Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

North America is one of 2 Continents of the Americas, named after the Italian merchant & navigator Amerigo Vespucci, one of the earliest European explorers to visit the New World. North America’s first inhabitants are believed to have been ancient Asiatic peoples who migrated from Siberia & the descendants of these peoples, the various Native American & Eskimo (Inuit) groups, largely have been supplanted by peoples from the Old World. People of European ancestry constitute the largest group now, followed by those of African & of Asian ancestry; in addition, there is a large group of Latin Americans, who are of mixed European & Native American ancestry.

Most of North America’s area consists of 3 large nations - Canada, the United States of America & Mexico. A historical melting pot of cultures & identities, the region features some of the world’s most multicultural art, boasting towering forests, undulating fields, high-plain deserts, pulsating metropolises & offbeat oasis. Iconic cities that need no introduction are just the icing on this culture-laden cake.

Stretching from the U.S. in the south to the Arctic Circle in the north, Canada is filled with vibrant cities including massive, multicultural Toronto; predominantly French-speaking Montreal & Quebec City; Vancouver & Halifax on the Pacific & Atlantic coasts, respectively & Ottawa, the capital, crossed by the Rocky Mountains & vast swaths of protected wilderness.

Arrive in the city of Toronto - the most multi culturally diverse city on the planet: over 140 languages are spoken here.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? – Toronto Lester B Pearson Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort, transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the afternoon is at leisure to relax or independent exploration or optional activities (we shall be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements). 

Bright & bustling, Toronto is a cosmopolitan city whose residents have roots across the globe. Art, Food, Beaches, Nightlife – in Toronto, you have got it all.

Urban Outdoors| Captivating Cultures | Nightlife | Foodie Fare

Where to begin? Most Ontarians call Canada’s largest city, behemoth Toronto or Ottawa, the nation's cosmopolitan capital, home. Foodies, fashionistas & funsters converge on Toronto's vibrant multicultural neighborhoods. Toronto is a cultural phenomenon, with residents from around the world & scores of languages, foods, customs, celebrations - that makes the city great.

The flavors, aromas, sights & sounds of almost every nation converge peacefully in the streets of Toronto's many neighborhoods: microcosms of culture thriving in a somewhat hazy 'bigger picture' that the proud locals defend regardless. Everyone is likely to feel accepted here: it is estimated that over half of Toronto's residents were born outside Canada & despite its complex make-up, Torontonians generally get along.

Toronto has outstanding Museums & Galleries, from the Frank Gehry redesigned Art Gallery of Ontario to the delightful Bata Shoe Museum (yes, shoes). The same goes for Theatres; the gorgeous Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre has backstage tours as well as regular shows & Shakespeare in High Park channels the Bard every summer. There is live Music, Poetry readings, Comedy shows, LGBTIQ+ spots & more, too.

Like in any place that is cold, Torontonians, not necessarily outdoorsy as a bunch, adore its spring & summer months & the city makes it easy to enjoy those precious sunny days.  When the weather is fine, Toronto is a blast: a vibrant, big-time city abuzz with activity: some of the world's finest Restaurants, happening Bars, Clubs & eclectic Festivals are found here.

At the height of summer, humid downtown neighborhoods become an endless convergence of Patios bursting at the seams: alfresco is the way to drink & dine. Locals lap up every last drop of sunshine, beer or martini while they can.

The breathtaking 4 seasonal palette of Ontario's vast wilderness, endless forests & abundant wildlife, awaits. Almost 40% of Canada’s population lives here for good reason: Ontario is larger than France & Spain combined. Over 250,000 lakes contain a 3^rd of the planet's fresh water.

There are Beaches & Waterfront paths along Lake Ontario, plus Kayaking or standup Paddling around the Toronto Islands. Green spaces such as High Park & Kew Gardens, huge & grassy, are perfect for a Picnic & an afternoon stroll, while the East end has a growing network of leafy bike paths & walkways.

Even in winter, on a gray, chilly day, there is outdoor ice skating to enjoy! However, Toronto winter can be a real drag as things get messy on the web of unacceptably congested highways.

People gotta eat & nowhere is Toronto’s remarkable diversity more evident than in its food & restaurants. Pakistani, Persian, Portuguese; aboriginal & new fusion; Japanese pancakes & Korean barbecue; fresh pasta in Little Italy, shawarmas in Greektown & the best damn dumplings in Chinatown. Torontonians love to eat out, whether it is sitting at sidewalk bistros on a warm summer night or getting all bundled up for some hot Vietnamese pho. That is to say nothing of Toronto’s great food on the go - there are peameal-bacon sandwiches at St Lawrence Market & food trucks selling an array of fragrant delights.

No matter what your taste in drinks & nightlife, Toronto has it covered. And no surprise that this humming Metropolis has sleek Martini Bars & high-end Cocktail Lounges - some of the best are on rooftops. But it is also an old city, with ancient Pubs & gritty dive Bars - just the sort of place adventurous travelers love. And of course, there are craft Breweries where bearded Bartenders serve handcrafted suds in curated flights. Add to all this, the Nightclubs, Drag Shows, Poetry Slams, Comedy Clubs & more and it is easy to have a great night out in Toronto.

Packed with diverse neighbourhoods rich with fashion, arts, food and entertainment, Toronto is a must-see cityscape worth exploring. For an elevated experience, ride up to the tip-top of the CN Tower & enjoy a drink (optional – direct payment) overlooking the city.

Come with patience, an open mind & during the delightfully temperate & colorful spring or fall, and you are bound to have a great time. Whatever visitors are looking for, they are almost certain to be able to find it in Toronto.

Evening, meet the Journeys Rep & proceed to enjoy a sumptuous Dinner to commence the exciting journey of discovery.

Transfer back to the hotel.

Morning, at 08.30 am, you will be met by a Journeys Tour-guide in the Lobby & proceed on a 4 hour sightseeing tour.

Toronto has many points of interest. Some attractions - such as the skyline-busting CN Tower, the turrets of the Casa Loma stand out like Drake in the front row of the Scotiabank Arena. However, others - like the merchants of St Lawrence Market, the boutiques of the Distillery District & the murals of Kensington Market - take a little more discovery.

Accompanied by the Tour-guide, you will travel in a Hop On Hop Off bus driving by all the famous landmarks of Toronto. You will get off to explore Casa Loma, Toronto’s most striking & unique architectural ‘heritage’ landmarks.

Step back in time to a period of European elegance & splendour as you explore the former Estate of a prominent Toronto financier, industrialist & military man Sir Henry Mill Pellatt, who made bags of cash from his contract to provide Toronto with electricity.

Built in 1914, this striking Gothic Revival style majestic Castle with its 98 rooms including a Bathroom equipped with a full-body Shower – a revolutionary concept when it was built, on a hill overlooking Toronto is regarded as a treasured heritage landmark. An architectural hurricane of Castellations, Chimneys, Flagpoles, Turrets & Rapunzel-esque Balconies - Toronto's only Castle may have never housed royalty, but it certainly has grandeur, lording over the Annex from a cliff that was once the shoreline of the glacial Lake Iroquois, from which Lake Ontario derived.

Sir Henry Pellatt was born to British parents in Kingston, Ontario on January 6, 1859. Ambitious from his youth, Henry left his studies at Upper Canada College when he was 17 to pursue a career in Commerce in the family business. By the age of 23, he became a full Partner in his father's stock brokerage firm Pellatt & Pellatt.  His Midas touch continued through ‘most’ of his business life.

By 1901, Sir Henry Pellatt was Chairman of 21 Companies with interests in Mining, Insurance, Land & Electricity. In 1902, he & his partners won the rights to build the first Canadian Hydro-generating Plant at Niagara Falls. He was knighted in 1905 for his military service with the Queen's Own Rifles.

