Our Historic Cities of Eastern Canada vacation kicked off in Montreal, where we met our delightful tour director James. He lives in Toronto (the final city on our itinerary) and seems to know anything and everything about Canada. We felt so fortunate to be traveling with someone who was so familiar with the local culture, food and history.
From our home base, the beautiful Delta Montreal hotel in the heart of downtown, we explored the Notre Dame Basilica, the Old Seminary of St. Sulpice and the top of Mount Royal for a panoramic view of the city. We spent two nights in Montreal; it’s a great environment for taking a stroll and just enjoying its European flair.
We then went on to Quebec City, which is Canada’s only walled city and today a World Heritage Site. Inside the walls, we visited the Place d’Armes, the Laval Seminary and Place Royale. Our optional dinner the second night in Quebec City was held at the Le Moulin de Saint-Laurent, a restored 17th century flour mill, which was such an unusual and intriguing site.
On the way to Ottawa, we stopped at a sugar shack to see how maple syrup is made, and enjoyed a traditional sugar shack breakfast. The fresh maple syrup makes a perfect gift for friends and family back home. We then visited the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, which is a national shrine famous for its fine stained-glass windows.
Our two nights in Ottawa included a visit to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police stables and an afternoon of free time to rest or explore on our own. Our day trip to 1000 Islands National Park was a true highlight of our entire vacation, with a cruise along its waterways. Another water-based highlight: a boat ride on the Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls. I must say, seeing the millions of gallons of water coming down is incredibly majestic.
For our farewell dinner in Toronto, we ascended the 1,815-foot CN Tower. The ambience and views were great and the restaurant rotated as we ate! My husband and I loved this tour because of its relaxed pace, since we spent two nights in each of four cities. Canada makes an extremely convenient destination for Americans too. We enjoyed the cities, statues, people, food, flower gardens and the lovely, centrally located hotels.
Book It Now
This 9-day Historic Cities of Eastern Canada itinerary by Globus is offered June through October. Please contact your AffordableTours.com travel consultant for more details.
About the Author
Bree Rodriguez is a Tour Specialist at AffordableTours.com
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