Essence of Eastern Canada - 8 Days
8 Days
Toronto
Montreal or Toronto
**
Costsaver
Contemporary design, UNESCO World Heritage Listed cities, romantic canals, thundering waterfalls and a city utterly obsessed with all things hockey await you on this 8 day exploration of Eastern Canada. Fall head over heels for multicultural Toronto, let the European elegance of Québec City work its charm on you, visit Canada’s dynamic and eclectic capital city of Ottawa, and indulge your cultural curiosities in Montréal.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Toronto
Welcome to the world’s most multiculturally diverse city, Toronto. Known to locals as the ‘Six’, Canada’s hipster enclave and largest city is all about unique neighbourhoods, fusion food, fascinating museums, vintage shopping and a healthy obsession with all things hockey. At the centre of it all is the city’s icon, the CN Tower, its 553 metre (1815 foot) spire dominating the landscape. After settling in to your hotel, you can wander around the district’s open-air markets which will no doubt get tummies rumbling. For dinner, why not head to near-by Kensington Market, arguably the most diverse of all the city’s neighbourhoods where the idea of fusion food is taken to all new heights.
Day 2: Niagara Falls Excursion & Free Time in Toronto
Pack your sense of adventure this morning as you’re off to visit Niagara Falls! The biggest (and loudest) falls in North America, an incredible 75,750 gallons of water thunder into the gorge below every second, creating a natural phenomenon many have dubbed the 8th Wonder of the World. You’ll be getting up close and personal on a cruise to Horseshoe Falls, allowing you to see both the Canadian and American sides. Remember that raincoat? Now’s the time to use it. Back in Toronto later, the rest of the day is yours to do as you please. Maybe head to Queen West to explore the neighbourhood’s impressive collection of art galleries and design studios, or take advantage of our CN Tower Choice Experience to test your head for heights.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Afternoon - Niagara Falls Helicopter Flightseeing - $203 pp
See Niagara from the best seat in the house — a helicopter. Fly over Whirlpool Rapids, Rainbow Bridge and Queen Victoria Park before cruising past the American Falls and Skylon Tower. The finale? A curve around the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, where spray and rainbows guarantee views you’ll never forget.
Afternoon - Niagara Parks Generating Station - $40 pp
Step into the heart of Niagara's power at the Canadian Niagara Power Company generating station. Dive into a world of immersive exhibits, meticulously restored artifacts, and engaging storytelling that spans a century. Get up close with the innovative spirit of hydropower pioneers who harnessed water's mighty force to light up lives for 100 years. This mix of fun and learning reveals the incredible history and distinctive architecture, showing you the revival of a true powerhouse.
Evening - CN Tower Admission and Panoramic Views - $53 pp
Since the CN Tower burst onto the Toronto skyline in 1976, it's stood as more than just an iconic silhouette against the city lights—it's a marvel of modern architecture, a hub of top-tier entertainment and dining, and an absolute must-visit. As you wander through its halls, you'll be treated to visual stories that bring the tower's engineering feats to life. Engage with interactive displays that narrate the tower's history and offer a peek into its inner workings today.
Day 3: Toronto - Kingston - Ottawa
Leaving Toronto behind this morning, kick back and enjoy the gorgeous drive alongside Lake Ontario, one of the five Great Lakes of North America. Wake up your taste buds at Campbell's Orchard in Prince Edward County today on a farm tour and a cider tasting. This cider is made from a blend of apples picked from their trees and produced on-site, fermented using traditional methods. Then make your way to Kingston, known as the 'Limestone City' and once (briefly) the site of the Canadian capital before continuing to the present capital, Ottawa.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Afternoon - Kingston 1000 Island Cruise - $34 pp
Set sail on Kingston's 1000 Islands Cruise for a voyage through the heart of the 1000 Islands region, where history and natural beauty intertwine. Glide past the storied waterfront of Canada's original capital, coming within whispering distance of Cedar Island and Milton Island—both celebrated National Historic Sites. As you navigate these scenic waters, enjoy engaging tales that weave together Kingston's rich history and the area's stunning natural landscape.