In 1911, armed with a fortune of $17 million, an unabashed romantic Sir Pellatt drew up plans with noted Canadian architect E.J. Lennox to help him realize a life-long dream - the creation of a 'medieval' Castle on the brow of a hill overlooking Toronto. The land on which he planned to build had been given the name Casa Loma by its previous owner. It took 300 men nearly 3 years to complete & cost $3,500,000 at that time.

However, Sir Henry enjoyed Casa Loma for less than 10 years before financial misfortune forced him to abandon his home. He later lost everything in land speculation, the resultant foreclosure forcing the Pellatts to downsize, eventually to a single room in the home of their former Chauffeur. After the Pellatts moved out, Casa Loma became a Hotel & Nightclub that became popular among wealthy Americans looking to consume alcohol legally during the Prohibition Era.

Visitors interested in learning about Toronto’s sordid past can traipse through the Tunnel Exhibit, an 800 feet Tunnel under the Castle that connects the main house to the stables. The Tunnel is lined with archival photographs of Toronto’s “dark” years during the Prohibition, the Depression, the Plague, the Great Toronto Fire, as well as the very first Plane crash in Toronto.

It is now a historical Museum, a popular tourist spot as well as a filming spot for Movies & Television. Visitors can explore 3 levels of elaborately decorated rooms, including the Conservatory which has Italian marble floors & Ontario marble side panels. Casa Loma houses several permanent exhibitions & special Exhibits, featuring early Canadian history. There is the Canada Regimental Museum located on the 3^rd floor which features artifacts & archives about the exploits of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, the country’s oldest continuously-serving Infantry Regiment.

Walk through the great Hall, or peruse any of the 10,000 books in the Library on the main floor, or look at the elegant Suites on the 2^nd floor. Climb up to the many narrow Staircases to the top of the gothic Towers (the entrances of which are located on the 3^rd floor) & marvel at the majestic views of the Toronto skyline.

Fans of landscape art are recommended to make a beeline for the 3^rd floor, which contains a Collection of Artwork by Canada’s famous Group of Seven - a group of master landscape Painters whose work revered the majesty of the Canadian landscape.

There is also a Gallery dedicated to Casa Loma’s place in Hollywood as a prime filming location. It serves as a backdrop for film & photo shoots. Located in the basement, the Hollywood Film Gallery contains a plethora of film Posters & behind-the-scenes Photographs & information about the film productions set up around the Estate.

Stroll around Casa Loma’s expansive 5 acre grounds with resplendent walled Gardens & other botanical marvels. Gardening enthusiasts would enjoy observing the seasonal garden Flora, as well as the Potting Shed, where the Estate’s collection of rare orchids & chrysanthemums are kept in the winter.

The Castle is also a popular place for private events. Summers are filled with a series of Concerts held in the Gardens, while autumn transforms Casa Loma into a haunted house - perfect for a Gothic Castle! There is even a Steakhouse located within the grounds offering the finest beef from all over the world.

Drive back to the Roaring 20s by visiting the antique car display located in the Carriage Room that contains many gorgeous vintage cars from the early 1900s, notably a pristinely preserved 1910 Maxwell Model Q Standard, a 1924-1925 Ford Model T Touring, a 1922 Ford Model T Woody & a 1929 Ford Model A.

Casa Loma stood as a monument to its creator – it surpassed any private home in North America. With soaring battlements & secret passageways, it paid homage to the Castles & Knights of days gone by. To this day it remains one of the only true Castles in North America.

*Self-guided multimedia tours are available in English, French, Japanese, German, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean & American Sign Language.

After spending an hour here, hop on to the tour Bus again proceed to the Harbour where you will board a Boat for an exciting 60 minute cruise, seeing Toronto from the riverside.   

A cruise around the Harbour lets you enjoy the scenic skyline & gives you an up-close look at the beautiful Toronto Islands & the Waterfront.

To begin, you will get a close look at the bustling western Harbourfront. Across the Harbour, you will enter the Lagoons & get right into the heart of the Islands, seeing historic Hanlan’s Point, the Island Yacht Club & the woodlands of the Island Bird & Wildlife Sanctuary (keep your eyes peeled for a variety of local birds & wildlife, including Beavers & whitetailed Deer!). Further into the Islands, you will see its serene park space as you cruise along Long Pond & a functioning Race Course.

After cruising through the Lagoons, come back into the Harbour & cruise along at the perfect vantage point to take the best pictures of Toronto’s skyline. You will hear an informative narration about everything you see, stories about Toronto’s famous buildings such as the CN Tower, the Rogers Center (aka Skydome) & many other Skyscrapers. As the Boat takes you eastward, you will also see Toronto’s industrial harbour, including a fully functioning Sugar Refinery.

Finally, as you head back, you will see the eastern shore of the Waterfront, where you will see the City Ferry docks & some of the luxurious multi-million waterfront Condos.

The Cruise ends & you are transferred back to the hotel.

Balance of the day free to relax or explore independently or for Optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).  

Depending on available time today, we recommend that you check out the main attractions - CN Tower & Ripley’s Aquarium which is interesting.

CN Tower - a 553.3 metre high concrete Communications & Observation Tower in downtown Toronto. Built on the former Railway Lands, it was completed in 1976, becoming the world's tallest free-standing structure & tallest Tower at the time.

It held both records for 34 years until the completion of Burj Khalifa in Dubai & Canton Tower in 2010 in Shanghai. It is now the 3^rd tallest Tower in the world & remains the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere, a signature icon of Toronto's skyline & a symbol of Canada, attracting more than 2 million international visitors annually. In 1995, the CN Tower was declared one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. It also belongs to the World Federation of Great Towers, where it holds 2^nd place ranking.

Perhaps, you might want to walk over to Ripley's Aquarium located next to the Rogers Centre & CN Tower (near the hotel).

Experience Canada's largest indoor Aquarium, with 16,000 aquatic animals, 100+ interactive displays, 9 Galleries & 3 touch Exhibits featuring Sharks, Rays & Horseshoe Crabs. Explore the Great Lakes & Canada's surrounding seas in the Canadian Waters Gallery, where you will find 17 curated Habitats that spotlight the diversity of Canada's treasures, including the stunning Pacific Kelp exhibit, which features a wave maker that simulates the surge conditions of the British Columbia shoreline.

Or, with reference to context from an intellectual perspective, explore the magic behind your aquatic experience, revealed with a behind-the-scenes look into the Aquarium’s Life Support Systems. This unique Gallery showcases the life support & filtration equipment used to maintain the Aquarium along with real-time stats & information about the water quality & conditions.

Early morning, Check out & depart by 06.30 am for Montreal, a French-infused city that is in love with festivals, the arts, good food, living well & enjoying life to the hilt.

Driving through picturesque rural countryside, arrive at your hotel by early afternoon, Check-in & relax.  

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the afternoon is at leisure to relax or independent exploration or optional activities (we shall be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements). 

Montreal, a slice of old Europe in a pie of contemporary design - a captivating blend of old & new, with stone-walled taverns, candlelit drinking dens, wild festivals & a cutting-edge arts scene. A little bit of serene Europe amidst the ‘macho’ American landscape, so to speak. 

Cuisine Capital | Festivals Galore |City of Design | Winter Wonderland

A unique & fascinating city offering exciting entertainment & cultural diversity. A place where people from all around the globe come together to enjoy a Canadian city with a European flair. Montreal is the largest city in Quebec province, set on an Island in the Saint Lawrence River & named after Mt. Royal, the triple-peaked hill at its heart. Its boroughs, many of which were once independent cities, include neighbourhoods ranging from cobblestoned, French colonial Vieux-Montreal - with the Gothic Revival Notre Dame Basilica at its centre - to bohemian Plateau.

