Independent Arrivals in Ottawa/Program Orientation/Introductions/History of Ottawa and Canada's Health Care System

Afternoon: Independent arrivals and transfers to the program hotel after 3:00 pm. Please note that rooms are not generally available until mid to late afternoon.

Dinner: Welcome buffet dinner at the hotel.

Evening: INTRODUCTIONS: Following dinner, you will meet for introductions, a review of the program and orientation. PRESENTATION: This two-part lecture focuses, first, on the eventual selection of Ottawa as Canada’s capital city after experience with several prior settlements. From early days in the seventeenth century when French explorers came upon Ottawa Indians while exploring new routes for the fur trade to Queen Victoria’s judicious decision to locate the capital in a region that satisfied ethnic, commercial, religious and strategic objectives, Ottawa enjoyed volatile beginnings. A discussion follows of Ottawa’s contemporary make-up driven by both public and private sectors, multicultural richness -- from Inuit to Vietnamese -- and as a dramatic locus for the spark of what many see as the beginning of the Cold War. Coupled with this is a brief overview of the basic principles of universal healthcare in Canada from it’s early days in the 1950’s to its present status that most Canadians like to call a defining characteristic of their national identity.

Lodging: Novotel Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: PRESENTATION: This talk develops the many complementary and, at times, differing structures that separate the manner in which Canadians govern themselves from the close counterpart machinery of government in the USA. Step-by-step comparisons of the three main branches (Judiciary, Executive, Legislative) in both countries are preceded by an over-view of the historical pilgrimage that led from the Norman Conquest of England to the centuries-old attempts to have government contain the influence of the crown so that Canadians can enjoy peace, order and good government, unfettered. Politics in Canada rounds out the lecture with the main features separating the economic, social and – at times – separatist aspirations of the political party system receiving an unbiased appreciation. FIELD TRIP: Parliament Buildings. Guided visit onto center stage of Canadian democracy with a guided visit through the Centre Block. From the top of the Peace Tower, gain an incredible view of Ottawa, the Rideau Canal, the Ottawa River and the Gatineau Hills beyond.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant

Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: National Art Gallery - Whether you're a novice or expert, historical or contemporary art-lover, the Gallery is constantly putting on engaging events to encourage learning in a stimulating, informal environment. Your guide will give you a fascinating new perspective on the works of art found throughout the collections.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the Metropolitain Brasserie.

Evening: This free evening offers you the opportunity to relax in the comfort of your hotel room or to spend the evening at the theater, a ballet or a musical production. Advanced reservations are highly recommended. Artistic venues are not always available.

Lodging: Novotel Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Canada's Evolution from Colony to Nation/Canadian Museum of Civilization

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: PRESENTATION: Canada's Evolution from Colony to Nation. A brief survey of important events in the historical evolution of the Americas, with emphasis on their impact on the areas that would become Canada. Special attention is paid to the French fact in North America, and to the accommodation of different languages and cultures in the country that mushroomed quickly from inauspicious beginnings to a territorial land expanse second only to that of Russia. FIELD TRIP - Canadian Museum of Civilization. Your exploration of Canada's cultural and architectural treasures continues with a guided visit by the museum's curatorial staff, explore the history of Canada's Aboriginal peoples, learn about their fight for cultural survival and admire the wealth of their contributions to Canadian society. Experience a remarkable journey through 1,000 years of Canadian social history.

Lunch: Lunch at Museum of Civilization

Afternoon: Free afternoon to continue exploring the museum or visit the many museums that the city has to offer, or take a cruise on the Rideau Canal. OPTIONAL COCKTAILS: Join your Group Leader for cocktails at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier (Dutch Treat).

Dinner: Dinner on your own to enjoy local fare or join the Group Leader (at a local restaurant).

Evening: You may remain with your Group Leader to continue exploring local sites or take the opportunity to head off on your own to discover Ottawa.

Lodging: Novotel Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Historic Ottawa/Departure by coach to Montréal/The Magic of Maple Syrup

Breakfast: Breakfast at your hotel.

