Festival of colours in eastern Canada

Day 1: Arrival and Niagara Falls

Our guide will be waiting for you at the Toronto airport and a bus will take us to our small hotel in Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls is a group of three waterfalls located on the Niagara River, which forms the border between the United States and Canada. The falls are renowned for their breathtaking beauty. In the afternoon, we will have time to take a first look at these unique waterfalls by boat, as a prelude to an exceptional two week trip. For those interested, there is an optional opportunity to take a helicopter tour and witness Niagara Falls from a unique perspective on either day 1 or 2, provided they have already made a booking.

Day 2: Niagara, and more - approx. 20 km

Today, we will begin our adventure by picking up our electric bikes and leisurely cycling along the serene Niagara River, traversing lush parks and enjoying the flat terrain. Our first stop is the delightful Inniskillin Winery, where we will have the opportunity to sample their regional specialty, ice wine. In the afternoon, we will explore the charming town of Niagara On The Lake, replete with cosy cafes and inviting shops. Later, we will transfer to Toronto, where a sumptuous dinner awaits us, marking the beginning of our two-night stay in this captivating city.

Day 3: Downtown Toronto - approx. 25 km

The best way to discover Toronto is to be accompanied by a local like our guide Terrence, a true "Torontonian". Toronto is a melting pot of cultures like perhaps nowhere else in the world. With over 140 languages spoken and a constant influx of immigrants, it is a fascinating world-city. Contrasts abound: China Town and the Financial District with its cobblestones and Victorian warehouses, or Kensington Market with its modern food culture and bohemia. And then there is the Graffiti Alley, which we will discover with a local artist. The evening is free.

Day 4: Toronto and Kingston Islands - approx. 25 km

The Toronto Islands, originally a peninsula before the 1858 tidal wave, are now a peaceful haven just a short ferry ride from the bustling metropolis. The Toronto Islands offer a tranquil escape from the bustling city and provide stunning views of the Toronto skyline. In the afternoon, we take the bus to the former capital Kingston, ideally located in the Thousand Islands National Park. This pretty little port city, at the mouth of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, was the political centre of the United Colonies of Canada from 1841 to 1844. During an evening walk, we get a first glimpse of the archipelago.

Day 5: Along the St. Lawrence River - approx. 39 km

Setting off on our bikes, we bid farewell to Kingston and board the ferry to Howe Island, where we will continue our cycling journey towards the east. Along the way, we will pause for a delightful picnic break, marveling at the stunning archipelago views. We will then hop back on the ferry, making our way to Gananoque, where we will arrive in the afternoon and check into our hotel, which boasts a prime location directly on the shoreline. This charming town is a treasure trove of farmer's markets, artists, and cozy cafes, all waiting to be explored at your leisure.

Day 6: Thousand Islands - approx. 45 km

Embarking on our bikes in the morning, we will embark on a 45 km ride along the St. Lawrence River, relishing the sheer pleasure of the Waterfront Trail as it winds through the picturesque Thousand Islands National Park. Upon arriving in Rockport, we will board a boat and revel in the unmatched beauty of the Thousand Islands, catching sight of the Boldt Castle, a testament to the love of George C. Boldt, former owner of the famed Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York, for his wife Louise. In the afternoon, we will take a bus to Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, situated just across the river from its neighbouring city, Gatineau, in the province of Quebec, where we will be staying for two nights.

Day 7: Ottawa, historic capital - approx. 15 km

We are ideally situated to discover the green capital by bike and on foot. We begin our bike tour of the city along the waterfront. The Rideau Canal shows us the way to the urban green spaces and the Rideau Falls. The Governor's Office is on our way and we see the Parliament Building in the distance, towering over the city. At noon we arrive at the Byward Market, a lively area with a farmer's market, stores and small boutiques. A specialty not to be missed is the "beavertail", a lard pastry shaped like a beaver tail. It is here that we regain our strength with all sorts of delicacies before finishing our bike tour. The afternoon is free to continue exploring the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau. The Canadian History Museum and the Canadian Art Museum are particularly worth a visit. In the evening, we meet up to exchange impressions over dinner.