Toronto may be Canada’s economic Capital, but Montreal remains the country’s cultural juggernaut, with some 250 Theater & Dance companies, more than 90 Festivals & a fascinating medley of neighborhoods where Artists, Writers & Musicians have helped cement the city’s reputation as a great Arts Center. The Festival International de Jazz de Montreal is the headline event, followed by parties dedicated to world Cinema, Comedy & gay pride.

Montreal is North America's number one host city for international events. Home to the famous Cirque de Soleil, it hosted the Summer Olympics in 1976. & also played host to Expo 67, considered to be the most successful world's Fair in the 20^th century.

The 2^nd largest city in Canada has a reputation of being the place to go if you want to have fun. When other cities are rolling up their sidewalks at night, Montreal is just getting the evening started! Known as a party town, its Club scene attracts famous D.J’s from around the world & they can often be seen at top Clubs like New City Gas, Stereo Nightclub & Le Belmont sur le Blvd.

Blessed with one of the most exciting food scenes in North America, Montreal brims with temples dedicated to Kamouraska lamb, Arctic char &, of course, Poutine (fries smothered in cheese curds & gravy). You will find irresistible Patisseries, English Pubs, 87 year old Jewish Delis & magnificent Food Markets reminiscent of Paris. There are hipster Bars with tiny Bowling Alleys & innumerable Cafes in which to while away a lazy afternoon. And there are late-night Eateries where you can linger over wondrous combinations of food & drink that you will find nowhere else on earth.

Montreal & Quebec City do get some long, cold winters. The Quebecois love their summers & autumnal colors, but it is the winter that defines much of their lives, which slows down & become more insular in the grip of those long, dark months.  

But the natives have learned to make the best of them, cheering on local hockey legends Les Canadiens de Montreal, Tobogganing down snowy slopes, Ice Skating beside the St Lawrence River & Skiing at many fine Resorts nearby. If you can’t bear the chill, just wander through Montreal's underground city & surface at the nearest Pub.

A day’s wander might take in the photogenic 18^th century facades of Old Montreal before a cycling tour of the lovely Canal de Lachine, or wander through the glittering shops & Restaurants of downtown before ending at the inviting terraced cafes of Plateau Mont-Royal.

The architectural sweep of the city takes in a wealth of heritage Churches such as the breathtaking Basilique Notre-Dame, as well as 20^th century icons like the Stade Olympique & Habitat 67. Not to be outshone, Quebec City is a stunning jewel of old-world design, with cobblestone streets, 17^th & 18^th century stone houses & slender Church spires, set on the cliffs above the St. Lawrence. Montreal's hotels & Museums additionally push the edges of contemporary interior design

Montreal during the day & Montreal during the night is a tale of 2 cities. After dark, the city transforms: the bare stone walls of Old Montreal become history projected, while the Jacques-Cartier Bridge lights up in flashes of colour over the St. Lawrence River. Building facades in the entertainment district turn into movie screens & the power of light to trick the eye gives some of Montreal’s first buildings all new life.

With that said, the passion for life that animates Canadian francophones does not truly dim in the cold, but is rather celebrated around cozy fireplaces, in friendly Pubs, at steaming Sugar Shacks & of course, on the slopes of local mountains via Skis, Snowboards & Toboggans.

Evening, get ready to enjoy a unique sight you will see only in Montreal.

Accompanied by the Tour-guide, walk to Montreal's famous landmark, Notre Dame Basilica, a 19^th century Gothic Revival masterpiece with spectacular craftsmanship - a visually pleasing, if slightly gaudy, symphony of carved wood, paintings, gilded sculptures & stained-glass windows.   

Originally, it was a humble building dating from 1683 - the Sulpicians commissioned Architect James O’Donnell to design what would be the largest Church north of Mexico. It opened in 1829.

Everything, from the great Bell in the western Tower known as Jean-Baptiste, that weighs nearly 12 tons & said to be the biggest in North America to the 1891 Casavant Freres Organ with its 7000 pipes, which is played at Festivals & Concerts throughout the year & the stained-glass windows depicting the city’s history, speaks of the strong faith of the Congregations of yesteryear.

The Basilica made headlines in 1994 when singer Celine Dion was married under its soaring midnight-blue ceiling & again in 2000 when Jimmy Carter & Fidel Castro shared pall-bearing honors at the state funeral of former Canadian Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau.

While decoration is fairly minimal on the stone facade, you will note 3 prominent statues: the Virgin Mary in the center (patron saint of Montreal), St John the Baptist (representing Quebec) to the right & St Joseph (for Canada) to the left.

The Basilica has a spectacular interior with a forest of ornate wood pillars & carvings made entirely by hand (& constructed without the aid of a single nail). Gilt stars shine from the ceiling vaults & the Altar is backlit in evening-sky blues. The stained-glass windows are conspicuous for their depiction of events in Montreal's history rather than the usual biblical scenes.

A popular place for regular Montrealers to tie the knot is the much smaller Chapelle du Sacre Cœur behind the main Altar. Rebuilt in a hodgepodge of historic & contemporary styles after a 1978 fire, its most eye-catching element is the floor-to-ceiling bronze Altarpiece.

But, the main draw of the Basilica is a Son et Lumiere Show known as the AURA Experience.  

The Experience offers a 4 act multi-media display of dynamic light, orchestral music & expressive architecture & immerses visitors in a captivating visual & musical universe, presented upon one of the most sublime canvases imaginable: the French-inspired, Gothic Revival architectural interior of Notre-Dame Basilica. A luminous experience in the heart of the Basilica, coloured Lights unveil the richness of Notre-Dame’s heritage & invites you to celebrate its beauty.

Before the Show, visitors are invited to explore the Basilica & discover a series of illuminated Stations that highlight its architectural details & Artworks. You are then invited to take a seat on the Basilica's Pews to take part in an immersive, multi-sensory Performance.

Powerful coloured Lights are projected onto the Altarpiece, Walls & vaulted Ceiling of the Basilica, recreating major biblical stories & themes, accompanied by the Orchestra, Choral Music & Organ. The presentation is breathtaking from all viewpoints, no matter where you are seated.

*Seats are not assigned, so find a place in the middle of the Sanctuary but slightly behind the spiral Pulpit on the left, because the Pulpit & the Organ behind you will be incorporated into the show & you want to see all of it.

The Performance transports you on a voyage to discover the heritage of the Basilica & the wonders it holds. Guided by an enchanting energy, spectators travel from the heart of the stunningly beautiful Basilica into the depths of its beauty.

Doors open 30 minutes before the starting time & visitors have approximately 40 minutes or less to walk around & then enjoy the 23 minutes Show.

The Performance ends & you will proceed to a nearby restaurant for a sumptuous Dinner.

After Dinner, walk back to the hotel.

Morning, Check-out & meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08.00 am & proceed for a sightseeing tour of Old & New Montreal.

First stop will be at Parc du Mont-Royal, one of Montreal's largest greenspaces & a great place for admiring a wide variety of Flora & Fauna.

Where else can locals hang out with beavers, foxes, raccoons, & squirrels, all while breathing the fresh mountain air & admiring the sun’s reflection on the lake? Few places in Montreal can boast the peace & quiet of Parc du Mont-Royal. Indeed, the Parc has been a big hit among locals ever since its completion in the 1860s.

Located in the middle of the city on the highest point in Montreal at 234 meters, it is affectionately called “The Mountain” by the locals.

Some of the most stunning views of the city can be found atop of Mount-Royal, from 2 stunning panoramic viewpoints. From the Camilien-Houde lookout, one can see famous attractions such as the Olympic Stadium, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, the St. Lawrence River, as well as the Plateau-Mont-Royal & Mile-End districts. This is the spot where most of the stunning pictures of Montreal are taken.

