Avila Travel Canada nature 9

Canada trip | Self-drive Eastern Canada nature & cities

  • Boutique
  • 20-day trip
  • From €6,225 p.p.
route-map

Canada trip | Self-drive Eastern Canada nature & cities

This amazing journey of discovery takes you through fascinating Eastern Canada, a region of unparalleled natural beauty and vibrant, cultural cities. From the dynamic metropolis of Toronto, where you will admire the iconic CN Tower and explore its diverse neighbourhoods, to the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls, where you will experience the power of nature up close on a boat trip and a unique Behind the Falls excursion, where you will experience the falls from a completely different perspective. You will visit picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake, known as Canada's prettiest town , and head deeper into the wilderness to the pristine Bruce Peninsula National Park with its turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. The journey continues to the vast Algonquin Provincial Park, where you will stay in an idyllic lodge in the middle of nature and have the chance to spot moose on canoe trips and hikes. In the charming capital, Ottawa, you will discover historical sites and enjoy culinary delights on a bicycle tour, then experience the serenity of LakeSacacomie, surrounded by vast forests, before entering the historic splendour of Quebec City , North America's only walled city. Be enchanted by its French charm and culinary delights. You will conclude this unforgettable adventure in bustling Montreal, a city with a unique blend of European flair and North American energy.

Travel programme

Travel overview

  • Day 1 Flight to Canada
  • Day 2 – 3 Toronto
  • Day 4 Niagara-on-the-Lake
  • Day 5 Niagara Falls
  • Day 6 – 7 Stay at Bruce Peninsula National Park
  • Days 8–10 Stay at Algonquin Provincial Park
  • Day 11 – 12 Ottawa
  • Day 13 – 14 Stay at Lake Sacacomie
  • Day 15 Journey to Québec City
  • Day 16 – 17 Québec City
  • Day 18 – 19 Montreal
  • Day 20 Departure from Canada
  • Day 21 Arrival
Day 1
Air travel to Canada
Day 2 to 3
Toronto
Day 4
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Day 5
Niagara Falls
Day 6 to 7
Accommodation Bruce Peninsula National Park
Days 8 to 10
Accommodation Algonquin Provincial Park
Day 11 to 12
Ottawa
Day 13 to 14
Accommodation Lake Sacacomie
Day 15
Travel to Quebec City
Day 16 to 17
Quebec City
Day 18 to 19
Montreal
Day 20
Departure from Canada
Day 21
Arrival

Accommodations

Destinations

Niagara Falls, ON

Located on the western bank of the Niagara River, the city of Niagara Falls is home to one of the world's most famous tourist attractions, Niagara Falls. Located along the US/Canadian border, the world-famous waterfall consists of three distinct falls: the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. Catch the best views of the falls from Queen Victoria Park, take a boat trip under the falls or take a secret journey behind the falls. The small bustling town of Niagara Falls offers visitors a range of entertainment including theatres and shops.

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Saint-Alexis-des-Monts

The picturesque Canadian village of Saint-Alexis-des-Monts is tucked among the valleys and hills of the Laurentian Mountains. It is idyllically located and surrounded by more than 600 shimmering lakes, hidden among the lush undulating landscape. The village boasts a number of enticing restaurants and cafes, luxurious spas and a range of comfortable accommodation options. It serves as a gateway to the surrounding wilderness areas, including the Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve, known as a year-round destination. Visitors looking to immerse themselves in nature can look forward to numerous outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, canoeing, snowmobiling or cross-country skiing. Don't miss the annual fishing event, the Festival de la Truite Mouchetee offers plenty of opportunities for fishing and entertainment.

La Mauricie National Park

Located among the southern lowlands of Mount Laurentian, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, Mauricie National Park offers breathtakingly beautiful, untouched wilderness. It stretches from the northern banks of the St Lawrence River, which flows through Quebec. Visitors can marvel at both the 150 glistening lakes, and the lush forests teeming with wildlife, such as moose, lynx, coyote, black bear, otters, beavers and a special forest turtle. There are many activities that can be done here, including hiking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and a very popular canoe-camping circuit that calls at more than 200 campsites spread across several lakes.

Canada

Canada, the land of loggers, beavers, hockey and maple syrup. While Canada certainly offers all these traditional associations in abundance, this beautiful country has so much more to offer than a few clichés. With its unforgettably beautiful, natural landscapes and cosmopolitan cities, Canada has something for everyone. Popular tourist destinations include the beautiful Rocky Mountains around Banff and Lake Louise, luxury ski resorts like Whistler and Blackcomb, the French-speaking cities of Montreal or Quebec, or the uber cool and eternally busy urban centres of Vancouver or Toronto. Whether you visit an Inuit lodge in Nunavut, take a dog sled ride through the Yukon to see the spectacular northern lights shining through the night sky or indulge in a delicious high tea on Vancouver Island, you will be amazed at the possibilities Canada has to offer.

Montreal

Montreal, the largest city in Canada's Quebec province, sits on an island in the Saint Lawrence River and is famous for its art, design and fantastic cuisine. Visitors can discover the city's history through the cobbled streets of Old Montreal, with showpiece buildings such as the Basilique Notre-Dame that dazzles guests with intricate domes. Foodies enjoy sensational Canadian food, as well as everything from irresistible patisseries to old Jewish delicatessens and hipster bars serving up spectacular flavours all night. Art and design graces the city, from sensational raw street art to chic, modern galleries. With around 250 theatre and dance companies and more than 90 festivals, Montreal overflows with art.

