Bears, Native Culture & Great Lakes
15 days

Canada vacations in Ontario map of Bears, Native Culture & Great Lakes

Enjoyable for all in reasonable health.

Quality transportation and accommodation in an uncommon environment, with the chance of occasional slight discomfort. E.g. an arctic polar bear tour

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Activity Level
Travel from Toronto through the townships of Southern Ontario on this road trip Canada vacation package.

Not only do you get to spend a few days in Algonquin Provincial Park at a log lodge, you also journey to Manitoulin Island, the largest fresh water lake island in the world.

Vacations in Canada allow you the spectacular opportunity to discover fascinating native culture. Rich in music, art, history and culture the Native population in this region ensures a journey full of interesting and inspiring activities.
Outline
Arrive Toronto
2 nights Toronto
1 night Kingston
2 nights Montreal
2 nights Duchesnay
1 night Ottawa
2 nights Algonquin
1 night Sudbury
2 nights Manitoulin Island
1 night Collingwood
Depart Toronto
ITINERARY

Day 1 - Your Canada Vacation Package Begins - Arrival in Toronto
Today you arrive at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport and transfer independently to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to discover Canada’s largest city! Overnight in Toronto.

Day 2 - Day Trip to Niagara Falls
Today you’ll travel to Ontario’s greatest natural wonder, the roaring waters of Niagara Falls! You may choose to simply enjoy the views, or take in popular attractions such as Maid of the Mist, White Water Walk, Journey Behind the Falls, and Butterfly Conservatory by using your Niagara and Great Gorge Adventure Pass. It’s all possible on vacations in Canada.

Day 3 – Toronto to Kingston (290 KM)
Drive east today, starting out along the shores of Lake Ontario to Kingston, a city rich with history and hallmarks of Canada’s colonial past. Home to the prestigious Queen’s University, charming old neighborhoods, quaint shops and a vibrant waterfront. A wide variety of attractions are available to add to your Canada vacation package, such as tours of Fort Henry, the Royal Military College, or cruises in nearby Gananoque around the ‘1000 Islands’ – a system of small islets spread over deep, inviting lakes. Overnight in Kingston.

Day 4 - Canada Vacation Package continues to Montreal (290 km)
En route to Montreal today, you will travel through the tended fields and ancient boreal forests of a pastoral, calming route. This wonderfully lush island landscape is dotted with luxurious cottages and vast estates. Later you arrive in French Canada’s largest city, Montreal! Overnight in Montreal.

Day 5 – Explore Montreal on Vacations in Canada
Montreal is one of Canada’s premier centres for art and culture, boasting a long and colorful history. Visit Notre-Dame Basilica, Old Montreal, the Olympic site, the Biodome, Mt. Royal Park, the casino or the underground city. Montreal nightlife is a must, the discos, jazz clubs and other venues promise a lively experience on your Canada vacation! Overnight in Montreal.

Day 6 - Monteal to Duchesnay Ecological Reserve (250 KM)
En route to St. Catherine de les Jacques, we suggest a stop at Cap-de-la Madeleine, Canada's national shrine to the Virgin Mary. Of interest along the way is the Museum of Quebec Folk Arts and Traditions. Arriving in St. Catherine de les Jacques, the natural splendor of the area is exemplified by the Duchesnay Ecological Reserve, preserving the unique ecological specimens native to the region. Overnight in St. Catherine de la Jacques Cartier/Duchesnay Ecological Reserve.

Day 7 - Explore the Duchesnay Ecological Reserve on Vacations in Canada
The Duchesnay Ecological Reserve beckons you to explore the protected parklands and examples of the diverse ecology of the area. During this time you will enjoy a 3 hour bear watching tour. Only vacations in Canada can bring you close enough to observe black bears feed and socialize in their natural environment.

Consider a short drive to the historic Quebec City. A pivotal location in Canada’s formation, Quebec City offers a great number of historical attractions such as The Fortifications, Place Royale and the National Battlefields Park. Architectural monuments such as the Basilica of Notre Dame and the old city wall itself offer informative tours, both guided and self guided. Overnight in St. Catherine de la Jacques Cartier / Duchesnay Ecological Reserve.

Day 8 - Canada Vacation Continues to Ottawa (460 KM)
The road leading to Ottawa is steeped in history, connecting the old centre of Canadian political power to the modern day seat of government. Many attractions may be visited along the way, such as the Wolfe- Montcalm Monument or Dufferin Terrace. Once in Ottawa, the magnificent Parliament Buildings and National Gallery top every visitors list! Overnight in Ottawa.

Day 9 – Ottawa to Algonquin Park (450 km)
The blazing orange rock is contrasted with the deep blues and blacks of the lakes and streams that line the route to Algonquin. You soon enter the pristine wilderness of Algonquin Provincial Park for your 2 night stay in an authentic log cabin lodge. In the evening, enjoy a hearty Canadian dinner in the dining area where you’ll get acquainted with your fellow lodgers. Overnight at Algonquin Log Cabin Lodge. Dinner included.