The other viewpoint is known as The Kondiaronk Chalet lookout. From this viewpoint, you have a terrific view of Montreal’s downtown buildings, the St. Lawrence River, the Monteregie region & on a clear sunny day, a part of Vermont in the United States. From this lookout, you can even see the fireworks competition in the summer.

Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same person behind New York's Central Park & Cherokee Park in Louisville, Mount Royal Park boasts miles of trails & superb views of the city.

The Parc features a 103 feet high Cross known as the Mount Royal Cross which was first placed on the Mountain in 1643 by Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve, the Founder of the city of Montreal to thank God for having spared the Colony from a flood.  It is one of the most recognizable symbols of Montreal & has stood proudly since the earliest days of the city’s existence. The current Cross was built in 1924 & lights up Montreal’s Mountainside with nearly 240 lightbulbs.

There is also a large man-made lake called Lac aux Castors (Beaver Lake). During winter, Beaver Lake offers a great Skating Rink with a large heated Pavilion beside it.

The Parc has some fantastic bird-watching opportunities, particularly in spring. A great number of migratory birds use the area as a passage on their way to breeding grounds.

In both the Parc & in nearby Cimetiere Mont-Royal, look out for screech owls, red-shouldered hawks, northern orioles, rose-breasted grosbeaks, bluebirds, olive-sided flycatchers, indigo buntings & many more species. In winter, hardy bird-lovers come out for walks along the bird-feeder circuit that goes around the Summit Loop (the park places feeders out from November to April). 

On the north side of the Parc lie 2 enormous Cemeteries - Cimetiere Mont-Royal is Protestant & non-denominational, while Cimetiere Notre-Dame-des-Neiges is Catholic. The latter has several interesting Mausoleums. The Pieta Mausoleum contains a full-scale marble replica of Michelangelo’s famous sculpture in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Other Mausoleums in the Cemetery emit solemn music, including that of Marguerite Bourgeoys, a Nun & Teacher who was beatified in 1982 - for more details on her life, visit the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours. Built in 2007, the Esther Blondin Mausoleum is a modern facility housing 6000 Crypts  & Niches, reflecting the increasing popularity of communal memorial spaces.

The wooded slopes & grassy meadows have stunning views that make it all the more popular for jogging, picnicking, horseback riding, cycling & throwing Frisbees. Winter brings skating, tobogganing & cross-country skiing.

Every Sunday during Summer, locals gather on Mount-Royal Parc for what is known locally as the Tam-Tam Jams that feature a large crowd of people sitting around playing hand drums & enjoying the summer sun. However, the event is not limited to just drums & dancing. You will find many Musicians, Dancers & Artists of many disciplines, having fun in the Parc.

After spending an hour strolling down the tree-lined paths, get ready to move to the next point - St. Joseph’s Oratory, Shrine & the Tomb of St. Andre Bessette.

The stunning L'Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal is a Roman Catholic minor Basilica & a national Shrine. The largest ever built in honor of St Joseph, this Renaissance-style Church built on the flanks of Mont-Royal in 1960, commands grand views of the Cote-des-Neiges area & northwest Montreal. The Oratory dome is visible from anywhere in this part of town.

The majestic Basilica is a tribute to mid 20^th century design as well as to the work of to Brother Andre (1845–1937), a local Saint said to have healed countless people. The determined Monk with healing powers built a little Chapel here in 1904. As word spread, a larger Shrine was needed for the congregants & so the Church began gathering funds to build one. Rows of discarded Crutches & walking Sticks in the basement Votive Chapel testify to this belief & the Shrine is warmed by hundreds of candles.

When Brother Andre died at age 91, a million devotees filed past his Coffin over the course of 6 days. His black granite Tomb in the Votive Chapel was donated by Quebec Premier Maurice Duplessis. Brother Andre was declared venerable in 1978 & was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1982. Pope Benedict XVI approved the decree of sainthood for Bessette on 19 February 2010, with the formal canonization taking place on 17 October 2010. His Heart is on display too, in an upstairs Museum dedicated to him.

How much is a holy man’s Heart worth? $ 50,000, according to thieves who broke into a locked room in the Oratoire St-Joseph in March 1973 & made off with Brother Andre’s Heart sealed in a vial & demanded the sum in a ransom note that scandalized Montreal. The purloined organ was the subject of Tabloid articles, Musical compositions & even an Art exhibition. Church officials reportedly refused the ransom demand & nothing more was seen of the Heart until December 1974 when Montreal lawyer to the underworld, Frank Shoofey, received a mysterious phone call asking him if he wanted to know its whereabouts.

Shoofey was directed to an apartment building storage locker that contained a box & inside was the vial housing the Heart. The thieves were never found & today the Heart is secure in the Oratoire behind a metal grille & a sturdy transparent display case. But some believe the Church actually did pay the ransom to get it back. Was Shoofey, who was shot dead in 1985 in a still-unsolved murder, a go-between? Whatever the case, Montreal’s great Heart heist has continued to inspire Artists.

The tour concludes & you proceed for Lunch in one of the quant Restaurants nearby.

Immediately after, embark on a drive to Quebec City known for its rich history, cobblestone streets, European architecture & fortifications - a piece of Europe in Canada.

Reach your hotel by afternoon & Check-in.

Immediately after, embark on a tour driving & walking around the famous ‘landmarks’ of the city.

Discover 400 years of History as you stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets, visit the best historic sites, soak in the region’s magnificent heritage & explore its gorgeous outdoors nearby.

Quebec City sits on the Saint Lawrence River in mostly French-speaking Quebec province. Dating to 1608, it is the cradle of French America & the only fortified city on the continent north of Mexico.

A treasured UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Quebec will delight & amaze you. The fortified colonial core with narrow cobblestone streets lined with ancient stone buildings with storied past & European charm & friendly vibe, make it a stand‑out travel destination throughout the year.

Old Quebec with a cliff-top position above the St Lawrence River & captivatingly picturesque old streets, is North America’s oldest French-speaking city, a gorgeous, seductive place. Quebecers are known for being warm & welcoming. Everywhere you go, you will be met with a smile. People here are proud of their francophone culture & North American roots. The myriad activities & attractions on offer throughout the year give you the chance to experience the wealth of this authentic, vibrant culture. The people you meet in the city’s many tourist spots will happily share with you their passion for this place, in French & English.

A top Foodie destination, Quebec City area is a hive of culinary excellence, with artisan producers specializing in everything from Wines & Ciders to Maple Syrups, Breads & Cheeses. Ready for an edible experience nonpareil? Let’s go.

The City’s passionate Chefs, both emerging & established, have made the city a culinary mecca. These artists of the edible are deftly reinventing classics & launching new trends in Restaurants, celebrating the quality & variety of local farms & producers in showstopping meals & a wide range of styles with its French, British, North American & Indigenous influences.

The fun never stops as a steady string of Events & Exhibitions keep the City hopping all year long. No matter the month or season, there are always tons of things to see & do, for free or at a great price. Take your pick and join in the fun with events ranging from pop-up Shows to historical Festivals, Theatrical happenings & sports events.

Now, all a tourist has to decide is which unique experience is for you: the gorgeous winter scenes? The beauty of flowers in spring? The electric energy of Summer Festivals? The jaw dropping fall colours?

Quebec City is even more charming under a blanket of snow. The snowflakes & lights just make it that much more magical & romantic. Old Quebec is particularly enchanting during Christmas time. You can see North America’s only Ice Hotel & enjoy a vacation that guarantees heaps of snow.

Then, there are the Farmer's Markets & Craft Breweries & Wineries.

