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Abstract
The Canadian Trails tour combines a variety of experiences across Eastern Canada’s two main provinces, Quebec and Ontario, showcasing their natural beauty, including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, alongside their most important cities: Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa and Toronto.
The itinerary features numerous nature-based activities, including bear watching, whale watching and opportunities to observe boreal forest wildlife in its natural habitat. Highlights include visits to some of the region’s most remarkable landscapes, such as the majestic Saguenay Fjord, the rolling hills, bays and villages of the Charlevoix and Mauricie regions, the riverside town of Tadoussac along the St. Lawrence River, and the world-famous Niagara Falls.
The tour offers a choice of standard or superior-category hotels to suit clients’ budgets, with the opportunity to stay in properties in unique locations, such as Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in La Malbaie and Entourage sur-le-Lac in Lac-Beauport.
Starts from
12 days / 11 nights - from Montreal to Toronto
Characteristics
Group tour with a local guide / escort
local companion/guide in Italian. Guaranteed departures.
Option to choose the programme with standard or superior category hotels.
Less than 30 days before departure availability on request
breakfast and some of the meals included.
MINIMUM AGE: 8 years old, but not recommended for children under 12. Anyone under the age of 18 (21 in Las Vegas) must share a room with someone older, or hotels will not accept them as guests.
The programme is not recommended for people with limited mobility.
Meals
Legend: B breakfast, L lunch, D dinner, BL packed lunch.
Itinerary
Giorno 1 — Montreal
Welcome upon arrival and transfer to the hotel. Montreal, the second largest city in Canada, is located exactly halfway between the western coast of Europe and Vancouver, and combines aspects of both continents. Two-thirds of the population are of French descent, while the rest is a cosmopolitan mix of English, Chinese, Italian, Greek, South American, Eastern European, and Caribbean backgrounds. This diversity is reflected in the cuisine and the large number of popular festivals that make it one of the most vibrant and lively cities in Canada. Dinner free. Available evening.
Accommodation Novotel Montreal.
Giorno 2 — Montreal
Breakfast. Meeting with the guide at the hotel. Orientative visit of the city. Key points: Old Montreal with Notre Dame Basilica, residential and financial districts, the Latin Quarter, the Olympic complex from the outside, McGill University campus, and the beautiful view of the city from the top of Mont Royal. Montreal, the largest city in the Canadian province of Quebec, is a vibrant mix of culture, art and history. Montreal is located on an island in the St. Lawrence River and is known for its eclectic architecture that blends old and new. The different neighborhoods, such as the Old Town with its narrow colonial streets and the Latin Quarter with its lively streets full of cafés and clubs, offer a variety of unique experiences. The city is known for its cultural and linguistic diversity with a large French and English-speaking population as well as cultural communities from all over the world. This diversity is reflected in its exceptional cuisine, which ranges from French delicacies to traditional local dishes and international culinary influences. The city has always been known as a major arts center with numerous galleries, theaters and festivals taking place throughout the year. The Montreal International Jazz Festival, the largest of its kind in the world, attracts musicians and fans from all over the world. The city also hosts the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Montreal Fireworks Festival, events that liven up the summer with excitement and fun. In addition, Montreal is home to world-class academic institutions, including McGill University and the University of Montreal, which contribute to its reputation as a global center of education and innovation. Lunch and dinner free. Afternoon available. Available evening.
Accommodation Novotel Montreal.
Giorno 3 — Montreal → Wendake → Quebec City
Breakfast. Departure for Wendake. Wendake is a village of the Huron-Wendat nation at the gates of Québec City, a living heart of First Nations culture in Québec. The village keeps a reconstructed traditional longhouse, a hotel-museum devoted to Indigenous culture and a spectacular waterfall, proudly telling the history and traditions of the Huron people. Among Indigenous cuisine, crafts and storytelling, it offers an authentic immersion in a millennia-old culture. Wendake is a living bridge between Indigenous past and present. Visit to a traditional Huron site, the most authentic reconstruction of an Indian village in Quebec, to discover the history, culture, and way of life of the natives. Lunch included. Continuation to Quebec City. Upon arrival, there will be a panoramic tour of the city. Perched scenically on the promontory of Cap Diamant and the shores of the St. Lawrence River, Quebec City is Canada's oldest city, and the only one in North America to have preserved its defensive walls, bastions, and buttresses, as well as churches and convents, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site. Quebec City is also a city with a deeply rooted and proudly French culture. Dinner free. Available evening.
