Stay Canada | 12 days | Eastern Canada in fall colors

A former nation of explorers, traders and gold diggers, Canada is often synonymous with getting away from it all…and for good reason!

With its myriads of lakes and rivers, its flamboyant forests, its vertiginous waterfalls, the beauty of its islands and its river, Eastern Canada does not leave lovers of wide open spaces indifferent.

Hiking in the parks, admiring whales, observing moose and caribou, the possibilities are numerous.

Yet, amidst these natural wonders lie equally vibrant cities.

During this trip, you will discover the cosmopolitan Toronto, the capital Ottawa, the French-speaking Montreal...

Program

Day 1 l Thursday, October 5, 2023 • PARIS • TORONTO

Meeting with your

guide at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport.

1:25 p.m.: Departure aboard a regular direct Air France flight.

3:45 p.m.: Arrival in Toronto (local time).

Upon arrival, you will be met and taken to your hotel, located in the city center.

Dinner and overnight at Le Germain Hotel Toronto Maple Leaf Square ****

The Cn-Toronto Adobesotck Tower

Day 2 l Friday, October 6 • TORONTO • NIAGARA EXCURSION

Begin your journey by exploring the amazing city of Toronto.

True incarnation of the "global village", this extraordinary metropolis is vibrant and cosmopolitan.

The economic capital of Canada is also characterized by its mosaic of neighborhoods: Chinatown, Greektown, Little India, Little Italy.

You will take advantage of the morning to discover the most emblematic buildings of the city center: City Hall (City Hall), the Parliament of Ontario, the University of Toronto, the Eaton Center...

You will then take the road towards the Niagara Peninsula.

In the afternoon, you will embark on a short cruise to discover the legendary Niagara Falls.

Their name resounds in the ears of all travellers, arousing fantasies and curiosity... but nothing prepares for the gigantism of these falls, which pour out more than 6.8 million liters of water every second and spread out along a horseshoe 675 meters long and 54 meters high.

An extraordinary show!

You will then travel to the Niagara Parks Power Station, the first major power station built on the Canadian side of the Niagara River.

Opened in the summer of 2022, you will be able to access an observation platform, located 20 meters above the level of the river, and offering a breathtaking view of the Fer-à-Cheval waterfall.

After a short free time, you will take the road to Niagara-On-The-Lake, to discover this small colonial-style town, before returning to Toronto.

Your day will end with dinner at the famous CN Tower, the city's landmark.

From its height of 553 meters, it offers a 360° panorama of the Canadian metropolis, its sprawling avenues and cosmopolitan neighborhoods, all the way to the northern tip of Lake Ontario.

Night at the hotel.

Chateau Frontenac Adobestock

Day 3 l Saturday, October 7, 2023 • TORONTO • OTTAWA

In the morning, you will cross southern Ontario to the Thousand Islands region, an exceptional lake archipelago, straddling Canada and New York State, in the United States.

Lunch before the excursion.

You will board a boat for a cruise to discover this ancient mountain range, now submerged by the waters of the St. Lawrence and whose tree-topped peaks rise up in the middle of the waves, forming a constellation of islands. , sometimes virgin, sometimes adorned with sumptuous mansions and castles.

An enchanting panorama.

You will then take the road towards Ottawa.

Capital created from scratch by Queen Victoria in 1857, located on the border between English-speaking Ontario and French-speaking Quebec, Ottawa drags the reputation of a boring city, paragon of the insipid administrative city.

As you explore, you will discover that this is not the case!

Its wide avenues lined with restaurants, its Parliament and its incredible museums make it a stopover full of charm during an itinerary in the heart of Canada.

From Parliament, overlooking the Ottawa River, to the shores of the Rideau Canal, dotted with locks and small water reservoirs, passing by Rideau Hall, the residence and official office of the Governors General of Canada, discover the nuggets of peaceful capital during a guided tour.

Dinner and night at the Fairmont Château Laurier **** hotel.

La Mauricie National Park Sébastien Girard

Day 4 l Saturday, October 8, 2023 OTTAWA • QUEBEC CITY

Before taking the road towards Quebec, you will visit one of the most fascinating museums in the country: the Canadian Museum of History.

Located in Gatineau, in the sector of the former city of Hull, on the north shore of the Ottawa River, it is particularly renowned.

Totems, canoes, teepees and many other relics of the first peoples are displayed there, covering 20,000 years of human history in Canada.

A most rewarding visit!

On your way to Quebec, you will enjoy a stop at a sugar shack.

Typical of the region, these establishments offer products derived from maple sap, including the famous syrup.

Lunch on site.