Nothing beats a Farmer’s Market for sampling everything in one spot. Enjoy fresh food & find out more about how it is made as you chat with local Farmers & Artisans.

Brewing is also serious business in Quebec, as can be seen by the impressive array of Craft Breweries, an integral part of the local scene, using local ingredients to brew stand out beer. A great place to meet people & spend a fun evening. There are guided ‘Tasting’ tours to see & taste what Quebec’s Craft Brewers are up to.

And no survey of local whistle wetters would be complete without a nod to Ile d’Orleans, a nearby Island known for its idyllic country vistas & numerous Vineyards, Cider Breweries & Berry Liqueur producers.

Visitors to the Island can sample unique products at their leisure, including Ice Wine & Ice Cider. Products of our northern climate, they are made using a natural freezing process that yields heavenly beverages highly specific to the region. The past few years have also seen a rise in the number of artisanal Distilleries crafting Spirits (mostly Vodka & Gin) flavoured with ingredients sourced locally & from the boreal forest.

Quebec City area is home to numerous artisanal Cheesemakers famous for the quality of their goods. These master Cheesemakers produce a wide selection of cheeses made with raw milk from cows, goats & sheep, as well as artisanal organic cheeses. For a Cheesemaker with a sense of history, try Fromagerie de l’Isle d’Orleans, which uses a recipe that dates back to the early days of the Colony.

And when it comes to Bakeries & Pastry Shops, Quebecers are said to have inherited their talent from their French ancestors. Indeed, bread & pastry-making skills have been transmitted from one nation to the other since Quebec was founded. With the healthy rate of immigration from France to Quebec & the many Quebecers who spend time perfecting their craft in France, in these little havens of heavenly sights, smells & tastes, you will find a wide variety of breads & mouth-watering pastries & croissants, made with love.

Visitors with a sweet tooth, will love the local chocolates & candies, carefully crafted by experienced Artisans. Erico is a beloved favourite, with exquisite pastries & a little Chocolate Museum to boot. If you happen to be on Rue Saint Jean, stop in for a moment of pure chocolate bliss.

Perhaps, the most famous landmark is Le Chateau Frontenac, reputedly the world's most photographed Hotel, an audaciously elegant structure opened in 1893 by the Canadian Pacific Railway as part of its chain of luxury hotels. Its fabulous Turrets, winding Hallways & imposing Wings graciously complement its dramatic location atop Cap Diamant, a cliff that cascades into the raging St Lawrence River.

Over the years, it has lured a never-ending lineup of luminaries, including Alfred Hitchcock, who chose this setting for the opening scene of his 1953 mystery “I Confess”. In August 1943 & again in September 1944, Winston Churchill & Franklin Roosevelt met here with Canada's Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King to plot the final stages of WWII.

Covering 2.3 sq km, La Citadelle, North America's largest Fort was constructed by the French in the 1750s but what we see today was built by the British over 30 years from 1820, meant to defend the City against an American invasion that never came.

Today the Citadelle is the base of Canada's Royal 22s (known in bastardized French as the Vandoos, from the French for 22, vingt-deux), founded in WWI, the only French-speaking Regiment in Canada - earned 3 Victoria Crosses in that conflict.

There is a 1 hour guided tour that takes in numerous historical structures, including the King's Bastion & the Reduit used later as a military prison. There is also a Museum dedicated to the Royal 22e Regiment on your own afterward. The Governor General's Residence, which can also be visited on a guided tour, is in the same Complex.

The gargantuan Hotel du Parlement completed in 1886, is home to Quebec's Provincial Legislature. The facade is decorated with 26 statues, mostly of significant provincial historical figures, including explorer Samuel de Champlain (1570 -1635), New France Governor Louis de Buade Frontenac (1622 - 98), & English & French Generals James Wolfe (1727 - 59) & Louis-Joseph Montcalm (1712 - 59).

There are more recent figures in Quebec’s tumultuous history, including Maurice Duplessis (1890 - 1959), who kept a stranglehold on the province during his 20 year long Premiership, and Rene Levesque (1922 - 87), Founder of the Parti Quebecois (PQ), who first attempted through Referendum to negotiate the political independence of Quebec.

Note the flower-trimmed Fontaine de Tourny (Tourny Fountain) facing the grounds, a gift from the Simons Department Store, installed in 2007 to celebrate Quebec City’s 400^th Anniversary the following year. The Fountain was built in the mid19^th century & graced the Allees de Tourny in Bordeaux, Quebec's sister city in France, before Simons bought & restored it. Free 30 minute tours, offered in English & French, gets you into the National Assembly Chamber, Legislative Council Chamber & President's Gallery.

One of Quebec City’s must-sees, the verdant clifftop Battlefields Park contains the Plains of Abraham, site of the infamous 1759 battle between British General James Wolfe & French General Louis-Joseph Montcalm that determined the fate of the North American continent. Packed with old Cannons, Monuments & Martello Towers, it is a favorite local spot for picnicking, running, skating, skiing & snowshoeing, along with Winter Carnival festivities & open-air Summer Concerts.

Named for Abraham Martin, a Frenchman who was one of the first Farmers to settle in the area, the Park was commissioned in 1908 to mark Quebec City's tricentennial & it acquired a Reservoir to supply the city with drinking water in 1933. Huts built for soldiers being mobilized during WWII later housed displaced German civilians & POWs. It was here that ‘O Canada’, the Canadian national anthem, written by Sir Adolphe-Basil Routhier with music by Calixa Lavallee, was sung for the first time on June 24, 1880.

Perched on a clifftop 60 metres, above the St Lawrence River, the 425 metre long boardwalk - Terrasse Dufferin - is a marvelous setting for a stroll, with spectacular, sweeping views. In summer it is peppered with Street Performers; in winter it hosts a dramatic Toboggan run. Near the statue of Samuel de Champlain, stairways descend to the excavations of Champlain’s 2^nd Fort, which stood here from 1620 to 1635. Nearby, is the commuter Funicular that locals use to go to Old Lower Town.

Musee de la Civilisation is a world-class Museum that wows even before visitors see the exhibits. It is a fascinating mix of modern design that incorporates pre-existing buildings with contemporary architecture. The permanent Exhibits - ‘People of Quebec: Then & Now' & 'This Is Our Story' on the province's Indigenous people today - are unique, sensitively curated & highly educational, with some clever interactive elements. There is always an outstanding variety of rotating shows taking place here.

This is really the only Museum in town that regularly focuses on contemporary issues & culture. Recent special exhibits have focused on topics as diverse as London & its culture on the eve of Brexit, the transformation of Quebec City from a city of trappers to one of entrepreneurs & the social history of Quebec & the Quebecois artfully illustrated through 400 very ordinary items.

Musee National des Beaux-Arts du Quebec is an extraordinary Art Museum, one of the province's best. Permanent exhibitions range from Art in the early French colonies to Quebec’s contemporary Artists, with individual Halls devoted entirely to 20^th century artistic giants such as Jean-Paul Lemieux, Fernand Leduc & Jean-Paul Riopelle. Arguablym the Museum's highlight is the Brousseau Collection of Inuit Art, a selection of 100 pieces by 60 Artists located at the top of the Pavillon Pierre Lassonde.

The Museum hosts frequent temporary Exhibitions from abroad.  Among its 4 Halls is the Pavillon Charles-Baillairge, Quebec City’s former prison, complete with a block of cells. Other events include Film screenings (often documentaries on prominent international Artists), Drawing & Painting classes open to the public & a Concert series.

The ’walking’ driving tour ends & you are transferred to your hotel.

Balance of the afternoon free to relax or walk around on your own.

Evening, accompanied by the Journeys Rep, proceed to enjoy a typical French meal.

Back to the hotel.