Day 8: Gatineau Park covered bridges - approx. 49 km

We will set out in the morning to explore the "green lung of the Outaouais," also known as the Gatineau Conservation Park. It's not just humans who revel in this natural haven throughout the year; the park is also home to over 100 endangered plant and animal species that thrive in this idyllic environment. After a slightly uphill tour, we head to Pink Lake. We stop in Chelsea for lunch. After a nice walk along the Gatineau River, we reach the old lumber village of Wakefield. We discover another covered bridge over the Gatineau River. In the evening, we meet Daniel Richer, a native storyteller who tells us about the culture and traditions of his people.

Day 9: The Little Train of the North - approx. 65 km

Until the 1960's, the "Little Train of the North" transported tourists from nearby Montreal to the Laurentians, north of the city. Today, the disused railroad has become a cyclist's paradise. We cycle on a mostly flat and sometimes hilly route through unspoiled nature, surrounded by forests, water and mountains. Small towns and tastefully restored railroad stations invite us to take a coffee break or visit an exhibition, and of course to enjoy a hearty lunch. In the afternoon, we reach our goal of the day, Val-David. This is where the first Europeans settled around 1769 and the inhabitants are naturally proud of their traditions.

Day 10: Montreal - about 47 km

Our day will kick off with a drive to Prevost, where a shuttle bus will be eagerly awaiting us at noon. After a brief ride, we will find ourselves in Montreal, often referred to as Canada's "capital" of the arts, exquisite cuisine, and unbridled joie de vivre. With our guide Louis, we discover by bike the many facets of the city: the old Montreal of the 18th century, the Lachine Canal, romantic cafés on the Plateau Mont-Royal and the impressive Notre-Dame basilica. The old port invites you to relax. In the evening, we enjoy good Montreal cuisine on our own.

Day 11: Bears and beavers

In the morning, we take a bus to Lac Blanc and our hotel, the Pourvoirie du Lac Blanc, located in the heart of the wilderness. In the afternoon, we will have a special experience. We meet Pierre, an experienced trapper and naturalist guide. Accompanied by him, we will embark on an unforgettable bear and beaver safari in the vast "Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve," spanning a whopping 1,500 square kilometers and boasting 400 pristine lakes, as well as an unrivalled array of wildlife and flora. We will cross a serene canoe route, leading us to a cosy campfire, where we will indulge in a delectable traditional dinner, all while listening intently to fascinating tales about the Inuit culture.

Day 12: Nature and tradition

Morning relaxation by the lake, in the forest or on the terrace of our hotel. At noon, a transfer takes us to Quebec City, the capital and soul of the province. Quebec City boasts over 400 years of history. Our accommodation, a former Augustinian convent from the 17th century, gives us a taste of it. And so we come full circle with the Augustinian healing tradition at the Monastery Hotel (2 nights). The evening is free.

Day 13: Old Quebec - about 25 km

The morning begins with a tranquil breakfast in accordance with tradition at the monastery. However, as the day progresses, things begin to pick up pace. We will explore the charming historic city of Quebec on foot and by bike.The "Old Quebec", with its unique ramparts, is one of the oldest North American settlements, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cobblestones, the 17th and 18th century houses and the famous Frontenac castle that sits on top of the city make us forget that we are in North America. At noon, we taste the Quebec specialty, poutine (optional). The end of the afternoon is free. To cap off our journey, we will enjoy a final dinner together at a lovely restaurant.

Day 14: Departure or individual extension

As our journey draws to a close in the morning, we offer a suggestion for those interested in extending their adventure: Tadoussac, located northeast of Quebec City, is renowned as one of the top spots for whale watching in Canada. Please feel free to reach out to us for further information and options.