Day 4: Ottawa Sightseeing & Free Time
Start your morning in Ottawa with a sightseeing tour of the city's icons: Sussex Drive, Royal Canadian Mint, National Gallery of Canada, Supreme Court of Canada, National War Memorial, National Arts Centre, Canada War Museum, Library and Archives Canada, and the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica. After your sightseeing, enjoy some free time for your Choice Experiences. Head to Byward Market’s vibrant indoor/outdoor open market for a quick bite or maybe experience culture and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® with an authentic powwow dance performance with music by First Nations members at Mādahòkì Farm. You could also explore Ottawa's neighbourhood food markets, discover local produce and dishes and meet area chefs and food artisans on a food walking tour.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Morning - Ottawa River Cruise - $49 pp
Embark on a captivating journey along the Ottawa River with an exciting cruise, presenting unparalleled vistas from the water. Setting sail from Hull Marina in Jacques Cartier Park and the Ottawa Docks at the Ottawa Locks' base, this 60-minute tour stands as the most comprehensive river excursion available. Witness the breath-taking skyline of the city, and journey through time to when the river served as a vital passage. Be mesmerized by the natural splendour that once enchanted European explorer Samuel de Champlain.
Afternoon - Indigenous Experiences, Arts & Culture - $59 pp
Embrace a meaningful journey with a visit to Mādahòkì Farm in Ottawa, where the profound essence of Indigenous culture unfolds through the dynamic spectacle of a Pow Wow dance. Witness the stunning fusion of traditional regalia and mesmerising dance steps, each movement and colour telling a story deep-rooted in heritage. This experience directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reducing Inequalities.
Evening - Ottawa Food Walking Tour - $85 pp
Dive into the heart of the city's culinary landscape with a gourmet walking tour that takes you through its bustling food markets. Discover local produce, savour unique dishes, and connect with the chefs and artisans who bring flavour to the area. This gourmet walking tour is your perfect gateway to the national capital region's lively food scene, offering insights from Local Guides across five distinct restaurants. Ready to taste the hidden gems and celebrated flavours of Ottawa? Embark on a journey that promises not just meals, but stories to feast on.
Day 5: Ottawa - Quebec City
Ready for some romance? Good news—elegant Québec City is calling. With cobblestone streets, leafy parks and grand architecture, this French-flavoured gem feels like Europe without the flight. This afternoon, you can choose to head out on a Choice Experience to Montmorency Falls. Take in the epic views, then round off the experience with a classic French dinner in Old Québec at a spot famed for its steak-frites and secret sauce.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Evening - An Evening Visit to Montmorency Falls and Dinner in Old Québec - $121 pp
Walk the cliffside trail, cross the suspension bridge and take in sky-high views over Montmorency Falls – it’s 30 m (98 ft) taller than Niagara! Then head down to the base for the full thunderous effect, before sitting down to a French feast at L’Entrecôte Saint-Jean, famous for steak-frites and that oh-so-secret sauce.
Day 6: Quebec City Sightseeing & Free Time
After no doubt grabbing a taste of France with a croissant and coffee, you’ll be heading out to join a Local Guide this morning for a tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Checking out sites including the historically significant Plains of Abraham, Place Royale and the famous turrets of the Chateau Frontenac, the world’s most photographed hotel, prepare to fall even more in love with this city. This afternoon, why not continue your Québec adventure with our Choice Experience.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Afternoon - Copper Art Studio Visit and Workshop - $25 pp
Step into the workshop of the Gilles family, where the art of repoussé metalwork has been honed and passed down for nearly a century. On this guided tour, discover the intricate beauty of their copper creations, each piece telling a story of craftsmanship and tradition. After exploring a captivating collection of copper art, you'll have the unique opportunity to try your hand at repoussé, shaping a thin sheet of copper with tools under expert guidance. Conclude your artistic journey with a relaxing moment over coffee or tea, complemented by the delicate flavours of canelé cake.
