Sacomie, Saint Alexis des Monts
Eastern Canada With David Wickers 20th September – 4th October 2018
The Ultimate Travel Company Escorted Tours
Niagara Falls Eastern Canada With David Wickers 20th September – 4th October 2018 Contact Lucy Gerard-Pearse Direct Line 020 7386 4654 Telephone 020 7386 4620 Fax 020 7386 8652 Email [email protected]
David Wickers David established Bridge & Wickers ten years ago, specialising in arranging top end, tailor made travel to Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Since the company’s acquisition by The Ultimate Travel Company, he remains a Director of the company he founded. In previous lives, David was a comedy writer (for performers including Dave Allen and the Two Ronnies) and children’s book author before becoming a full time travel writer. He was the Chief Travel Correspondent of The Sunday Times for 17 years, which meant spending several months ‘on the road’ researching and writing features and visiting more than 100 countries. On three occasions he was voted the UK’s ‘Travel Writer of the Year’. He is currently also Travel Editor of Good Housekeeping.
Detailed Itinerary
Join David Wickers, Director of Bridge & Wickers, on a journey to Canada’s magnificent east coast encompassing a mix of lively cities and outstanding scenery, wilderness and wildlife. If you are lover of nature, magnificent wildlife, stunning scenery and remarkable urban landscapes this tour should be high on your wish list.
The tour begins in Toronto, Canada's largest city and a melting pot of different cultures, business and art. From here take a day trip to marvel at the mighty Niagara Falls, on a boat ride and a walk under the Falls, and discover the picturesque charm of Niagara-on-the-Lake village. Take a train to the capital city of Ottawa whose heritage and geographical location account for it being officially bilingual, French and English. Its cosmopolitan character is evident in the blend of cultures found at busy Byward Market, teeming with restaurants and bars, shops and pubs. Continue to Mont- Tremblant, located in the forested and rugged region of the Laurentian Mountains, a unique destination offering the chance to enjoy activities such as gondola rides, biking, boating and countless others. The next stop is Saint Alexis des Monts mountain where you can immerse yourself in the beautiful wilderness of resort and indulge your adventurous side with activities such as hiking, paddle boarding and kayaking or simply relax in the luxurious spa. Travel on to Quebec, the second-oldest existing European settlement in Canada; soak up the French culture and discover the incredible history of this vibrant city. Finally travel again by train to explore the buzzing metropolis that is Montreal, on o of the country’s most unique and lively cities, offering a perfect blend of the old and new, with its strong French and British influences.
Niagara Falls Toronto
Day 1: Thursday, 20th September London / Toronto Depart London Heathrow on a British Airways lunchtime flight to Toronto.
Upon arrival at Toronto Airport transfer to the five star, boutique Hotel Le Germain, located in the heart of Toronto’s entertainment district, where three nights are spent. A jewel of modern architecture, the hotel boasts a two-level lobby of sleek lines, and an open air concept with warm, inviting colours. All rooms are a contemporary style with designer bathrooms. The hotel’s fashionable restaurant reflects the hotels sense of style. Welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Friday, 21st September Toronto Full day city tour of Toronto. Visit the major attractions such as the downtown core, Waterfront, Hockey Hall of Fame, Rogers Centre, Air Canada Centre, Waterfront, Casa Loma, The Distillery Historic District and St. Lawrence Market, Kensington Market, Bloor Street, City Halls and Queens University.
Lunch under own arrangements. Dinner with a view at the top of the CN Tower.
Day 3: Saturday, 22nd September Toronto Enjoy a morning drive out to the Niagara Peninsula. Marvel at the charm of the beautifully picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake and continue on to the scenic Niagara Parkway. Take the famous Hornblower Niagara cruise out to the Falls and journey behind them.
Lunch at the Queenston Heights Restaurant. Exclusive ice wine tasting at Jackson Triggs Estates. Return to the hotel. Dinner under own arrangements.
Ottawa Ottawa
Day 4: Sunday, 23rd September Toronto / Ottawa Coach transfer to Toronto’s Union Station to board VIA Rail in business class to Ottawa (journey time 3 hrs 45 mins).
