12-Nights Lower and Upper Canada: Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City, Kingston & More

Saguenay

The Saguenay region of Quebec is most known for its distinctive geological features. Here you can visit Le Monde Enchante, a park with waterfalls, covered bridges and gazebos overlooking the Saguenay River. The fjords, mountains, waterfalls and the beautiful village of Petit-Saguenay attract visitors from all over. Visiting the New French Village, one can experience what life was like when this area was first settled by French explorers. Among museums in the area are the glass art factory, the Cheddar Cheese Museum and the Zoo Saint Felicien.

Quebec City

Because Quebec City is Canada’s most historic city and the only walled city in North America, it was classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Treasure by. Visitors are greeted by an authentic, profoundly French city. The city features winding, cobbled streets with 17th- and 18th-century stone houses and churches, graceful parks and squares, and many monuments. Great emphasis has been placed on Québec nationalism, and the city has become a symbol of glorious French heritage. Visit the oldest church in Québec, Our Lady of Victory, dating from 1688. See the cellars of Maison des Vins, where Québec Société des Alcools sells more than 1,000 kinds of rare vintage wines in a warehouse dating from 1689. See the exhibits at Civilization Museum. The most striking building is celebrated landmark Château Frontenac. Looming high above St. Lawrence, the turreted building with its slanting, copper roof is an impressive sight. Built to accommodate colonial governors, it is now a hostelry.

Montreal

Montréal is truly an experience: old world charm, French joie de vivre and a modern style all its own. Montreal is a stunning city to visit and there is so much to see. Along the St. Lawrence River many people come to take a horse-drawn calèche ride through cobbled streets for romantic moments. Just miles away are the skyscrapers of the city as they tower above the city’s businesses and restaurants. Montreal is the world’s second largest French-speaking City. It's top ten attractions are: The Biosphere, Old Montreal, Biodome de Montreal, Musee d'Art Contemporain, Montreal Botanical Gardens, Chinatown, Notre-Dame Basilica, Insectarium, Cours Mont-Royal, and the Canadian Centre for Architecture.

Ottawa

Ottawa is beautiful to visit and one of the most culturally diverse cities in Canada. Its magnificent boulevards, exquisite gardens and regal architecture are captivating. The city is home to the country’s national monuments and museums. There is Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography, National Arts Centre and National Gallery of Canada. Several museums present displays telling Canada’s heritage, such as Royal Canadian Mint, Museum of Nature, Canadian War Museum, Aviation and Currency Museum and Canada Science and Technology Museum. Parliament Hill is heart of Canada’s democratic system. Stay for the Changing of the Guard ceremony or the Sound and Light Show. Enjoy a stroll along Rideau Canal, where lush gardens, impeccably groomed streets and pathways invite exploration. In winter, this waterway becomes the world’s longest ice-skating rink! Ottawa is speckled with attractive streetscapes holding many unique shops, boutiques, galleries and dining areas in their folds, all ready to discover.

Toronto

It’s been called “a city that works.” As the capital of Ontario and Canada’s largest city, Toronto has become a dynamic cosmopolitan hub known for entertainment, culture, sports, high fashion and big business. The city boasts more than 20,000 retail stores and restaurants. Yet for such a large city (current population is 4.4 million) it is miraculously clean, safe and friendly. Tourists are drawn to the charm of the Lake Ontario waterfront district, the high-rise splendor of the popular Yonge Street, and the trendy shops and quaint cafés along College Street and Queen Street. With a flourishing music and performing arts scene, Toronto is very popular with young people.