Québec/Ontario

Canadian Odyssey: Québec City to Toronto

Program No. 3734RJ
Discover the beauty and history of Eastern Canada’s great cities — Québec City and its Old Town, cosmopolitan Montréal, national capital Ottawa and Toronto, the largest city in Canada.

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At a Glance

Discover the grand beauty and historical significance of some of the great cities of Eastern Canada: Québec City, the last walled city in the Americas north of Mexico; Montréal, a cosmopolitan center of culture; Ottawa, the national capital; and Toronto, the largest city in Canada. Compare the distinctive architecture and mood of each city. Explore grand cathedrals, stroll cobblestone streets and visit world-class museums. And enjoy discussions with local experts on the history, culture and art of Canada.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles per day; uneven surfaces, cobblestones; some hills and stairs encountered. Some standing in museums/historic sites.

What You'll Learn

  • Visit the magnificent Notre Dame Basilica, a masterpiece of Gothic revival architecture.
  • Discover upper and lower town in Old Québec, exploring fortifications that date from 1745.
  • Journey from Ottawa's Parliament Hill to Old Town Toronto and the historic St. Lawrence Market.

General Notes

Select dates are designated for small groups and are limited to 24 participants or less.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Bruce Bell
Bruce Bell — journalist, author, playwright, actor, curator — brings an incredible passion and enthusiasm for the history of Toronto and its architecture. He has been the monthly history columnist for Canada’s largest community newspaper since 1999 and has also been appointed as historian for many famed Toronto sites. Bruce is the author of “Amazing Tales of St. Lawrence Neighbourhood” and “Toronto: A Pictorial Celebration.” His mission is to tell Toronto’s history through his writings and lectures, including his sold-out shows at Toronto’s famed Winter Garden Theatre.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Bruce Bell
Bruce Bell View biography
Bruce Bell — journalist, author, playwright, actor, curator — brings an incredible passion and enthusiasm for the history of Toronto and its architecture. He has been the monthly history columnist for Canada’s largest community newspaper since 1999 and has also been appointed as historian for many famed Toronto sites. Bruce is the author of “Amazing Tales of St. Lawrence Neighbourhood” and “Toronto: A Pictorial Celebration.” His mission is to tell Toronto’s history through his writings and lectures, including his sold-out shows at Toronto’s famed Winter Garden Theatre.
Profile Image of Jason Kucherawy
Jason Kucherawy View biography
With his colleague Steve Woodall, Jason Kucherawy starting offering expert-led walking explorations of Toronto ten years ago, as an outgrowth of their previous experience together as leaders for educational organizations. Both men have extensive experience working with teenagers, students of English as a second language, and international travelers of all ages. Jason, Steve and the others they work with combine deep knowledge of the Toronto area with wit, energy, enthusiasm and their genuine enjoyment of meeting people from around the world.
Profile Image of David Jeanes
David Jeanes View biography
David Jeanes is a retired professional engineer. He is vice-president of Heritage Ottawa, which is committed to the preservation of heritage architecture, and president of Transport 2000 Canada, which is devoted to sustainable public transportation. A native of Britain, David has lived in Ottawa much of his working life and spent 32 years in the high-tech industry on the design, standardization and marketing of global data-communication networks.
Profile Image of Patricia Brown
Patricia Brown View biography
Patricia Brown has traveled across Canada and the USA with numerous groups, allowing her to discover many wonderful places and meet equally wonderful people. Patricia is also bilingual in French and English which certainly makes navigating the province of Quebec easier! She studied Communication at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, BC, as well as Travel in Quebec. Currently, she’s made her home in Montreal with her partner and dog, where she indulges in her other passions, cooking and entertaining.
Profile Image of Clarisse Fréchette
Clarisse Fréchette View biography
Clarisse Frechette’s family arrived in Québec back in 1677 as shipbuilders. She has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and worked as a research agent for Québec’s Department of Education before taking on the role of a field manager for Statistics Quebec. Becoming an educational interpreter was second nature for Clarisse, with her love of history and certainly her love of Québec! She has explored the old streets of Québec for over 20 years. It is always her pleasure to help people discover this area.
Profile Image of Marie Legroulx
Marie Legroulx View biography
Marie is an eleventh-generation Quebecoise whose ancestors settled on the shores of the St. Lawrence River in the mid-17th century. She has a BA in history and an MA in Quebec literature from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. Marie draws on both fields in her Road Scholar learning adventures as well as within her life more broadly. She taught French and Quebec literature for 25 years at the university level. Marie has been leading groups in Quebec City and the surrounding area since 2008.
