Day 1:
We’re off! An early departure time gets us underway on our memorable adventure to eastern Canada. We travel to Cowtown for lunch, across the prairies of Alberta, and share some of the history and origins of our Alberta towns. We enter the arid plains of Saskatchewan and experience some of the excitement of its colourful history. From the Cypress Hills Massacre to the Outlaws of the south, we share the excitement of a Saskatchewan unknown to most. We’ll spend the night in Swift Current. Day 2:
Following the world’s longest national highway, we wind eastward through salt flats, past the Western Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve, and into the Besant Valley, the site of the earliest indigenous cultures on the prairies – pre-dating the exodus of Moses and the Israelites out of Egypt. We follow the Qu’Appelle Valley, sharing the haunting mystery of its heritage, and enter Manitoba’s rich agricultural land. We spend the night in Winnipeg where the west begins. Day 3:
From the geographic centre of North America, we leave “the Forks” and enter the splendour of Whiteshell Park. Driving through the myriad of lakes, we enter the Canadian Shield – the world’s oldest rock formations. At Thunder Bay we’ll visit the fur-trading empire of the Northwest Trading Company, Old Fort William where we take an inter-active journey into the past, sharing the experiences, trials and tribulations of the voyageurs and traders. We overnight in Thunder Bay with a new appreciation for Canada’s economic roots. Day 4:
From the shores of Thunder Bay, we visit the memorial dedication to Terry Fox, touched by the courage of his commitment to the cure. We continue to run the path chosen by Terry as we skirt the northern shore of Lake Superior through rugged rocks and forests, amazed at his endurance and determination. Hear the haunting tales of the Edmund Fitzgerald and imagine the blood, sweat and toil of the railway workers. We’ll visit the replica of Winnie the Pooh at White River. We overnight in Sault St. Marie. Day 5:
Following the “moonscape” of the world’s nickel capital, we visit the “Big Nickel” in Sudbury, and shop for amethyst in the gift shop from the local mines. See geodes from the earth’s crust and view enormous slag heaps of tailings from the depths of the interior. Follow the infamous 401 highway from the lake country to the urban giant, Toronto, and witness the spectacular CN Tower on the skyline, Canada’s largest free-standing tower. Overnight in Toronto. Day 6:
Our day begins with a tour of Casa Loma Castle where we witness the grandeur of Sir Henry Pellatt’s dream, share his triumphs and his tragedies, and appreciate his contribution to current day urbanization. We are free to roam the gardens, shop, and eat lunch at our leisure. This afternoon, we’ll experience a city tour of Toronto. At your own cost, you can visit the Hockey Hall of Fame or shop at a local Market Garden. This is our second night in Toronto. Day 7:
We leave the big “T”, to travel through the agricultural region of Ontario to The Big Apple, and delight in the natural goodness of local orchards. We explore the military heart of Canada in Kingston, home of the Royal Military College, the oldest Canadian academy of its kind. Explore the markets and shops of Kingston before leaving for our three-hour narrated boat tour at Gananoque in the “Garden of the Great Spirit”. We spend the night in the comfort of our garden paradise in Gananoque. Day 8:
Leaving the Gateway to the Thousand Islands, we head for the stunning Hull Museum of Civilization, designed by Alberta architect, David Cardinal. Replete with a unique Haida Gwii collection, a Saskatchewan grain elevator, and the Smokey Lake Ukrainian Orthodox church in entirety, this museum traces the history of civilization in Canada pre-dating the birth of Christ. We’ll drive near the Prime Minister’s Residence, the War Memorial, and Royal Canadian Mint and we will have a tour of the Parliament Buildings. A tour of the RCMP Musical Ride stables is a highlight in our day in Ottawa. Day 9:
As we head eastward, “La Belle Province” does not due justice to the historic beauty of Quebec. While in Montreal, we do a city tour possibly visiting St. Joseph’s Oratory and Notre Dame Cathedral. On your own for lunch, perhaps you would like to experience the “Montreal Smoked Meat experience” and Montreal’s underground city. Exploring the north shore of the St. Lawrence Seaway, we wind our way through pastoral French countryside experiencing the flavour and “joie de vivre” of rural French culture. We spend our first night in Quebec in the tranquility of Beauport, just outside old Quebec City. Day 10:
C’EST MAGNIFIQUE!! Is the only way to describe the historic grandeur of this grand city. A tour of the Plains of Abraham, Ile d’Orleans, and Ste. Anne-de-Beaupre, complete with majestic Ste Anne’s Basilica, start the day concluding in Old Quebec City with an opportunity to roam Treasure Street for local art, enjoy traditional French cuisine, and see the majestic Chateau Frontenac. Take the funicular into the past and see the oldest stone church in Quebec, cobblestone streets and gates of the old town. 2008 is the 400th Birthday for one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. From January to October 2008, the world is invited to join this proud and beautiful city for a grand celebration!
