Eastern Canada & New England in the Fall

Today we begin with an orientation tour of Toronto including Bay Street, the Financial District, City Hall, Parliament of Ontario, University of Toronto, Yonge Street and the Eaton Center. This evening get acquainted with your
fellow travellers at our welcome dinner.

Accommodation: Chelsea Toronto

You are free to relax this morning before we venture to the top of the CN Tower for lunch with a view! Opened in 1976, the CN Tower defines the Toronto skyline and remains a celebrated architectural marvel.

The floor-to-ceiling glass provides a spectacular 3600 panoramic view over the city and lake. The rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure.

For unbeatable views of the city skyline you may wish to take the short ferry ride across to Centre Island, a car-less island comprising 600 acres of parkland, attractions, bicycle paths and eateries.

Accommodation: Chelsea Toronto

This morning we depart for the Niagara Peninsula – the natural divide between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. On arrival at Niagara Falls we board the “Hornblower” and venture up close to the American Falls, Canadian Horseshoe Falls, and breathtaking Great Gorge. Marvel at the thundering roar, awesome power and amazing mist that the powerful falls create.

In the afternoon we visit Niagara on the Lake, a lovely colonial style town. Enjoy a winery tour and tasting before returning to Niagara Falls to check into our hotel. This evening we’ll take an evening walk to admire the illumination of the falls.

Accommodation: Sheraton on the Falls

This morning we depart Niagara Falls and make our way to the Thousand Islands region, an archipelago of over 1800 islands that straddle the Canadian/US border. Enjoy lunch on a one hour cruise through what the Indians have dubbed the “Garden of the Great Spirit”. After our cruise we make our way to the Canadian capital, Ottawa.

Accommodation: Lord Elgin

This morning we acquaint ourselves with the beautiful Canadian Capital on an orientation tour – passing by the Rideau Canal, Canadian Museum
of Civilization, National Gallery of Canada and Rideau Hall. The afternoon is free to relax or explore the city further if you so choose!

Accommodation: Lord Elgin

We farewell Ottawa this morning and make our way to Montreal. On arrival in Montreal we begin an orientation tour of this dynamic metropolis. We’ll explore old Montreal, the Business District and enjoy the views across the city from Mount Royal. Spend the afternoon at leisure enjoying the culture and beauty of this historic city.

Accommodation: Doubletree by Hilton

We start our day at the Montreal Botanical Garden, one of the world’s greatest botanical gardens with a collection of 22,000 plant species spread out over 75 hectares.

Next we embark on a cable car ride to the top of the tallest inclined tower in the world – the Montreal Tower Observatory, located within the Montreal Olympic Park. Enjoy the panoramic view of metropolitan Montreal, Olympic Park and the dominant St. Lawrence River. On a clear day, this view stretches for more than 100km!

Accommodation: Doubletree by Hilton

We farewell Montreal this morning and head to Quebec City. We stop enroute at a sugar shack where we will enjoy the folkloric traditions and the ‘art’ of maple syrup production. We then head to the Sanctuaire Notre-Damedu-Cap in Trois Rivieres, Canada’s national shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary. We continue to the stunning Montmorency Falls – a wonder of nature that measures 30m higher than Niagara Falls. On arrival in Quebec City we’ll check into our hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel Pur

This morning we explore Quebec City, the only fortified city north of Mexico. We visit the Place Royale, Plains of Abraham, Parliament Hill and the historic Château Frontenac hotel. Enjoy some free time to stroll the cobblestone streets and discover the charm of this beautiful city, before we board the Ms Zuiderdam where we spend the evening onboard in the port of Quebec City

Accommodation: Holland America’s MS Zuiderdam

Today you may wish to join one of the tour activities, or alternatively explore Quebec City further yourself before rejoining the ship as it sets sail towards the Gulf of St Lawrence.

Accommodation: Holland America’s MS Zuiderdam

Today we stop at Baie-Comeau, beautifully located on the banks of the Mancouagan and Saint Lawrence Rivers. Stroll the lovely quartier SainteAmélie. Learn about regional wildlife at the Maison de la Faune. Or visit the new Centré Boréal, a fascinating Glacier Center where visitors can walk through a manmade glacier, experiencing its  temperature, sound and movement

Accommodation: Holland America’s MS Zuiderdam

Today we stop at the tiny French island of St-Pierre & Miquelon are the last remnants of the former colonial territory of New France. Spend the day exploring and enjoy the uniquely French architecture, cafes and people.

Accommodation: Holland America’s MS Zuiderdam

We spend today in Corner Brook, a small but bustling city, on Newfoundland’s west coast. Captain Cook initially mapped this area, known as the Bay of Islands, in 1767, and like many other Newfoundland settlements, Corner Brook began as a fishing village. Take in the stunning scenery, the rolling green mountains and the views overlooking the bay.

Accommodation: Holland America’s MS Zuiderdam

Today is spent near the northern tip of Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula, tiny St. Anthony predates even the famed navigator and explorer Jacques Cartier. Though he gave the town its name, it was already a seasonal camp used by French and Basque fishermen when he arrived in 1534.

Accommodation: Holland America’s MS Zuiderdam

Today we explore the historic St Johns, which occupies a spectacular site on one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Entered through “the Narrows”, a 200-meter-wide passage flanked by cliffs, the harbor widens out into a protected basin. Square, flat-roofed wooden houses painted in different colours are typical of St. Johns.

Accommodation: Holland America’s MS Zuiderdam

Today is spent at sea, relax and enjoy the wonderful facilities provided on the Ms Zuiderdam.

Accommodation: Holland America’s MS Zuiderdam

We spend the day in Halifax, Nova Scotia’s provincial capital. Halifax has a rich maritime history, beautiful architecture and a magnificent coastline. It is home to one of the greatest natural harbours in the world and has a lovely waterfront, great shopping districts and cultural enclaves. Nature lovers, food aficionados and shopaholics will all enjoy visiting the city.

Accommodation: Holland America’s MS Zuiderdam

Today we set foot on US soil as we arrive in Bar Harbor, Maine. Surrounded by the magnificent Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is a scenic and walkable town whose streets are lined with restaurants and boutiques. Boat tours explore the waters and islands that surround Bar Harbor, with seasonal opportunities to see wildlife and lighthouses along the way.

Accommodation: Holland America’s MS Zuiderdam

We disembark our ship in New England’s largest city, Boston; from the charming cobblestones of Beacon Hill, to the civic landmarks along the Black Heritage Trail and Freedom Trail, Boston is a treasure trove of Americana. After touring the city in the morning, we’ll make our way to the “Big Apple” New York! This evening we’ll head out on the town for a farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Millennium Hotel

Wake up to the hustle and bustle of New York today! We’ll view the major sights and landmarks on a city tour, including Central Park, Times Square and the Empire State Building, before we transfer to the airport for our flight home.

Today is spent travelling.

Our Escorted Escape ends. On arrival, farewell your friends and tour host as you head home.