Morning, Check-out early & depart for Ottawa.

Enroute stop at another iconic Quebec City landmark - Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, approximately a 15 minutes drive from the city.

St. Lawrence River stretches out not far from the base of the cliffs, within the Parc’s confines. The Parc also encompass the famous Montmorency Falls, which at 83 metres high & a full 30 metres taller than Niagara Falls although it doesn’t seem like it due to the sheer volume & size of the latter.

The Falls are at the mouth of the Montmorency River where it drops over the cliff shore into the St. Lawrence River, opposite the western end of the Ile d'Orleans

The Falls are basically an ancient geological structure or more precisely as the Geologists like to put it; a fault, basically a section of landmass with a continental sized crack which runs along over which the Montmorency River cascades.

The Waterfalls were named after the Duke of Montmorency by Samuel de Champlain in 1613. It also has an interesting history as being the site where the Battle of Montmorency took place between the English & French forces in 1759. The site is also the place where the first Hydroelectric Power Station was established in 1885 to provide electricity to Quebec City.

The personality of the Falls changes with the seasons luring the romanticists to admire the transformation of its surrounding foliage. While in summer, it is lush green. The onset of autumn slowly transforms the landscape to rusty yellow due to high iron content in the waterbed & winter has the whole Park in pristine white when the Falls are frozen solid.

While it is a popular spot for families on a picnic to relax & unwind, there are plenty of fun things to do like taking a cable car ride to the top, going on a hike which involves some tricky rock climbing or zip-lining across the Falls for the ultimate adrenaline rush.

There are a number of ways to view the Waterfalls & each place offers a different perspective. If you start from the bottom, you will get to see the entire Falls from the paved path that starts from the Visitor Centre & goes to the Viewing Platform at the base. You will see the Falls, the Suspension Bridge that goes over it & the Zipline that runs from one side to the other.

If you are starting out from the Visitor Centre, you have 2 options to reach the top. One is by the Cable Car that runs from the Visitor Centre or if you are adventurous & healthy & strong, then climbing 487 steps of the panoramic staircase to the top.

One recommended option that lets you experience it all without too much strain, is the Panoramic Circuit where you take the Cable Car to the top, walk across the Suspension Bridge & come down using the Steps.

But, we have made the decision for you, in view of the available time. You will go up & come down, using the Cable Car.

Take the opportunity to discover the new Trails at the foot of the Falls as you walk to the Cable Car Station & ride to the top, seeing dazzling views of the Falls, the Cove & Ile d’Orleans.

At the top is the Manoir Montmorency which was originally the country house of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent & Queen Victoria’s father. The old house built in 1780 was destroyed by a tragic fire in 1993. The one that you see today is a reconstruction that maintains the architecture of the original building & has a few features of its own.

There is a Souvenir Shop, an Interpretation Centre for the visitors to learn a little more about the history of the place & an outdoor fine-dining Restaurant (Reservation required) where Visitors can dine with an incredible panoramic view of the surroundings.

Next to Manoir Montmorency, is a Suspension Bridge that connects one side of the Falls to the other. Although the steel Bridge is robust, it can be a vertigo-inducing experience for the faint of heart. For those not afraid of heights, this Bridge offers an incredible overhead view of the Waterfall from its upstream to the cascade below while you experience the rumbling sounds of the water roaring beneath your feet. There have been numerous Bridges in the past. This one is a newly built, completed in 1993. There are also a number of Trails where one can enjoy the fresh air, peace & quiet.

For those taking the 487 steps of the panoramic staircase that clings to the flank of the cliff, it is much easier to climb down than it is to climb up. On most mornings, visitors find many Athletes training here & while it helps to be in great physical shape to climb to the top, you will do fine by taking frequent well-deserved breaks at a number of sheltered viewpoints, for some air & views.

In the recent past the Falls has been a filming location for some of the region’s popular movies. The Falls were the site of a key scene between the lead actors in the 1947 film Whispering City, which was filmed on location.  

Board the Cable Car & descend to the ground.

Enjoy lunch at a Restaurant in the vicinity (not included – direct payment) & immediately after, continue on your journey to Ottawa.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Immediately after freshening up, proceed for a driving / walking sightseeing tour of the Capital of Canada.

Descriptions of Ottawa read like an appealing dating profile: dynamic, gregarious, bilingual, likes kids & long walks on the river.

Stellar location | Deep roots | Urban Outdoors| Local flavours

Ottawa region’s identity has been influenced by many cultures, including First Nations. European explorers passed through the region beginning in the 1600s, followed by Irish, English, French & Scottish Settlers, who launched the local Timber trade in the early 1800s.

The city of Ottawa is located within the traditional Anishinabeg Algonquin territory. Since several rivers meet here, the area was an active Transportation corridor for an astounding diversity of Indigenous groups & travellers. In fact, the city’s name is derived from the Algonquin word “Odawa”, meaning “to trade”. The Settlement was known as Bytown until it was incorporated as the city of Ottawa in 1855. Queen Victoria chose it as the new Capital of Canada in 1857.

Population also increased with the construction of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Rideau Canal (1826-1832) as a military defence & transportation route in case of war with the United States.

As Canada’s capital, it is the perfect place to experience some of the country’s best attractions, celebrations & flavours all in one welcoming city.  

Around every corner on both the Ontario & Quebec sides of the Ottawa River, you will find a unique blend of urban & rural beauty, year-round outdoor activities, vibrant neighbourhoods, safe & walkable neighbourhoods to explore.

Pristine abundance of natural green outdoor spaces within the city & in the nearby countryside pay an accessible year-round homage to all 4 seasons & offer a wide variety of activities. Average temperatures are well below 0°C from December to March, but locals celebrate the city's longest-seeming season with a bunch of outdoor pursuits.

With beautiful Waterways, including the Ottawa & Rideau Rivers & Rideau Canal, & Parks, locals choose their own adventure & walk, cycle, hike or raft around the city. Many skate, paddle, cruise to work or school down an inspiring jumble of pulsing districts around the frozen Canal. As spring clicks to summer, auspicious tulips cheer the downtown, followed by vibrant Fall leaves that line the streets with eye-popping reds & yellows.

Try craft beverages & fresh cuisine, shop for big brands or local Designers & admire colourful urban Art. For instance, the historic ByWard Market area is always bustling, with its year-round Farmers’ Market, Restaurants, Cafes & nightlife, as well as unique spots such as the original Kiosk of the world-renowned BeaverTails Pastry treat.

The diverse culinary scene includes everything from food trucks to fine dining, as well as dozens of Craft Breweries, Distilleries & Wineries. Local Chefs, some trained at Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute (the famed School’s only official campus in North America) & residents benefit from a bounty of fresh products from over 1,000 Farms - more than Montreal, Toronto, Calgary & Vancouver combined - & shop at popular Farmers’ Markets.

Ottawa hosts many exciting annual events that attract international audiences. Winterlude Festival to celebrate Canadian winter culture & activities, including a giant snow playground with fantastical ice sculptures. Celebrate spring’s beauty during the Canadian Tulip Festival, the largest event of its kind in the world. Enjoy Concerts by famed international artists & up & coming local acts at music festivals in genres ranging from chamber & classical music to blues & EDM. Other fun events celebrate Food, Fireworks, international Cultures & animated Films.

Ottawa is the perfect place to soak up national and regional cultures. Parliament Hill, the seat of Canada’s Federal government, welcomes Visitors on free tours of its historic buildings.

