1. Arrive Montreal

Tour begins: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth at 6:30 PM. Welcome to Montreal, the second largest French city in the world after Paris; romantic and worldly, surrounded by the waters of the St. Lawrence River and crowned by Mont-Royal, the city radiates a delightful “joie de vivre” all year round. We invite you to join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at your landmark hotel, considered the city’s grandest and most gracious. Meals (D)

2. Sightsee Montreal

With its dual English and French cultures, Montreal is one of Canada’s most unique cities. Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour that includes St. Joseph’s Oratory, McGill University and Mont-Royal, plus a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral. After lunch, the afternoon is free to spend as you wish. Stroll through the 180-acre Botanical Gardens, the world’s third largest after London and Berlin; explore the city’s museums and historic sites; visit the fashionable boutiques and shops at Place Ville Marie, Place Bonaventure, St. Catherine and Sherbrooke Streets; or perhaps take the metro through “designer” stations to the city’s multi-story shopping centers. Meals (B,L)

3. Montmorency Falls / Quebec City

Leave Montreal and travel through the heart of French Canada. Follow the shores of the mighty St. Lawrence River through Trois Rivières, the second oldest settlement in Quebec, to magnificent Montmorency Falls; at 272 ft., Montmorency Falls is higher than Niagara Falls! Enjoy lunch beside the falls, then continue on to the Beaupré shore and visit the shrine of Ste. Anne de Beaupré and its famous basilica. Journey to Quebec City for a two-night stay at majestic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Sprawled atop sheer cliffs rising above the narrowing St. Lawrence River, Quebec City reflects an old-world charm and grace of another era. The provincial capital of Quebec boasts an Upper Town and a Lower Town featuring intriguing provincial Parliament buildings, Porte St-Louis, and charming, cobbled streets that reflect a rich historic past. Meals (B,L,D)
 

4. Explore Quebec City

Take a sightseeing tour this morning of Old Quebec, capital of the province and the only walled city north of Mexico. Grayed by the brush of time, ancient stone houses huddle beside venerable churches and monuments. You may wish to stroll on Dufferin Terrace, watch the unending line of ships from around the world, or visit the small boutiques and open-air cafés of the Old City. The remainder of the day is spent at your leisure exploring the city as you wish. .With its narrow winding streets, horse-drawn carriages and abundance of French cafés, it still retains the 18th-century ambiance that charmed Charles Dickens when he visited the city more than a century ago, and commented: “...its giddy heights... its picturesque streets... and the splendid views which burst upon the eye at every turn... is at once unique and everlasting.” Dinner tonight is on your own; many restaurants feature regional fare as well as contemporary French cuisine. Meals (B)

5. Travel through Quebec

Travel along Quebec’s eastern shores, a route used by early French explorers and fur traders, to Canada’s capital city of Ottawa, perched on the banks of the Ottawa River. As the center of Canadian government, it is renowned for beautiful flower gardens, tree-lined streets, numerous parks and noble buildings. The city was chosen as the capital of Canada by Queen Victoria in 1857; at the time, it was a somewhat rustic outpost on the edge of the Canadian frontier! View the training center for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police before you arrive in the heart of the city for a relaxing two-night stay. Located in the heart of the city next door to the Parliament Buildings, your accommodations at Fairmont Château Laurier are reminiscent of an elegant French château, complete with beautiful turrets and a magnificent limestone edifice. Meals (B,L,D)

6. Sightsee Ottawa

Ottawa captivates with the many charms found in its magnificent boulevards, exquisite gardens and regal architecture. The morning’s sightseeing includes views of the Royal Canadian Mint, National Research Center, City Hall, the residence of the prime minister, and Rideau Hall, the governor-general’s home, with an opportunity to visit Parliament. In July and August, see the “Changing of the Guard” (weather permitting). Remainder of the day is free to spend as you wish, perhaps enjoying a stroll along the Rideau Canal, where lush gardens, impeccably groomed streets and pathways invite exploration, or visiting the galleries, museums and boutiques which are speckled throughout this exciting international city. Meals (B)

7. Cruise the Thousand Islands

Head south to the St. Lawrence River for lunch and a cruise among the lovely Thousand Islands, home to simple summer homes and opulent mansions. Pink granite outcrops, many of the islands are lushly forested while others support only a few pines perched precariously over the blue water. Continue to Kingston, where the great river opens on to Lake Ontario; it was once the capital of the United Provinces of Canada from 1841 to 1843. Travel the MacDonald-Cartier Freeway to Toronto, Ontario’s largest city, for the next three nights. Multi-cultural Toronto is a dynamic city with a wide variety of ethnic neighborhood “villages,” a vibrant waterfront and rich cultural attractions. A world-renowned landmark, your hotel is conveniently located in downtown Toronto, just steps away from theaters, sightseeing, world-class sports facilities and shopping. Meals (B,L,D)

8. Sightsee Toronto

A sightseeing tour of Toronto gives you a view of the downtown and residential areas as well as the grand Parliament Buildings and the University of Toronto. Visit one of the city’s most visible icons, the CN Tower, which is the tallest freestanding structure in the world. The afternoon is free; pursue your special interests, perhaps exploring the waterfront, strolling along Yonge Street, “the longest street in the world” according to the Guinness Book of World Records, visiting museums or taking a boat excursion on Lake Ontario to Toronto Islands. Toronto is known as “Canada’s theatre capital”; attend a theatre performance tonight. Meals (B)

9. View Majestic Niagara Falls

Follow the Queen Elizabeth Way to Niagara Falls this morning, a true natural wonder. In addition to viewing the falls from high above as the water plunges nearly 200 feet into a rocky gorge, you will descend to the churning waters of the Niagara River. Don one of the boat’s hooded raincoats as you board the famous Maid of the Mist for an up-close encounter with thundering falls – a breathtaking experience! Travel along Niagara Gorge to view the world-famous Floral Clock, giant hydroelectric plants, Niagara Parks School of Horticulture, and the Whirlpool Rapids. Visit lovely Niagara-on-the-Lake for lunch, with time at leisure to explore on your own. Founded after the Revolutionary War, it is one of the most well-preserved towns in North America and is home to the annual Shaw Festival, featuring the plays of George Bernard Shaw, as well as other noted playwrights. We invite you to join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner. Meals (B,L,D)

10. Journey Home

Tour Ends: Toronto. Fly home anytime. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in. Meals (B)