Toronto, Niagara & Canada's Great Lakes

Your holiday begins on arrival in Toronto as you pick up your hire car, making your way to the historic Fairmont Royal York, perfectly positioned for exploring Canada's largest city. Spend the remainder of your time discovering Toronto at your own pace. Wander along the revitalised waterfront, where Lake Ontario provides a striking backdrop to the city's skyline, or explore the cultural attractions of downtown Toronto. Highlights include the Royal Ontario Museum, home to world-class collections spanning natural history and global cultures, and the Art Gallery of Ontario, one of the country's most important art institutions. Diverse neighbourhoods, excellent dining and a vibrant atmosphere make Toronto an ideal introduction to Canada.

Stay: Fairmont Royal York

Depart Toronto and follow the shores of Lake Ontario towards the Niagara Peninsula, a region renowned for its orchards, vineyards and picturesque countryside. Your destination is Niagara-on-the-Lake, a beautifully preserved heritage town once known as the first capital of Upper Canada. Elegant 19th-century architecture, tree-lined streets, colourful gardens and independent boutiques combine to create one of Ontario's most charming destinations. The surrounding wine country offers further opportunities to explore this celebrated region at leisure.

Stay: Pillar & Post Hotel

Today brings one of Canada's most iconic sights as you continue to Niagara Falls. Upon arrival, enjoy access to attractions included with your Niagara Falls Adventure Pass before embarking on the famous boat excursion beneath the falls. Cruising through the Niagara Gorge, you'll experience close-up views of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the immense Horseshoe Falls. Surrounded by spray and the unmistakable roar of millions of litres of water cascading over the escarpment, this is one of the world's most spectacular natural experiences. Tonight you will stay at the Hilton Fallsview with a full view of the falls.

Stay: Hilton Fallsview

Leaving Niagara Falls behind, travel through Ontario's Golden Horseshoe before heading north towards the rugged landscapes of the Bruce Peninsula. As the scenery changes from farmland and small rural communities to forested wilderness and rocky shoreline, you'll arrive in Tobermory at the northern tip of the peninsula. Known for its remarkably clear turquoise waters, natural harbours and proximity to Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park, Tobermory is one of Ontario's most scenic destinations. Spend the evening exploring the waterfront and taking in the beauty of Georgian Bay.

The next day offers a full day at leisure amid the outstanding natural beauty of the Bruce Peninsula. Perhaps hike a section of the renowned Bruce Trail along the limestone cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment, explore the landscapes of Bruce Peninsula National Park, or discover the marine environments of Fathom Five National Marine Park. The area's famous shipwrecks attract divers and snorkellers from across Canada, while optional glass-bottom boat excursions offer a fascinating way to view the submerged vessels beneath the crystal-clear waters.

Stay: Tobermory Princess Hotel

This morning, board the Chi-Cheemaun ferry for a scenic crossing of Lake Huron from Tobermory to South Baymouth. The journey takes you to Manitoulin Island, the world's largest freshwater island. Surrounded by the waters of Lake Huron, the island combines dramatic natural beauty with a rich Indigenous heritage. Home to several First Nations communities, Manitoulin has developed a reputation for balancing outdoor adventure, cultural preservation and sustainable tourism. Spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure.

The following day, enjoy the varied landscapes and communities of Manitoulin Island. Discover sandy beaches, scenic coastal drives and quiet countryside roads, or follow hiking trails that wind through forests and along the island's shoreline. For those interested in learning more about the island's Indigenous culture and traditions, an optional walking experience with the Great Spirit Circle Trail offers an authentic introduction to the area's heritage and history.

Stay: Manitoulin Hotel

Continue east into Muskoka, one of Ontario's most celebrated cottage regions, famed for its sparkling lakes, forested shores and relaxed atmosphere. Often regarded as the summer playground of Ontario, Muskoka offers a quintessential Canadian landscape of granite outcrops, pine forests and pristine waterways. Upon arrival in Huntsville, enjoy time to relax and make the most of your resort surroundings.

The following day is at leisure exploring the Muskoka and Algonquin region. Outdoor pursuits abound, from canoeing on peaceful lakes to hiking woodland trails or enjoying a round of golf at one of the area's many excellent courses. The breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife and tranquil setting make this one of the most rewarding regions in eastern Canada for relaxation and exploration alike.

Stay: Deerhurst Resort

Travel through Algonquin Provincial Park, one of Canada's most famous protected wilderness areas. The route takes you through vast forests, sparkling lakes and classic Canadian Shield scenery, with opportunities to stop at lookout points, visit the interpretive centre and watch for wildlife. Continue onwards to Ottawa, Canada's elegant capital city, where grand architecture, national museums and historic waterways create a distinctive blend of culture and history.

Spend the next day exploring Ottawa at your own pace. Included is a sightseeing cruise on the Ottawa River, offering a unique perspective of the city's landmarks and historic waterfront. As you travel along the river, discover its role in Canada's development and admire the scenery that first captivated early European explorers. The remainder of the day can be spent visiting museums, exploring neighbourhoods or enjoying the atmosphere around Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal.

Stay: Fairmont Château Laurier

Journey south towards Kingston, stopping en route at Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg. Set in the 1860s, this immersive heritage attraction recreates life in rural Canada through historic homes, workshops, churches and mills. Continue to Gananoque, where you'll join a cruise through the Thousand Islands, a beautiful archipelago scattered across the St Lawrence River. Arriving in Kingston, discover a city renowned for its handsome limestone buildings and important role in Canadian history. Situated where Lake Ontario meets the St Lawrence River and the Rideau Canal, Kingston remains one of the country's most attractive historic cities.

Stay: Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront

This morning, take the opportunity to visit Fort Henry National Historic Site, where military demonstrations, historic buildings and costumed interpreters bring 19th-century Canada vividly to life. Continue west towards Toronto, stopping in Peterborough to view the remarkable Peterborough Lift Lock, one of the highest hydraulic lift locks in the world and a celebrated engineering achievement on the Trent-Severn Waterway. After arriving back in Toronto, continue to the airport where you will return your car before continuing your onward arrangements.