Day 10 - Explore Algonquin Provincial Park on your Canada Vacation Package
Today is bound to be a memorable one on your Canada adventure. This morning you participate in a guided hike to Lookout Bluff for a spectacular view over some of the Algonquin lakes. Later in the day, you’ll join other travelers on an 8-metre Voyageur canoe and paddle to a campfire point where you will watch the sunset, build a bonfire and have dinner. Finally, night paddle back to the log cabin for a restful night’s sleep. Overnight at Algonquin Log Cabin Lodge. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 11 - Algonquin Provincial Park to Sudbury (320 KM)
Enjoy a home-cooked meal to prepare you for a final morning in the wilds of Algonquin. Spend a relaxing morning on the dock, swimming in the lake or taking a sauna. You may also want to lace up your hiking boots and continue your exploration of the forest or take one last paddle through this pristine landscape. Return to the lodge for a BBQ lunch and some free time before it is time to leave and travel further into Ontario’s north. Arriving in Sudbury, known affectionately in Canada as ‘Big Nickel’, you will get a true sense of the grit and character of this city set in the rugged forests and stone shelves of the north. Overnight in Sudbury. Breakfast and lunch included in your vacation package.

Day 12 – Sudbury to Manitoulin Island (173 KM)
Today you’ll drive from Sudbury to Manitoulin Island, located on the world’s largest freshwater lake. Manitoulin is home to five native reservations and one of the oldest settlements in North America, dating back some 9,500 years. You’ll check in at the Information centre first and then at your Mainland Cabin and spend the remainder
of the day at leisure exploring the area’s native art galleries and shops. Overnight on Manitoulin Island.

Day 13 - Explore Manitoulin Island on your Canada Vacation Package
Vacations in Canada bring the unique opportunity to learn more about Native cultures. Embark on a Mother Nature Earth Walk escorted by an Aboriginal guide and you’ll learn to identify various local plant species and their role in traditional cooking and medicine. For a hands-on experience, try making an Ojibwe traditional craft or spirit stone painting while learning about the history and symbolisms of these items. Overnight on Manitoulin
Island.

Day 14 - Manitoulin Island to Collingwood (167 KM)
Today you’ll board a ferry for a two-hour cruise to Tobermory and continue along the shores of Georgian Bay through the picturesque Bruce Peninsula, arriving in the popular recreation and tourist destination of Collingwood. We suggest a visit to the Scenic Caves Nature Preserve, a fascinating geological area with deep caverns leading to age old passageways and rock formations. Overnight in Collingwood.

Day 15 - End of tour (145 KM)
Much too soon you leave the colorful sights and fresh air of Canada behind as your vacation package comes to an end. Return to Toronto and drop-off your rental car in time to check-in for your departure flight home.
Options & Upgrades
  • Extra nights & tours
Accommodation
Resorts, Lodges, Cabins and Inns
HIGHLIGHTS

  • Algonquin National Park
  • Manitoulin Island - the largest fresh water lake island in the world
  • Canoeing & hiking
  • Bearwatching
  • Rural charm & great scenery

Request A Booking

Reserving Your Trip Is Easy
  1. Call us toll free
    1 800 667 4744 (US/Can)
    0 800 917 5924 (UK)
    1 800 992 872 (Aus.)

    Office hours:
    M-F, 6am - 6pm Pacific Time.
    Friendly Expert Sat 10am - 4pm.
    A personal trip advisor will help you book your perfect trip.

  2. Reserve Online using the form at left. We will contact you as quickly as we can and you will not be under any obligation until after we have confirmed all details with you.
    At that time a US$500 per person deposit is payable and you will be subject to our usual terms and conditions.

Reserve your spot without obligation for 48 hours. Our consultants will contact you to confirm details before you pay a deposit.

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2009 Departure Dates
This trip starts in Toronto every Thursday from May 7 to June 4, and every Thursday and Saturday from June 7 to October 11.
Dates and Rates USD $ CAD $ + Activity Package
Double Single Child Double Single Child USD$ CAD$
May 7 2009 - Oct 11 2009 1,641 2,765 750 1,854 3,125 664 117 129
Price Notes
• Prices are per person - Child rates subject to hotel occupancy regulations
• Minimum child age 6 years
• Double means two people sharing
• Car rental rates are not included because of the wide choice of different vehicles -- but please let us arrange your car or van at our preferred rates at the time of booking

Includes

• Accommodation for 14 nights
• Bearwatching Tour
• 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners (days 9-11)
• Algonquin Park Canoeing
• Manitoulin Island - native arts and cultural activities
• A personalized Canada Travel Roadbook, containing essential travel information featuring overview notes of the area of travel, local sightseeing and attractions, daily itinerary highlights, provincial maps with city guides, hotel vouchers and customized day-by-day routing maps.
• Provincial taxes

Not Included
• Airport transfers
• Airport improvement fees
• Ferry transfer
• Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
• Car rental, taxes and insurance
• GST
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