Highlights
- Get an up-close look at thundering Niagara Falls on a 20-minute boat cruise
- Sample Montréal-style bagels and country-favorite poutine in Mile End
- Hike amid the dense Laurentian woodlands of Mont-Tremblant
- Cruise down the St. Lawrence River to admire Québec City's landmarks
- Enjoy sticky treats and learn how maple syrup is made at an authentic sugar shack
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Toronto (Ontario), Self-Guided Tour of Canada's Largest City | Toronto |
Day 2 | Drive to Niagara Falls via NOTL, Voyage to the Falls Experience | Niagara Falls |
Day 3 | Return Drive to Toronto, Visit the CN Tower, Discover Kensington Market | Toronto |
Day 4 | Drive to Montréal (Québec), Explore & Ride the Observation Wheel | Montréal |
Day 5 | Free Morning, Afternoon Mile End Food Tour | Montréal |
Day 6 | Drive to Mont-Tremblant, Free Afternoon | Mont-Tremblant |
Day 7 | Explore Parc National du Mont-Tremblant, Zipline Down the Mountain | Mont-Tremblant |
Day 8 | Drive to Québec City, Old Québec Walking Tour | Québec City |
Day 9 | Day Trip to Jacques-Cartier National Park, Evening River Cruise | Québec City |
Day 10 | Day Trip to Île d'Orléans | Québec City |
Day 11 | Drive to Charlevoix via Montmorency Falls, Explore the Region | Charlevoix |
Day 12 | Whale Watching Tour, Visit L'Isle-aux-Coudres | Charlevoix |
Day 13 | Return Drive to Montréal, Visit Montréal Museum of Fine Arts | Montréal |
Day 14 | Guided Sugar Shack Tour, St. Lawrence River Evening Cruise | Montréal |
Day 15 | Visit the Jean-Talon Market, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Toronto (Ontario), Self-Guided City Walk
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Welcome to Canada's largest city and Ontario's capital, Toronto! When you arrive, pick up your rental car and drive to your downtown hotel to unwind before venturing to explore the city. The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is a good place to start, where you can learn about the country's culture, history, art, and natural wonders, including First Nations artifacts. Alternatively, check out Fort York on the city's west end or head uptown to discover Casa Loma, North America's only castle.
Day 2: Drive to Niagara Falls via NOTL, Voyage to the Falls Experience
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Trade the bustling city for one of North America's most famous natural wonders, Niagara Falls, as you set off on a 1.5-2 hour drive. En route, stop in Niagara-on-the-Lake, a picturesque town full of 19th-century clapboard architecture, tree-lined streets, and lush floral displays. Wander down the main street to visit the charming boutiques and indulge in maple fudge or an ice cream cone before carrying on to a nearby winery to tour the vineyard and sample local varietals. Don't leave without trying ice wine, made from grapes left to freeze on the vine, concentrating their sugars and flavors, and pick up a bottle in the gift shop.
When it's time, continue along the scenic Niagara River Parkway south, away from Lake Ontario, toward Niagara Falls. Upon arriving, park your car and set out on foot to relish the power of the Horseshoe Falls as you watch the water speed over the precipice. Next, you'll don your recyclable poncho and board a boat to ride past the American and Bridal Veil Falls toward Horseshoe, where you'll immediately be enveloped by its mist and thundering roar. Take the rest of the day to explore Niagara Falls as you like before settling into your hotel for the evening.
Day 3: Return Drive to Toronto, Visit the CN Tower, Discover Kensington Market
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After breakfast, drive back to Toronto to see more of the city's landmarks, like the iconic CN Tower, the world's tallest freestanding structure until the Burj Khalifa was built in Dubai. Head to the lower observation level, where you can walk on a glass floor and look at the ground 1,122 feet (342 m) below you. Then, take the elevator to the top for panoramic views of the city and Lake Ontario through the floor-to-ceiling windows or outdoor terrace. If you're hungry, stop at the revolving restaurant to enjoy a gourmet meal with ever-changing views.
Day 4: Drive to Montréal (Québec), Explore & Ride the Observation Wheel
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Say goodbye to Toronto this morning as you set off on a six-hour drive east to Montréal, Canada's second-largest city and Québec's largest. Discover Montréal's French-soaked history, a famous food scene, and cultural attractions. Stroll through the lively downtown and head down to the St. Lawrence River, where you'll find market stalls, the Old Port, boat trips, and the observation Ferris wheel.
