Canada's Capital Cities plus Niagara Falls

Tour begins: 5:30 PM at The Fairmont Royal York. A transfer from Toronto International Airport to The Fairmont Royal York upon arrival is included. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner at the amazing Royal Ontario Museum, a special experience for Tauck guests only!

Journey to thundering Niagara Falls this morning for a cruise near the plunging waters and misty spray of the waterfalls, raincoats on. Have lunch as you please amidst the Victorian charms of Niagara-on-the-Lake, before returning to Toronto for an afternoon spent as you wish. Enjoy dinner at your leisure tonight in the hotel.

En route through Ontario to Canada's capital city of Ottawa today, stop at Rockport and embark on a cruise along the St. Lawrence River through the scenic Thousand Islands. Lunch is provided as you cruise past the region's postcard-perfect island escapes, from charming cottages to mansions. Disembark in Rockport and continue overland to the heart of Ottawa; your historic Fairmont hotel is reminiscent of a French château. Dine at the hotel at your leisure this evening with views of Canada's Parliament and the Rideau Canal Locks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Begin your day with a privately guided visit inside the historic Fairmont Château Laurier, one of Ottawa's most recognizable landmarks. Often referred to as the city's "castle," its grand halls, ornate detailing, and storied past offer a closer look at the role it has played in Canada's political and social life. From here, choose how you'd like to experience the capital – on a guided walking tour that brings you into the heart of Ottawa's downtown streets, or a panoramic coach tour that offers a broader introduction to its key sites and neighborhoods. Both options provide insight into the city's architecture, history, and daily life, with views of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River shaping the experience. A short drive takes you across the river to Gatineau for a visit to the Canadian Museum of History. With time to explore at your own pace following an introduction, you'll encounter immersive, artifact-rich exhibitions that trace the stories of Canada and its people – from First Peoples cultures and early exploration to traditions shaped by land and water. The remainder of the day is free to spend as you please.

Depart for French-speaking Montreal this morning, traveling into the province of Quebec. Along the way, enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside, offering a glimpse of rural landscapes and traditional ways of life that define this region. Experience one of Québec's most cherished traditions at Sucrerie de la Montagne, an authentic sugar shack set in the countryside. Following a traditional meal, explore the property and learn about the history and culture behind maple syrup production. Continue on to Montreal, where your introduction to the city includes a ride aboard La Grande Roue de Montréal, the tallest observation wheel in Canada. From your enclosed gondola, take in sweeping views over Old Montréal, Place Jacques-Cartier, and the St. Lawrence River. The remainder of the day and evening is at leisure to explore as you wish.

A choice of excursions this morning offers you the opportunity to discover Montreal as you wish. On one, join us for a guided walking tour in the oldest part of the city; find cobblestone streets lit by gas lamps and city squares graced with 18th- and 19th-century buildings that will remind you of the history and romance of "Old World" Europe. Your other choice offers you the chance to explore the city on a guided coach tour. This afternoon, pursue your own special interests – there are outdoor plazas, museums and historic churches to explore and a revitalized waterfront that's perfect for strolling. Dinner tonight is at a popular restaurant in Old Montreal. Bon appétit!

Travel from Montreal to Quebec City this morning aboard VIA Rail, settling into Business Class for a relaxed and scenic journey along the St. Lawrence River. As the landscape shifts beyond the window, the rhythm of rail travel offers a comfortable and unhurried way to experience the countryside between these two historic cities. On arrival, continue to nearby Montmorency Falls, where lunch is served at Manoir Montmorency overlooking the cascade. Rising higher than Niagara Falls, Montmorency is defined by its dramatic drop and constant motion. A guided visit introduces its history and natural setting, followed by a gondola ride for elevated views of the falls, the river, and the surrounding shoreline. From here, a short drive brings you into Quebec City, where Fairmont Le Château Frontenac stands high above the St. Lawrence River, overlooking the fortified streets of Old Québec – your home for the next three nights. Dinner is at the hotel this evening at your leisure.

On a Quebec City orientation tour, discover the many faces of one of the oldest cities in North America. Get an overview of sights like La Citadelle de Québec, the largest British fortress built in North America (overlooking the St. Lawrence River) and the adjacent Plains of Abraham. Venture outside of the city for a special visit to historic Île d'Orléans, a French inspired island of red-roofed farm houses and bountiful fields of agricultural produce, from vegetables to fruits. Savor lunch in a historic centuries-old French flour mill; the remainder of the day and evening are free.

If you wish, you may join your local guide this morning for an included, private tour of your historic hotel, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Otherwise, the entire day is yours to enjoy Quebec City's enchanting setting on the St. Lawrence River, its rich architectural legacy and its colorful past. The only fortified city north of Mexico, historic Quebec was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Explore the cobblestoned streets of Old Quebec where the Upper and Lower towns welcome with ramparts, citadels and 17th- and 18th-century houses, or people-watch from European-inspired cafés. We invite you to join us tonight for a farewell reception with entertainment and dinner at your landmark hotel.

Tour ends: Quebec City. A transfer is included from Fairmont Le Château Frontenac to Quebec City International Airport. You should allow three hours for flight check-in.