Morning: FIELD TRIP: Witness some of Ottawa's most famous landmarks and architectural treasures during a city exploration with a local expert.Canada’s Capital is renowned for the diversity of its historical monuments and architectural treasures such as the Parliament Buildings, an important national symbol cherished by all Canadians. Other notable landmarks include 24 Sussex Drive, the home of Canada’s Prime Minister, located on the edge of the Ottawa River, opposite the main entrance to Rideau Hall; the National Arts Centre, Foreign Affairs, the Supreme Court of Canada and the United States Embassy.

Lunch: Lunch on route to Montreal at the Sucrerie de la Montagne.

Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Guided visit of the Sucrerie de la Montagne. In a grove of century-old maple trees east of Montréal we visit an authentic “sugar shack”. Designated an official “Site du Patrimoine Québécois” (Québec Heritage site) it transports its visitors back in time, providing them with a momentary glimpse of life as it truly was for Québec and Canadian pioneers. Sucrerie de la Montagne founder Pierre Faucher and his son Stefan are devoted to respecting the heritage of their forebears and perpetuating Québec traditions with authenticity. Enjoy a tasty treat of tire sur neige (syrup on snow). Welcome into a world of Québec tradition lived through the timeless experience of “sugaring off.”

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel in Montreal.

Evening: Enjoy an optional evening walk in Montreal.

Lodging: Delta Centre Ville Hotel Montreal

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

French/English Partnership after 1840/Notre Dame Basilica/Organ Recital/Pointe a Calliere Museum

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: PRESENTATION: This morning a local historian will present The Emergence of a French-English Partnership in Canada - after 1840 explore how the American Civil War played a part in this pivotal event in Canadian history. Confederation was the product of forces and conditions that were both domestic and external in origin. Within the colonies, economic necessities and political deadlock were the order of the day; and the politics, agendas and actions of both Britain and the United States promoted the need for a new political framework for British North America. FIELD TRIP: Notre Dame Basilica. Guided visit of the magnificent Notre Dame Basilica, a jewel of Montreal. This masterpiece of Gothic revival architecture is renowned for its interior, sculpted in wood, paint and gold leaf. See the boldly modern design of the Notre Dame du Sacre Coeur Chapel (or the Wedding Chapel) captivating thousands of visitors each year. Learn about the history of Notre Dame followed by a private recital with organist Pierre Grandmaison. More than 100 years old, the Basilica's organ is a world-renowned masterpiece.

Lunch: Lunch in a local restaurant

Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Pointe-à-Callière Museum guided exploration of the birthplace of Montréal. Rising above evidence of more than 1000 years of human activity, this museum houses remarkable architectural remains, displayed in situ with absolute respect for their integrity. Pointe-à-Callière delves into the past to foster a debate on urban issues both local and global, and to encourage you to reflect on the future.

Dinner: Dinner on your own to enjoy the culinary delights of Old Montréal or join the Group Leader at a local restaurant.

Evening: Free evening to explore on your own or rest at the hotel.

Lodging: Delta Centre Ville Hotel Montreal

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: PRESENTATION: Our local historian delivers Native Opposition to Canadian Rule - Learn about Native opposition to Canadian Rule and Manitoba's admission as Canada's fifth province. Hear about the historic Red River Rebellion and the provisional government established by Métis leader Louis Riel in 1869 at the Red River Settlement in what is now the Canadian province of Manitoba. In 1870, the Manitoba Act was passed, allowing the Red River settlement to enter Confederation as the province of Manitoba. The Act also incorporated some of Riel's demands, such as separate French schools for Métis children and protection of Catholicism. FIELD TRIP: Old Montreal. Explore the architectural history of the city, as you walk the cobbled streets on a guided walk of Old Montreal. Notable highlights during the walk include, Place d'Armes and Place Jacques Cartier. This historic city center is rich in museums, galleries, restaurants and grey stone architecture spread out along narrow, cobblestone streets. Stroll through Place Jacques Cartier, a lively public square, and then turn south to the waterfront (Vieux Port). Its impressive harborfront facilities include a 1.5-mile (2.5-km)-long recreational park along the St. Lawrence River, a state-of-the-art science center, a theater, antiquarian bookshops and inviting cafés.

Lunch: Lunch at Le Vieux Port traditional French cuisine.

