Compare Best of Eastern Canada & USA 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations vs Adventures in Toronto & Niagara Falls With your Grandchild by Road Scholar

Day 1: Thrilling Toronto

Welcome to Toronto, a vibrant city on Lake Ontario, full of fine restaurants, bars and an eclectic mix of cultures. On arrival at Toronto International Airport, a transfer will take you to your hotel. You’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner with wine at 18:00.

Day 2: Toronto and the Thundering Falls of Niagara Relaxed Start

Travel up University Avenue to see Queen's Park and the Parliament Buildings, before venturing on to spectacular Niagara Falls. Take in this great natural wonder up-close on a cruise to the base of the falls. Browse quaint Niagara-on-the-Lake before returning to Toronto.

Day 3: Kingston and Ottawa

Journey to historic Kingston, otherwise known as the Limestone City and view the old buildings, churches and fortifications, with many of them being constructed from limestone itself. Continue to the Canadian capital of Ottawa where you’ll join a Make Travel Matter® experience with the culinary experts of C’est Bon at the Just Food community farm.  You’ll learn new culinary skills and discover more about local cuisine. Ingredients include Canadian staples such as maple sugar, haskaps, labrador tea and wild flowers. End the experience with a delicious three-course dinner with wine, before heading back to your hotel.

Day 4: Canada's Capital to Montreal

Get ready for an exciting morning exploring Ottawa, with a tour of the city’s stately boulevards. Then, you'll join your Indigenous Cultural Ambassadors and experience a lively traditional Pow Wow dance. Join this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and learn about the Manitobah Mukluks Storyboot Project which aims to revive the traditional arts by creating partnerships with elders and artisans. Continue to the diverse metropolis of Montreal, which is in the French-speaking province of Quebec.

Day 5: Montreal, the Royal Mountain

Today you’ll join a Local Expert who will guide you around Old Montreal, the grand mansions of Mount Royal, and the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica. The rest of the day is free to enjoy as you please.

Day 6: Montmorency Falls Park to Quebec City Relaxed Start

Depart Montreal and head to Montmorency Falls today.Stop at a traditional Sugar Shack and learn how maple syrup is created and harvested.After lunch, continue onwards to Montmorency Falls Park where you will experience that natural wonder that towers 272 feet (83 metres) tall. Walk the full width of the falls on a suspension bridge, or if you're feeling adventurous, you can take the panoramic staircase down along the cliffside.Continue on to Quebec City.

Day 7: Quintessential Quebec Relaxed Start

Discover more of Quebec’s unique European charm with a Local Expert, who will guide you along the city’s quaint cobblestone streets. You'll see the Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, City Hall and Palace Royale. You'll also walk past the Citadel, which offers great view of the city and Château Frontenac. In the evening you’ll choose from a selection of top local restaurants on a Dine-Around Evening.

Day 8: Quebec to Bar Harbor

Bid 'Au Revoir' to Quebec City as you cross the U.S. border and travel toward Mount Desert Island on the Atlantic Coast. A tranquil getaway, this large island comes with freshwater lakes, rugged clifftops, forests and striking mountains. Make the most of the serene setting at your hotel, which is situated on the island itself.

Day 9: Explore 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. You'll have time to explore Bar Harbor on your own. Stop for an ice cream or head to the bustling souvenir stores to stock up on some holiday treats. The evening is saved for a delectable Highlight Dinner with your new friends, as you feast on authentic Maine lobster, a local specialty and one that won't disappoint.

Day 10: Coastal New England to Boston

Follow the rocky Maine shoreline, stopping in picturesque Kennebunkport, a glitzy, New England resort town and the iconic home of the Bush family. The town has a number of fine, well-preserved mansions, many of which have been turned into charming inns.