Accommodation Le Concorde.
Giorno 4 — Quebec City
Breakfast. Free day. In the morning, visit on foot to Quebec City. Quebec City is the capital of the Canadian province of Quebec, located on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in North America and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
The city is famous for its European-style architecture, with many well-preserved historic buildings. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Château Frontenac, a luxury hotel overlooking the Old Town, much of which is surrounded by city walls—among the few remaining in North America.
The oldest district of the city is Petit-Champlain, one of the most picturesque areas. This neighborhood features cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and local artisan shops. The city is also home to numerous cultural attractions, including the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, the Musée de la civilisation, and the Théâtre Capitole.
Quebec City is also known for its festivals, including the Carnaval de Québec, the largest winter carnival in the world, and the Festival d'été de Québec, a summer music festival that attracts many internationally renowned artists. Lunch and dinner free. Available evening.
Accommodation Le Concorde.
Giorno 5 — Quebec City → Ile d'Orleans → Montmorency Falls → Ste Anne de Beaupre → Baie St Paul → La Malbaie
Breakfast. Departure to La Malbaie. Short excursion to Île d’Orléans. Discover this bucolic island, first explored by Jacques Cartier in 1535, now made up of charming villages such as Sainte-Pétronille, offering a peaceful and rural atmosphere. The course of the Saint Lawrence River is followed along the coast of Beaupré. The Beaupré coast, 35 km from Quebec, is famous for the spectacular Montmorency Falls and the Basilica of Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré, one of the most sacred Canadian pilgrimage sites. Stop at the spectacular Montmorency Falls, which are over 83 meters high — even taller than Niagara Falls. The Beaupré coast, 35 km from Quebec, is famous for the spectacular Montmorency Falls and the Basilica of Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré, one of the most sacred Canadian pilgrimage sites. Continuation to Ste Anne-de-Beaupre. Near Ste-Anne-de Beaupré, the river has carved a narrow and deep gorge and plunges for 74 meters; a pleasant walk through the woods leads to a pedestrian suspension bridge located 55 meters above the waterfall. You cross the beautiful region of Charlevoix, which offers some of the most typical landscapes of Canadian nature and is a World Biosphere Reserve. Baie-Saint-Paul is a delightful small town located on the shores of the St. Lawrence River in the Charlevoix region, famous for its vibrant artistic and cultural scene. It attracts visitors with its art galleries, gourmet restaurants, and the picturesque surrounding landscapes. With its cobblestone streets and charming historic houses, the town retains an authentic and captivating atmosphere. Arrival at La Malbaie. La Malbaie is a picturesque town in the Charlevoix region, overlooking the St. Lawrence River and known for its stunning natural landscapes that combine mountains, forests, and coastline. It is famous for its numerous national parks, hiking trails, and whale-watching opportunities. The town is also renowned for its history and its historic resorts, such as the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, a luxurious castle-style hotel. Lunch and dinner free. Available evening.
Accommodation Fairmont Manoir Richelieu.
Giorno 6 — La Malbaie → Tadoussac → Ste Rose du Nord → Saguenay
Breakfast. Departure for Tadoussac. Tadoussac is a small village nestled in the heart of Québec, where the majestic St. Lawrence River meets the Saguenay River. It is a wonderful destination to discover, with deep fjords, lush forests and breathtaking landscapes that seem straight out of a postcard. Tadoussac is often considered one of the best destinations in the world for whale watching, making it the perfect starting point for an unforgettable encounter with these magnificent giants of the sea. Visit to the famous sand dunes with a view of the Saint Lawrence River. Lunch included. From the shore of the great St. Lawrence, I embark on a whale-watching cruise in the Tadoussac fjord, in a natural environment of great beauty. It is possible to see the large Rorqual whales and the white Belugas. Continue to Saguenay. The course of the Saguenay River is followed, which before flowing into the St. Lawrence River opens up into a spectacular fjord, very wide and deep, subject to tides, between very high rock walls; the saltwater from the sea mixes with the river water, creating an ideal habitat for whales of different species. Stop at St Rose du Nord. Sainte-Rose-du-Nord is located on the shores of the Saguenay Fjord, surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. This picturesque village offers a peaceful and charming retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. It is surrounded by the imposing Laurentian Mountains and lush forests, creating an ideal setting for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Activities such as hiking, kayaking on the fjord, and wildlife watching are popular with visitors wishing to explore the area’s natural beauty. The village also offers spectacular panoramic views of the Saguenay Fjord, which stretches for kilometres along the coastline, providing unforgettable sunsets and the opportunity to spot whales during the summer months. Arrival at Saguenay. Saguenay, surrounded by majestic mountains and its namesake fjord, is a paradise for nature lovers. The Saguenay Fjord National Park offers unforgettable hiking trails and whale-watching opportunities. The city itself charms visitors with cultural attractions, including museums and local festivals. Saguenay blends adventure, nature, and culture in a breathtaking setting. Dinner free. Available evening.
