Eastern Cities Express
Toronto, Nigara Falls & on the Lake, Ottawa, Quebec City, Montreal, Kingston, 1000 Islands, Toronto
8 Day / 7 Nights Itinerary
Embark on a popular Canadian Eastern Express Fly-Drive on this 8 day journey through the urban centres and rural splendour of Ontario and Quebec celebrating Canada’s English and French heritage. Travel from Toronto and the natural wonders of Niagara Falls to the neo-gothic parliament buildings of Ottawa. Cross into Quebec and pass the rolling hills and dense forests of Maurice / Bois-Francs region and the metropolis of Montreal before returning to Ontario to visit historic Kingston and its tranquil 1000 islands from the deck of a comfortable cruise ship.
Day 1: Toronto – Arrival
Arrive in Toronto, pick up your car and proceed to your hotel. The remainder of your evening is at leisure to explore the many attractions of this vibrant and culturally diverse city. Overnight Toronto 2 Nights. Accommodation: Bond Place Hotel or Similar (2 Nights).
Day 2: Toronto – Niagara Falls – Toronto – 260 km
The day is free to discover Toronto at your own pace. Visit the impressive city landmarks such as the Rogers Centre Sky Dome, explore the harbour-front district on foot or by harbour cruise or perhaps find some shopping bargains at the Eaton Centre. A visit to the Ripley’s Aquarium and excursion to the top of the CN tower is included, take an express, glass elevator to the observation lounge over 553m above ground to admire the wonderful views over Toronto and the surrounds. For the afternoon, plan your travel arrangements to Niagara Falls approx 1hr 30mins from downtown Toronto. You’re route will take you through Ontario’s wine-growing region and should definitely include a stop in the picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Plenty of photo opportunities await you at the falls to see one of the wonders of the world. Overnight Toronto. Accommodation: Bond Place Hotel or Similar.
Day 3: Toronto - Ottawa – 450 km
Drive East today following the shoreline of Lake Ontario and pass through the small communities and villages that dot the landscape. The city of Kingston is home to the prestigious Queen’s University and is the gateway of the port lands of the beautiful 1000 islands – a nearly countless collection of small islets grouped over a vast natural waterway. The road turns north along the Rideau River Heritage Route in and intermittently follows the Rideau River. The route takes you through riverside towns such as Smiths Falls and Edmond’s Lock, many of them with working marine locks allowing boats to traverse from higher to lower river elevations. Arrive in the afternoon in Canada’s capital. Overnight Ottawa 1 Night. Accommodation: Capital Hill and Suites or Similar (1 Night).
Day 4: Ottawa – Quebec City – 460 km
Before departing Ottawa today, you may choose to visit the Parliament Buildings, museums or National Gallery, take a tour of the Royal Canadian Mint or enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the Ottawa River. Crossing the border into the province of Quebec, taking the North Shore of the St Lawrence will bring you through the town of Trois Rivieres. We suggest a stop at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, a rebuilt Gothic cathedral with magnificent examples of stained glass throughout the church. Continue your journey and later you will pass through the walled gates of Quebec City for two days of exploring this historic, beautiful city. Overnight Quebec. Overnight Quebec 2 Nights. Accommodation: Travelodge Quebec or Similar (2 Nights).
Day 5: Quebec City
Spend a full day in Canada’s oldest city. Founded in 1608, Quebec City is the only walled city in North America and a designated United Nations World Heritage Site – Just one of the many things you’ll learn on your sightseeing tour offering a comprehensive orientation of historic and modern Quebec City. You will see the Latin Quarter the Plains of Abraham, the Citadel, the fortification, the National Assembly, Place Royale, the basilica and other points of interest within Quebec City. Stroll the Cobblestone streets of the city in the evening and enjoy one of the many fine dining or casual restaurants Overnight Quebec City. Accommodation Travelodge Quebec or Similar.
Day 6: Quebec City – Montreal – 255 km
Today’s scenic drive takes you through the fertile plains and rolling hills of the Maurice / Bois-Francs and Lanaudiere regions bound for the forests and unspoilt scenery of Lac a la Truite. Stop in Berthierville and visit the Gilles Villeneuve museum then continue onto the vibrant city of Montreal. We suggest a visit to Notre Dame Basilica, the Olympic site, the Bio-dome, Mount Royal Park or the Underground City. Overnight Montreal 1 Night. Accommodation Les Suites Labelle or Similar.
Day 7: Montreal – Kingston – 290 km
Cross the border into Ontario today and experience the tranquility of the thousand Islands region. Visit Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg or Old Fort Henry, a historic fortification dating from the 1830’s where a fully costumed military parade is held daily. You can choose to visit colonial grounds of Queens University or the Museum of Royal Military College, the oldest military academy in Canada. You will also enjoy a cruise of the beautiful 1000 islands – an unforgettable trip through the near countless small inlets that are home to a wide variety of marine mammals and waterfowl. Overnight in Kingston 1 Night. Accommodation Ambassador Resort Hotel or Similar.
Day 8: Kingston – Toronto – 260 km – END OF TOUR
Price based on Economy Accommodation as stated above.
Standard Accommodation options and Deluxe Accommodation Options are available to upgrade.
Price includes: -
*=local charge