Day 11: Boston, the Cradle of Liberty

Famous for its American Revolutionary war history, Boston is a place for keen history buffs. Join your Travel Director as they guide you along the Freedom Trail, a route that leads you to several historically significant sites, including the Old State House and the meeting house where the Boston Tea Party of 1773 was planned. The rest of your day is at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll to Downtown Crossing or historic Faneuil Hall. For foodies in search of the city's best street eats, head to Boston's North End. With its large Italian community, this part of town houses some of the best Italian bakeries in the city, as lines of shoppers circle the block to get their hands on fresh cannoli and other treats.

Day 12: A Bite of the Big Apple

Follow the bright lights to New York City. Choose to visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck with stunning views of the New York skyline. Alternatively, take a scenic bike tour of Central Park and explore its iconic sights.Your hotel is in the heart of Midtown and a short, 10-minute walk from the United Nations Headquarters and just steps away from Grand Central Terminal and the Chrysler Building.

Day 13: A Manhattan Masterpiece Relaxed Start

Explore the City that Never Sleeps with your Local Expert, before heading out on your own. If it's tranquillity you're after, relish the calm of Central Park, an expansive space designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

Day 14: Liberty in Philadelphia and D.C.

Travel to Pennsylvania's largest city, Philadelphia, where the Liberty Bell first chimed and Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. Explore Independence National Historic Park and visit the Liberty Bell with your Travel Director. Journey to Washington, D.C., the nation's capital. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps join an optional Illuminations Tour in the evening before spending the night at the luxurious Fairmont Washington D.C. Georgetown.

Day 15: Washington, D.C. Sightseeing and Leisure Time

In the morning, immerse yourself on a sightseeing tour and delve into 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 World War II Memorial. The rest of the day is at leisure. Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Celebration Dinner and toast to new friends and fantastic memories.

Day 16: Depart Washington, D.C.

A morning transfer at leisure will take you to Dulles International Airport or Reagan National Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, extend your stay at your own pleasure.

Day 1 Check-In, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation Toronto, ON

Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.

Arrive to multicultural Toronto and transfer to the hotel. Program Registration. 4:00-5:00 p.m. Come meet our group leader in the lobby and get your welcome packet. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in and the front desk will be happy to help you.

We’ll begin our evening with an orientation session where we’ll get to know each other as well as review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes. We’ll go over important information as well as have time for questions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars or settle in for the night. You may also wish to explore what the city has to offer. The hotel is located in the heart of Toronto, surrounded by shops, restaurants, movie theatres, and within walking distance to the Ed Mirvish Theatre, the Toronto Police Museum, and the escape game room Roundabout.

At a local restaurant.

Day 2 Kensington Market Scavenger Hunt, Chinatown, Harbor Cruise Toronto, ON

Walking up to 2 miles, on pavement, stairs; about 3 hours; boarding/disembarking boat. Harbour boat trip is aboard the Oriole, a Great Lakes Steamship replica, all 76 feet have been decorated with the perfect blend of varnished woods, wrought iron, polished brass and plush upholstery. The two wrought iron staircases lead to the canopied upper deck where guests can enjoy music while romancing the skyline from the comfort of one of her many varnished benches. We will be using public transit today.

Learn about Toronto's history and some of the city's most vibrant and culturally diverse neighbourhoods from a local expert before going out to explore on foot. Gain an appreciation and understanding of the 20th century immigrant experience, and the importance of Kensington Market and Chinatown in the development of modern-day Toronto's incredible cultural diversity. Set off to discover some of Toronto’s most colorful and culturally rich neighborhoods. A scavenger hunt will help participants young and old learn about the area in a fun and interactive way. We begin our urban adventure at Kensington Market, from there it’s a short walk to a bustling and colorful Chinatown. Here, we’ll explore the history of the Chinese community in Toronto; Jewish and Eastern European immigration and history; fine art, graffiti art and murals, moose on rooftops, a famous King who lived here, and some of the best places to eat and shop. Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world and celebrates over 100 different cultures with over 180 languages spoken.

