Canada's Eastern Highlights

A self-drive loop from Toronto through Eastern Canada's best cities, lakeside villages and wilderness, with your flights, hotels and car hire all arranged.

Start with two nights in Toronto, including a trip up the CN Tower, then follow the shores of Lake Ontario to historic Kingston. In Montréal, a local guide leads you through the cobbled streets of the old town, before you head into the Eastern Townships for a night in the lakeside village of North Hatley.

Next comes historic Québec City, the mountain resort of Mont Tremblant and Ottawa, the nation’s capital. Two nights in Algonquin Provincial Park give you time to enjoy its forests, lakes and wildlife, and you finish with a boat cruise to the base of Niagara Falls.

Like all our trips, it’s easy to adjust: add nights where you’d like longer, upgrade your hotels or change the route to suit you.

Is this a private trip, and can I change it?

It’s a private trip built around your dates, not a group tour on fixed departures. You drive yourself and set your own pace, with a guided walk in Old Montréal along the way. You can change anything: add nights, swap places, upgrade hotels or slow the pace, and we’ll reprice it for you.

When is the best time to go?

June to October. Summer is warm and lively in the cities, while late September to mid-October brings the autumn colours that Algonquin Park and the Eastern Townships are known for.

Autumn is a popular time, so book early if you want to see the colours.

Which airlines do you use?

We usually use Air Canada, British Airways or WestJet, which fly direct from London to Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montréal, and we can book flights from regional UK airports.

Flights out leave during the day, so you arrive the same day. Flights home are usually overnight, which is why the length of each trip includes a night on the plane.

What are the hotels like?

We choose hotels for their location and character, from city hotels to mountain lodges and small inns. Some Canadian hotels add a resort or facility fee, and city hotels often charge for parking. Where we can, we include these in your price, and we’ll tell you about any you pay locally.

Do I need a visa?

UK passport holders flying to Canada need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). It only takes a few minutes to apply online, but do it as soon as you’ve booked, and use the official Government of Canada website, as other sites charge extra. If you hold a different passport, ask us.

Toronto

Canada’s largest city and its cultural capital, Toronto is a dynamic metropolis that effortlessly blends cosmopolitan flair with diverse neighbourhood charm. Towering skyscrapers define its skyline—crowned by the iconic CN Tower—while tree-lined streets and waterfront parks invite visitors to slow down and explore.

Toronto’s vibrant arts and dining scenes reflect its multicultural heritage, with world-class museums, galleries, and theatres alongside an endless array of global cuisines. Stroll through colourful districts like Kensington Market, Distillery District, and Queen Street West, or take a ferry to the Toronto Islands for a fresh perspective of the city. Energetic, diverse, and ever-evolving, Toronto captures the essence of modern Canada.

Kingston

Situated on the shores of Lake Ontario at the entrance to the St. Lawrence River, Kingston is a charming city rich in history and culture. Known as the “Limestone City” for its historic stone buildings, Kingston offers a captivating glimpse into Canada’s colonial past.

Visitors can explore Fort Henry, a 19th-century military fort with interactive exhibits and daily demonstrations, or stroll along the waterfront enjoying scenic views of Lake Ontario and the Thousand Islands. 

Montreal

Canada’s second-largest city and a hub of French-Canadian culture, Montreal is a lively metropolis brimming with creativity and charm. From the cobbled streets of Old Montreal to the modern skyline, the city effortlessly blends history, culture, and cosmopolitan energy.

Montreal is renowned for its world-class dining, vibrant arts scene, and festivals that celebrate music, film, and dance year-round. Explore the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica, wander through the colourful neighbourhoods of Plateau Mont-Royal and Mile End, or take in panoramic views from Mount Royal Park. Montreal’s unique combination of European flair and North American energy creates an unforgettable urban experience.

North Hatley

Nestled along the shores of Lake Massawippi in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, North Hatley is a picturesque village renowned for its tranquil beauty and artistic character. Its charming streets are lined with historic homes, boutique shops, and galleries, making it a haven for art lovers and those seeking a slower pace.

The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for hiking, cycling, and water activities, while cozy cafés and fine dining restaurants showcase the region’s culinary delights.

Quebec City

Steeped in history and brimming with old-world charm, Quebec City is one of North America’s most enchanting destinations. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town is a maze of cobbled streets, historic buildings, and vibrant squares, dominated by the iconic Château Frontenac overlooking the St. Lawrence River.

Visitors can wander the fortifications, explore the Petit Champlain district, or enjoy a riverside stroll along Terrasse Dufferin. With a rich cultural calendar, lively markets, and a strong French-Canadian heritage, Quebec City offers a romantic, immersive experience where history and modern life coexist beautifully.

View Itinerary in Detail

To view a sample holiday, click on one of the links below. This will open the itinerary up in a new window.

All of our Canada Holidays are completely tailor made and we can put together any kind of itinerary to suit your interests and budget.

We have many other options so if you have a particular hotel in mind just let us know and we'll put together a price and itinerary for you.