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Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital of Canada, a dynamic city of more than a million people. Located in Ontario, on the border with Quebec, it is a place where you will hear people speaking English and French. It is a city rich in culture, with world-class museums and galleries featuring superb national collections and special exhibitions from Canada and around the world. Famous sights include the Rideau Canal (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Parliament Hill.

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Quebec City

Immerse yourself in a place that is often compared to a European village, yet on the other hand is distinctly Canadian. The city's old walled centre is a Unesco World Heritage Site and consists of cobbled streets with quaint boutiques. The city is also described as a culinary mecca with dishes that have both French, British, North American and indigenous influences. In the city's surroundings, you can find beautiful nature such as the Jacques-Cartier National Park with several hiking trails and the Montmorency waterfalls.

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Toronto

Toronto, the capital of Ontario, is a vibrant, multicultural city with an array of attractions and events. CN Tower, a national icon and one of the tallest buildings in the world, is perhaps the most famous of these. Visitors to Toronto can enjoy exploring the artworks and all the action in the boutiques, galleries, theatres and cafes of the pedestrianised Distillery District, or head to the luxury boutiques on Bloor Street or at the Eaton's Centre.

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Quebec

If Quebec could be described in one word, it would be 'grand'. From the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Old Quebec City and the triple peaks in the heart of the cosmopolitan city of Montreal, to the rich biodiversity of the St Lawrence marine estuary and Wildlife Park (including beluga and blue whales, Harp seals and narwhals) and the phenomenal Cirque du Soleil. North American and European heritage come together seamlessly here and have developed into a sophisticated culture that has something to offer every traveller, both in terms of natural beauty and wildlife, and urban entertainment.

Ontario

With the Hudson Bay to the north and the US to the south, the province of Ontario offers many contrasts and cultures (the Caribbean carnival, Oktoberfest and Canadian Aboriginal festival are celebrated here). Home to some 250,000 lakes, endless forests, abundant wildlife, and areas of vast wilderness, Ontario gives any traveller the opportunity to enjoy nature, or immerse themselves in its capital cities. Toronto and Ottawa both offer beautiful architecture and a vibrant arts and entertainment community.

Algonquin Provincial Park

Algonquin Provincial Park is a natural wonderland with maple-clad mountains, sparkling lakes and rivers and rugged cliffs. Summer activities there include hiking, cycling, canoeing, fishing and whitewater rafting, while the winter months offer opportunities for skiing, snowmobile tours and dog sledding. Wildlife spotting is a year-round activity in Algonquin, with wildlife including deer, moose, wolves, bears, beavers and more than 250 bird species.

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The Laurentians

Just an hour's drive (north) from Montreal, you will find yourself in a mountain landscape filled with crystal clear lakes, large boreal forests, meandering rivers and charming villages. It's heady, romantic and beautiful, but The Laurentians isn't called 'the mountain playground' for nothing. Ski at one of 13 resorts (the largest, Mont-Tremblant, offers 95 trails), zipline between the trees, go canoeing, camping or fishing in Poisson Blanc Regional Park.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a city in the Niagara region in the southern part of the Canadian province of Ontario. Visitors can look forward to strolling through the charming Old Town, whose streets are lined with quaint colonial-style buildings, boutiques, enticing cafes and cast-iron planters full of colourful flowers. Not-to-be-missed attractions include: Fort George, which was the scene of several battles during the War of 1812 and the historic Mississauga Point lighthouse that dates back to 1804. Just outside the city is Ontario's picturesque wine region, home to some of Canada's best wineries and the region's most renowned restaurants.

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Bruce Peninsula National Park

Bruce Peninsula is a peninsula in Lake Huron in the province of Ontario. Located in the north of the peninsula is Bruce Peninsula National Park, a stunning natural area consisting of rugged cliffs, caves, ancient cedar trees and surrounded by tropical blue waters. Several hiking trails are located through the park, taking you past some of its most beautiful spots. One example is the Bruce Trail, Canada's oldest hiking trail. It is a long trail of no less than 782 km, but of course it is also possible to walk part of it. Another must is the Georgian Bay Trail, which takes you past the famous 'Flowerpot' (an island in the shape of a flowerpot), among other things.

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Canada trip | Self-drive Eastern Canada nature & cities

We offer this itinerary from €6,225 per person.

The tour price is an estimate and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates.

Included

• Accommodation in excellent and unique properties
• Ford Edge SUV hire car or equivalent, including insurance, taxes, an additional driver and excess waiver
• All meals as specified in the itinerary
• All excursions as mentioned in the itinerary, including a boat trip to Niagara Falls, the Bike & Bites tour in Toronto and city walks in three cities
• All necessary private transfers as specified
• Meet & Greet on arrival
• National Geographic or similar travel guide
• Administration fees (€50 per booking)
Positive impact of your trip:
• A contribution of €50 per person towards a positive impact via the Avila Foundation
• Bike & Bites Tour in Toronto
• Walking tours in Toronto, Old Quebec and Old Montreal

Not included

• International flights
• Room category upgrade
• ETA or visa fees for Canada
• Tourist tax (where applicable)
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Local car hire costs, such as administration fees, parking charges, tolls and fuel
• Personal expenses/tips
• National park entrance fees, where applicable
• Meals and excursions not specified
• Contribution to the contingency fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)

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