Although Canada is more accessible by direct flights than ever before the major gateways in the summer continue to be Toronto in the east and Vancouver in the west. The scenery is the draw with 14 and 21 day itineraries in popular demand, but long weekends in the east are gaining favour as modern jets cross the Atlantic in less than 6 hours. For the independent traveller touring by car or motor home gives the desired degree of flexibility usually backed by a mix of pre-booked (city) hotels and vouchers to use en route. Avis is our chosen car hire partner in Canada and the hotel voucher scheme offered by Guest International is highly recommended.
Toronto
Located on the northern shores of Lake Ontario the cosmopolitan city of Toronto, CanadaÆs commercial and cultural centre, is also its most popular gateway. From the famous CN Tower, at 1815 feet, the worldÆs tallest free standing structure, to the Harbourfront Centre, with its lakeside shopping and dining, the city offers a fascinating mix of high-tech architecture and leafy Victorian neighbourhoods. Sights not to be missed include the Skydome, home to the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Black Creek Pioneer Village and the Paramount, CanadaÆs Wonderland theme park. Downtown is the Eaton Centre, a shopperÆs dream comprising 350 shops, restaurants and entertainment complexes all under a glass dome. And for a different view of the city there are the daytime and evenings cruises on the lake from the Harbourfront.
A 3 night Mini Stay in both Toronto & Niagara Falls is available.Information on this and other Canadian Breaks
Montreal
The second largest French speaking city in the world, Montreal stands on an island at the confluence of the Ottawa and St Lawrence rivers. Although a scintillating city for all seasons (the climate controlled underground city has 20 miles of shops, cinemas, theatres and restaurants) it is in summer that it bares its Latin soul in cafΘ terraces, street happenings and marathon festivals of fireworks, theatre and comedy with the Rue St Denis and Boulevard Saint-Laurent at the heart of the action. Sightseeing should include the Botanical or Shanghai Gardens, a bateau mouche cruise or jetboat ride on the Lachine rapids or perhaps a flutter at the casino on Parc les Iles. Money and art gallery fans should purchase the money-saving pass on arrival provided at least three or more visits are intended. Last but not least Montreal is defined as the gateway to outdoor adventure.
A 4 night Mini Stay in both Quebec & Montreal is available. Information on this and other Canadian Breaks
Quebec
Romantic Quebec City, spectacularly perched on the cliffs of Cap Diamant over the St Lawrence River, is the cradle of French civilisation in North America and also its only fortified city. Like a fairytale in winter the Old Town bursts out in summer into a colourful al-fresco festival of non-stop street entertainment. DonÆt miss exploring the Plains of Abraham, the Quebec Citadelle and the Musee du Fort. And at the end of the day the intimate bistro or grand restaurant will underline the talent for exquisite cuisine. It is no surprise that UNESCO has designated the Old Town a World Heritage Treasure.
A 4 night Mini Stay in both Quebec & Montreal is available. Information on this and other Canadian Breaks
