St. Lawrence River Cruise & Ottawa Tulips

featuring Toronto 

All aboard the “Canadian Empress”, a classic Victorian Riverboat, for a 5-day cruise on the St. Lawrence River and experience the colonial history of Upper Canada and the 1000 Islands.  Start off in Toronto, staying in the downtown Harbourfront District. Visit iconic attractions in Canada’s largest city.  Explore our nations’ capital, Ottawa, where the annual Tulip Festival will be in full bloom!

 

TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1 – TORONTO, ON

Depart for Toronto, arrive this afternoon and settle in at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

DAY 2 – TORONTO

Start the day with a tour of the CN Tower and then jump on the Hop On-Hop Off double decker bus for a day of sightseeing.  The tour includes a stop with admission to the Royal Ontario Museum.

DAY 3 – ST. LAWRENCE RIVER CRUISE

Have a leisurely morning before departing to Kingston aboard VIA Rail, through rural farmland and forests. Upon arrival, we take a tour of Bellevue House National Historic Site, the home of Canada’s first Prime Minister, John A. McDonald. Then board the “Canadian Empress” and start your journey on the St. Lawrence River Cruise with a Captain’s Welcome Reception and a Prime Rib Dinner.

SPOTLIGHT

The St. Lawrence River is the second largest river in Canada.  Sailing aboard the Victorian themed “Canadian Empress”, explore the picturesque 1000 Islands, opulent summer homes, scenic bays and intimate island passages.

DAY 4 – ST. LAWRENCE RIVER CRUISE

Sail the 1000 Islands on the way to Gananoque.  Take in the stunning scenery and the many magnificent mansions including Boldt Castle, built in 1900 by George Boldt, owner of the Waldorf Astoria.  Debark for a guided tour of the 1000 Islands Heritage Museum and then on to Brockville for a guided tour of Fulford Mansion.

DAY 5 – ST. LAWRENCE RIVER CRUISE

Today head for Prescott and a guided tour of Fort Wellington National Historic Site.   The fort tells authentic stories from the War of 1812 up until the First World War. Cruise along the Galop Canal and pass through the Iroquois Lock at the St. Lawrence Seaway control dam.

DAY 6 – ST. LAWRENCE RIVER CRUISE

Debark for a horse-drawn carriage ride from the ship to Upper Canada Village with an open-air guided tour.  Then stroll this historical village, stepping back into rural life of the 1860’s with 40 historical buildings.  This afternoon, cruise the Canadian Channel bound for 1000 Islands, Tonight is Celebration Night with evening entertainment.

DAY 7 – OTTAWA, ON

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast cruise through the 1000 Islands then debark for a guided tour of the 1000 Island Boat Museum. As we leave Gananoque for our return to Kingston, enjoy closing ceremonies and a tour of Kingston Harbour before debarking this afternoon. Next, board our coach for the drive to Ottawa for a three night stay at the historical Lord Elgin Hotel.

DAY 8 – OTTAWA

A local guide takes us on a tour of many of Ottawa’s churches, embassies, museums and cultural areas with the magnificent buildings of Parliament Hill taking center stage. Much of the focus will also be on the Tulip Festival and its colourful history.

EXPERIENCES & HIGHLIGHTS

There’s nothing like Ottawa in the spring when the city blooms with thousands of tulips. Ottawa has the largest Tulip Festival in the world!  It features 300,000 bulbs in 30 tulip beds and over 100 varieties.   It’s a real showstopper!

DAY 9 – OTTAWA

Today we explore the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum and learn about Canada’s rich military history. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Don’t forget to visit nearby Sparks Street, North America’s first pedestrian promenade.

DAY 10 – RETURN HOME

It’s an early departure for your flight home.