Profile Image of Thom Seivewright
Thom Seivewright View biography
Thom Seivewright has been working as a local city expert in Montreal for over 6 years. He spends his days showing people around Montreal and connecting them with the city’s unique culture, history, architecture, and languages. His background is in communications, journalism, and hospitality, but sharing his passion for this cosmopolitan city is his favorite thing to do.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Meals
23 Meals
10 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Sep 30, 2024 - Oct 10, 2024
  • Sep 30, 2024 - Oct 10, 2024
  • Jul 08, 2024 - Jul 18, 2024 (Quebec City, Québec to Toronto, Ontario)
  • Aug 12, 2024 - Aug 22, 2024 (Quebec City, Québec to Toronto, Ontario)
  • Sep 02, 2024 - Sep 12, 2024 (Quebec City, Québec to Toronto, Ontario)
  • Sep 30, 2024 - Oct 10, 2024 (Quebec City, Québec to Toronto, Ontario)
  • Jun 16, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025 (Quebec City, Québec to Toronto, Ontario)
  • Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025 (Quebec City, Québec to Toronto, Ontario)
  • Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025 (Quebec City, Québec to Toronto, Ontario)
  • Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025 (Quebec City, Québec to Toronto, Ontario)
  • Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 08, 2025 (Quebec City, Québec to Toronto, Ontario)
3 nights
Québec City
Hôtel Manoir Victoria, originally named Hotel Albion in the 1830's, was located on the East side of Côte du Palais, across the street from the actual hotel. At the time, it was known as the best in town and renting a room cost $1.50 per night. After several owners, fires, reconstructions and renovations, it stands today as a beautiful European style hotel located in the heart of historic, culturally vibrant, Old Quebec. Please note: there are 23 stairs from the hotel ground level entrance to the main lobby. A phone is available at ground level to request luggage assistance.
2 nights
Montreal
Hampton Inn is in the heart of downtown Montreal surrounded by restaurants, museums theatres and historic attraction.
2 nights
Ottawa
Lord Elgin Hotel is located in downtown Ottawa within walking distance of the Rideau Canal, Confederation Park, and Parliament Hill.
1 night
Kingston
Kingston Market Square Hotel is located in the vibrant historic downtown area. Steps away, you'll find some of Canada's most prominent destinations, such as Queen's University, Lake Ontario and the Pumphouse Museum as well as local shops and restaurants.
2 nights
Toronto
Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre is located in downtown Toronto within easy walking distance to the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, the Rogers Centre, the University of Toronto, Ryerson University and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
3 nights
Québec City
Hôtel Manoir Victoria, originally named Hotel Albion in the 1830's, was located on the East side of Côte du Palais, across the street from the actual hotel. At the time, it was known as the best in town and renting a room cost $1.50 per night. After several owners, fires, reconstructions and renovations, it stands today as a beautiful European style hotel located in the heart of historic, culturally vibrant, Old Quebec. Please note: there are 23 stairs from the hotel ground level entrance to the main lobby. A phone is available at ground level to request luggage assistance.
2 nights
Montreal
Hampton Inn is in the heart of downtown Montreal surrounded by restaurants, museums theatres and historic attraction.
2 nights
Ottawa
Lord Elgin Hotel is located in downtown Ottawa within walking distance of the Rideau Canal, Confederation Park, and Parliament Hill.
1 night
Kingston
Kingston Market Square Hotel is located in the vibrant historic downtown area. Steps away, you'll find some of Canada's most prominent destinations, such as Queen's University, Lake Ontario and the Pumphouse Museum as well as local shops and restaurants.
2 nights
Toronto
Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre is located in downtown Toronto within easy walking distance to the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, the Rogers Centre, the University of Toronto, Ryerson University and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
3 nights
Québec City
Hôtel Manoir Victoria, originally named Hotel Albion in the 1830's, was located on the East side of Côte du Palais, across the street from the actual hotel. At the time, it was known as the best in town and renting a room cost $1.50 per night. After several owners, fires, reconstructions and renovations, it stands today as a beautiful European style hotel located in the heart of historic, culturally vibrant, Old Quebec. Please note: there are 23 stairs from the hotel ground level entrance to the main lobby. A phone is available at ground level to request luggage assistance.
2 nights
Montreal
Hampton Inn is in the heart of downtown Montreal surrounded by restaurants, museums theatres and historic attraction.
2 nights
Ottawa
Lord Elgin Hotel is located in downtown Ottawa within walking distance of the Rideau Canal, Confederation Park, and Parliament Hill.
1 night
Kingston
