Quebec and Ontario Explorer Adventure Tour

From sugar shack maple syrup to Niagara vineyard wines of note, from French food to French fries, this 1-week trip serves up the best of central Canada. Get a hit of urban decadence in Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa and a soothing wilderness stay in lakeside cottages in the Algonquin region. You'll travel in comfortable vehicles with a local CEO there to lead the way, so you're spending your time appreciating the magnificent sites instead of figuring out how to get to them.

My Own Room Exceptions  

Nights 4-5: cottages in the Algonquin region

International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Group Leader  

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout.

A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Feedback  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

What's Included  

Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Winery Visit and Wine Tasting, Niagara-on-the-Lake. Orientation walk through historic old Montreal. Visit an authentic sugar shack for a local lunch and sample maple syrup. Ottawa orientation walk including Parliament Hill and the Byward Market. 2 nights in authentic lakeside cottages with hiking, canoeing and wildlife watching. Evening walk in Niagara Falls. Winery tour and tasting. Orientation walk in Toronto. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Optional Activities  

Montreal
- Biodôme de Montréal Visit (10CAD per person)
- Cycling (7-14CAD per person)
- Pointe-à-Callière Museum Visit (20CAD per person)
- Mont Royal Visit (Free)

Algonquin Provincial Park
- Swimming (Free)

Niagara Falls
- Maid of the Mist Tour (18.25USD per person)

CN Tower
- CN Tower Visit (36-48CAD per person)

Toronto
- Harbour Cruise

Group Size Notes  

Max 9, Avg 7.

Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Joining Hotel  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

Joining Instructions  

When arriving at the International Airport in Montreal proceed to the Arrivals Hall. If you have not booked a pre arranged arrival transfer you have two transport options; Public Taxi or Public Bus. All transportation is located on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level at both International and Domestic Terminals.

Taxi
The airport is located 20 kilometers from downtown Montreal. On the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level continue to the designed taxi zones located right outside the Arrivals Hall. The approximate fare to downtown Montreal is around 40$ CAD (depending on traffic) plus gratuity.

Montreal City Bus
This is probably the most convenient way to get to your hotel and definitely cheaper than a taxi ride from the Airport. The bus line is appropriately named the 747 line. The bus departs the Airport regularly. Bus tickets can be purchased on the arrivals level at automated Kiosks. The fare is $8 (this will give you unlimited rides on any bus for 24 hours). Approximate travel time from the airport to downtown is 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic. Take the bus to the René-Lévesque / Drummond stop. From here your hotel is a short walk

What to Take  

You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible.

For days in the outdoors, we recommend the use of lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics made of wool or synthetic fibers. Cotton is not recommended for days spent hiking as it does not allow for heat or moisture to enter or escape, and it will not dry easily once wet.

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. Heavy luggage is not recommended for the health of the CEO, who will take a lead in loading the storage trailer. Due to space in the trailer, we will not be able to accommodate more than one piece of main luggage per person. A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential to carry your personal gear for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle.

It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a light jacket. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.

Packing List  

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves

Money Exchange  

The Canadian currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD).

Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Canada and can be used to purchase most items. When purchasing products or services with a foreign credit card in Canada, you may be charged additional fees by your credit card company for foreign purchases.

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Both Visa and Master Cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work check with your bank before you travel. A visit to an ATM can be arranged on Day 1 and other days of the trip.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Canadian Dollars as cash (preferably smaller bills, 5's, 10's and 20's) and credit cards is best.

Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Meals Included  

8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners

About our Transportation  

We use 12-passenger vans for up to 9 people plus the CEO/Driver for all our of our trips in North America.

These vans are durable vehicles that allow us to drive on most types of roads in North America.

Each van has a front passenger seat and 4 benches that will accommodate 3 people each. No standing is permitted in these vehicles, but there is air conditioning to cool things down on warm days and mandatory seat belts to KEEP us secure and safe.

This is not a physically demanding journey. However, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and limited space in the van. Please take note of the travel times and distances in the above itinerary. Despite some of the long days, most clients feel that the diversity of the North American landscape, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience!

Laundry  

Laundry can be done at least once a week while on tour - most cities have laundromats where you can buy soap and wash your laundry in coin-operated machines. Your CEO will advise you along the trip where you will be able to do your laundry.

Minimum Age  

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Group Leader Description  

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and driver - this person is experienced in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.

As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.

We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.

Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Tipping  

It is customary in North America to tip service providers such as waiters, bartenders and taxi drivers, at approximately 18-20%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip any local guides used. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from $2-8 USD per activity depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.


Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures Chief Experience Officer did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline $5-10 USD per person, per day can be used as a guide. If your CEO(s) exceeded your expectations, feel free to tip more.

Meals  

Some of the meals on this tour are included in the tour price. When a meal is not included, this is because there are often many options available - we would like to give you the opportunity to explore a bit and taste the local cuisine yourself. In these cases, your CEO will be able to suggest some good local restaurants or options for you to choose from.

Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival.

Accommodation  

Comfort hotels (6 nts), lakeside cottage (2 nts).

About Accommodation  

This trip uses comfortable 3 star hotels, guest ranch and inns, well located in cities or near park entrances. Our chosen hotels vary in size, character, and amenities, but are of a very good standard, and the rooms are double occupancy with a private bathroom.

Please note: In Algonquin Park we stay in Cottages/Chalets and there are no private bathrooms - ratio is approximately 2-3 passengers per bathroom (please bring your own bath towel). Depending on the size of the group, we will share 1 to 3 lakeside cottages which have comfortable bedrooms (with bedding), living room, kitchen and decks. Cottages are powered by solar power, so charging batteries/electronics is not possible. Please ensure you charge up everything and bring extra batteries for the 3-days/2-nights we stay here. We also recommend a flashlight or headlamp. Please note there is no 3G or cell service in this area.

Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Travel Insurance  

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Highlights  

Embrace the ethnic diversity of Toronto and Montreal, witness how Canadian maple syrup gets from trees to your pancakes, appreciate the evening call of the loon beside a campfire at your lakeside cottages, visit Ontario's award-winning wine region for a taste.

Solo Travellers  

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Transport  

Air-conditioned private touring van, hiking, walking.

Emergency Contact  

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call the G Adventures Local Representative. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.


EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS?


G Adventures Local Representative (Las Vegas) ?
From outside the USA: 1-412-423-8143
From within the USA: 412-423-8143


If you are unable for any reason to contact our local representative, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.


Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999