Embark on a boat trip to experience Toronto Harbor from the water. We will explore the harbor on a relaxing cruise and view the city's breathtaking skyline including the Harborfront, CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Scotiabank Arena, Toronto Islands, and the fabled Gibraltar Point Lighthouse.

At leisure. If you wish, you may enjoy the on-site facilities. Kids of all ages love the Eaton Chelsea! The Family Fun Zone features the Kid Centre, pool and the 130-foot "Corkscrew", downtown Toronto’s only indoor waterslide and other supervised activities.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant.

At a local restaurant.

Day 3 Ripley's Aquarium, Free Time Toronto, ON

Walking up to 2 miles in a museum, some stairs. We will be using public transit today.

This morning we visit the Ripley Aquarium, a public aquarium featuring over 20,000 freshwater and exotic sea specimens. Our exploration of the Canadian Waters Gallery will take us from coast to coast learning about some of the Country’s spectacular habitats, freshwater wildernesses, fisheries and kelp forests. We’ll also get the chance to see the inner workings of the aquarium as we go behind the scenes to the animal husbandry department with an expert aquarist who will introduce us to food preparation and water filtration systems which mimic the animals’ natural habitats.

Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

On your own.

On your own.

Day 4 Old Town Toronto, St. Lawrence Market, Niagara Falls Niagara Falls

Walking up to 2 miles. Approximately 2 hours coach, about 90 miles. Boat ride is approximately 30 minutes on large sight-seeing boat, specially designed for the falls.

Head out to explore the history and flavors of the city with our local expert. See places that even locals don't even know about - the hidden gems often overlooked. Explore Old Town Toronto on foot with stops in front of St Lawrence Hall, St. James Cathedral as well as various historical sites along the way. The fusion of classic architecture and modern amenities is enhanced by the stunning view of Toronto's skyline. We will end our walk at historic St. Lawrence Market, considered by Food and Wine magazine to be one of the world's 25 best food markets, located in the heart of historic Old Town Toronto. Here we will discover some Canadian delights; the restored 1845 market building is home to more than 50 specialty vendors.

In Niagara Falls, we experience the water, power and mist of one of Canada’s natural wonders. We will get up-close and personal on a new state-of-the-art catamaran boat tour “Voyage To The Falls”. We will travel from the Canadian docks at the base of the Great Gorge, past the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and experience a connection with the thundering water, awesome power and amazing mist of the mighty Horseshoe Falls!

Check in to our hotel in Niagara Falls.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant.

At a local restaurant.

Day 5 Whirlpool Aero Car, Butterfly Gardens, Niagara--on-the-Lake Toronto, ON

Approximately 1.5 hours on the coach; Walking 2 miles over the course of the day.

This morning we will soar the Great Gorge, high above the racing Niagara River on the Whirlpool Aero Car. We'll be transported through the air in an antique cable car, while far below the torrent of water abruptly changes direction and creates one of the world’s most mesmerizing natural phenomena – the Niagara Whirlpool. Sometimes frightening and always unforgettable! Next, we will visit the Butterfly Conservatory, this magical place features over 2,000 colorful tropical butterflies floating freely among lush, exotic blossoms and greenery. Paths wind through the rainforest setting, past a pond and waterfall and the Emergence window, where butterflies leave their pupae and prepare to take their first flight!

After lunch we will embark on an expert-led motorcoach exploration of the historic Niagara area including Niagara-on-the-Lake. Focal points will include learning about the area from times of the First Nations peoples to the arrival of the Europeans and eventually the War of 1812. Visit battlefields from the War of 1812 and Queenston Heights. There will be some free time in Niagara-on-the-Lake before dinner.

Return to Toronto by coach after dinner.

At the hotel.

Boxed lunch in a picnic area.

At a local restaurant in Niagara.

Day 6 Program Concludes Toronto, ON

Check-out is 11:00 a.m.

We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

At the hotel for 7:00 a.m. Program concludes.