Kingston Market Square Hotel is located in the vibrant historic downtown area. Steps away, you'll find some of Canada's most prominent destinations, such as Queen's University, Lake Ontario and the Pumphouse Museum as well as local shops and restaurants.
2 nights
Toronto
Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre is located in downtown Toronto within easy walking distance to the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, the Rogers Centre, the University of Toronto, Ryerson University and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
3 nights
Québec City
Hôtel Manoir Victoria, originally named Hotel Albion in the 1830's, was located on the East side of Côte du Palais, across the street from the actual hotel. At the time, it was known as the best in town and renting a room cost $1.50 per night. After several owners, fires, reconstructions and renovations, it stands today as a beautiful European style hotel located in the heart of historic, culturally vibrant, Old Quebec. Please note: there are 23 stairs from the hotel ground level entrance to the main lobby. A phone is available at ground level to request luggage assistance.
2 nights
Montreal
Hampton Inn is in the heart of downtown Montreal surrounded by restaurants, museums theatres and historic attraction.
2 nights
Ottawa
Lord Elgin Hotel is located in downtown Ottawa within walking distance of the Rideau Canal, Confederation Park, and Parliament Hill.
1 night
Kingston
Kingston Market Square Hotel is located in the vibrant historic downtown area. Steps away, you'll find some of Canada's most prominent destinations, such as Queen's University, Lake Ontario and the Pumphouse Museum as well as local shops and restaurants.
2 nights
Toronto
Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre is located in downtown Toronto within easy walking distance to the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, the Rogers Centre, the University of Toronto, Ryerson University and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
3 nights
Québec City
Hôtel Manoir Victoria, originally named Hotel Albion in the 1830's, was located on the East side of Côte du Palais, across the street from the actual hotel. At the time, it was known as the best in town and renting a room cost $1.50 per night. After several owners, fires, reconstructions and renovations, it stands today as a beautiful European style hotel located in the heart of historic, culturally vibrant, Old Quebec. Please note: there are 23 stairs from the hotel ground level entrance to the main lobby. A phone is available at ground level to request luggage assistance.
2 nights
Montreal
The InterContinental Montreal flaunts the perfect alliance of rich historical heritage and the fresh contemporary design. Also, the Intercontinental Montreal likes to reinvent itself with the changing seasons, by introducing a new theme in the hotel's decor every three months. Elegantly overlooking the international business area with its 26-story building with tourelles, the hotel is located above the Montreal World Trade Centre between downtown and Old Montreal. Connected to the underground city, the Montreal Convention Centre and close to two subway stations, the hotel's location will allow you to discover many of the city's points of interest. You will be ideally positioned for a business trip or cultural getaway.
2 nights
Ottawa
Lord Elgin Hotel is located in downtown Ottawa within walking distance of the Rideau Canal, Confederation Park, and Parliament Hill.
2 nights
Toronto
Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre is located in downtown Toronto within easy walking distance to the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, the Rogers Centre, the University of Toronto, Ryerson University and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
3 nights
Québec City
Hôtel Manoir Victoria, originally named Hotel Albion in the 1830's, was located on the East side of Côte du Palais, across the street from the actual hotel. At the time, it was known as the best in town and renting a room cost $1.50 per night. After several owners, fires, reconstructions and renovations, it stands today as a beautiful European style hotel located in the heart of historic, culturally vibrant, Old Quebec. Please note: there are 23 stairs from the hotel ground level entrance to the main lobby. A phone is available at ground level to request luggage assistance.
2 nights
Montreal
The InterContinental Montreal flaunts the perfect alliance of rich historical heritage and the fresh contemporary design. Also, the Intercontinental Montreal likes to reinvent itself with the changing seasons, by introducing a new theme in the hotel's decor every three months. Elegantly overlooking the international business area with its 26-story building with tourelles, the hotel is located above the Montreal World Trade Centre between downtown and Old Montreal. Connected to the underground city, the Montreal Convention Centre and close to two subway stations, the hotel's location will allow you to discover many of the city's points of interest. You will be ideally positioned for a business trip or cultural getaway.
2 nights
Ottawa
Lord Elgin Hotel is located in downtown Ottawa within walking distance of the Rideau Canal, Confederation Park, and Parliament Hill.
2 nights
Toronto
Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre is located in downtown Toronto within easy walking distance to the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, the Rogers Centre, the University of Toronto, Ryerson University and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