Arrival at the end of the afternoon in Quebec via the Quebec-Lévis ferry.

Enjoy splendid views of Old Quebec with the Château Frontenac in the foreground.

End of the day dedicated to a walk in the Lower Town of Quebec.

Once the capital of New France, Quebec, the sentinel of the St. Lawrence, is undoubtedly the soul of French-speaking Canada.

In the footsteps of Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain, explore a city that has succeeded in assimilating its origins and its history while keeping its eyes resolutely turned towards the future.

Here, tranquility and kindness are elevated to the rank of art of living, so much so that Quebec City is sure to arouse countless emotions and a few favorites in its visitors!

Day 5 l Monday, October 9, 2023 • QUEBEC CITY

In the morning, you will take the road towards Île d'Orléans, a haven of peace which offers, from the tip of Sainte-Pétronille, a breathtaking view of the splendid Montmorency Falls.

You will follow the St. Lawrence and enjoy incredible views of the river.

During a stop in Wendake, you will visit the First Nations hotel-museum.

The opportunity to discover the history, culture and way of life of this Amerindian people whose Aboriginal name Wendat means "islander", in reference to their place of residence, and whose French name Huron is inspired by the traditional men's hairstyle, which reminded the pioneers of the female boar's head.

Back in Quebec, you will enjoy a few hours of free time to explore the city on your own.

The opportunity to taste one of the local specialties, the famous “poutine” made with fries!

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Niagara Falls Marina Degtyareva aivolie@gmail.

Day 6 l Tuesday, October 10, 2023 • QUEBEC CITY • SAGUENAY

After having seen them the day before, it will be time for you to approach the impressive Montmorency Falls a little closer.

You will continue by crossing the Sainte-Anne canyon, a vertiginous chasm more than 55 meters high!

You will then take the road towards the Charlevoix region, recognized by Unesco as a world biosphere reserve.

In autumn, the blaze of colors takes over Quebec's forests and makes the landscapes of Charlevoix even more incredible.

Lunch at the restaurant.

In Fjord-du-Saguenay, a biologist guide will be waiting for you at the Cap-de-Bon-Désir interpretation and observation center to help you discover the fascinating history of the lighthouse.

This is where the keepers and their families once lived, who, from generation to generation, ensured the safety of boats navigating the St. Lawrence.

From the heights, you will undoubtedly have the chance to observe the whales, seals and other marine animals that inhabit the calm waters of the river.

Installation at the hotel.

Dinner and night at the OTL Gouverneur Saguenay ***** hotel.

Eastern Canada in fall colors Adobestock

Day 7 l Wednesday, October 11, 2023 • SAGUENAY

This day will be dedicated to the discovery of the majestic Canadian nature.

In the morning, an easy hike in the forest will allow you to immerse yourself in grandiose landscapes, while familiarizing yourself with the local fauna.

You will finally reach the highest point of the hike, the Rivière-à-Mars canyon and its impressive waterfall.

A small bridge crosses the dam, while footbridges allow you to follow the stream and thus continue your walk.

Lunch during the excursion.

You will then leave to observe the black bear, an animal typical of the region.

The observation will take place from a watchtower fitted out especially for this purpose and with the greatest respect for the animals and their natural habitat.

You will end this day full of adventures by descending the river aboard a rabaska (canoe), the traditional First Nations boat.

You may be lucky enough to come across a few beavers or a moose!

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

First Nations Hotel-Museum Adobestock

Day 8 l Thursday, October 12, 2023 • SAGUENAY • LAC SAINT-JEAN

In the morning, you will explore the Zoo sauvage of Saint-Félicien.

The opportunity for an exceptional encounter with Canadian wildlife.

Aboard an open vehicle, you cross this immense natural park and can observe beavers, black bears, caribou and other emblematic animals of North America.

After lunch, you will take the road towards the historic village of Val-Jalbert.

Exceptionally preserved, this village gives its visitors an idea of ​​the way of life of Canadians more than a century ago.

Indeed, between the years 1901 and 1927, Val-Jalbert was a prosperous town, thanks in particular to its pulp mill.

Originally, the village was called

“Ouiatchouan”, named after the waterfall that fed the mill to make wood pulp.

You can also admire this impressive waterfall after a short cable car ride to take you to its summit.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Ottawa Adobestock

Day 9 - Friday, October 13, 2023 • LAC SAINT-JEAN • MONTREAL

This day's drive will allow you to discover the splendid landscapes that border the Saint-Maurice River.

At Parc des Chutes-de-la-Petite-Rivière-Bostonnais, you can stretch your legs by taking one of the many hiking trails that criss-cross the park.

Arrival in Montreal at the end of the day.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Saguenay Adobestock

> Day 10 l Saturday, October 14, 2023 • MONTREAL

Departure to discover Montreal and in particular Old Montreal, a district that is constantly reinventing itself.

In its cobbled streets, home to both the oldest and newest buildings in the city, the past and the future come together in the present.

In the shadow of the majestic dome of the Bonsecours market, or on either side of rue Saint-Paul, find charming craft shops and contemporary art galleries.

Lunch of "smoked meat", a Montreal specialty of smoked beef with herbs and spices.

Then take advantage of a few hours of free time to explore the city as you wish.

We recommend, for example, exploring the Plateau, this former working-class district, today a hotbed of the Quebec artistic scene.

Along its buildings with surprising architecture and colorful facades, its street-art and its green alleys, discover the haunt of the city's artists.

Here, the breath of creativity is everywhere and rushes into every alley, every Victorian house.

A neighborhood on a human scale but with excessive inventiveness!

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 l Sunday, October 15, 2023 • MONTREAL • PARIS

In the morning, guided tour of the permanent collection of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

You will then have access to the museum's temporary collection.

Lunch at the restaurant.

Transfer to Montreal airport in the afternoon.

5:55 p.m.: Take-off for Paris on a scheduled Air France flight.

Day 12 l Monday, October 16, 2023 • MONTREAL • PARIS

7:45 p.m.: Arrival in Paris.

Accommodation

Le Germain Hotel Toronto Maple Leaf Adobestock

Comfortable and located in the heart of downtown Toronto, a stone's throw from the Scotiabank Arena and Union Station, the Germain Hotel Toronto Maple Leaf Square is an establishment imbued with elegance and charm.

The rooms, decorated with taste and simplicity, are equipped with all modern comforts and allow travelers to rest in peace after a long day of sightseeing.

OTL GOVERNOR SAGUENAY OTL GOVERNOR SAGUENAY

This ultramodern establishment is the ideal starting point to practice the various activities offered by Saguenay and its region, in particular cycling and hiking.

In addition to its rooms with modern and sober decoration, the OTL Gouverneur Saguenay hotel also offers a restaurant, a terrace, an indoor swimming pool and a whirlpool.

The perfect well-being combo after a day of visiting the surrounding wide open spaces!

HISTORIC VILLAGE OF VAL-JALBERT HISTORIC VILLAGE OF VAL-JALBERT

Housed in renovated buildings dating from the 1920s, the rooms in the historic village of Val-Jalbert are real time machines!

However, there is no question of compromising on comfort: well-equipped rooms, Wi-Fi connection throughout the establishment... Not to be missed during your stay: the Moulin restaurant, which serves typical cuisine from the Saguenay- Lac Saint-Jean.

FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAURIER FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAURIER

Located in the heart of the Canadian capital, the Fairmont Château Laurier is a unique marriage between the royal elegance of its structure, a castle inspired by the 16th century, and the refinement of its interior decoration, fresh and modern.

Built at the beginning of the 20th century, it benefited from its proximity to the Parliament and hosted many political figures.

FAIRMONT QUEEN ELIZABETH FAIRMONT QUEEN ELIZABETH

True to the Fairmont brand, this luxurious establishment is located in the heart of Montreal just a few steps from the main artery, the famous Sainte-Catherine Street.

Recently renovated, the rooms welcome their visitors in a colorful setting with a bold artistic direction, celebrating both modernity and the history of Montreal.

FAIRMONT LE CHATEAU FRONTENAC FAIRMONT LE CHATEAU FRONTENAC

A true Quebec icon and pied-à-terre for celebrities – from Queen Elizabeth II to Princess Grace of Monaco via Leonardo DiCaprio and Paul McCartney – the castle watches over the city from the heights of Cap Diamant.

The castle also owes its fame to its appearance in several film productions, in particular

(1953) by Alfred Hitchcock, with Montgomery Clift and Anne Baxter.

Rates of the stay

*Rate for 1st subscriber valid until 08/05/2023 based on a double room to be shared.

**Price per person based on a double room to be shared.

The price includes

• Air transport Paris/Toronto and Montreal/Paris on direct Air France flights in economy class

• Airport taxes €108.78 to date

• Local taxes and services

• Transportation and coach transfers

• Accommodation in a double room in the mentioned hotels

• Full board from dinner on day 1 to lunch on day 11

• Drinks at lunches and dinners

• Tips: guides/drivers/hotels

• Conferences/visits/excursions/entries, according to the program

• Carrying luggage

• French-speaking local guides

• A travel diary

• Health-accident-repatriation-baggage insurance Mutuaide Assistance

• A

  Figaro side dish