Day 7: Quebec City - Montreal
Get ready for Montreal sightseeing! We hope you're hungry this morning as for breakfast you'll be heading to the iconic Erabliere le Chemin du Roy, a traditional Cabane à Sucre (sugar shack) to learn how maple syrup, one of Canada's most famous exports, is made. You'll then make the short drive to Montreal, Canada's cultural capital where festivals, art, and a certain joie de vivre are all part of the daily make up. On arrival you'll meet up with a Local Guide for a city tour of the UNESCO-designated 'City of Design', admiring how old European style architecture sits naturally beside beautiful contemporary masterpieces in this popular destination city. This afternoon choose Montreal your way. North Montreal is full of hip neighbourhoods, beautiful parks, hidden alleyways, and vibrant street art. This evening with free time to explore, you could head out for dinner with the group or take your pick of one of the cute terraced restaurants along the river.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Evening - Farewell Dinner in Romantic Vieux Montreal - $83 pp
Gather for a final toast with your travel companions at the iconic Vieux Port Steakhouse, nestled in the heart of Old Montreal. Housed in a stunning century-old building on St. Paul Street, its warm stone walls, wooden floors, inviting fireplaces, and friendly service set the perfect backdrop for your farewell dinner. Delight in a choice of succulent steak or fresh seafood, paired with a glass of wine, as you celebrate the unforgettable moments shared. One drink included.
Day 8: Depart Montreal or Toronto
And just like that, you’ve experienced the very best of Eastern Canada. From Toronto’s trendy microbreweries to Québec City’s timeless romance, you’ll be finishing your trip this morning with happy memories, and no doubt a longing to see what the rest of Canada has in store.
Either extend your stay in Montreal and fly home from there or take the coach to Toronto Airport.
Includes
- 7 nights in handpicked 3 star hotels
- Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
- 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
- Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
Excludes
- Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
- Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights
- Driver & Tour Director gratuities - these can be pre-paid, please ask your reservations agent when booking your tour
Choose Your Departure Date
Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?
A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.
The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.
The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice.
Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.
YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.
What does the tour cost include?
The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.
Can i book flights through you?
Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines.
When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for any flight requirements.
You are, of course, welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.
Can i add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?
Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.
Tell me more about a Costsaver tour
Costsaver tours are escorted tours but a bit more "unpackaged" than other more expensive tours, they combine the convenience and essentials of a group tour with the flexibility and freedom of independent travel, allowing travellers to customize their experience by choosing from a variety of local experiences for a budget-friendly, personalised holiday. These tours include key elements like hotel accommodations, transportation, some meals, and city orientation tours, while also providing free time for travellers to explore at their own pace and select optional excursions.
Can i book twin beds or triple/quad rooms?
Yes, we have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.
If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.
For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.
For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.
How much is the solo/single supplement?
Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
How many guests will be on this tour?
Trafalgar welcomes guests from all over the world to have an amazing, shared travel experience. While we can’t share details of who you’ll be travelling with and how many people are on your tour in advance of your tour, you can see our average group sizes below. You’ll meet your group at your tour welcome when you start your trip.
Europe trips: An average of 40 to 45 guests and a maximum of 53
United States and Canada trips: A maximum of 52 guests
Australia and New Zealand trips: A maximum of 50 guests
Asia trips (except Sri Lanka): A maximum of 32 guests
Sri Lanka trips: A maximum of 48 guests
Africa trips: A maximum of 36 guests
Latin America trips: A maximum of 40 to 45 guests
How much walking will be on this tour?
With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.
Leisurely: Tours will typically have 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs.
Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs.
Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.
Do your coaches have on-board wifi and bathroom faclilites?
Regardless of where in the world your tour visits, we do our best to ensure your coach is as comfortable as it can be. However, there can be differences depending on where in the world you're visiting:
Europe, North & South America, Australia & New Zealand trips:-
We pride ourselves on having the best-in-class fleet of fuel-efficient coaches. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city centre. Facilities you’ll enjoy are:
- Reclining seats
- An on-board restroom
- Charging points (please note that these are power points, and not USBs)
- WiFi
- Air-conditioning
Africa & Asia trips:-
Africa and Asia tour vehicles do not have Wi-Fi. On Asia trips, there are no onboard rest rooms, but we always ensure there are regular rest stops.
Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?
Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.
Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.
Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.
We suggest that your insurance covers the following:
- Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
- Loss or damage to your property and baggage
- Loss of cash, credit cards etc
- Medical costs and personal accidents
Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive.
Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel.
Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.
What does a guaranteed departure mean?
A guaranteed departure means the tour will operate no matter how many people are booked to travel on that departure.
In the slim case that a guaranteed departure you are booked on has to be withdrawn due to unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid, or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.
What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?
Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.
Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:
Europe trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.
Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.
United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:
From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.
USA trips incl transiting travellers:
US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website.
Canada trips:
Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.
Rest of the World trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
What if I have mobility issues?
Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.
What if I have food allergies?
Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.
You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.
How much luggage can I bring?
Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in).
In addition guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).
Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.