Best of Eastern Canada & USA - Small Group

Tour Overview

See the top destinations in two countries on this 16-Day guided tour of Canada and the U.S. Stroll the urban-but-regal Queen's Park in downtown Toronto, then get up-close to the world’s most famous waterfall, Niagara Falls. Wander the grand mansions of Montreal and step inside the Notre-Dame Basilica — a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, featuring a gold and azure-hued sanctuary — with a Local Expert. In Maine, dine on decadent, authentic local lobster caught fresh from a nearby harbor. Walk with a guide along part of the Freedom Trail in Boston, a 2.5-mile trail with 16 historically significant sites, including the house where the Boston Tea Party was planned in 1773. In Philadelphia, see the Liberty Bell, rung throughout history to announce some of the country’s most historical moments, such as the death of George Washington. In New York City, meet local vendors at a neighborhood public market and taste local specialties.

Choice Highlights

• Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Quebec City: Experience Montmorency Falls, the remarkable natural wonder that towers 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls. Walk the full width of the falls on a suspension bridge between both sides of the park with roaring water below for a unique, adrenaline filled perspective. If you're feeling more adventurous, take the 487 panoramic staircase down along the cliff.
• Quebec City: Get up close and personal discovering metal craftsmanship at the copper art studio. Learn how – beginning with a Jewelery box decorated with tin and embossed copper panels – the repoussé technique has been passed down in the Gilles family for over 90 years. After seeing a collection of fascinating copper art, experiment for yourself using thin sheets of copper and tools to create your own work or art.
• New York City: Newly constructed in Midtown Manhattan, Summit One Vanderbilt has amazing views of the NYC skyline, especially the Chrysler Building. Summit One has four levels of multi-sensory space that represent art and design. With amazing views of the NYC skyline, guests will walkthrough a five-part-story-driven immersive art experience that includes reflective glass, optical illusions and art installations meant to challenge your perspective. Outside, there is also a wrap-around viewing deck that allows for amazing views and photos

Top Rated Highlights

• Niagara Falls: Get up close and personal with the mighty Falls. Experience the awesome power, thundering water and amazing mist from a state of the art eco-catamaran, making it a perfect and memorable way to experience this natural wonder. After the rush of excitement and rush of water, slow down and explore Niagara-on-the-Lake, a beautifully preserved 19th century village in the heart of Ontario wine country.  The flower-filled, tree-lined town features old world architecture, boutique shopping and plenty of character allowing for a truly charming time.
• Montreal: Join a local Expert who will guide you around Old Montreal and Mont Royal. View the Notre-Dame Basilica, the colorful old port and Place Jacques-Cartier, both at the magnificent heart of the old city.
• Montreal: Discover the history of the first neo-gothic church in Canada, an important witness of Montréal's foundations and breathtaking architecture, gold leaves, infinite blue, thousands of stars and exceptional stained glass windows.
• Quebec City: Discover more of Quebec’s unique European charm with a Local Expert. Get an in-depth look at why Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage site as you see the Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, City Hall, Palace Royale and views of the grand Chateau Frontenac.
• Acadia National Park: Take in the natural beauty of Acadia National Park, with its dramatic rocky shoreline and rugged nautical charm. You'll witness amazing views of the park from the top of Cadillac Mountain, while guests wanting to explore on foot can join their Travel Director to view well known spots such as Thunder Hole.
• Kennebunkport: Follow the rocky Main shoreline to the picturesque town of Kennebunkport. Here you’ll dock square in the center of town and have a chance to check out its quaint boutiques and local craft shops, selling everything from art to hand crafted jewelry.
• Boston: Explore the great city of Boston, with your Travel Director and learn about its transformative past. You’ll follow part of the red-brick Freedom Trail that brings the story of the American Revolution to life. Journeying to other historically significant sights that include the Boston Common, the Old Corner Bookstore and the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. View the colorful neighborhood of Back Bay and the lively North End, otherwise known as Boston’s Little Italy.
• New York City: Take a bite of the Big Apple, as a Local Expert shows you the very best of what the city has to offer. Including intimate looks at Times Square and Rockefeller Center. Also view other icons of the famous city skyline such as the Empire State Building, and the Art Deco filled Chrysler Building.
• Philadelphia: Explore the UNESCO-listed Independence National Historic Park and see the famous crack that runs down the Liberty Bell, whose inscription has inspired so many in history to "proclaim liberty.” It is the first and only institution in America established by Congress to increase the awareness and understanding of the Constitution on a nonpartisan basis among the American people.
• Washington, D.C.: Take a city tour of the history lined streets of Washington, D.C. and learn about the proud heritage of a nation. View the White House, the striking Washington Monument, and sprawling National Mall. Reflect on the country's most turbulent days at the Lincoln Memorial and the somber World War II Memorial.

