nearby.

Board your train from Toronto to Kingston. The duration of the trip is about three hours. Make your own way from Kingston railway station to your hotel. You will be transferred from your hotel to Toronto train station in a private vehicle.

Kingston, with its scenic setting on the eastern banks of Lake Ontario, is ideally located midway between the bustling cities of Toronto and Montreal. From its humble beginnings as a French trading outpost to its present day as one of the world’s top university towns, the rise has been meteoric. Nicknamed the ‘Limestone City’ for its numerous heritage buildings crafted of this natural material, it briefly served as the first Canadian capital.

Group Cruise of St. Lawrence River

Enjoy sailing down the beautiful St. Lawrence River, watching for the Canadian Palisades and old palaces along its picturesque banks. Reach Front Street well in advance to begin your cruise trip. Once aboard your river boat, enjoy the ride.

Spot the statue of St. Lawrence standing by the river that bears his name, and pass the 1000 Islands International Bridge and the Millionaire’s Row with its delightful cottages. Watch out for the magnificent Boldt Castle, Zavikon Island, and the beautiful Casablanca on Cherry Island. Enjoy the tour guide’s live narration to understand the significance of each destination.

Make your own way from your hotel to Kingston railway station. Board your train from Kingston to Ottawa. The duration of the trip is about two hours. You will be transferred from the Ottawa train station to your hotel in a private vehicle

Explore Ottawa, Canada's charming capital that overlooks the Ottawa River on the Quebec-Ontario border. The city, with its classic and modern architecture, and festivals throughout the year, is steeped in culture and heritage. From the historic Rideau Canal and the Victorian gothic Parliament Hill complex to the waterfront urban parks and themed national museums, there's plenty for you to see here.

Best of Ottawa Guided Bicycle Tour

Explore Ottawa on this guided three-hour bike tour, covering a distance of about 22 kilometres. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, set out on a hybrid-comfort bike at a relaxed pace. From Sparks Street proceed along Sussex Drive to view Rideau Falls and Rideau Hall.

Admire the city’s natural beauty as you cycle along Rideau River pathway to enter two older localities - Old Ottawa South and Glebe. Continue along Rideau Canal pathway to Hog’s Back Falls, also known as the Prince of Wales Falls. Make a stop at the trendy Little Italy. Cycle along the Ottawa River pathway to see the balanced rock sculptures at Remic Rapids Park and the Canadian War Museum.

Take a detour for spectacular views of downtown Ottawa, stopping at the National Gallery of Canada and Byward Market, before riding to Parliament Hill where your tour ends.

You will be transferred from your hotel to Ottawa train station in a private vehicle. Board your train from Ottawa to Montreal. The duration of the ride is about 2.5 hours. Walk from Gare Centrale (Montreal Central Station) to your hotel.

Montréal is a picturesque metropolis on the St. Lawrence River in southeastern Canada. The island city brims with iconic architecture, dining and entertainment options, and a variety of jazz, comedy and art festivals.

Montreal Poutine Experience On Your Own

Get a taste of Montreal’s vibrant culinary culture with a classic poutine experience. A poutine is essentially a plate of French fries served with Quebec cheese curds and brown gravy, topped with meat, poultry, seafood or even vegetables.

From its humble origins as a hearty staple, poutine has evolved to become Montreal’s iconic dish, with avant garde interpretations and newer renditions – the dish even has its own week-long festival in the city. If you are looking for the traditional barebones poutine, head to Paul Patates that serves it with a bottle of their famous spruce beer.

The Montreal Pool Room is practically an institution for its ‘greasy-spoon’ fare. The city’s fine dining destinations like Le Garde-Manger in Old Montreal are likely to treat you to gourmet versions such as lobster poutine, while Au Pied de Cochon has long been famed for its extravagant duck liver or foie gras poutine. Open 24 hours a day, La Banquise is a favorite destination as much for after-hours celebrity spotting as for its ‘La Reggae,’ a poutine featuring ground beef, guacamole, diced tomatoes and hot peppers.

If you are especially particular about your toppings, drop in at any of the Poutineville outlets of this homegrown chain, where you can choose from different kinds of fries, meats, veggies, cheese and gravy to create your very own version of this signature Canadian dish!

