Experience the food and culture of Montreal, the stunning views of St. John’s and Halifax, and the unique retreat at Fogo Island

Day 1: Arrive in Montreal

Upon arrival at the Montreal International Airport, you will be met by your driver for your transfer to your hotel, the Ritz-Carlton Montreal. This luxury heritage hotel, open since 1912, is located on Sherbrooke Street in the heart of downtown Montréal.

Day 2: Private Montreal Tour

Discover chic Montréal with a knowledgeable local guide. Your overview will explore the city’s history, evolution and unique atmosphere, and includes photo stops and some walking.

In Old Montréal, you will see rich 17th century architecture and visit the world famous Notre Dame Basilica, a splendid example of English Gothic Revival architecture. You’ll also see downtown Montréal, the Financial and Commercial district, the brand new International Quarter, and the world's largest underground network. A drive to the summit of Mount Royal will give you a spectacular view of the city skyline.

On the Plateau Mont-Royal, in the Latin Quarter and along St. Laurent Boulevard, you will discover the distinctive lifestyles of the different groups that comprise this multi-ethnic city. You will also glimpse Outremont and Westmount, the city's most exclusive residential areas. Other stops include the site of the 1967 World Fair, Gilles Villeneuve Racetrack, and the Montréal Casino.

Day 3: Montreal

After your orientation yesterday, today will be all your's to explore the city on your own. Of course, we’ll prepare you with plenty of ideas.

Local Specialties: Explore unique neighborhoods and take in the distinctive homes, eateries, murals, and cute boutiques of Le Plateau, nosh on the best bagels or enjoy brunch before browsing vintage shops and art galleries in Le Mile End, or spend the day shopping along Rue Saint Catherine
The Great Outdoors: Take in the beautiful view of the city from Mount Royal, enjoy nature walks, bird watching, or rowing on Beaver Lake in Mount Royal’s park
Fit for Foodies: Montreal is famous for its outstanding foodie culture, explore Jean Talon or Atwater Markets, try poutine – a guilty pleasure for all Canadians, enjoy world-class cuisine at many of the city’s five-star restaurants, or join the debate on which bagel shop does it best
Music to my Ears: Enjoy the orchestra, opera, or a jazz show at Place des Arts, one of the best venues in North America with international performers visiting frequently and tons of local talent
Festivals: With over 90 festivals a year, there is an event for every season, art form, and signature food dish. If there is a reason to celebrate, Montrealers celebrate!

Day 4: VIA Rail - Montreal to Quebec City

Travelling between two of Canada’s greatest cities in Business Plus Class couldn’t be more comfortable. With exclusive access to pre-departure and onboard lounges, the journey from downtown to downtown will race by. Also included in your fare are priority boarding and complimentary WiFi, plus mouth-watering meal service. Your reclining seat boasts great views, plenty of legroom, and a power outlet to ensure all your gadgets are powered up for the next leg of your adventure.

Upon arrival at the Quebec Railway Station, you will be met by your driver for your transfer to your hotel, the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. Built in the late 19th century by Canadian Pacific Railways, it’s the city’s landmark hotel.

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Day 5: Tour Old Quebec

Quebec City is distinctively European; a place of mellowed stone buildings, horse-drawn carriages, and narrow winding streets. The best way to discover the Old City’s labyrinth of narrow, winding streets is on foot with an expert guide.

On your private walking tour, you’ll do just that. After being picked up in the lobby of your hotel by your guide, you’ll enjoy a excursion that is both lively and informative. Discover Place d'Armes, the Notre-Dame Basilica, City Hall, Holy Trinity Church, Quartier Petit Champlain, and Place Royale. Hear about the lives of those who created and defended Quebec City over four tumultuous centuries.

Day 6: Beaupré Coast Tour by SUV

Today you’ll tour the Beaupré Coast. After a rendezvous at your hotel with your guide, you’ll be off to discover Quebec’s rural heritage through the villages of the Beaupré Coast. Stopping at Montmorency Falls (1.5 times higher than Niagara Falls!), you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the falls and the area. From there, as you follow winding Chemin du Roy—the first road to connect the city to the coast—your guide will tell you more about rural life in the early years of colony. Stop for a visit at L’Atelier Paré, a woodcarving workshop that brings Quebec folk legends to life with storytellers.

After an in-depth visit of world-renowned Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré basilica—the crowning glory of rural Quebec—you’ll head to Ile d’Orléans. Afterwards, it’s on to l’Auberge La Goéliche, an inn on the south side of the island that offers fabulous views of the city of Quebec, not to mention fabulous food. After a leisurely lunch, depart for La Chocolaterie and watch the artists make chocolates by hand. Finally, you’ll make your way back to Quebec City through the village of Sainte Pétronille.