7 of Canada’s 9 National Museums immerse you in Canadian History, Art, War, Aviation, Science & more. The National Arts Centre represents the entire country through Orchestra, Dance, Variety & multi-lingual Theatre programming. Other sites of national importance include the historic Fairmont Chateau Laurier (the first in a series of Hotels constructed by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway Company), Rideau Hall (historic home of the Governor General of Canada), the RCMP Musical Ride Visitor Centre (where the renowned horse-riding group practises), Laurier House National Historic Site (where famous Prime Ministers lived) & the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum (a real Bunker turned into Museum).

Fascinating & unexpected local stories also unfold at sites such as the Bytown Museum (Ottawa’s history starting with the construction of the Rideau Canal), the Ottawa Art Gallery (regional art including the Group of Seven & beyond), Museopark Vanier (Ottawa’s French-Canadian history), as well as city-run sites such as Watson’s Mill (the operations of a working 1800s Flour mill), Cumberland Heritage Village Museum (early 20^th century life) and many more. You can also join a guided tour (including walking, cycling & boat cruising) for an inside look at History, Food, haunted sites & more.

After the 3 hour driving / walking sightseeing concludes, you are transferred to the Hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or for independent exploration or optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Morning, Check-out early & depart for Niagara Falls.

Enroute, you will stop at Kingston & Thousand Islands.

Modern-day Canada's first Capital, albeit only for 3 years, Kingston was stripped of the title when Queen Victoria worried that it was too close to the American border & could not be properly defended. Today, the pretty city on Lake Ontario, at the mouth of the Cataraqui & St. Lawrence rivers, finds itself strategically placed as the perfect pit stop between Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto & Syracuse, New York.

Kingston is located on the traditional lands of the Huron-Wendat & the Mississauga of the Ojibways. To the local Indigenous peoples, this place has long been known as Katarowki, meaning “a place where there is clay.” In Anishnaabowin language, it is “Gaadanokwii”. In Mohawk, it is “Ken’tarokwen”. Kingston / Katarokwi acknowledges the everlasting presence of other Indigenous nations - the Metis, Inuit & other First Nations. 

Known as the "Limestone City" for its grand striking 19^th century limestone architecture & for its Markets, Kingston is also a base for exploring the Thousand Islands & the St. Lawrence River & its National Park.

Impressive buildings include lakeside Kingston City Hall & the grand House & Gardens of the Bellevue House National Historic Site commemorating Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald.

The Kingston Public Market full of Vendors selling the highest quality local produce, prepared foods, garden plants, flowers & handmade crafts, located in the historic downtown core, is the oldest Market in Ontario & has been providing food & a sense of community to residents of Kingston since 1801.

Kingston is also home to Queen's University, the Royal Military College, St. Lawrence College & Fort Henry & the Kingston Fortifications (built in the 1800s which holds military demonstrations).

With dozens of Museums & historic sites & multiple unique shopping & dining experiences, Kingston offers something old & something new around every corner.

A walkable city, where hidden alleyways contain antique markets & restaurant patios, Kingston boasts 4 Rembrandt Paintings in its Museums, 2 Film Festivals & a very vibrant downtown Shopping scene. It is home to Ontario's oldest public Market & Canada's hippest live music scene. Pair the grand heritage, history & architecture of Kingston with the city’s dynamic cultural life for a truly distinct getaway.

Drive through the City on your way to the Thousand Islands National Park.

Arrive in the picturesque town of Gananoque, which offers direct access to Islands that make up this amazing area. The native name “Gananoque” has the distinction of having several meanings; “Water Rising over Rocks” or “Garden of the Great Spirit”.

It is the little town with the big view & one of Ontario’s up & coming tourism destinations. Sitting prettily on the St. Lawrence River, Gananoque offers direct access to the 1864 Islands that make up this amazing area called, the 1000 Islands. But, views aren’t the only reason people flock to the Islands, this is truly an outdoor paradise for those how like to Fish, Hike, Sail, Scuba Dive or Cycle. Add in the abundance of experiences & access to 2 world famous UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Frontenac Arch Biosphere & the Rideau Heritage Route and you have just found a small piece of paradise.

1000 Islands  (pronounced “Thousand Islands,” not “One Thousand Islands”), a sightseer’s Paradise & a popular destination for those looking for an authentic outdoor vacation, are a constellation of over 1,864 rugged Islands extending for a distance of 80 miles from Prince Edward Peninsula to Brockville (in Canada) on the St. Lawrence River as it emerges from the northeast corner of Lake Ontario, straddling the U.S. & Canada border in a region of endless shorelines, rich history & unique culture.

The 1000 Islands region was home to not only significant skirmishes between the U.S. & British controlled Canada during the War of 1812, but its history as a vacation destination traces back to the Gilded Age, when many of world’s most wealthy & famous treated the region as their private playground. A fashionable retreat for the elite, today the area is a hub for outdoor activities & home to elaborate Island Mansions like the German-style Boldt Castle on Heart Island & Singer Castle on Dark Island, with its Gothic windows & secret passageways.

The region’s maritime history is on display at several sites, including North America’s largest collection of antique & classic wooden boats in Clayton. Museums dedicated to the region’s Fishing & Boating history, as well as military past, keep a true sense of why this area is so unique in its connection to water & wilderness.

Sackets Harbor, overlooking Lake Ontario & sheltered on Black River Bay, was the main location for a military Fort & Boat building station during the War of 1812. Now the tree-lined streets of this heritage community welcome visitors to discover its unique history & charming architecture. Modern construction & heritage buildings blend to create a picturesque village of antique shops, boutiques & waterfront restaurants. A visit to the State Battlefield Historic Site brings history to life on the shores of Lake Ontario.

Although some Islands are part of the Canadian National Parks or New York State Parks, most of the Islands are privately owned & have homes that are usually just used in the summer

That history, along with major roles in the U.S. Prohibition & maritime ingenuity, has led to visitors trekking to the 1000 Islands to experience authentic heritage sites & attractions. 1812 battle sites & military fortifications still line the shorelines & are open for guided & self-guided tours. Stories of Pirates & Bootleggers, industry Titans & secret Societies await.

The lush archipelago offers loose tufts of fog, showers of trillium petals, quaking tide pools & opulent slow-paced 19^th century summer Country Estates for the rich, whose Turrets pierce the prevailing mist.

The area has since evolved into the ultimate vacation destination & vacationers have been coming here for more than 150 years to enjoy its breathtaking beauty. Waters that were once patrolled by Pirates (yes … pirates!) & Prohibition bootleggers are now cruised by Cottagers who enjoy serene bays & vacationers who tour aboard guided trips & hear the astonishing stories behind the Islands.

Sightseeing Cruises leave from several Harbours & visit just a handful of the Islands - try renting your own canoe to explore further. Tour companies take visitors past fairytale Castles & stately Mansions that take you back to the area’s heyday as a playground for the rich & famous.

Arrive at the Pier to board your Boat for a 3 hour Heart of the Islands Lunch Cruise.

Relax on board the Island Queen & you enjoy a delicious 3 Course meal (Drinks not included) & panoramic views as you cruise around between the pretty Islands with small Cottages & grand Mansions, listening to live commentary about the region & individual Islands, by the Captain.

The Cruise finished & returns to the Pier. On disembarkation, you will be welcomed by the Journey’s Rep & immediately depart for your final destination.

Arrive at the Hotel in Niagara Falls by evening & Check-in.

Balance of the day leisure to relax or for Optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

If you reach Niagara in time, you can catch an exciting Pyrotechnics Show that takes place every night at 09.00 pm.

Year after year, Niagara Parks hosts Canada's longest running Fireworks series. A spectacular display in front of an unforgettable backdrop, absolutely free! As always, fireworks performances are weather permitting and may be cancelled at the last minute due to unexpected changes in wind direction.

Go early & find a great spot in Queen Victoria Park, enjoy live entertainment during the Coca Cola Concert Series or explore the shops and restaurants at Table Rock or Grand View Marketplace.