Afternoon: Free afternoon to explore on your own. Enjoy the galleries, museums and entertainment that Montréal has to offer. OPTIONAL COCKTAILS: Join your Group Leader for cocktails at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth (Dutch Treat).

Dinner: Enjoy dinner on your own to explore the many culinary delights that Montreal has to offer.

Evening: Free evening to explore the wonderful night life in Montréal from concerts to theater.

Lodging: Delta Centre Ville Hotel Montreal

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Historic Montreal/Departure by coach to Québec City/The History of Québec City

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: FIELD TRIP: Explore Montreal's neighbourhoods and landmarks, Mont Royal and Jean Talon Market.

Lunch: Enjoy a little free time and get lunch for your travel to Québec City.

Afternoon: PRESENTATION: Power Point presentation on the history of Quebec City. Relive the dramatic history of Canada's oldest city founded in 1608 by the intrepid Samuel de Champlain. Historic images and pertinent commentaries will provide a summary of noteworthy events and notorious characters that have shaped the illustrious history of this World Heritage City.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: Free evening. You may remain with your Group Leader to continue exploring local sites or take the opportunity to head off on your own to discover Quebec City.

Lodging: Hôtel Manoir Victoria

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: PRESENTATION: From a Traditional to a Modern Society. From its foundation in 1608 Quebec has developed under the ascendancy of the Roman Catholic Church. For much of its history the Church was omnipresent and omnipotent in French Canadian society but the period of the 1960s also known as the "Quiet Revolution" will mark a radical change where Quebec will develop into a modern and a secular society. Today, Quebec is a collectivity that has assumed itself and developed a self identity. FIELD TRIP: Guided walk through Old Québec will give you an excellent overview of Québec City from its founding to the present day. Learn about the principal historical events that occurred here. The city was awarded its World Heritage City designation in 1985 based partially on the preservation of the fortifications around the Old Town, which date from 1745. This area has a distinct European feel with its stone buildings and winding streets lined with shops and restaurants.

Lunch: Lunch at local French restaurant

Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: The Good Shepherd Museum makes you discover the captivating story of the Good Shepherd Sisters of Québec, a community founded in the heart of Quebec City in 1850. Set in a magnificent historic building erected between 1878 and 1887, the Museum also provides a comprehensive analysis on the social history of marginalized women and abandoned children during the 19th and 20th centuries. Free afternoon to explore the Old City.

Dinner: Dinner on own to enjoy another french culinary experience.

Evening: Free evening to continue exploring on your own, remain with the Group Leader or rest at your hotel.

Lodging: Hôtel Manoir Victoria

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

The Evolution of Nationalism in Québec/Plains of Abraham/Musee des Beaux Arts

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: PRESENTATION: The Evolution of Nationalism in Québec. What are some of the political and social events that have given rise to a strong nationalism and the creation of a political party whose main objective is to separate from Canada and create an independent country? Following the British conquest, in 1763, French Canadians will fight attempts of assimilation in order to insure the survival of their distinct culture. Today, this culture is vibrant and alive but many feel that it is continuously under pressure. FIELD TRIP: You will then travel to National Battlefields Park, also known as the Plains of Abraham. FIELD TRIP: Musée National des Beaux Arts du Québec. The museum is made up of three linked buildings that display an impressive array of architecture. The museum's collection includes more than 22,000 works produced mainly in Québec from early colonial times to the present day. The museum acts as a custodian, keeping alive the memory of Québec art and artists.

Lunch: Lunch on your own to explore the many culinary experiences in the city.

Afternoon: Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to explore Old Québec on your own.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at Le Patriarche. Nestled in the heart of Old Québec near the Saint-Jean Gate, Le Patriarche beckons with its intimate setting and the refined décor of a beautiful, circa 1827 stone house. In each of the chefs courses you will find products from small livestock farmers, new finds from dedicated foragers, and the most succulent items from area market gardens. The menu gives pride of place to game and other products from the Québec terroir.

Evening: Free time to enjoy your last evening in Québec City or retire early in preparation for tomorrow's departure.

Lodging: Hôtel Manoir Victoria

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel is at 7:00 am.

Morning: Independent departures after breakfast from Québec City. Check-out of hotel is 12:00 noon.

Meals Included: Breakfast