Second night in. Beauport, just outside old Quebec City.
Day 11:
Leaving La Belle Province, we enter the Maritimes through New Brunswick, travelling the fertile farmland of the Saint John River Valley. We walk across the Mighty Saint John River under the shelter of the longest covered bridge in the world in Hartland. We spend the night in aristocratic Fredericton, New Brunswick’s capital, named for Frederick, son of George III, and home to the Loyalist founders. Day 12:
This morning we depart Fredericton for a visit to the Hopewell Rocks, “flowerpot rocks” created by the clash of continents, carved by melting glaciers, and then sculpted by the giant tides of the Bay of Fundy. Then off to Moncton, where we’ll coast “uphill”, on famous Magnetic Hill. We’ll traverse the Northumberland Strait via the engineering masterpiece of the Confederation Bridge. We enter the world of Anne of Green Gables, and spend the night in the serenity of Cavendish, after partaking in a traditional lobster supper. Day 13:
Life in Prince Edward is vibrant and spectacular like the colours in the “Garden of the Gulf”. Join us for a day tour of the island while we travel the red beaches of Cavendish, lunch at the oyster bar, and see the playground of Anne of Green Gables. We spend our second night in Cavendish within walking distance of the beach and Green Gables. Day 14:
A morning ferry takes us across the Northumberland Strait to Nova Scotia. Across the Canso Causeway, we enter Cape Breton Island for tea at Rita McNeil’s Teahouse. From Big Pond past coves and inlets, we drive to Sydney for the night. Day 15:
Departing Sydney, we travel into the past at historic Fort Louisberg, a working depictment of military life in the late 1700’s. Watch a military drill, visit the bakery, and tour officer’s quarters complete with an original Louis XIV armour from France. Then explore the “deeps” of the Miner’s Museum and enjoy a coastal drive along the Marconi Trail, before retiring for the second night near Baddeck. Day 16:
We leave early to experience the imagination and inspiration of Graham Bell’s genius. View Beinn Breagh, Bell’s scientific headquarters for over 35 years, and meet the man who bridged the world between Sound & Silence, teaching deaf people to speak. Enter the Gates of Cape Breton’s Highlands National Park and travel the footsteps of John Cabot from his landing in Aspy Bay on June 24, 1497. Stop in the Acadian fishing village of Cheticamp, home to local tapestries and hooked rugs inspired by early Acadian settlers. We will conclude the day near Baddeck, home of Alexander Graham Bell. Day 17:
As we leave Canada’s Scotland by the sea, we return to mainland Nova Scotia. We follow the Minas Basin to the thriving seaport of Halifax, taking a city tour to the Titanic Graves, the Citadel, and the Public Gardens. At your own discretion, spend the afternoon at the harbour with opportunities to visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, trace your family tree at Pier 21, see the Bluenose II, or experience one of Alexander Keith’s finest on the wharf. Enjoy the glassblowers, local artistry or a water taxi ride in the harbour. Overnight in Dartmouth. Day 18:
Today is a day of swashbucklers and adventure! From racing schooners to pirate treasures, we follow the Lighthouse Route along the coast. We see the Fisherman’s Memorial at the World Heritage site in Lunenberg, home of the Bluenose. Visit the home of world famous Amos Pewter in Mahone Bay, and see the craftsmanship behind their masterpieces. Enter the world of the Eco Musee and see the age-old art of rug-hooking. Mail a postcard from Canada’s only working lighthouse post office and experience the stark majesty of Peggy’s Cove, Canada’s most photographed location. Return to Dartmouth. Day 19:
