Self-Drive Eastern Canada Highlights: Toronto , Niagara Falls, Montréal, Mont-Tremblant, Québec City & Charlevoix - 16 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Toronto (Ontario), Self-Guided Tour of Canada's Largest City

Welcome to Toronto, Canada's largest city nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario. 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.

Admire the 20th-century Gothic Revival architecture before discovering the opulent furnishings and decor inside. Explore the castle independently or join a guided tour to learn more about its history as a residence, military hub, and, most recently, a filming location. Back downtown, end your self-guided city tour in the Distillery District, a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood full of Victorian-era industrial architecture that now houses shops, galleries, and eateries. Grab a drink from one of the craft breweries, then wander the charming streets to spot street art and outdoor performances.

Day 2: Drive to Niagara Falls via NOTL, Voyage to the Falls Experience

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 loaded with 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. Then, visit some of the area's landmarks, like the Fort George National Historic Site or the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum.

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: Wine Tasting of the Niagara Peninsula, Free Afternoon

Spend the day exploring three wineries along the Niagara Peninsula, known for its moderate climate and diverse soil types ideal for grape cultivation. You can tour the property at each winery, learn about the winemaking process and the varietals produced, and sample three different wines. One of the most unique wines from the Niagara region is ice wine, which is made from grapes left to freeze on the vines, concentrating their sugars and flavors. You can't leave without trying it. The tour ends with a three-course gourmet lunch overlooking a picturesque vineyard.

You have the rest of the day free. The adventurous might consider booking a Whirlpool Jet Boat tour along the Niagara River. You can get soaked or stay dry as you power up Class V rapids and atop the swirling whirlpool in the Niagara Gorge. Alternatively, stay closer to home and drive back to Niagara Falls for a little exploration. Check out Clifton Hill, known as the "Street of Fun," for themed restaurants, arcades, haunted houses, peculiar museums, and souvenir shops, while at the top lies the Niagara SkyWheel, an option for another look at the falls. End the night at one of the many eateries offering classic Canadian fare and international delights. 

Day 4: Return Drive to Toronto, Visit the CN Tower, Discover Kensington Market

This morning, it's time to drive 1.5-2 hours back to Toronto to discover more of the city's landmarks, like the iconic CN Tower, the world's tallest freestanding structure until Dubai's Burj Khalifa was built. 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. 

Try not to fill up too much, as your next stop may be Kensington Market, an eclectic neighborhood with a multicultural mix of supermarkets, street food, hole-in-the-wall boutiques, and vintage clothing stores. Pop in and out of the different shops or immerse yourself in the neighborhood's diverse culinary scene by trying popular dishes like jerk chicken, arepas, tacos, or the French Canadian poutine (fries smothered in cheese curds and gravy). If you want to experience Toronto's vibrant nightlife, walk south a block to Queen Street West, a trendy neighborhood known for its diverse bars, clubs, and live music venues. 

Day 5: Drive to Montréal (Québec), Explore & Ride the Observation Wheel

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, stroll along 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, enjoy 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.

Day 6: Free Morning, Afternoon Mile End Food Tour

Enjoy a free morning to explore more of Montréal at your own pace. You could 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 to picnicking on the grass or going on a hike to traverse one of the many trails. If unsure what to do, you could also stop at Smith House to learn about the park's history, ecology, and recreational activities.

In the afternoon, meet your guide for a food tour in Mile End, a laid-back neighborhood full of delicious food, both Canadian and international. 

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, made with crispy fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. End the food tour at one of the area's top breweries to wash everything down with a craft beer.

Day 7: Drive to Mont-Tremblant, Free Afternoon

Bid adieu to Montréal for now 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 8: Explore Parc National du Mont-Tremblant, Zipline Down the Mountain

Lace up your hiking boots and prepare for a self-guided active adventure to Parc national du Mont-Tremblant (Mont-Tremblant National Park), the oldest national park in the province and a short drive north of Mont-Tremblant. 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. 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.

In the afternoon, return to the village and head up to the Adventure Centre in the Sommet des Neiges building to check in for your five-zipline course. After checking in and completing a safety briefing, you'll ride the gondola to the summit of Mont-Tremblant. From there, you can walk to the first and shortest zipline. Ride down the mountain, soaring above the forest canopy and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The course will take you back to the bottom of the mountain, but not before you complete the longest zipline, which is a staggering 3,500 feet (1,066 m). 

Day 9: Drive to Québec City, Old Québec Walking Tour

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, located 30 minutes outside the 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 10: Day Trip to Jacques-Cartier National Park, Evening River Cruise

The day is yours to spend as you wish. If you want to immerse yourself in nature, drive 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, 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 refresh, then venture out on an evening cruise down the St. Lawrence River. As you cruise down 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 venture over to Saint-Roch, a trendy neighborhood known for its hip eateries, casual dining spots, and lively bars. Indulge in classic Québécois fare like a tourtière, a meat pie made with minced pork, beef, or game meat to end the night.

Day 11: Day Trip to Île d'Orléans

Spend the day exploring Île d'Orléans (Island of Orleans). The small islet on the St. Lawrence River was one of Québec's first colonies and is now known for its charming villages and lush farmland. 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 13: Whale Watching Tour, Visit L'Isle-aux-Coudres

Today's memorable activity has you setting off on a three-hour whale watching tour at the mouth of the Saguenay River. Keep your eyes trained on the water's surface for signs of animal activity, as a naturalist will help you spot these graceful creatures. You may spot belugas, minke, humpbacks, fin, and blue whales depending on the time of year you visit. If you're here 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 explore 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 14: Return Drive to Montréal, Visit Montréal Museum of Fine Arts

The return drive to Montréal today will take about four hours. To break up the drive, you can stop in Québec City or Trois-Rivières to stretch your legs and have something to eat. When you arrive, check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day as you please. 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. 

Continue to one of the oldest Chinatowns in North America to shop or indulge in traditional dishes. Step through the ornate gate adorned with colorful dragons to enter the bustling neighborhood lined with Asian grocery stores, traditional bakeries, and authentic Chinese restaurants. Sample local delights, such as Peking duck or barbecue pork, then pop in and out of the shops to look for souvenirs. Don't fill up too much, so you can end the night in Plateau Mont-Royal, a trendy neighborhood full of cozy bistros, colorful cafés, and intimate eateries to find somewhere for dinner.

Day 16: Visit the Jean-Talon Market, Depart

If there's time before your departing flight, consider checking out 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 popular smoked meat sandwich. Leave with enough time to drop off your rental car and then say adieu to French Canada. Safe travels!

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