Day 7: Quebec City to St. Andrews by the Sea

After picking up your SUV, you’ll embark on the scenic drive from Quebec City to St. Andrews by the Sea. Upon your arrival, you’ll be greeted warmly for your stay at the The Algonquin Resort. This New Brunswick icon is one of Canada's most luxurious and spectacular resorts. Rich in history, but offering the latest in modern amenities

Day 8: St. Andrews by the Sea to Halifax

Today, you’ll rise at your leisure before continuing your journey by car to Halifax.

Day 9: Halifax

Explore Halifax at leisure:

Explore the Waterfront: Sightsee around the beautifully restored Victorian buildings and warehouses now home to breweries and fantastic shops and restaurants, visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and their collection artifact from the Titanic, check out Pier 21 which is home to the Canadian Immigration Museum.
Tour the Brewery: Enjoy a guided tour through the Alexander Keith’s brewery, founded in 1820.
Views and History: Visit the Halifax Citadel for a great history lesson and a perfect view of the city.
Have a Snack: Enjoy a donair wrap, visit the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market, taste a lobster roll, and wash it down with a pint on one of the city’s many patios or in a local pub.
Educational Wonders: Halifax is home to six universities! Stroll through the historic properties to view stunning architecture and see what the kid’s are up to.
Take a Stroll: Victorian Gardens established in 1867 at Halifax Public Gardens, visit Point Pleasant Park, or shop along Spring Garden Road.

Day 10: Halifax to St. John’s

You’ll drop of your rental car today before being transferred Halifax Stanfield International Airport for your flight to St. John’s. Upon arrival in St. John’s, you’ll be met at the airport and driven to the Murray Premises Hotel, an astonishing Old World boutique hotel designed with a great blend of its rich history and modern day comfort.

Day 11: Lighthouse Picnic at the Colony of Avalon

Today you will head south of St. John’s on the Irish Loop. This driving route takes you along the southern shore through communities settled by Irish immigrants in the mid-18th century. The destination today is the town of Ferryland. George Calvert, later Lord Baltimore, founded the colony in 1621. Most people have no idea that permanent European settlement in North America dates so far back and that Newfoundland played such an important role.

The Ferryland settlement was "forgotten", and its remains lay undisturbed for centuries. The site is now being excavated. Constructed of stone, the buildings have left substantial ruins. Archaeologists have uncovered over a million artifacts to date – gold rings, Portuguese ceramics, and other unusual objects – as well as a smithy, a stone-walled well, a sea-flushed privy, and the "prettie streete", a 121-metre (397-feet) pavement that led through the original Colony of Avalon.

You will tour the interpretation center and the Colony of Avalon site. After touring the site, you will take the leisurely 35-minute walk to the Ferryland Lighthouse. As one of the oldest communities in North America, you will be retracing the steps people have walked for hundreds of years, scanning the sea for warships and privateers. The vista is far more peaceful now and overlooks a quiet harbor, the Ferryland Museum, and the Holy Trinity Church.

At the lighthouse, you will be set up on blankets on the hillsides overlooking the ocean and served individual gourmet picnic lunches. This location has been featured by MacLean’s magazine, Canada AM, and En Route magazine.

After lunch you will have the opportunity to take a tour of the lighthouse before heading back to Ferryland for the trip back to St. John’s.

Day 12: St. John's to Fogo Island

The Fogo Island Inn is situated on the dramatic Northeast Coast of Newfoundland, on the Eastern edge of North America. It’s remote, yet accessible and perfect for a short, and soulful getaway.

Locals enjoy seven distinct seasons, making this an ideal place to visit anytime. With 29 guestrooms, each built with love and made locally, there is a room or suite to fit every guest’s needs. All rooms have a stunning view of the craggy Atlantic coastline, where icebergs float by and humpback whales migrate in the Labrador Current. Dining at the Inn is a culinary adventure. Chef Murray McDonald creates an accomplished menu made of “wild things” from the North Atlantic, as did their ancestors.

Fogo Island Inn brings together a rich culture, history, and people. Here, the past intermingles with the future. On the island, culture and nature come together to create a travel experience unlike any other on the continent. This is one of the four corners of the earth, as defined by the Flat Earth Society, and guests somehow feel like they are often looking over the edge. Here, you will be given back to yourself.

Day 13: Fogo Island Inn

Spend the day relaxing at the Fogo Island Inn, where you might enjoy:

Ambling, Hiking, Walking, or Backpacking / Guided Walks with a Community Host
Bicycling
Bonfire Nights and Stargazing
Capelin Scooping or Beachcombing
Guided Geology Hike
Iceberg, Seabird, or Whale Watching from Shore
Ice Skating
Inland Winter Experience (Snowmobiling, ice-fishing, snowshoeing, caribou watching)
Picking Wild Berries
Pond Fishing / Trouting
Seal Watching
A Traditional Boil-up with Community Host

Day 14: Fogo Island Inn

Spend your final day in Canada relaxing at the Fogo Island Inn reflecting on your experience - the people, the flavors, the culture.

Sample Itinerary: Eastern Canada in Style