Personalised Underground City, Downtown and Old Montreal Walking Tour

Discover Montreal, above and beneath, during this well-rounded experience. Follow your guide to Dorchester Square in downtown Montreal and go past the Sun Life Building to Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel. Continue to Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral, an ornate Renaissance basilica.

Next, stop at Windsor Station, a magnificent edifice built in the Romanesque Revival style. As you make your way to Place Ville Marie, a skyscraper, your guide will tell you interesting historical facts and regale you with anecdotes about the area.

From Promenades Cathedrale enter RESO, the city’s underground pedestrian network spread across 32 kilometers. Explore the world’s largest man-made subterranean complex, which features shopping malls, universities, museums as well as train stations, a bus terminal and an ice-hockey arena.

Exit the sunken labyrinth and head to Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. Finally, visit the historic neighbourhood of Old Montreal, lined with art galleries and architectural landmarks. Take a walk along the cobblestone waterfront of the Lawrence River before wrapping up.

Hike Mont Royal on your own

Mont Royal is one of the most popular hiking destinations near Montreal. The city is believed to have been named after this small extinct volcano, which was originally written as Monte Real. Arrive at the historic Mont Royal Park that opened way back in 1876 and is the first officially protected space in Quebec.

Sprawling across 470 acres, Mont Royal is crowned with three peaks, the highest of which rises to 764 feet above sea level. Choose your trail with options ranging from paved road and stairs to dirt foot paths that weave through lush forests, high escarpments and quiet hidden corners.

Three quarters of the way up, the Mount Royal Chalet offers breathtaking views of the city from the Kondiaronk Belvedere, while the Camillien-Houde belvedere looks out on the east of Montreal. The picturesque Beaver Lake is as popular in summer for swimming and boating as for skating in winters.

Make your own way to the Montreal center and pick up your rental car, Drive yourself from Montreal, QC to Saint-Paulin, QC in your rental car. The duration of the trip is about two hours.

Saint-Paulin is a charming municipality located on the western edge of the Maurice region, in Quebec, Canada. The Saint-Paulin church dominates the skyline, while the wilderness around affords an array of adventures throughout the year. Tucked away within 1000 acres of natural landscapes, the riverside Le Baluchon is the region's highlight. It's a multi-activity tourism center that has evolved into an upmarket eco-conscious resort. You can experience snowmobiling, dog sledding, horse riding, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking across various trails and ecosystems here.

Drive yourself from Saint-Paulin, QC to Quebec City in your rental car. You should reach your destination in about two hours.

Uncover the assorted charms of Québec City, a clifftop cosmopolitan destination overlooking the St. Lawrence River in eastern Canada. This 400-year year old city is known for its French heritage and is dotted with landmarks that showcase its military history, botanical parks and lively squares.

Group Grand Walking Tour of Quebec City

Discover the rich and colourful history of Quebec on this walking tour. With your knowledgeable guide, set off along the narrow streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Quebec neighbourhood. Follow the downhill route that takes you across the old Upper Town area.

Take in European-inspired architecture and pass by prominent landmarks such as Château Frontenac and Dufferin Terrace, the boardwalk along the Saint Lawrence River. Walk across the vibrant Latin Quarter and past the Old Seminary. See the ancient fortifications and the Citadelle, a star-shaped fort built in the 19th-century.

Enjoy stunning views of the water from the Old Port and check out the vintage collectibles in the storefronts in the Antique and Art District. Continue walking along the Place Royale, a picturesque cobblestone square flanked by cafes, shops, and a stone church, till you reach the funicular station. You could then take the funicular back to Upper Town.

Group Tour: Whale Watching in Charlevoix

Set off in a comfortable coach to discover the marine environment of the picturesque Charlevoix region. Drive out of Quebec City across the scenic landscape along the Saint Lawrence River to the town of Baie Sainte Catherine. Settle into a boat to sail smoothly into the Saguenay - Saint Lawrence Marine Park.

Enjoy panoramic views of the ocean as you head to prime whale-watching locations. Look out for these fascinating sea-dwellers while you listen your guide’s valuable insights into their behavior and habitat. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a spectacular photo or two to take home.

Make your own way to the Quebec City airport and drop off your rental car.