Route Des Voyageurs
- Duration
- 16 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,774
MODERATE | SELF-DRIVE: Enjoy the cosmopolitan delights of Toronto, the thunder of Niagara Falls and Ottawa, the nation's capital. Then embark on a discovery of French Canada, cradle of Canada's beginnings. From historic Quebec City, travel to the top of the Gaspé Peninsula, where Jacques Cartier claimed New France in 1534. The mighty St. Lawrence River is a companion for several days, leading you back to vibrant Montreal.
This 16-day trip is a gem that re-traces the historic routes of Canadian voyageurs and allows guests to enjoy seldom-seen natural wonders and some of Canada’s greatest cities all in one trip.
After arriving at Pearson International Airport, check out some of the city’s great shopping areas, such as Yorkville or West Queen West, then sample Toronto’s great restaurants and nightlife.
The next day is yours to explore the Niagara Peninsula. As you head towards Niagara-on-the-Lake you can stop at one of the many wineries that line Niagara Stone Road. Stroll the old-time streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake, then follow the Niagara Parkway to Niagara Falls, where you can check out the majesty of the Horseshoe Falls.
After an overnight back in Toronto, head to Rockport, where you’ll board a ship and explore the majestic Thousand Islands on a one-hour cruise. Head from there to Kingston, home to a number of historic, limestone mansions and public buildings. Stroll along the waterfront and enjoy a great meal in town.
From Kingston you’ll head to Ottawa, the nation’s capital. Admire the beautiful parks, walk along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO heritage site, or try shop at the Byward Market.
You’ll pass north of Montreal the next day as you head toward Lac-St. Pierre and the small city of Trois-Rivieres. Explore the galleries and try one of the waterfront restaurants in town.
From there it’s on to magnificent Quebec City. Wander through narrow alleyways filled with artists, and stroll along the historic, cobblestone streets. Admire fine views of the St. Lawrence River from the Dufferin Terrace boardwalk.
The next day you’ll pass lovely small towns as you head toward the romantic Charlevoix region, where quality of light has attracted artists for decades. Baie St. Paul is a charming village with great galleries and restaurants.
Heading east, make your way through more pretty villages and take the ferry across the St. Lawrence to Rivière-du-Loup, where you’ll find a jagged shoreline dotted with sandy beaches. Continue to Rimouski.
You’ll leave the St. Lawrence the next day and cross the base of the Gaspé Peninsula to beautiful Baie des Chaleurs.
It’s only a short drive along a winding coastal road the next day. Stop to admire traditional fishing communities perched along the water’s edge as you head to Percé.
The next day is yours to enjoy Percé Rock, an ancient formation of rugged stone that rises majestically out of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s one of Canada’s most recognizable natural attractions.
The next day you’ll follow the rugged northern coastline or cross Gaspésie Park, home to moose and caribou. Sample fine, French-Canadian meal as you head to Riviere-du-Loup.
Take a drive through Kamouraska and St. Jean-Port-Joli as you drive along the mighty St. Lawrence River the next day. Your stop for the night is Montreal, where you can step out for a fabulous meal or enjoy top-notch nightlife.
In Montreal the next day, stroll through the romantic Old City, visit the intricate and beautiful Notre Dame Basilica, or shop at the wonderful Jean Talon Market in the city’s vibrant north end.
- Duration
- 16 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,774
Itinerary
Arrival in Toronto
Arrive at Pearson International Airport, Toronto, and transfer independently to your downtown hotel. The Roadbook you received will have all the information needed for your holiday/trip/journey. The Remainder of your day is at leisure, perhaps shopping at the Eaton Centre or sampling the fine cuisine and nightlife of Toronto.
Overnight Toronto
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|
Toronto / Niagara Falls Excursion (260 km / 162 miles)
Explore the Niagara Peninsula today, skirting the shores of Lake Ontario and passing many vineyards and orchards. The region is known for its excellent wines and some of the wineries will offer tours and tastings. Stop in lovely Niagara-on-the-Lake, home of the Shaw Festival, which has carefully preserved its 19th-century charms. Then, follow the scenic Niagara Parkway to the spectacle waiting for you in Niagara Falls: the mighty Horseshoe Falls.
Overnight Toronto
Toronto to Kingston (265 km / 165 miles)
Drive east along Lake Ontario to Rockport where you board a comfortable ship to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Thousand Islands on a relaxing one-hour cruise as the vessel weaves gracefully between the chain of small islets. Afterwards, make your way to historic Kingston, home to the grand halls of Queens University and dozens of magnificent limestone mansions and public buildings that harken to the days of colonial Canada.
Overnight Kingston
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|
Kingston to Ottawa (196 km / 122 miles)
Follow the path of the St. Lawrence River for a short time through the picturesque county of Gananoque, providing a stunning backdrop to your day’s travels. Turning northwest, you’ll arrive in the national capital of Ottawa, home to Canada’s federal government. Magnificent Neo-Gothic halls sit on acres of manicured grounds, stretching to inviting parks and wonderful walkways along the Rideau Canal.
Overnight Ottawa
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|
Ottawa to Trois-Rivières (317 km / 197 miles)
Passing north of Montréal, pick up the path of the St. Lawrence River again as it widens into the open waters of beautiful Lac-St. Pierre. Arrive in Trois-Rivières where the rest of the day is free to explore this quintessential Francophone town. Explore and delight in its historic neighborhoods, art galleries and waterfront restaurants.
