Ontario & French Canada with Ocean Train to Halifax

Welcome to Ontario’s capital and the largest city in Canada. Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6:00pm this afternoon in the lobby to answer any questions. Toronto is considered the most culturally diverse city in the world with its population representing a wide range of ethnicities and languages. Once checked into your hotel, perhaps do some shopping at nearby Eaton Centre or venture a little further and check out the Hockey Hall of Fame or try some local culinary treats at St. Lawrence Market, a city landmark over two centuries old. ...more ...less

Begin the day with city sightseeing including major landmarks such as City Hall, Union Station and the CN Tower. Then skirt the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls, one of the most loved landmarks in the world. Board your Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise for a thrilling ride to view the thundering falls up close. Then consider joining the optional excursion afterward to the Skylon Tower for more amazing views of the Falls and a buffet lunch 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.

Leave Ontario’s capital and stop in Kingston, a city with an exciting history dating back more than 300 years. Proceed along the St. Lawrence River with splendid vistas of Thousand Islands National Park. At Rockport, board your boat for a cruise that takes a scenic route through the many islands that are sprinkled with charmingly simple to opulent summer homes. Next, head to Ottawa, Canada’s beautiful capital.

This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of this lovely city on the banks of the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal. See the Royal Canadian Mint, the embassy district, and stately Parliament Hill. Suggestions for this afternoon include a visit to the magnificent Canadian Museum of History or perusing the array of restaurants and shops at lively Byward Market. Or join an optional brewery tour where you’ll go behind the scenes at a variety of local brewers to learn about beer making and also get to sample the products!

Drive into the French-Canadian province of Québec for a sudden change in language and tradition. Visit Notre Dame du Cap de la Madeleine and its Basilica and learn of its miraculous past. Follow the historic King’s Highway along the north shore of the mighty St. Lawrence River before arriving in Québec City, the heart of French Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rest of the day is free. Tonight, join a unique optional excursion to the Érablière le Chemin du Roy Sugar Shack to learn how maple syrup is made and enjoy a traditional Québec dinner.

Enjoy a guided tour of Canada’s only walled city, crowned by the turrets of Château Frontenac. Until the British victory of 1759, Old Québec was the center of New France; today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the walls reside Place d’Armes, Laval Seminary, the star-shaped Citadelle, and ancient Place Royale. Also, see the stone houses crowding the narrow streets of Lower Town by the St. Lawrence River. The afternoon and evening are free. Perhaps join an optional guided tour of the iconic Chateau Frontenac to learn more about the famous people and historical events that have been a part of this majestic landmark hotel. Then tonight, enjoy an optional excursion to Montmorency Falls, cascading 272 feet into the Saint Lawrence River, followed by dinner featuring local cuisine at a charming 18th century restaurant on nearby Orleans Island.

This morning head south for ultra-modern Montréal, named a UNESCO City of Design in 2006. Major attractions on this afternoon’s guided tour include once-walled Old Montréal and majestic views of the city from the top of Mount Royal. This evening is at leisure.

Say goodbye to your Tour Director this morning and enjoy a day at leisure. This evening, transfer to the train station and board the overnight Ocean Train to Nova Scotia. Travel along the St. Lawrence River in the comfort of your private sleeper car.

Arrive in Halifax and transfer to your hotel. Your Local Host will be available for any questions you may have and can offer suggestions for sightseeing, dining, and shopping.

The capital of Nova Scotia is steeped in maritime history. En route to the seaside village of Peggy’s Cove, pass-by the Halifax Public Gardens; see the Citadel National Historic Site, a fort perched high above the city; as well as other notable landmarks. Afterward, journey along the winding coastal highway of the Lighthouse Route to the tiny fishing village of Peggy’s Cove. Colorful houses, fishing shacks and Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in Canada, are perched along a narrow inlet and on wave-washed boulders facing the Atlantic.

Your vacation ends this morning.