5 must-do experiences in the eastern states of America and Canada

Niagara Falls

With more than 10 million visitors a year, Niagara Falls proved a quirky mix of natural beauty, historic and cultural sites. You can stay in Niagara itself, but we stayed in Toronto and then travelled over. The highlight of our visit without doubt was the helicopter flight over Niagara Falls itself; this really was amazing, lasting around 10-15 minutes and offered a spectacular view of the falls from all angles.

CN Tower, Toronto

The city of Toronto is often overlooked simply as a gateway to Niagara, but I discovered the city offered an abundant mix of skyscrapers and vibrant shopping arenas. Not to be missed is a visit to the CN tower, a viewing point standing at 457m high. In the tower there is a 360 degree restaurant, where we had lunch. For those who want to test their nerves, there is even a glass floor area showcasing the 342m drop straight down!

Boston

My initial impression of Boston was that it was going to be very similar to New York - but I was proved pleasantly wrong. Boston is so laid back, considering it is such a busy city, and it has a very relaxed feel to it. We stayed at the Boston Park Plaza hotel which is in a great location within a short walk of the shops and harbour area. My highlight here was visiting Quincy Market - and not just for the shopping! If anyone has been to Covent Garden in London then that is my impression of Quincy Market.

New York

We visited Times Square, easily one of the most famous and recognisable places in New York City and possibly the world! We continued to the Statue of Liberty, one of the most iconic statues in the world, where we learnt about its captivating history. Our life-changing visit to the 9/11 Memorial Museum proved unlike any other museum I’ve ever visited in the entire world, a real must-see.  Seeking a little solitude in the city that never sleeps, my highlight of New York was Central Park, as it’s so easy to forget you are in a crowded city walking through this spectacular park - it is so clear during the day but at night when all the lights are on in the city nothing compares!

Washington DC

Washington is a very historic city that I really enjoyed (despite the rainy weather!). The White House was one of the places that will always look good in any weather as it is so bright, although I would have loved to see it ‘glowing’ in the sun! From the back of the White House there is a great view up to the Washington Monument and through the trees to the Jefferson Memorial.

Experience all this (and more) on our ‘Eastern Extravaganza’ tour.