We leave historic Halifax to travel the Evangeline Trail, the Acadian “trail of tears”. Through the fertile Annapolis Valley, we bear witness to the fruits of their labour; their orchards, their farms and their heritage. We feel the British presence at Fort Anne, Canada’s most historic military post. We see the Officer’s Garrison, the powder magazine and Canada’s oldest cannons. From “Annapolis Royal”, we travel to the Bay of Fundy and on to Digby to ferry from Nova Scotia to New Brunswick, to the landing site of the first British Loyalists. We overnight in Saint John. Day 20:
From our hotel near Loyalist Square, we visit the Reversing Falls in Saint John, the only phenomenon of its kind in the world; then on to St. Andrews by the Sea to the site of the magnificent Algonquin Hotel, and the historic 1812 blockhouse. Overnight in Gorham, New Hampshire. Day 21:
Departing Gorham, we visit the Maple Grove Candy Factory and Museum for a taste of the local flavours. At Montpelier we have a guided tour of the Capitol Building, replete with fossil floors and imposing granite walls, cut and hewn by hand. We visit Graniteville – and the Rock of Ages granite quarry – site of North America’s largest granite producer. We overnight in picturesque Rutland, Vermont, after an afternoon drive through the Green Mountains. Day 22:
Before we leave Rutland, we have the opportunity to witness the incredible talent of America’s most renowned artist, at the Norman Rockwell Museum. Through the scenic Mohawk Valley, Confederate Head of the Iroquois, we cross the Erie Canal and travel on to Syracuse, New York where we relive canal history at the Erie Canal Museum. We overnight in Syracuse. Day 23:
After leaving Syracuse, we travel the Moses Parkway to Niagara Falls, New York. After a brief visit to Goat Island, we cross the Rainbow Bridge to the Canadian side for a ride on the Maid of the Mist. Following lunch and an afternoon in Niagara Falls, we head for our hotel for the evening. Day 24:
From the Falls to Niagara on the Lake, we follow the scenic Niagara Parkway to see the Floral Clock, historic Fort George, and a myriad of vineyards and wineries. See the Prince of Wales Hotel, and the famous George Bernard Theatre before departing for Dutton and our return to the United States. We overnight in Toledo, Ohio. Day 25:
From Toledo we follow the southern end of Lake Michigan, through the heartland of the great agricultural area of America’s mid-west. Arriving in Nappanee, we enter the world of the Amish and experience the simple unity of roots firmly planted in the Reformation. Arriving before the Revolution in Pennsylvania to escape persecution in Europe, Indiana is home to the second largest Old Order Amish settlement in America. Experience their culture; quilting and crafts, family focus and faith. Enjoy lunch and an opportunity to shop the market for crafts and produce. Overnight in Nappanee, Indiana Day 26:
By now you will be used to seeing Amish people driving their horse and carriages. We’ll use some real horsepower today to take us to Wisconsin Dells for the night. Day 27:
Departing Madison, we follow great lake country through the fabled north woods of Minnesota and the heart of Paul Bunyan country. Travelling from Superior to Duluth, we cross the head of great Lake Superior, the finest natural harbour on the Great Lakes. We witness the transition of forest to farmland. Overnight in Bemidji, Minnesota. Day 28:
Continuing through the farmland of western Minnesota and into North Dakota, the land gradually gives way to the prairie with which we are so familiar. Travelling north towards the Manitoba border, we pass many missile silos, still complete with nuclear warheads. We’ll spend our night in Brandon, Manitoba. Day 29:
Back in Canada, we are just about home……….we overnight in Saskatoon. Day 30:
Winding our way back along the Yellowhead, we have time for reflection on the marvels and scope of this great country of ours. Overnight: Home. |
Featured Adventures