Once in the Old Port, wander down the promenade and enjoy picturesque views of the river and city skyline. Stop at Bonsecours Market to peruse the treasure trove of artisanal boutiques, craft shops, and gourmet eateries. Then, take a ride on La Grande Roue de Montréal, Canada's largest observation wheel, set on the riverbank. Enjoy panoramic views of the historic district, Old Montréal, and the modern skyline from your climate-controlled pod before ending the night at one of the restaurants overlooking the water or enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Free Morning, Afternoon Mile End Food Tour
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The morning is yours to spend as you wish. You might like to drive or hike to the top of Mount Royal, known simply as "The Mountain" by locals. There's plenty to do in the mountaintop park, from enjoying panoramic views of the city, picnicking on the grass, or picking up one of the many trails to traverse. You could also stop at Smith House to learn about the park's history, ecology, and recreational activities if you're unsure what to do.
In the afternoon, meet your guide for a food tour in Mile End, a laid-back neighborhood with an artsy vibe full of delicious Canadian and international food.
Your guide will tailor the tour to your tastes, but you may start with a Montreal-style bagel, renowned for its distinctive chewy texture and slightly sweet flavor, at St Viateur Bagel. Then, your next stop might be a deli to indulge in a classic smoked meat sandwich piled high with thinly sliced beef brisket. You can't leave without trying the beloved Canadian dish that originated in Québec, poutine. End the food tour at one of the area's top breweries to wash everything down with a craft beer.
Day 6: Drive to Mont-Tremblant, Free Afternoon
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Bid farewell to Montréal this morning as you set off on a 1.5-hour drive to Mont-Tremblant, one of Canada's top ski resorts. Even if you're not visiting in winter, there's plenty to do here year-round, especially in the surrounding national park. When you arrive, check into your hotel, then head to the Panoramic Gondola for a ride to the mountain's summit. From the top, enjoy scenic views of verdant forests, sparkling lakes, and rugged peaks as far as the eye can see. Follow one of the scenic hiking trails or grab a bite to eat at the mountaintop restaurant before luging or taking the gondola back down.
Consider booking yourself in for a spa treatment, from massage to alternating between dipping into a cold plunge or hot bath, followed by warming up in a wood-fired sauna. In the evening, return to the village and choose from an array of cozy cafés, casual eateries, and fine-dining restaurants for dinner. End the night with a classic Canadian treat: beaver tail (a deep-fried, flat pastry with your choice of topping, like cinnamon sugar, chocolate hazelnut spread, or fruit compote).
Day 7: Explore Parc National du Mont-Tremblant, Zipline Down the Mountain
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Immerse yourself in nature today as you head to Parc national du Mont-Tremblant (Mont-Tremblant National Park) on your own, the oldest national park in the province. There are plenty of activities to choose from, including hiking along scenic trails, fishing for native species, or searching for wildlife like moose, deer, beavers, and black bears. If you visit during the winter, you could also choose from seasonal activities like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Those who want a more relaxing day can visit Lac Monroe, a tranquil lake surrounded by lush forests, to swim in the clear waters or rent a kayak and paddle across the surface.
Day 8: Drive to Québec City, Old Québec Walking Tour
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Leave the mountains behind this morning as you start the four-hour journey to Québec's capital, Québec City, passing through Montréal and driving along Autoroute 40. Stop en route to visit the popular town of Trois-Rivières, which has an array of eateries, museums, and attractions like the Forges du Saint-Maurice, the first iron mine and refinery in North America.
When you arrive in the capital, refresh at your hotel before joining a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Québec, the only walled city left north of Mexico. Follow the narrow cobblestone streets past centuries-old architecture and learn about the city's history as a French colony. Marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Fairmont Château Frontenac, the historic Place Royale, and the picturesque Petit-Champlain district.
Afterward, visit the Huron-Wendat Museum on your own, located 30 minutes outside Québec City. Browse the collection of artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that highlight the traditions, customs, and way of life of the Huron-Wendat First Nations community.
Day 9: Day Trip to Jacques-Cartier National Park, Evening River Cruise
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Leave the city behind for the day as you drive less than an hour to Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier (Jacques-Cartier National Park) to explore the pristine forests, meandering rivers, and rugged mountain peaks at your own pace. Follow one of the many hiking trails or partake in activities like canoeing, kayaking, or wildlife watching to spot moose, black bears, and beavers. If you want to hike, there's a route suited for every skill level and interest, but if you're overwhelmed by the choices, you could book a guided tour that will take you to scenic viewpoints, revealing panoramic views of the park's natural beauty.
After a day in the park, return to your hotel in the city to relax, then venture out on an evening cruise down the St. Lawrence River. As you cruise the tranquil waterway, look out at the illuminated skyline and spot landmarks like Fairmont Château Frontenac and the historic Old Port. After 3.5 hours on the water, return to the shore and spend the evening as you choose.