Accommodation Delta Saguenay.
Giorno 7 — Saguenay → Saguenay/Lac St Jean → Chambord → St Felicien → Saguenay
Breakfast. Departure for Lac St Jean. The enormous Lac Saint-Jean, of glacial origin, is lined with beaches and surrounded by recently cultivated countryside; all around it extends the ancient boreal forest. Stop at Val Jalbert. Surrounded by woods, the ghost village of Val-Jalbert appears; in the 1920s, wood pulp was produced here for paper and the town had almost a thousand inhabitants, all involved in the small industry; with a small cable car and a short walk through the forest, you can reach the top of the beautiful waterfall, which surpasses the height of Niagara Falls. Continuation to St Felicien. The visit to the Zoo Sauvage in St Felicien allows you to observe typical Canadian animals in the wild: bears, wolves, caribou, and moose. I will return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Lunch and dinner free. Available evening.
Accommodation Delta Saguenay.
Giorno 8 — Saguenay → Laurentides → Lac Beauport
Breakfast. Departure for Laurentides. Departure to enjoy an unforgettable day in a boundless natural landscape! We will discover the beauty of this vast territory in the company of naturalist guides. We set off on an adventure towards the
Laurentian forest. Make the most of the explanations your guide will give you during the excursion, surrounded by nature. Then, paddle in hand, it is time to climb aboard a Rabaska canoe and row on unspoilt waters, just as the indigenous peoples used to do (boots and waterproofs included). During the day we will enjoy a light, rustic lunch. Continue to Lac Beauport. Lac-Beauport gathers around a mountain lake a short distance from Québec City, set in the wooded hills of the Laurentians. A destination loved for relaxation and sport, it offers skiing and snowshoeing in winter, swimming, sailing and cycling in summer. The lakeshores and surrounding trails offer panoramas and quiet just minutes from the city. Lac-Beauport is a natural, sporty retreat at the gates of Québec's capital. Dinner at the hotel. Available evening.
Accommodation Entourage sur le Lac.
Giorno 9 — Lac Beauport → Rigaud → Ottawa
Breakfast. Departure to Ottawa. Lunch stop at the famous La Sucrerie de la Montagne: a traditional and authentic cabane à sucre nestled in a 120-acre forest of century-old maple trees on Mont Rigaud.
La Sucrerie offers an experience that celebrates ancient Québécois traditions, from sap collection and traditional maple syrup production to classic meals such as pea soup, tourtière, and pancakes served with maple syrup. Arrival at Ottawa. Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is a city geographically and culturally situated between the English tradition of Toronto and the French tradition of Montreal, making it unique in the national landscape. As the seat of Parliament and an important cultural center, it is pleasant and rich in parks. Panoramic external tour including the Parliament Hill, the National Memorial, the National Arts Centre, the embassy and official residence area of the Governor and the Prime Minister, the Rideau Canal, and Laurier House. Dinner free. Available evening.
Accommodation Courtyard Ottawa Downtown.