Overnight Trois-Rivières
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|
Trois-Rivières to Québec City (129 km / 80 miles)
Today’s adventure starts with a memorable drive on the "King's Highway", passing numerous small French-Canadian villages that have been the painted by some of Canada’s finest artists. Passing through the walls that encircle Quebec City, enter this magnificent UNESCO Heritage Site, still dominated by cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a lively arts-focused community.
Overnight Québec City
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|
Québec City
Québec City is Canada's oldest city and exhibits a strong French Canadian cultural and linguistic heritage. The Fortifications, the famous Plains of Abraham, Place Royale, and the Basilica make for a captivating day of discovery. Outside the city are natural wonders such as the spectacular Montmorency Falls and the beautiful Ile d'Orleans.
Overnight Québec City
Québec City to La Malbaie/Bais Saint Paul (123 km / 76 miles)
Today you depart Quebec City and journey up the north shore of the St. Lawrence River through small towns and villages until you enter the beautiful Charlevoix region. This area has been designated a biosphere by UNESCO and is dominated by imposing massifs carpeted in forest, meadows and small valleys nestled between the mountains and the St. Lawrence River. This grandiose and tranquil landscape has long attracted visitors from far and wide and has inspired generations of artists who have made Charlevoix their subject of choice.
Overnight in La Malbaie/Baie Saint Paul.
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|
La Malbaie/Baie Saint Paul to Rimouski/Mont Joli (204 km / 127 miles, Land Only)
Heading east towards the river, travel through the small villages that are the spiritual heart of Quebecois culture. Take the ferry to Rivière-du-Loup on the south side of the St. Lawrence River, the jagged shoreline pleasantly dotted with islands and sandy beaches. Continue on to Rimouski/Mont Joli and take some time to discover the charms of this small town.
Overnight in Rimouski/Mont Joli.
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|
Rimouski/Mont Joli to Bonaventure/New Richmond (335 km / 208 miles)
This morning, leave the St. Lawrence behind and cross the base of the Gaspé Peninsula to the Baie des Chaleurs. The route follows the salmon-rich Matapédia River through the lush Matapédia Valley, flanked by vast forests and mountain ranges.
Overnight in Bonaventure/New Richmond.
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|
Bonaventure/New Richmond to Percé (136 km / 85 miles)
Before setting out, why not visit the seawater therapy center for a rejuvenating experience? The winding coastal road offers a scenic drive past sheltered bays and traditional fishing communities. En route, stop to admire the sweeping panoramic views of the St. Lawrence before reaching the picturesque village of Percé.
Overnight Percé
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|
Percé
Percé and its natural treasures beckon today. Visit one of Canada’s most recognizable natural attractions: the Percé Rock (at low tide, you can walk to this massive geological phenomenon). Among the other activities are coastal cruising, visiting the bird sanctuary on Bonaventure Island and touring Mont Ste-Anne where you can enjoy panoramic vistas of nearby villages and offshore islands.
Overnight Percé
Percé to Riviere-du-Loup (546 km / 339 miles)
Today, follow the coastal route along the rugged northern coastline or cross Gaspésie Park in the remote heart of the Gaspé. The park’s serene woodlands, inhabited by herds of caribou, moose, and deer, form a stark contrast to the forbidding backdrop of the towering Chic-Choc Mountains. In Matane, observe the salmon runs and sample some fine French-Canadian cuisine.
Overnight Riviere-du-Loup
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|
Riviere-du-Loup to Montréal (431 km / 268 miles)
The drive passes Kamouraska and St. Jean-Port-Joli, the woodcarving capital of Québec. The numerous islands in the St. Lawrence River are frequented by large colonies of seabirds and shorebirds. Your final stop is Montréal, a fabulous and truly thriving city where you can indulge in some unique shopping, French cafés, superb restaurants, and exuberant nightlife.
Overnight Montréal
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|
Montreal
The day is at leisure for exploring Montréal, which boasts a vibrant, cosmopolitan flair and a unique combination of the founding cultures of Canada. Stroll through the Old Port, visit the Notre Dame Basilica, return to the 1976 Olympic Games at Olympic Park, and relax in Mount Royal Park. Enjoy the joie de vivre in one of Canada’s most exciting cities.
Overnight Montréal
Montréal
The day is at leisure for exploring the sights of Montréal before driving to Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to check-in for your flight unless you plan to extend your stay in the city.
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Daily departures: May 23 - September 29, 2024
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Customized Self-Drive Roadbook (Digital version)
- 2 nights moderate accommodations in Toronto
- 1 night moderate accommodations in Kingston
- 1 night moderate accommodations in Ottawa
- 1 night moderate accommodations in Trois-Rivières
- 2 nights moderate accommodations in Quebec City
- 1 night moderate accommodations in La Malbaie/Baie Saint Paul
- 1 night moderate accommodations in Rimouski/Mont Joli
- 1 night moderate accommodations in Bonaventure/New Richmond
- 2 nights moderate accommodations in Percé
- 1 night moderate accommodations in Rivière-du-Loup
- 2 nights moderate accommodations in Montreal
- Shared 1-hour 1000 Islands Cruise
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Car rental insurance
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Entrances fees to sites not explicitly listed as included
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Road tolls
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Visa fees if applicable
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request. Additional terms and conditions apply for car rental - please inquire.
13 Sep 2024
