Recently updated on August 1st, 2024 at 11:29 am
If exploring Eastern Canada has been on your bucket list, then get ready to tune into your televisions. The team at Trafalgar invited the globetrotting cast of the Australian TV show Travel Guides to discover our Best of Eastern Canada itinerary, a 9-day road trip cutting a lap through the top sights, cities, and scenery of the eastern states.
The show aired on Sunday 23rd June, so there’s no better time to take a deep dive into this fantastic trip and discover what they got up to on our Best of Eastern Canada tour, from the roar of Niagara Falls to the cobbled charms of Quebec City.
Discover more about the tour and the show here.
Day 1-2: Toronto & Niagara Falls
The fun starts in Canada’s multi-cultural metropolis of Toronto, a city that was once a British garrison town. Toronto boomed into a trade hub and is now Canada’s financial center. On the first day guests meet their Travel Director and fellow travellers at the Welcome Reception in the evening.
The next day it’s time to hit the road for Niagara Falls, a bucket-list natural marvel. The thunderous falls are actually comprised of three waterfalls – Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. The site dates back some 12,000 years when the spectacle was carved by retreating glaciers.
En route you’ll Dive into Culture and embrace Canada’s national sport, learning the secrets and superstition of hockey players. A professional coach will walk you through a day in the life of a hockey player. You’ll enter the players’ dressing room and have the chance to try on the full kit of hockey gear. Grab your stick and it’s onto the ice where you’ll soon find out whether you are a lefty or righty, and learn how to score the big goal.
Finally, you’ll reach the world-famous Niagara Falls. Here you’ll witness Mother Nature’s power first-hand with an exhilarating boat ride that takes you to the base of Horseshoe Falls. Admire its beauty and feel the spray of the falls up close! For the thrill-seekers, there is an Optional Experience to fly above the awe-inspiring Niagara Region in a helicopter.
After, you’ll return to Toronto.
“The Best selections of cities in Eastern Canada. You will not leave disappointed. Place this on your Bucket List for a trip of a lifetime.”
Past guest Ella G, Best of Eastern Canada
Day 3: Kingston & Thousand Islands
This morning, after breakfast, you’ll tour Toronto. Cruise past Queens Park, stately University Avenue and the Provincial Parliament Buildings with a local guide, then it’s time to move on. Next you’ll travel back in time on the journey to Kingston, a 17th-century former French trading post and gateway to Ontario’s Thousand Islands.
There’s actually more than a thousand islands – the spectacular region actually has 1,864 islands set on the Saint Lawrence River of Ontario, which straddles the US-Canada border and stretches for 50 miles (80 km) downriver from Kingston.
This evening you’ll set sail in this breathtaking location. Your dinner cruise will float past pretty riverside cottages and uninhabited islands as the sun sets on another perfect day.
Day 4: Ottawa
Quiz time: What’s the capital of Canada? It’s Ottawa! While the city might not be as large as Toronto, the Canadian capital has plenty on offer. Ottawa was first founded in the early 1800s as a quiet lumber town, and it was later chosen as the capital thanks to its neutrality between French and English Canada. Today, it’s a blend of grandeur and green spaces.
First up, you’ll join an introductory tour of Ottawa, taking in the top city sights and must-see landmarks. Then, you’ll have the afternoon to explore the city on your terms. You could visit to one of the city’s museums, or join an Optional Experience.
Those keen for culture can see Canada’s longest-running dinner musical, “Oh Canada Eh?”. After 26 seasons at Niagara Falls, the dinner show has made its home in the capital. This fun experience showcases the best of Canada, from coast to coast, as you meet a singing Mountie, lumberjacks, Anne of Green Gables, and even a Hockey player.
Day 5-6: Québec City
Rise early today for a special breakfast Mādahòkì Farm. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience connects Trafalgar travelers with the Algonquin People. Discover the diversity of First Nations cultures across Canada, and join in a friendship dance at this presentation. This experience is linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, supporting local communities and reducing inequalities.
Later, you’ll stop for lunch at a local “Cabane à Sucre”. These “sugar shacks” are mostly found in Eastern Canada and were once used to collect sap from maple trees, which is then boiled into delicious maple syrup.
Finally, continue to charming Québec City, the heart of French Canada. This fortified city was settled by French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1608. Wind through the cobbled streets to reach the UNESCO World Heritage-protected Old Québec. The Hotel Claredon dates back to 1870, making it Québec City’s oldest hotel. Inside expect Art Deco elegance intertwined with centuries of history. Use its prime location to explore nearby landmarks such as Château Frontenac and the Plains of Abraham.
The next day you’ll join a Local Specialist for an in-depth discovery of Québec City, learning about how European charm mixes with the North American spirit of the city. You’ll explore its heritage and history, and discover the modern side of the city.
“The timing could not have been better. The fall colors were beautiful! What a treat. Had very good accommodations and the transport was very clean and comfortable. Staff took good care of us.”
Past guest Victoria S, Best of Eastern Canada
Day 7-8: Montréal
The road trip continues to Montréal today, taking you from the city through Québec’s charming countryside. You’ll pass pretty villages and rolling farmlands on the way to today’s Be My Guest experience at Bleu Lavande Lavender Farm. Meet the family and discover how lavender is grown and then turned into a variety of products. You’ll taste a refreshing lavender lemonade, and enjoy a picnic basket lunch filled with local specialties.
After lunch at the farm, you’ll continue to Montréal. Founded by French settlers in 1642, modern Montréal is now a multicultural blend of French and English influences, which you can see in its architecture, language, and cuisine. Today you’ll soak in a panoramic view of the city from the top of its namesake landmark, Mount Royal.
The next day you’ll join a Local Specialist to discover historic sites and landmarks across the city. You’ll visit the colourful Old Port area, the modern Downtown Montréal, and see one of Montréal’s crown jewels, the Notre Dame Basilica. This landmark is the first neo-gothic church in Canada, with exceptional stained glass windows. A local will help you understand the city’s French Canadian roots and international influences, then you’re invited to explore the city your way in the afternoon.
Just keep an eye on the time – this afternoon you’ll join your fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner in Old Montréal.
“Our Travel Director was so personable and made it seem like the trip was designed especially for this group. (Our) bus driver was super safe.”
Past guest Karen B, Best of Eastern Canada
Day 9: End in Toronto or Montréal
It’s the final day on tour. You have a choice – you can finish in Montréal, or return to Toronto by coach. Expect to be there by 4pm.
Find out more about both the tour and the show here.
Are you ready to explore the best of Eastern Canada with Trafalgar? Will you watch the show Travel Guides? Let us know in the comments….