Lunch is included on board. Upon arrival, coach transfer to Andaz Ottawa Byward Market hotel situated in Ottawa's trendy Byward Market district, where two nights are spent. The hotel’s airy, stylish rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and rainfall showers. The hotel has a fashionable wood-panelled restaurant. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Evening Byward Market food and wine walking tour with a food guide including stops at four restaurants each showcasing one wine-paired course of your meal.
Day 5: Monday, 24th September Ottawa Full day city tour of Ottawa. Guided tour of the Parliament and the impressive Museum of History which you will reach by aqua taxis. Also visit the War Museum and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.
Lunch at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure. Dinner under own arrangements.
Day 6: Tuesday, 25th September Ottawa / Mont Tremblant Morning at leisure in Ottawa. Around noon depart Ottawa and transfer by coach to Mont Tremblant. (journey time approximately 2 hrs) with a stop in scenic Montebello to stretch your legs and enjoy a terrific photo opportunity.
Lunch under own arrangements en route. Upon arrival transfer to the Fairmont Tremblant hotel where two nights are spent. The Fairmont Tremblant is a five-star resort located at the foot of the mountain, tucked into the heart of the region's most picturesque village. The region boasts a dazzling array of lakes and trails and offers an abundance of year-round activities including alpine skiing, five championship golf courses, mountain biking, river rafting, snowmobiling, ice climbing and much more. The hotel's Windigo Restaurant offers meals in a relaxing atmosphere. Dinner at the hotel.
Mont Tremblant Mont Tremblant National Park
Day 7: Wednesday, 26th September Mont Tremblant Day at leisure to enjoy the hotel and its facilities. The Mont Tremblant Activity Card is included for a choice of three activities. Options to choose from are: Panoramic Gondola, bike rentals, Birds of Prey Show, lunch trio, beach and tennis club, non-motorized boat rentals, Iceberg, Eurobungy, climbing tower, Akropark, mini golf, luge and Aquaclub.
Lunch under own arrangements. Dinner under own arrangements.
Day 8: Thursday, 27th September Mont Tremblant / Saint-Alexis-des-Monts The morning is at leisure to continue use of the hotel and its wonderful facilities. Around noon enjoy a scenic coach transfer to Saint-Alexis-des-Monts and transfer to the Hotel Sacacomie where two nights are spent. Located in the heart of the forest and bordering the Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve, the charming three star Hotel Sacacomie overlooks a majestic lake whose shore extends for more then 40km. In this enchanting site where nature reigns supreme, the log constructed house on the lake blends harmoniously with the scenery. The hotel's private beach is reserved exclusively for guests with pedal boats, canoes and kayaks available free of charge. Make the most of the wonderful surroundings with an array of other activities, including hiking, fishing, horse riding, motor boats, air tours by float plane and bear and beaver observation tours. The dining room and small cosy bar extend onto a terrace, providing a captivating view of the lake. The restaurant honours regional products with a menu featuring a variety of local specialties.
Lunch under own arrangements. Late afternoon enjoy a guided Bear and Beaver Observation Tour. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 9: Friday, 28th September Saint-Alexis-des-Monts Day at leisure to take in the beautiful surroundings of Saint Alexis des Monts. Complimentary boat and nautical equipment rental (50 minutes), hiking trails and beach access.
Lunch under own arrangements. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 10: Saturday, 29th September Saint-Alexis-des-Monts / Quebec City Transfer by coach to Quebec City, (journey time approximately 2½ hrs). Check into the Manoir Victoria Hotel where two nights are spent. Hotel Manoir Victoria is elegant and historic four-star hotel located in the heart of Old Quebec, near the culturally vibrant Latin Quarter. The hotel’s La Table du Manoir offers an outstanding culinary experience and the Saint James bistro serves light meals in a relaxed atmosphere.
Lunch under own arrangements. In the afternoon take a walking tour of Old Quebec upper and lower town to see the many attractions. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 11: Sunday, 30th September Quebec City Full day tour. Start with a short city tour of Quebec to see the sights outside the old town. Then travel alongside the St. Lawrence River and cross over to Ile d’Orleans for a scenic tour.
Lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon tour and tasting at Cassis Monna et Filles Continue to Sainte-Anne-de- Beaupre for a visit of the famous shrine. Stop at Montmorency Falls on your way back to the hotel. Dinner under own arrangements.
Quebec City Montreal
Day 12: Monday, 1st October Quebec City / Montreal Morning at leisure. Transfer by coach to Gare du Palais to board VIA Rail. Journey to Montreal in Business Class (journey time 3 hrs 12 mins).
Lunch is included on board. Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel Nelligan where two nights are spent. Hotel Nelligan is a luxury boutique hotel located in the historic Old Montreal. Nestled in the 19th century building, the hotel blends European sophistication with modern touches. The hotel’s Verses Restaurant has become one of Old Montreal's hippest new restaurants, serving a contemporary French cuisine assembling Quebec's finest meats and freshest produce. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 13: Tuesday, 2nd October Montreal Full day city tour of Montreal. See sites such as Old Montreal, Notre Dame Basilica, Mont Royal and Saint Joseph’s Oratory. Then continue on to the Harbour front, Ile d’Helene, Rue Sainte-Catherine, the Underground City. Proceed to Montreal Tower on the former Olympic Grounds for elevation up the tower.
Lunch under own arrangements. Farewell dinner at hotel.
Day 14: Wednesday, 3rd October Montreal / London Final day at leisure with late check-out.
Lunch under own arrangements. Transfer to P. E. Trudeau Montreal International Airport for overnight flight back to London.
Day 15: Thursday, 4th October London Morning arrival at London Heathrow.
Tour Price
COST PER PERSON: £6,945 Single supplement: £2,895 Business Class upgrade: Upon request A fee of £95 per person will be charged for those who would like to travel out or back separately from the main group.
The tour cost includes: economy class scheduled flights air passenger duty, passenger service charge, airline security charges, airport taxes and fuel surcharges where applicable – currently £488 (liable to change without notice) accommodation throughout as shown in the itinerary Breakfast daily; 5 lunches; 9 dinners. all visits and excursions as per the itinerary all transportation as detailed in the itinerary all entrance fees local English-speaking guide/s gratuities in restaurants gratuities to driver/s gratuities to guide/s porterage the services of your tour leader throughout
The tour cost does NOT include: travel insurance items of personal expenditure (e.g. telephone calls / laundry etc.) Meals than listed as included and drinks with meals ETA application ($7 per person) government levies or taxes introduced after costing and publication of this programme on 13/10/2017
Changes to the Itinerary Please note, that certain elements of this itinerary, and/or the order of events, may well be subject to alteration due to circumstances beyond our control.
Fitness to travel Whilst we do not impose any age limitations on joining a tour, participants must be reasonably fit. The very nature of the sightseeing involved in our tours (and the difficulties of direct access by coach in various places) means that a considerable amount of walking and standing is unavoidable on almost all tours. We regret that our tours are not suitable for people who have difficulty in walking, may require wheelchair assistance at any time, or are unable to keep pace with the group. If you are in any doubt as to the suitability
of a tour, please make this known to us before you book and we will advise you accordingly. The Ultimate Travel Company reserves the right to decline a reservation without necessarily giving a reason.
Airline Tickets As a tour operator we have access to special airfares. While these offer good value, they do carry certain restrictions applied by the airline. Please ask us for details.
Note: If you are thinking about using air miles to upgrade to a premium cabin on the flights, please check with us first as fare restrictions might not permit this.
Health Requirements No vaccinations are required for entry into Canada however primary courses and boosters should be up to date including Tetanus and Diptheria. There is no risk of malaria. No yellow fever certificate is required.
Please check recommended practice with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic or for medical advice please visit the following website: http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations.aspx
Passport and Visa Information Passengers should hold a full passport. British passport holders do not require a visa to visit Canada. Nationals of other countries should consult their local Consulate. Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
All British passport holders must apply for an eta application form which can be done online from 1st August 2015. Details will be included in our confirmation letter. The ETA application currently has a fee of $7 Canadian Dollars.
FCO Advice Travel advice issued by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office can be viewed at www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo.