Highlights of Eastern Canada

Discover Toronto, Canada’s financial hub nestled on the scenic shores of Lake Ontario. Toronto serves as an excellent base to explore the Great Lakes region that includes the spectacular Niagara Falls. This City of Neighborhoods prides on a rich heritage and a kaleidoscope of diverse ethnic cultures. Apart from world-class dining, themed contemporary museums, and packed sports seasons, Toronto appeals with its vast green spaces, and hosts myriad waterfront entertainment venues along its 28-mile coast! Toronto’s sprawling skyline is best seen from the waters, while a visit to the CN Tower affords aerial perspectives thanks to an EdgeWalk, a revolving restaurant, and a 360-degree observation deck. In the Old Town area, the 1803 St Lawrence Market houses generations of specialty vendors while The Distillery District is a Victorian industrial-style historic enclave featuring stylish boutiques, artisanal foods, galleries, and events. A short ferry ride away, the Toronto Islands offer a quick escape with manicured gardens, and picnic spots.

Explore Ottawa, Canada’s cool capital that overlooks the Ottawa River on the Quebec-Ontario border. Steeped in culture and heritage, this cosmopolitan city has classic and modern architecture, year-round festivals, and jazz and blues vibes! From the historic Rideau Canal and the Victorian gothic Parliament Hill complex, to the waterfront urban parks and themed national museums, there’s plenty to take in. River and canal cruises showcase the sights of Ottawa, and the islands share stories of the First Peoples’ past. With a BeaverTail pastry in hand, the ByWard Market is great to enjoy a myriad of food stalls with regional produce, trendy clothing stores and an active nightlife. Millions of tulips carpet the cityscape during spring, while ice skaters and ice sculpturers appear during Winterlude. Apart from miles of cycling pathways across the city, Gatinuea Provincial Park is within easy reach to further enjoy the outdoors. Ottawa’s Greenbelt features farms and boardwalks, and the surrounding countryside surprises with unique experiences.

Marvel at Montréal, a multi-faceted and photogenic metropolis in southeastern Canada. Set on the St Lawrence River, this chic island city boasts iconic architecture, eclectic dining, entertainment, and nightlife, along with vibrant festivals showcasing jazz, comedy, and avant-garde art. Among Montréal’s urban gardens, Mount Royal Park is the undisputed green heart offering picnic spots, historic sites, woody trails, and two belvederes that overlook the sprawling cityscape. Past the Promenade Fleuve-Montagne is Montréal’s French colonial Old Town, highlighted by the Gothic Revival Notre-Dame Basilica, and the landmark Pointe-à-Callière where Montréal was founded! Shady streets, murals, and colorful buildings dot the hip neighborhoods of Plateau Mont-Royal and Mile End, which have a large concentration of creatives and are ideal for people-watching. Across town, pedestrianized boulevards have trendy homegrown shops, while atmospheric public spaces host seasonal pop-up markets. Between the five-ecosystem Biodôme and Insectarium, the artsy Underground City, and the standing wave at Habitat 67, there are enough reasons to spend a while in Montreal.

Uncover the wonders of Québec City, a clifftop cosmopolitan destination overlooking the St Lawrence River in eastern Canada. Priding itself on its quintessential French vibe, this 400-year-old city is punctuated by landmarks of its military history, botanical parks, and atmospheric squares. The fortified Old Québec charms you with cobblestone streets flanked by centuries-old buildings, funicular rides, and the showstopper Fairmont Le Château Frontenac looming above. Outside the walls, trendy neighborhoods are bustling with artists and buskers, while fine eateries treat you to boreal cuisine! The state-of-the-art Huron Wendat museum complex in Wendake offers superb insights into Canada’s indigenous First Nations. Québec’s urban trails including the waterfront promenade, along with the popular winter festivals are ideal for people-watching, while a sunset river ferry is excellent to admire its skyline. Natural attractions such as the Plains of Abraham and Montmorency Falls allow outdoor explorations in the area, and across the bridge, Île d’Orléans welcomes you to the lush ‘Garden of Québec’ countryside!