Canadian Cascades: Niagara Falls to Montreal

Day 1 : Travel to Canada

We begin with a pleasant flight to Buffalo, New York and travel across the border to Niagara Falls, taking in unique beauty on the Canadian side of the grand waterfalls. We then check in to our hotel for a three-night stay and have the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 2 : Niagara Falls

This morning embark on a guided tour of the Niagara Falls area, exploring its unique oasis of natural wonder, capturing a stunning sample of Ontario geography including the Whirlpool Rapids and other remarkable natural wonders. Enjoy a Holiday Vacations Welcome Lunch as we mingle with new friends. Then we experience Niagara Parks’ Journey Behind the Falls, taking an elevator down to get close-up views and feel the power of the falls on the outdoor deck. Later, we have a serene stroll on Niagara Parks’ self-guided White Water Walk along the rapids of the park’s boardwalk.

Day 3 : Niagara Boat Tour

Today begins with a thrilling Hornblower Niagara Cruises™ boat tour. Sail as close as possible to the powerful falls as we journey through the Niagara Great Gorge, and cruise past famous Bridal Veil Falls, American Falls, and into the heart of Horseshoe Falls for an exhilarating experience. After, enjoy the IMAX® Theatre presentation Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic presented on Canada’s largest movie screen! Lunch today is a treat in the revolving restaurant atop Skylon Tower, 775 feet above Niagara Falls! Enjoy delectable food and marvelous views. There is free time this afternoon to explore more of the Niagara area, purchase any last souvenirs, or relax at the hotel. After dark, witness a spectacular light show that makes the falls glow in rich, gorgeous hues.

Day 4 : Scenic Queen Elizabeth Way

We depart Niagara Falls and travel north towards Toronto, driving around the western tip of Lake Ontario along scenic Queen Elizabeth Way. Halfway, we stop in Burlington to witness the lovely Royal Botanical Gardens. Then after lunch, we continue to Toronto, the fourth largest city in North America. We check in to our Toronto accommodations with the evening at leisure. Your Tour Director will help identify good options for dinner in the city.

Day 5 : Toronto

Seize the day with a tour of the eclectic city of Toronto. Comparable to New York City in size and diversity, the lively Canadian cosmopolitan center delights and intrigues with its varied neighborhoods including Old Town, the Main Square, Garden District, University of Toronto, Little Italy, Chinatown, Cabbagetown, Little Portugal, Liberty Village, Greektown, The Beaches, and abundant parks. In the Entertainment District near Inner Harbour, we ascend the CN Tower. Standing at nearly 2,000 feet, this observation and communications tower held the world’s record for tallest freestanding structure until 2007.

Day 6 : Alexandria Bay

This morning we travel to Alexandria Bay where we grab lunch on our own before our afternoon excursion. We’ll embark on a delightful Uncle Sam Boat Tour and marvel at the deep green waters of the St. Lawrence River. Get a glimpse of the water boundary line between the United States and Canada! Later we check in to our Alexandria Bay accommodations for one night with dinner included.

Day 7 : Boldt Castle & Parliament Hill

Before we travel back into Canada, enjoy New York State's Thousand Islands region more as we board a water taxi to tour Boldt Castle on an island in the St. Lawrence River. This fortress of a mansion began as a frame cottage before its grand expansion by George Boldt in 1900 who oversaw the construction of what would be one of the biggest private homes in America in its day. We stop for lunch and journey back into Canada to Ottawa, the capital city. Witness Parliament Hill in Ottawa’s Crownland, downtown along the serene riverbanks. Originally a military base, the beautiful Gothic revival style edifice sits on lush greenery, complete with spires, miniature towers, and other evocative architecture that symbolize Canada’s national identity. We stay in Ottawa for two nights.

Day 8 : Ottawa

This morning we stop at the Canadian War Museum to learn about Canada’s military history. We then have a pleasant included lunch in Ottawa before an evening at leisure to relax and find your own discoveries in Canada’s Capital.

Day 9 : Montreal

We bid Ottawa goodbye this morning and travel towards Montreal with a detour at Sucrerie de la Montagne in Rigaud, a traditional sugar shack offering tours, entertainment, and handcrafted sweets. Tour the delightful shack and indulge in artisan fare during a special Holiday Vacations Farewell Lunch with new friends. After arriving in Montreal, we have a lovely walking tour of the charming island city that blends history with natural beauty and contemporary life.

Day 10 : Fly Home