Self-Drive: Toronto Discovery (Summer) 9D/8N

Car pick-up from Toronto Airport
Welcome to Toronto! You'll pick up your rental car from the airport before hitting the road. Tonight, you'll be staying at a hotel in Toronto city.

Half-day walking tour of the City of Toronto
During this private and guided three-hour tour, you will discover the roots of Canada's largest city. You will retrace its history from its beginnings when it was still called York, to the cosmopolitan metropolis it has become today. You will walk the iconic streets of old Toronto, starting with the Financial District. This is the business district that houses Toronto's main head offices. Known for its huge skyscrapers, the district also hosts many restaurants. Next is Nathan Phillips Square and City Hall: the central basin of this large square is transformed into an ice rink in winter. It hosts various events such as concerts, exhibitions, markets and more! Old Toronto is where you can stroll between the fresh and seasonal St Lawrence Market, the city's largest covered market. National Geographic magazine ranked it first in the world's market rankings a few years ago. Then, you'll end this visit in the historic district of the Distillery, where you will feel like you stepped back in the1850’s, in the heyday of Canadian whiskey production. This pedestrian village is composed of restored red brick buildings, houses small shops, restaurants and art galleries. As you stroll through the streets of Toronto, you will make unique detours and stop for local specialities. After that, you'll have the rest of the day at leisure.

Visit Niagara Falls
As a natural border between Canada and the United States, Niagara Falls is one of the country's premier tourist destinations. On the Canadian side, you will reach the extraordinary show of the Horseshoe Falls, an arch of 675 metres long and 50 metres high. The flow rate of these powerful falls is striking. Sailing to the foot of Niagara Falls, strolling along the trail along the Falls or overlooking them from the Table Rock platform, you will be spoilt for choice to enjoy the show. We suggest that you spend an afternoon in the region's vineyards, divided into two regional appellations: Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Escarpment. Thanks to a unique microclimate on the shores of Lake Ontario, grape varieties such as Riesling and Chardonnay can compete with the biggest names. Indeed, the unique microclimate of the region is favourable to viticulture.
Suggestions for activities and vineyards will be included in your roadbook. Activities and site entrances to be paid on site.

Road 2 along Lake Ontario
Today, you'll hit the road between Toronto and Kingston, which is about a 2:45 drive. We suggest you take Road 2 along Lake Ontario as soon as you can. Suggestions for stops will be included in your roadbook. Once you arrive, you'll have a half day free in the city of Kingston - Canada's capital for only three years. Kingston, the gateway to Thousand Islands Park on the shores of Lake Ontario, is located between Toronto and Montreal. This charming city has a historic city centre with many stone houses and Victorian residences. Suggestions for visits will be included in your roadbook. Then, you will embark from Gananoque to the splendid Thousand Islands. You'll embark on a one-hour cruise across the St. Lawrence River between the Navy and Admiralty Islands. This group of wild islets is home to an incredible variety of migratory birds. It's the perfect setting to discover this magnificent region.

Travel on to Montreal
Road between Kingston and Montreal, which is about a 3 hour drive. We suggest you quickly take Road 2, which will offer you a very beautiful view of the majestic St. Lawrence River. Suggestions for stops will be included in your roadbook. You'll then enjoy half a day free in Montreal. The second largest French-speaking city in the world, Montreal is not only the economic and cultural capital of the Quebec region, but it is also an island! The St. Lawrence River holds her in its arms. Montreal will charm you with its American-European atmosphere, culture, entertainment and breathtaking views. Discover its old harbour, its old districts and its history. Explore its famous underground city, admire the view from its belvedere, stroll through the Plateau district, so many things to discover for this great city full of surprises. Suggestions for visits will be included in your roadbook.

Half-day walking tour of Old Montreal (B)
The city of Montreal is made up of five main neighbourhoods: the Plateau du Mont-Royal, the downtown core, Old Montreal, the Latin Quarter and Mount Royal Park. You will walk the streets with your local guide and visit the main public squares with the charm of yesteryear. First is Place d'Armes: look up and admire the neo-gothic style of the Notre Dame Basilica, the vertical lines of the Aldred Building, or the old seminary of Saint Sulpice, the oldest building in this part of Montreal. Next, is Place Jacques-Cartier, a pedestrian street where you will see many street artists and other cartoonists with a good-natured atmosphere. As you walk along, a detour will take you to Saint-Jacques Street, nicknamed "Little Wall Street of Canada". Finally, you will stroll along the Cours Le Royer to soak up its softness of life and tranquility. Throughout your stroll through the streets of Old Montreal, you will make unpublished detours and make a few stops to taste local specialities. Note: The visit to Notre-Dame Basilica is not included in this half-day. After this, you'll enjoy free time in Montreal.

Head on to Quebec City (B)
Today, you'll head on a 3-hour drive between Montreal and Quebec City. You will take the tourist road of the Chemin du Roy, known for its breathtaking panoramic views. Throughout your trip, you will follow the St. Lawrence River and cross the city of Trois-Rivières as well as beautiful Quebec villages. Suggestions for stops and activities will be included in your roadbook. Once you arrive, you'll have the rest of the day free in Quebec City. If you like to stroll, then be sure that Quebec City will seduce you! Its lively and warm streets, its old town and its rich history make Québec City a must-see stop on the shores of the St. Lawrence River. Discover the famous Château Frontenac, the Petit Champlain district, and admire the panoramic view over the St. Lawrence River and its famous Montmorency Falls. A crossing on the island of Lévis is essential if you want to get a beautiful panorama of the city for beautiful pictures! Suggestions for visits will be included in your roadbook.

Orleans Island and villages
Located ten kilometres from Quebec City and linked by a bridge, Orleans Island will welcome you to a beautiful day. This island is full of magnificent treasures. You will discover its six sumptuous villages along its sublime tourist road. Suggestions for stops will be included in your roadbook. In the evening, embark on an unforgettable adventure on the St. Lawrence River aboard the Louis Jolliet ship! This 4-hour cruise will sail from Old Quebec to beautiful Orleans Island and the Montmorency Falls. You'll be offered a tasting of microbrewery beers. Quebec City and its Frontenac Castle by night will offer you their most beautiful show of lights whilst circus artists will perform on the ship for you. It's the perfect way to experience vibrant Quebec!

Transfer from Quebec City and Montreal Airport
Today, your adventure comes to an end. You'll follow the St. Lawrence River and cross the city of Trois-Rivières as well as beautiful Quebec villages. It's about a 3 hour drive. You'll then return the car at Montreal Airport and get ready to take your flight home. Safe travels ahead!