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

This programme makes its debut with an exciting new 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 north to Algonquin Park and a canoeing adventure, followed by an appreciation of organic cuisine in Temagami. Visit the railway town of Cochrane and travel through beautiful Ontario backcountry to Sudbury and its famous 'Giant Nickel'. Discover the world's largest freshwater island with a memorable stay on Manitoulin Island, home to five native reservations. 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

Take the full day to enjoy Toronto at your own pace. Visit impressive city landmarks such as the CN Tower or SkyDome (Rogers Centre), explore the harbourfront district on foot or by cruise, take in a world-class theatre production, or perhaps find a shopping bargain or two at the multi-level Eaton Centre. You may also want to consider making a day trip to Niagara Falls (driving time is approximately 2 hours). Overnight in Toronto.

Day 3 - TORONTO TO ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK ( 281 KM )

Travel north through charming rural villages and the pine and granite landscape of the Muskoka region before arriving at the Algonquin Log Cabin Lodge ready to begin your outdoor adventure. After lunch you'll join your Voyageur Quest guide for an introduction to canoeing before paddling leisurely on the clear waters of Surprise Lake. 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. Lunch and dinner included.

Day 4 - ALGONQUIN PROVINICIAL PARK

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 5 - ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK TO TEMAGAMI ( 188 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 head north past Lake Nipissing and North Bay to Temagami. Overnight at Smoothwater Eco-Lodge in Temagami. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 6 - TEMAGAMI

Enjoy a full day in Temagami, famous for its huge white pine forests and network of interconnecting canoe routes. In addition to hiking and canoeing, you'll be able to participate in a guided excursion into the Temagami wilderness in search of wild edibles and medicinals.Back at the lodge you're invited to join an executive chef in the kitchen and watch these wild foods such as mushrooms, dandelion, milkweed, rose petals and cedar into a tasty dinner! Overnight at Smoothwater Eco-Lodge in Temagami. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 7 - TEMAGAMI TO COCHRANE ( 245 KM )

Today's drive leads to the northern Ontario town of Cochrane, originally founded as a railway town.Rail operations remain an important to its economy today, along with tourism and lumber production. Overnight in Cochrane. Breakfast included.

Day 8 - COCHRANE

The entire day is yours at leisure. Sights of interest include the Tim Horton Museum, the Cochrane Railway and Pioneer Museum, and not to be missed is the Polar Bear Habitat and Heritage Village. Overnight in Cochrane.

Day 9 - COCHRANE TO SUDBURY (VIA TIMMINS) ( 401 KM )

Depart Cochrane via Timmins for today's drive through the backcountry of Ontario. Your destination is Sudbury, home of the 9-metre 'Big Nickel' built in tribute to the city's early beginnings as a nickel ore producing centre. Consider a visit to Science North, an impressive science centre with IMAX theatre. Overnight in Sudbury.

Day 10 - SUDBURY TO MANITOULIN ISLAND ( 173 KM )

Today you'll drive from Sudbury to Manitoulin Island, located on the world's largest freshwater lake. Manitoulin is home to five native reservations and one of the oldest settlements in North America, dating back some 9,500 years. You'll check in at the Endaa-aang Eco Tourism Cabins and spend the remainder of the day at leisure exploringthe peaceful surroundings of the Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation. Overnight on Manitoulin Island.

Day 11 - MANITOULIN ISLAND

Browse through several native galleries and craft shops or view the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls as you stroll along a trail on the shores of the Kagawong River. Overnight on Manitoulin Island.

Day 12 - MANITOULIN ISLAND TO BLUE MOUNTAIN ( 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. You'll pass by the picturesque limestone cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment before arriving in the popular recreation and tourist destination of Collingwood. Overnight in Blue Mountain.

Day 13 - BLUE MOUNTAIN

Spend the full day in this delightful town located on the southern shore of Georgian Bay, at the foot of Ontario's highest ski hill, Blue Mountain. 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. The Huron village of Ekarenniondi also once stood on this site. Other area attractions include the Collingwood Museum, Shipbuilders Park, Harbourlands Park and the cluster of historic homes along 3rd Street. Overnight in Blue Mountain.

Day 14 - BLUE MOUNTAIN TO TORONTO AIRPORT ( 145 KM )

Consider a stop at popular Wasaga Beach before departing the Collingwood area and traveling through the town of Barrie before heading south to Toronto. Overnight in Toronto.

Day 15 - END OF TOUR

Make your way to Toronto's Pearson International Airport in time to check in for your departure flight home.

 

Pricing Details Per Person (excluding flights):

Departures every Saturday and Wednesday 21 May to 20 September 2008
No departures 24 & 31 May
14 nights / 15 days - Toronto / Toronto
Date
Twin
Single
Standard Grade All dates
£811
£1316

VEHICLE HIRE
As the type and size of car you may wish to rent will vary depending on both the size of your party and the level of comfort you require, we have decided not to include the cost in the above price grid but instead we offer you complete flexibility by being able to simply choose your vehicle type and size and for how many days you wish to rent it. To access details and prices of vehicle hire please click here.

OPTIONAL EXTRA ACTIVITY PACKAGE

Day

2
8
9

Location

Niagara Falls
Cochrane
Timmins
Inclusions

Niagara and Great Gorge Adventure Pass
Admission to Polar Bear Habitat and Heritage Village
Gold Mine Tour and admission to Shania Twain museum
Saturday & Wednesday departures: May 21- Sep 20 cost per person Adult £50 Child (6-12) £33
 

Price Includes:

  • 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.
  • Meals: Full board starting from lunch on Day 3 and ending with breakfast on Day 7.
  • Provincial taxes and federal GST, less accommodation rebate.
  • Accommodation for 14 night(s).
  • Canoeing excursion on Day(s) 3 and 4.
  • Guided Wild Edibles Walks on Day 6.

Price Excludes:

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

FERRY DETAILS
Prices are estimated for 2008. Schedules are included in passenger documents. Please be advised that ferry crossings not included in the cost cannot be pre-booked.

Day 12: South Baymouth to Tobermory Crossing time: 1 hour 45 minutes Car & driver: $46 (additional passenger: $15 per person)

 

Click here for enquiry form Click here for flights Click here for car hire