Day 10: Day Trip to Île d'Orléans
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Your last full day in Québec City is yours to spend as you wish. Consider visiting Île d'Orléans (Island of Orleans) on the St. Lawrence River, one of Québec's first colonies. When you arrive, rent a bike to cycle along the waterfront, stopping at quaint roadside stands to sample fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and homemade treats. Explore historic sites such as the Église Sainte-Famille (Sainte-Famille Church) and the Maison de nos Aïeux (House of Our Ancestors), where you can learn about the island's colonial past and the lives of its early settlers.
Don't miss the Chocolaterie de l'Ile d'Orleans on the island's western tip to sample delicious Belgian chocolate. If you're visiting during summer, indulge in homemade ice cream instead. End your self-guided island tour at a local vineyard, where you can learn about the region's favorable climate and soils, ideal for grape growing. Engage in a guided tasting of the vineyard's wines, ranging from crisp whites to robust reds overlooking the river. Many vineyards on the island have an on-site restaurant, so you can sit down for dinner following your tour.
Day 11: Drive to Charlevoix via Montmorency Falls, Explore the Region
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Enjoy your final breakfast in Québec City, then hit the road for a one-hour drive northeast to Charlevoix, a tranquil region known for its natural landscapes, artistic charm, and gourmet delights. On the way, stop at Montmorency Falls, just 10 minutes outside the capital. There are many ways to see the falls, from hiking to different viewpoints, taking a cable car to the top, or crossing a suspension bridge with the roaring water below you. No matter which vantage point you see the falls from, you're sure to be impressed by the 272-foot tall (83 m) cascade that's 98 feet (30 m) taller than Niagara Falls.
Day 12: Whale Watching Tour, Visit L'Isle-aux-Coudres
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Get ready for what's sure to be a memorable activity as you set off on a three-hour whale watching tour on the St. Lawrence River at the mouth of the Saguenay River. Keep your eyes peeled for signs of activity as the boat glides through the crystal-clear waters. A naturalist will also be onboard to help you spot these graceful creatures. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may spot belugas, minke, humpbacks, fin, and blue whales. If you're visiting between May and October, you have the best chance of seeing them, but whales can be spotted here year-round.
After three hours on the water, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. You could take a ferry to L'Isle-aux-Coudres from Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive to discover the charming island. When you arrive, rent a bike and cycle past historic windmills, quaint farmhouses, and lush orchards. Stop at roadside stands to sample local specialties, like apple cider, maple syrup, and fresh-baked bread. Take in panoramic views of the river and surrounding landscapes from scenic lookout points, then relax on the rocky shores overlooking the water.
Day 13: Return Drive to Montréal, Visit Montréal Museum of Fine Arts
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Your eastern Canada road trip takes you back to Montréal today on a four-hour drive, passing through Québec City and Trois-Rivières, where you can stop again to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat. When you arrive, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. You could visit the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal (Montréal Museum of Fine Arts) to browse the array of masterpieces spanning centuries and continents. Discover each exhibit, from classical sculptures to contemporary installations, to appreciate the work of renowned artists and emerging talents.
Day 14: Guided Sugar Shack Tour & St. Lawrence River Evening Cruise
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Your penultimate day in Canada starts with a sweet treat as you join a guided tour of an authentic cabane à sucre (sugar shack). These rustic cabins are located in maple tree-rich forests that typically open during the maple syrup harvesting season between mid-February and April. However, some are open to guests year-round. When you arrive, tour the maple groves and learn about maple syrup production, from tree tapping to sap collection and boiling. After the tour, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch before spending a few hours on your own.
Day 15: Visit the Jean-Talon Market, Depart
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After 15 days, your road trip across Ontario and Québec journey draws to a close today. If you have some time before your flight, you could explore more of the city independently. Head to the Jean-Talon Market, one of North America's largest open-air public markets, open year-round. Browse the stalls full of farm-fresh produce, artisanal cheese, delectable pastries, and seasonal delicacies. Grab one last Montréal-style bagel, poutine, or smoked meat sandwich. When it's time, drive to the airport, drop off your rental car, and head inside for your flight home. Safe travels!
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Map
![Map of Self-Drive Eastern Canada Highlights: Toronto, Niagara Falls, Montréal, Québec City & Charlevoix - 15 Days Map of Self-Drive Eastern Canada Highlights: Toronto, Niagara Falls, Montréal, Québec City & Charlevoix - 15 Days](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/maps/07d2719c9819a6a56918495e33d13600e647942f/original-2a586e9f98de295f1c98ddccbacd86af.jpg)