BEARS, NATIVE CULTURE AND GREAT LAKES - 14 NIGHTS / 15 DAYS
TORONTO / TORONTO

This programme features a route through the parklands and waterways of Ontario, a province rich in visitor attractions, native culture and outdoor recreation. First stop is the dynamically charged city of Toronto with its wealth of shopping and sightseeing opportunities. From Ontario’s capital, the road leads east to historic Kingston and the beautiful 1000 Islands. The arts and culture of Montreal awaits, before travelling through rural Quebec on the road to Ottawa, the seat of Canada’s government. On to Algonquin Park and a canoeing adventure, followed by an appreciation of native culture on Manitoulin Island. Your travels take you through beautiful Ontario backcountry to Sudbury and its famous ‘Giant Nickel’, then return to Toronto via Collingwood, a popular recreational spot situated at the foot of Blue Mountain.

ITINERARY
Day 1 - ARRIVAL IN TORONTO

Arrive at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport and transfer independently to your hotel. Pick up your Jonview Canada Roadbook at the front desk as you check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore this bustling capital of Ontario. Overnight in Toronto.

Day 2 - TORONTO

Travel to Niagara Falls today and enjoy many of Niagara Falls most popular attractions, such as Maid of the Mist, White Water Walk, Journey Behind the Falls, Butterfly Conservatory, and the People Mover Bus and Falls Incline Railway by using your Niagara and Great Gorge Adventure Pass. The rest of the day is at leisure in Toronto.

Day 3 - TORONTO TO KINGSTON (260 KM)

Drive east today, starting out along the shores of Lake Ontario to Kingston, a city rich with history and hallmarks of Canada’s colonial past. This colonial gem is home to the prestigious Queen’s University, charming old neighbourhoods, quaint shoppes and a vibrant waterfront. A wide variety of attractions are available, such as tours of Fort Henry, the Royal Military College, or cruises in nearby Gananoque around the ‘1000 Islands’ – a system of small islets spread over deep, inviting lakes. Overnight in Kingston.

Day 4 - KINGSTON TO MONTREAL (290 KM)

En route to Montreal today, you will travel through the tended fields and ancient boreal forests of a pastoral, calming route. This wonderfully lush island landscape is dotted with luxurious cottages and vast estates before coming to the waterside francophone metropolis of Montreal. Overnight in Montreal.

Day 5 - MONTREAL (188 KM)

Montreal is one of the art and culture centres of Canada, boasting a long and colourful history. Visit Notre-Dame Basilica, Old Montreal, the Olympic site, the Biodome, Mt. Royal Park, the casino or the underground city. Montreal nightlife is a must, the discos, jazz clubs and other venues promise a lively experience. Overnight in Montreal.

Day 6 - MONTREAL TO SAINTE CATHERINE DE LA JACQUES / DUCHESNAY EGOLOGICAL RESERVE (250 KM)

En route to St. Catherine de les Jacques, we suggest a stop at Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Canada's national shrine to the Virgin Mary. Century-old farms line the highway, revealing the heavy influence the the agrarian lifestyle still holds in Quebec. Of interest in along the way is the Museum of Quebec Folk Arts and Traditions. Arriving in St. Catherine de les Jacques, the natural splendor of the area is exemplified by the Duchesnay Ecological Reserve, preserving the unique ecological specimens native to the region. Overnight in St. Catherine de la Jacques Cartier/Duchesnay Ecological Reserve.

Day 7 - SAINTE CATHERINE DE LA JACQUES CARTIER / DUCHESNAY ECOLOGICAL RESERVE

The Duchesnay Ecological Reserve beckons you to explore the protected parklands and examples of the diverse ecology of the area. During this time you will enjoy a 3 hour bear watching tour. An experienced guide will take you to areas to observe black bears feed and socialize in their natural environment. A short drive away lays the historic walled city of Quebec City. A pivotal location in Canada’s formation, Quebec City offers a great number of historical attractions such as The Fortifications, Place Royale and the National Battlefields Park. Architectural monuments such as the Basilica of Notre Dame and the old city wall itself offer informative tours, both guided and self guided. Overnight in St. Catherine de la Jacques Cartier / Duchesnay Ecological Reserve.

Day 8 - SAINTE CATHERINE DE LA JACQUES CARTIER / DUCHESNAY ECOLOGICAL RESERVE TO OTTAWA (460 KM)

The road leading to Ottawa is steeped in history, connecting the old centre of Canadian political power to the modern day seat of government. Many attractions may be visited along the way, such as the Wolfe- Montcalm Monument or Dufferin Terrace. Once in Ottawa, the magnificent Parliament Buildings and National Gallery top every visitors list. Overnight in Ottawa.