Giorno 10 — Ottawa → Mille Isole → Niagara Falls CA
Breakfast. Departure to Niagara Falls. We travel along the entire north coast of Lake Ontario, and follow the course of the St. Lawrence. The great river offers remarkable views, particularly in the 1000 Islands region. Stop at Thousand Islands. About an hour's navigation in the archipelago of the 1000 Forested Islands, which the Indians called the Garden of the Great Spirit; a holiday destination for the rich and famous of the last century, who built villas and castles there. Continue to Niagara Falls. Even if you have already seen them in countless photographs and documentaries, nothing prepares you for the live show. The border between the United States and Canada cuts the course of the Niagara River in half, and near the falls, the small Goat Island divides the current in two, effectively forming two waterfalls: the American Falls on the American side with a front of 320 meters, and the famous Horseshoe Falls (named for their horseshoe shape) twice as wide on the Canadian side. The spectacle is even more extraordinary in winter, when the falls turn into a block of ice. A boat ride at the foot of the falls is a must-see. In the evening, it is recommended to go to the top of Skylon Tower to see the illuminated falls. Lunch and dinner free. Available evening.
Accommodation Wyndham Garden Niagara Falls Fallsview.
Giorno 11 — Niagara Falls CA → Niagara-on-the-Lake → Toronto
Breakfast. Departure for Niagara-on-the-Lake. Stop in Niagara-on-the-Lake, a charming Victorian-era town. Return to Niagara Falls. Even if you have already seen them in countless photographs and documentaries, nothing prepares you for the live show. The border between the United States and Canada cuts the course of the Niagara River in half, and near the falls, the small Goat Island divides the current in two, effectively forming two waterfalls: the American Falls on the American side with a front of 320 meters, and the famous Horseshoe Falls (named for their horseshoe shape) twice as wide on the Canadian side. The spectacle is even more extraordinary in winter, when the falls turn into a block of ice. A boat ride at the foot of the falls is a must-see. In the evening, it is recommended to go to the top of Skylon Tower to see the illuminated falls. Exciting boat ride at the foot of the waterfalls. Lunch in a restaurant with a panoramic view of the falls included. Continuation to Toronto. Upon arrival, there will be a panoramic tour of the city. The main focal points of the visit are Bay Street, the financial district, City Hall, the Ontario Parliament, the University of Toronto, Yonge Street, and Eaton Center. Toronto is the capital of the province of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto is an important financial, cultural and multi-ethnic centre. The city is known for its iconic skyscrapers, including the CN Tower, which was the world's tallest freestanding structure for many years. The city is home to numerous museums, art galleries and theatres, as well as being the seat of many prestigious universities and research institutions. It is also renowned for its green spaces, such as High Park and the Toronto Islands.
The city is culturally diverse, with a wide range of ethnic communities and a rich arts scene. It is home to a variety of museums, theatres, restaurants and shops that reflect the diversity of its population. The Chinatown district, Little Italy, Greektown and Little India are just some of the cultural enclaves that contribute to making Toronto a cosmopolitan place. For sports fans, the city is also home to professional sports teams such as the Toronto Raptors (NBA) and the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL).
The city's main areas of interest are: the Downtown area with the CN Tower, Eaton Center and skyscrapers, the Waterfront, and in addition to the technical districts also Cabbagetown (famous for its Victorian houses) Kensington Market, Little Portugal. In the afternoon, I return to the city. Dinner free. Available evening.
Accommodation Chelsea Hotel.
Giorno 12 — Toronto
Breakfast. Free time at leisure until departure for the airport, according to your flight schedule, with departure transfer included (if booked on a day different from the end of the tour – subject to reconfirmation).
Price includes
- Transfers by coach, minibus or minivan with air conditioning, depending on the number of participants.
- Local companion/guide in Italian
- Accommodation at the scheduled hotel (or similar)
- Transfer from/to the airport upon arrival/departure
- Meals: 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinners
- Panoramic city sightseeing tours in Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa and Toronto.
Excursions and entrance fees as per itinerary, including a visit to the Huron-Wendat Indigenous site, a visit to Île d’Orléans, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Canyon and Montmorency Falls, a whale-watching safari in Tadoussac with lunch, a visit to the ghost village of Val-Jalbert, admission to and a visit of the Saint-Félicien Zoo and Wildlife Reserve, access to the PAUS Spa at OTL Gouverneur Saguenay (for guests choosing superior-category hotels), a Rabaska canoe excursion and a walk through the boreal forest in the Laurentian Mountains, including a rustic packed lunch, a traditional lunch at Sucrerie de la Montagne maple sugar shack, a one-hour boat cruise in the 1000 Islands, a Hornblower cruise to the foot of Niagara Falls, and a panoramic-view lunch in Niagara Falls. - Porterage not included in the Standard category. Included in the SUPERIOR category, one item of luggage per person
Price does not include
- Opening fee and Zero Risk coverage
- Medical-luggage-cancellation insurance
- Unmentioned meals, beverages and extras in general
- Tip
- Flights and airport taxes
- Everything not expressly mentioned in "The fee includes"
Honeymoon Special
For honeymoon couples, we will ask the hotels for a room upgrade (not guaranteed), but it is essential to inform them at the time of booking that it is a honeymoon couple.
