Great Cities of Eastern Canada

Day 1 - Toronto

Join your tour group at the hotel.

Day 2 - Toronto

This morning, we’ll get to know the bright and bustling city of Toronto on a guided tour. Together we’ll explore everything from splendidly restored 19th-century buildings to the glistening skyscrapers. Union Square, the CN Tower, and Union Station are just some of the famed stops. You’ll then have the afternoon to discover the city for yourself. You might like to explore the CN Tower further - the 1,700ft-high observation deck is a must-see with its partly-glazed floor for a fuller view of the city. The green sprawls of Park Hyatt makes for a wonderful wander in the sunshine, or, if you’re feeling thirsty, perhaps head to the distillery district for a tasting.

Day 3 - Niagara Falls

Toronto is ideally located for a full-day excursion to experience one of the great spectacles of nature - Niagara Falls. Picturesque in their parkland setting and awe-inspiring in their power, the Falls are a true icon of world travel. We include a stop at Niagara-on-the-Lake; a charming 19th-century village on the bank of Lake Ontario. We return to Toronto in the evening.

Day 4 - Ottawa

Following the north shore of Lake Ontario we reach Rockport from where we take a cruise around the lovely Thousand Islands archipelago, surrounded by the St Lawrence River. Take in the scenic views and magnificent historical estates and buildings that rise from the islands. Continue to Ottawa where we see some of the highlights of Canada’s strikingly attractive capital city with its fine parliament buildings and parks.

Day 5 - Ottawa

Today is at leisure to explore this characterful city.

Day 6 - Montréal

We depart for Montréal, delightfully situated at the confluence of the St Lawrence and Ottawa rivers.

Day 7 - Montréal - Québec City

A guided coach tour will help familiarise you with the rich history of Montréal, one of Canada’s oldest cities. Founded more than 350 years ago by French explorer Jacques Cartier, it has become the country’s second largest city. We then travel onwards to Québec City, where we spend the next two nights. The city is often referred to as North America’s fine-dining capital but there are casual options too, with an abundance of pavement cafés and bistros to choose from for your culinary experience this evening.

Day 8 - Québec City

Enjoy a sightseeing tour with a local guide to see this great city’s classic architecture. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this enchanting, romantic city. Perhaps visit the historic Château Frontenac, now a renowned top-class hotel, which stands high on a bluff overlooking the mighty St Lawrence River, take a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride, or explore Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. The grand gates of the walled city open onto picturesque cobblestone streets and an open air art gallery.

Day 9 - Charlevoix Coastline - VIA Rail The Ocean

Today we enjoy a full day of sightseeing. Our scenic drive takes us along the Charlevoix Coastline - its bayside views overlooked at a number of vantage points by the winding cliff top road. On leaving the city we pass Chute Montmorency Falls before descending into Baie-Saint-Paul. On arrival in Baie-Sainte-Catherine we join a whale watching cruise and enjoy lunch on board. You may see fin, minke and beluga whales as well as harbour porpoise and seals. Late afternoon we travel back to Sainte-Foy and board The Ocean. Settle into your Sleeper Plus cabin as we start our overnight journey to Moncton.

Day 10 - Moncton - Saint John

Breakfast is served in the dining car as we reach New Brunswick. Interpretative talks and wine tastings are often offered on board. We arrive into Moncton this afternoon and transfer to Saint John and our hotel for the night. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 11 - Saint John - Moncton

We visit Kings Landing Historical Settlement, a living history museum with over 40 exhibits and a community of costumed characters in 70 historic buildings. From the American Revolution to the turn of the 20th century, Kings Landing is a collection of stories and events that shaped New Brunswick through settlement, the birth of the great nation of Canada, and to the age of progress. We continue on to Moncton, for an overnight stay.

Day 12 - Moncton - VIA Rail The Ocean - Halifax

This morning we see the highlights of New Brunswick with a visit to the spectacular natural phenomenon - Hopewell Rocks carved from the coastline by the powerful Bay of Fundy tides. Tides permitting, there is even the opportunity to walk on the ocean floor. We’ll then make our way back to the train station and board The Ocean for our final journey. We say goodbye to New Brunswick as we reach Amherst, the gateway to Nova Scotia, pass through Truro and on to Halifax. Founded by Britain in 1749 along the world’s second largest natural harbour, Halifax became known as the ‘most British Imperial City in the Western Hemisphere’ and today is an affluent and cosmopolitan city offering a wealth of attractions. Seafood lovers will be right at home in Halifax, known as the best city in Canada for seafood. You’ll find local seafood delicacies here - and breweries galore! Head down to the atmospheric waterfront where music drifts in the breeze for a fun, carefree holiday vibe.

Day 13 - Peggy’s Cove - Lunenburg

After an orientation tour of the city, we travel to Peggy’s Cove, a quaint fishing village and home to Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, one of Nova Scotia’s most well-known lighthouses. We head on to Lunenberg, a colourful port town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with narrow streets and unique architecture. We return back to Halifax late afternoon.

Day 14 - Halifax

Free time to explore Halifax - the must-sees include the Citadel, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Waterfront. Maybe visit the Seaport Farmers’ Market with its beautiful glass structure or try some local beer at the Alexander Keith’s Original Brewery. We'll enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.

Day 15 - Halifax

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.