Day 9 - OTAWA TO ALGONQUIN PARK (450 KM)

Leaving the tamed waters of the Rideau Canal behind, you travel east into the land of igneous rock shoals capped in fragrant crowns of white and jack pines. The blazing orange of the rock is contrasted with the deep blues and blacks of the lakes and streams that line the route to Algonquin, reminding visitors why this area has been the focus for many of Canada’s greatest artists. You soon enter the pristine wilderness of Algonquin Provincial Park for your 2 night stay in an authentic log cabin lodge. In the evening, enjoy a hearty Canadian dinner in the dining area where you’ll get acquainted with your fellow lodgers. Overnight at Algonquin Log Cabin Lodge. Dinner included.

Day 10 - ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK (173 KM)

This morning you will participate in a guided morning hike to Lookout Bluff for a spectacular view over some of the Algonquin lakes. Later in the day, you’ll join other travellers on an authentic 8-metre Voyageur canoe and paddle to a campfire point where you will watch the sunset, build a bonfire and have dinner. If you prefer, you can paddle your own canoe and meet up with the group at the bonfire site. Finally, night paddle back to the log cabin for a restful night’s sleep. Overnight at Algonquin Log Cabin Lodge. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 11 - ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK TO SUDBURY (320 KM)

Begin your morning with a home-cooked meal to prepare you for a final morning in the wilds of Algonquin. Enjoy a relaxing morning on the dock, swimming in the lake or taking a sauna . You may also want to lace up your hiking boots and continue your exploration of the forest or take one last paddle through this pristine landscape . Return to the lodge for a barbeque lunch and some free time before it is time to leave and travel further into Ontario’s north, passing by the small towns that have grown up around the lumber, mining and pulp industries common throughout the region. Arriving in Sudbury, known affectionately as ‘Big Nickel’, you will get a true sense of the grit and character of this city set in the rugged forests and stone shelves of the north. Many modern retail outlets abound, as well as the hands-on exhibits of Science North. Overnight in Sudbury. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 12 - SUDBURY TO MANITOULIN ISLAND AREA (BIRCH ISLAND) (173 KM)

Today you’ll drive from Sudbury to Manitoulin Island, the largest island on fresh water. Manitoulin is home to five First Nations reserves and one of the oldest settlements in North America, dating back some 9,500 years. You’ll check in at Rainbow Lodge located on Birch Island and spend the remainder of the day at leisure exploring the area’s, native art galleries and shoppes. Overnight in the Manitoulin Island area.

Day 13 - MANITOULIN ISLAND AREA (BIRCH ISLAND)

Today you will have a full day to participate in many native and cultural activities found on the Great Spirit Circle Trail. Embark on a Mother Nature Earth Walk escorted by an Aboriginal guide and you’ll learn to identify various local plant species and their role in traditional cooking and medicine. For a hands-on experience, try making an Ojibwe traditional craft or spirit stone painting while learning about the history and symbolisms of these items. Overnight in the Manitoulin Island area.

Day 14 - MANITOULIN ISLAND AREA (BIRCH ISLAND) TO BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT(167 KM)

Today you’ll board a ferry for a two-hour cruise to Tobermory and continue along the shores of Georgian Bay through the picturesque Bruce Peninsula, arriving in the popular recreation and tourist destination of Collingwood. We suggest a visit to the Scenic Caves Nature Preserve, a fascinating geological area with deep caverns leading to age old passageways and rock formations. Other area attractions include the Collingwood Museum, Shipbuilders Park, Harbourlands Park and the cluster of historic homes along 3rd Street. Overnight in Collingwood.

Day 15 - END OF TOUR (145 KM)

Today you return to Toronto and make your way to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport in time to check-in for your departure flight home.

 

Pricing Details Per Person (excluding transatlantic flights):

Thursday & Sunday Departures - 10 JUNE - 22 AUG
TWIN
SINGLE
TRIPLE
CHILD
BEARS, NATIVE CULTURE & GREAT LAKES
£853
£1439
£682
£356

NOTE - Special Cancellation Terms Apply to this Tour

 

Price Includes:

  • Accommodation for 14 nights
  • Meals - Days 9-11 (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches,and 2 dinners)
  • Day 2, Niagara Falls - Niagara and Great Gorge Adventure Pass
  • Day 7, Sainte Catherine de la Jacques - bearwatching
  • Days 9 & 10, Algonquin Park - canoeing excursions
  • Days 12 & 13, Manitoulin Island - native arts and culture activities
  • A personalized Jonview Canada Roadbook, containing essential travel information featuring overview notes of the area of travel, local sightseeing and attractions, daily itinerary highlights, provincial maps with city guides, hotel vouchers and customized day-by-day routing maps.
  • Provincial taxes and federal GST, less tour package rebate

Price Excludes:

  • Airport transfers
  • Airport improvement fees
  • Ferry transfer
  • Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
  • Car rental, taxes and insurance

FERRY DETAILS
Prices are estimated for 2010. Schedules are included in passenger documents. Please be advised that ferry crossings not included in the cost cannot be pre-booked.

Day 14: South Baymouth to Tobermory Crossing time: 1 hour 45 minutes Car & driver: $36 (additional passenger: $16 per person)

 

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