Make Travel Matter

Ottawa: Learn about the Manitobah Mukluks Storyboot Project, a key initiative that aims to revive the traditional arts by creating partnerships with elders and artisans who fashion mukluks and moccasins in the traditional way. After receiving the prestigious TreadRight Heritage Initiative grant, the project now endeavours to expand its partnerships, teaching opportunities and artisan support network.

Ottawa: Visit Madahòkì Farm and learn about diversity of Indigenous cultures across Canada and how dance has helped revive the traditional arts. Your experience advances UN Global Goals 10 & 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Bar Harbor: Get up close and personal with the indigenous community and their history meeting a local Wabanaki storyteller for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Step inside Bar Harbor's Historical Society’s waterfront building to delve into the world of Indigenous oral traditions and music through an insightful presentation. You’ll be fascinated by the stories of the Wabanaki people’s homeland from this family operated and woman-owned business. This experience addresses United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 by preserving local traditions, protecting natural and built heritage sites and promoting cultural vibrancy.

Washington, D.C.: This striking museum has collected more than 36,000 artefacts that reflect history, politics, sports, arts and entertainment. Explore the richness and diversity of the African American experience, what it means to their lives, and how it helped shape this nation.

Authentic Dining

Toronto: Delve into Canadian specialties during dinner in the nation's largest city.

Ottawa: Join a cooking demonstration at Just Food Community Farm, nestled within Ottawa’s lush 150-acre Greenbelt. Discover the meaning of forest to table as your chef prepares your meal using local foraged ingredients. This entertaining cooking experience is hands on, and you may find yourself participating as a sous chef for a day. Savor a 3-course feast, perfectly paired with wine.

Trois-Rivieres: Guests enjoy a traditional Sugar shack (Cabane sucre) lunch full of traditional staples and the French-Canadian hospitality.

Quebec City: Savor the evening in an intimate setting as you enjoy a Highlight Dinner in historic Old Quebec.

Bar Harbor: Enjoy an authentic Maine Lobster dinner as you feast on the fresh and local delicacy known for its tender and rich flavor. Raise a glass as you mingle with new friends over this delectable Highlight Dinner.

Washington: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a dinner and toast to new friends and fantastic memories.

Insight Choice

Quebec City: Experience Montmorency Falls, the remarkable natural wonder that towers 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls. Walk the full width of the falls on a suspension bridge between both sides of the park with roaring water below for a unique, adrenaline filled perspective. If you're feeling more adventurous, take the 487 panoramic staircase down along the cliff.

Quebec City: Get up close and personal discovering metal craftsmanship at the copper art studio. Learn how – beginning with a Jewelery box decorated with tin and embossed copper panels – the repoussé technique has been passed down in the Gilles family for over 90 years. After seeing a collection of fascinating copper art, experiment for yourself using thin sheets of copper and tools to create your own work or art.

New York City: Newly constructed in Midtown Manhattan, Summit One Vanderbilt has amazing views of the NYC skyline, especially the Chrysler Building. Summit One has four levels of multi-sensory space that represent art and design. With amazing views of the NYC skyline, guests will walkthrough a five-part-story-driven immersive art experience that includes reflective glass, optical illusions and art installations meant to challenge your perspective. Outside, there is also a wrap-around viewing deck that allows for amazing views and photos

New York City: Embark on a captivating 2.5-hour walking tour through the heart of New York City, starting at the iconic Grand Central Terminal and learn the storied transportation legacy of this historic landmark. Immerse yourself in the luminosity of Broadway in the Theater District, marvel at the architectural opulence of Radio City Music Hall, pause to contemplate the grandeur of St. Patrick's Cathedral, and explore the legendary Rockefeller Center with its Art Deco splendor. Traverse the celebrated Fifth Avenue, discovering both highlights and hidden gems in this renowned shopping and cultural district. Conclude the journey at your hotel.