Furthermore:
- Auckland, Grand Millennium - 2 glasses of sparkling wine at the hotel bar.
- Rotorua, Millennium Hotel - 2 glasses of sparkling wine at the hotel bar.
Cancellation policies
- No penalty up to 31 days before the start of the tour - from 30 to 15 days before, 20% of the tour fee - from 14 to 7 days before, 50% of the tour fee - from 6 days up to the day of departure, and in case of no-show, 100% of the tour fee.
Optional visits
Your guide will propose optional excursions to be paid locally (with no obligation to purchase) in cash or by credit card. We provide here an indicative list, and the prices will be communicated on-site. There is no guarantee that all the options listed here will be available: it will depend on the available time, reaching the minimum number of participants required, and various considerations.
Important notes
- Transfers with assistance on arrival/departure on the first and last day of the tour. In the case of pre- and post-tour overnight stays, transfers by the local agent are subject to reconfirmation, or will have to be purchased separately.
- Transportation will be arranged with vehicles according to the number of passengers. For small groups, the guide may act as both driver and guide at the same time.
- The programme is not recommended for people with limited mobility.
Notes
LUGGAGE: A medium-sized luggage (max 23 kg) per person is allowed. Due to space constraints, we cannot guarantee extra luggage on the bus.
ROOMS: The rooms are always and only for 1 or 2 beds. The terms triple, quadruple, family room refer solely to the number of occupants, who will be accommodated in the existing beds (maximum 2 beds). An additional bed (rollaway), even if requested at the time of booking, is always subject to availability and payment of a local supplement. Requests for rooms with a double bed or twin beds, connecting rooms, adjacent rooms, on higher or lower floors, etc., are always subject to availability and are never guaranteed.
DISABLED: passengers with various types of disabilities can participate as long as they are self-sufficient. In fact, the means of transportation are not equipped with ramps to facilitate boarding and disembarking, and for insurance and safety reasons, neither the driver nor the conductor are authorized to assist passengers. Therefore, the presence of a travel companion who can provide all the necessary assistance is mandatory. Any wheelchairs must be of standard size, foldable, and must fit in the luggage compartment (general information subject to the rules and acceptance of the local service provider). Reservations are always upon request.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Participants must ensure before departure that they have the necessary and valid documentation for entry into the countries visited during the tour.
MINIMUM AGE: 8 years old, but not recommended for children under 12. Anyone under the age of 18 (21 in Las Vegas) must share a room with someone older, or hotels will not accept them as guests.
SMOKING: smoking is not allowed on buses and in hotels.
HOTEL FINAL LIST: indicated in the travel documents
HOTEL / ITINERARY, CHANGES: The organizing company reserves the right to modify the itinerary and/or hotels with others of similar or higher category, means of transportation, etc., if required by unforeseen circumstances and necessary for the safety and normal continuation of the trip. Furthermore, when it is not possible to accommodate all participants in the same hotel, the group will be divided among different hotels of equal category.
TIPS: not included, but practically mandatory, unless there are serious shortcomings. It is recommended: for the tour guide $5-$6 per day per person, for the driver $4-$5 per day per person.
MEALS: not included unless specified.
SEATS ON THE BUS: daily seat rotation.
REFUNDS: There are no refunds for parts of the tour or excursions not carried out due to force majeure; in any case, no refund is due to the customer who decides to interrupt the trip or stay.
TRANSFERS: not included unless specified; if included, a supplement applies for private transfer in case of late evening/night/early morning arrival/departure (generally from 8 pm to 7 am); the supplement always applies if the passenger is traveling alone. The request for booking transfers not included must be received at least 10 days before departure.