3 nights
Québec City
Hôtel Manoir Victoria, originally named Hotel Albion in the 1830's, was located on the East side of Côte du Palais, across the street from the actual hotel. At the time, it was known as the best in town and renting a room cost $1.50 per night. After several owners, fires, reconstructions and renovations, it stands today as a beautiful European style hotel located in the heart of historic, culturally vibrant, Old Quebec. Please note: there are 23 stairs from the hotel ground level entrance to the main lobby. A phone is available at ground level to request luggage assistance.
2 nights
Montreal
The InterContinental Montreal flaunts the perfect alliance of rich historical heritage and the fresh contemporary design. Also, the Intercontinental Montreal likes to reinvent itself with the changing seasons, by introducing a new theme in the hotel's decor every three months. Elegantly overlooking the international business area with its 26-story building with tourelles, the hotel is located above the Montreal World Trade Centre between downtown and Old Montreal. Connected to the underground city, the Montreal Convention Centre and close to two subway stations, the hotel's location will allow you to discover many of the city's points of interest. You will be ideally positioned for a business trip or cultural getaway.
2 nights
Ottawa
Lord Elgin Hotel is located in downtown Ottawa within walking distance of the Rideau Canal, Confederation Park, and Parliament Hill.
2 nights
Toronto
Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre is located in downtown Toronto within easy walking distance to the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, the Rogers Centre, the University of Toronto, Ryerson University and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
3 nights
Québec City
Hôtel Manoir Victoria, originally named Hotel Albion in the 1830's, was located on the East side of Côte du Palais, across the street from the actual hotel. At the time, it was known as the best in town and renting a room cost $1.50 per night. After several owners, fires, reconstructions and renovations, it stands today as a beautiful European style hotel located in the heart of historic, culturally vibrant, Old Quebec. Please note: there are 23 stairs from the hotel ground level entrance to the main lobby. A phone is available at ground level to request luggage assistance.
2 nights
Montreal
The InterContinental Montreal flaunts the perfect alliance of rich historical heritage and the fresh contemporary design. Also, the Intercontinental Montreal likes to reinvent itself with the changing seasons, by introducing a new theme in the hotel's decor every three months. Elegantly overlooking the international business area with its 26-story building with tourelles, the hotel is located above the Montreal World Trade Centre between downtown and Old Montreal. Connected to the underground city, the Montreal Convention Centre and close to two subway stations, the hotel's location will allow you to discover many of the city's points of interest. You will be ideally positioned for a business trip or cultural getaway.
2 nights
Ottawa
Lord Elgin Hotel is located in downtown Ottawa within walking distance of the Rideau Canal, Confederation Park, and Parliament Hill.
2 nights
Toronto
Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre is located in downtown Toronto within easy walking distance to the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, the Rogers Centre, the University of Toronto, Ryerson University and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
3 nights
Québec City
Hôtel Manoir Victoria, originally named Hotel Albion in the 1830's, was located on the East side of Côte du Palais, across the street from the actual hotel. At the time, it was known as the best in town and renting a room cost $1.50 per night. After several owners, fires, reconstructions and renovations, it stands today as a beautiful European style hotel located in the heart of historic, culturally vibrant, Old Quebec. Please note: there are 23 stairs from the hotel ground level entrance to the main lobby. A phone is available at ground level to request luggage assistance.
2 nights
Montreal
The InterContinental Montreal flaunts the perfect alliance of rich historical heritage and the fresh contemporary design. Also, the Intercontinental Montreal likes to reinvent itself with the changing seasons, by introducing a new theme in the hotel's decor every three months. Elegantly overlooking the international business area with its 26-story building with tourelles, the hotel is located above the Montreal World Trade Centre between downtown and Old Montreal. Connected to the underground city, the Montreal Convention Centre and close to two subway stations, the hotel's location will allow you to discover many of the city's points of interest. You will be ideally positioned for a business trip or cultural getaway.
2 nights
Ottawa
Lord Elgin Hotel is located in downtown Ottawa within walking distance of the Rideau Canal, Confederation Park, and Parliament Hill.
2 nights
Toronto
Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre is located in downtown Toronto within easy walking distance to the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, the Rogers Centre, the University of Toronto, Ryerson University and the Art Gallery of Ontario.





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