Ontario & French Canada with Ocean Train to Halifax

Day 1 : TORONTO.

TORONTO. Welcome to Ontario’s capital. Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

Day 2 : TORONTO. EXCURSION TO NIAGA...

TORONTO. EXCURSION TO NIAGARA FALLS. Skirt the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls, one of the Natural Wonders of the World. Board your NIAGARA FALLS SIGHTSEEING CRUISE for a thrilling ride to view the thundering falls. Return to Toronto, where sightseeing includes the city’s major landmarks, such as the banking district, City Hall, the CN Tower, the University of Toronto, and ultra-modern Rogers Centre. This evening, enjoy an optional outing to the top of the CN Tower for a delicious dinner and spectacular views. NOTE: Operation of the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise is subject to favorable weather conditions. When weather is unfavorable, a walking tour through the scenic tunnels will be substituted.

Day 3 : TORONTO–KINGSTON–THOUSAND I...

TORONTO–KINGSTON–THOUSAND ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK–OTTAWA. 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 Ivy Lea, board your boat for a CRUISE that takes a scenic route through the many islands of St. Lawrence Islands National Park. Next, head to Ottawa, Canada’s beautiful capital.

Day 4 : OTTAWA.

OTTAWA. This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of this lovely city on the banks of the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal. See the Canadian Mint; the embassy district; and stately Parliament Hill. Visit the ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE STABLES, a tribute to Canadian heritage and history. Suggestions for this afternoon include a visit to the magnificent Canadian Museum of History or the array of restaurants and shops at lively Byward Market. NOTE: Due to seasonal hours, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Stables will be closed and unavailable on the September 10, 17, 24, and October 1, 11 departures. All dates are subject to availability of the RCMP Stables, and can become unavailable at any time.

Day 5 : OTTAWA–QUÉBEC CITY AREA.

OTTAWA–QUÉBEC CITY AREA. Drive into the French-Canadian province of Québec for a sudden change in language and tradition. Follow the historical King’s Highway along the north shore of the mighty St. Lawrence River. Visit the BASILICA OF NOTRE DAME DE CAP DE LA MADELEINE before arriving in Québec City, the heart of French Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 6 : QUÉBEC CITY AREA.

QUÉBEC CITY AREA. 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-plan 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—your Tour Director will have suggestions for sightseeing, shopping, and dining.

Day 7 : QUÉBEC CITY AREA–MONTRÉAL.

QUÉBEC CITY AREA–MONTRÉAL. This morning, join a unique optional excursion to the Érablière le Chemin du Roy Sugar Shack. Visitors to the sugar cabin will enjoy a typical Québec breakfast, along with a guided visit and presentation to explain the process of maple extraction. Afterward, head south for sophisticated Montréal, one of Canada’s largest cities. Major attractions on this afternoon’s guided tour include once-walled Old Montréal, the Seminary of St. Sulpice, Mount Royal, and modern Montréal.

Day 8 : MONTRÉAL.

MONTRÉAL. The next two days are at leisure to discover the city’s European charm, Canadian warmth, and small-world feel.

Day 9 : MONTRÉAL–VIA RAIL OCEAN TRA...

MONTRÉAL–VIA RAIL OCEAN TRAIN TO HALIFAX. 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. (D)

Day 10 : VIA RAIL OCEAN TRAIN–HALIFAX.

VIA RAIL OCEAN TRAIN–HALIFAX. Arrive in Halifax and transfer to your hotel, The Lord Nelson. (B,L)

Day 11 : HALIFAX. EXCURSION TO PEGGY...

HALIFAX. EXCURSION TO PEGGY’S COVE. The capital of Halifax, is steeped in maritime history. Enroute 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 are perched along a narrow inlet and on wave-washed boulders facing the Atlantic.

Day 12 : HALIFAX.

HALIFAX. Your vacation ends this morning.