Morning, Check-out from the Hotel & proceed to explore to explore the ‘most’ iconic landmark that Canada is famous for, drawing visitors from around the world, a popular vacation spot.  

12,000 years old Niagara Falls located in a strait between Lake Ontario & Lake Erie, and is shared by the United States & Canada.

Niagara Falls was an area early settled & vigorously active in Canada's formative years. One of the bloodiest battles of the War of 1812 took place on July 25, 1814 at Lundy's Lane in Niagara Falls. A total of 7,500 Americans & Canadians fought for 6 hours & at the end, 1,000 soldiers lay dead or wounded.

An unstoppable flow of rushing water surges over the arcing fault in the riverbed with thunderous force. Great plumes of icy mist rise for 100s of meters as the waters collide, like an ethereal veil concealing the vast rift behind the torrent. Thousands of onlookers delight in the spectacle every day, drawn by the force of the current & the hypnotic mist.

Until 1886, when the Statue of Liberty was erected, the Falls at Niagara were the symbol of America & the New World. Visitors from all over the world targeted Niagara as a must-see during a visit to North America. The 20^th Century Fox Movie, "Niagara" starring Marilyn Monroe was filmed in Niagara Falls in 1952. Two scenes from Superman 2 were filmed here.

Niagara is not the tallest of Waterfalls (it ranks a lowly 50^th) but in terms of sheer volume, there is nothing like it - more than a million bathtubs of water plummet downward every second. By day or night, regardless of season, the Falls never fail to awe: 12 million visitors annually can't be wrong. Even in winter, when the flow is partially hidden & the edges freeze solid, the watery extravaganza is undiminished. Very occasionally the Falls stop altogether. This first happened on Easter Sunday morning in 1848, when ice completely jammed the flow.

Otherwise, Niagara might not be what you expect: the town feels like a tacky outdated Amusement Park. It has been a saucy honeymoon destination ever since Napoleon's brother brought his bride here - tags like 'For newlyweds & nearly deads' & 'Viagra Falls' are apt. A crass morass of Casinos, sleazy Motels, tourist traps & Strip joints line Clifton Hill & Lundy's Lane - a little Las Vegas! Love it or loathe it, there is nowhere quite like it.

Niagara Falls are divided into 2 parts where first part is the Horseshoe Falls & the 2^nd part is American Falls. The actual height of Horseshoe Falls drops 173 feet & the height of the American Falls varies between 70-100 feet because the occurrence of the giant boulders at its base. The largest Horseshoe Falls are about 2,600 feet wide which seems to be quite high, while the American Falls are 1,060 feet wide which seems quite lower in comparison with Horseshoe Falls.

The Niagara Parks Power Station, 12 minute walk from the Table Rock Visitor Centre, offers visitors a glimpse of the early days of power generation at Niagara Falls. For over 100 years, the “Canadian Niagara Power Company Generating Station” harnessed the energy of the Falls & turned it into electricity. Experience the history of the visionaries behind it as well as the workers that kept it running. Take a step back to 1905 when generating electricity at Niagara Falls was reaching new limits.

Years after the closure of this Hydroelectric Plant, it is now an excellent educational experience as it highlights the remarkable history of this engineering wonder. The experience offers an opportunity to be part of a thrilling revival & a chance to discover the incredible history & heritage of this celebrated building.

In 2022, ‘guided’ tours of the Turbine Outflow Tunnel were opened to the public after a multi-year restoration project. A glass Elevator lowers guests down 180 feet from inside of the Power Station. After disembarking from the Elevator, Visitors can follow the 2,200 feet long Tunnel to the end, which opens up to a viewing area of Niagara Falls. 

Every evening beginning at dusk the Falls are lit in the colours of the rainbow. The illumination was first made permanent in 1925 with 24 carbon arc searchlights. Now, the Project uses the latest technology providing over twice the brightness & allowing for a full palette of colour combinations, to light the Horseshoe & American Falls.  In 1860, the spectacular illumination of the Falls celebrated a visit by the Prince of Wales.

The Falls can be viewed year-round from Observation Points on both the American & Canadian sides of the Niagara River. But a visit to Niagara Falls Canada on a summer night will reveal a dazzling display of lights & fireworks. The roar of the Falls & the gently cool mist impresses young & old alike. Every season provides unique & specific opportunities for travellers to experience. 

While driving along, the Tour-guide will point out hidden gems & provide local insights. Feel free to ask questions or make any special requests. Make a couple of photo stops including at the iconic Floral Clock & the Whirlpool Rapids.

This famous Floral Clock features a large clock face made of colorful flowerbeds. Located in the Botanical Gardens, the intricate designs on the face of the Floral Clock are created with up to 16,000 carpet bedding plants that are changed twice each year. The planted face of the Clock is maintained by Niagara Parks Horticulture staff, while the mechanism inside is kept in working order by Ontario Hydro. The Tower at the back of the Clock houses Westminster chimes that greet each quarter hour.

You can walk down to the majestic Falls on your own & stay there, as long as the Tour-guide specifies.  Perhaps, if time allows, you might want to take a stroll in the Downtown area.

And now, get ready to experience the thrill of a lifetime. We will take a boat ride & come face-to-face with the famous Horseshoe Falls.

Board a state-of-the-art catamaran-style all-electric Boat that provides a quiet, smooth 20 minute ride that will take you as close as possible to the thundering roar, awesome power & amazing mist of the mighty Falls as you journey along the Niagara River deep inside the Great Gorge past the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls & into the very heart of the majestic Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Hear the thundering roar of 600,000 gallons of water crashing down around you every second. Feel the awesome power & the amazing mist as it drenches everything in its path (a protective recyclable mist plastic Poncho is provided which will keep you reasonably dry). When the Boat gets close to the Canadian Falls, is where you will encounter the majority of mist. If you wish to stay dry simply move to another location on the Boat where there is less mist.

After the boat ride, walk around the majestic Falls on your own. Perhaps, you might want to take a stroll in the Downtown area (you will have time for one of the optional experiences, if you want to. Please discuss with the Tour-guide, if).  

Enjoy lunch at one of the local Bistro (included).

Re-board the vehicle & drive along the splendid Niagara Parkway to Niagara-on-the-Lake, making several photo stops.

One of Canada's prettiest towns & a designated National Historic Site, Niagara-on-the-Lake on the shores of Lake Ontario, at the mouth of the Niagara River, is known for its Wineries & the summer Shaw Festival, a series of Theatre productions. The flower-filled, tree-lined old town features 19^th century buildings, mainly along Queen Street. Near the river, Fort George was built by the British to defend against American attacks.

The Niagara Historical Society has been collecting & interpreting the history of the town for over 100 years. Walk through history to explore the first Capital of Upper Canada & experience Niagara in a unique way while enjoying the beauty of this historic town!

In time, board the bus & depart for Toronto.

Arrive by evening & Check-in at the hotel.

Balance of the evening free to enjoy as you wish (time permitting, we can offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Alas, like all good things, this wonderful glimpse of Canada comes to an end. Time to say au revoir to our enchanting country & go home.

Check-out of the hotel by 11:00 am (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the usage of the facilities & to leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

What do a pair of Elton John’s high heels, a Gothic Castle & the world’s largest hydraulophone have in common? They all feature on this list of the top attractions in Toronto. We are sure this glimpse will entice you to come back to explore the unexplored places & may be, catch one of the popular Festivals or ice skate, outdoor or indoor in winter. There are also beaches & waterfront paths along Lake Ontario, plus kayaking or standup paddling around the Toronto Islands.

“Travel is like knowledge. The more you see the more you know you have not seen” - Mark Hertsgaard

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Toronto Lester B Pearson Airport for the onward journey.  B

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