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.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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11 days
10 nights
23 meals
10 B 8 L 5 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Quebec City, Québec
D
Hôtel Manoir Victoria

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration: 4:00-5:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in and the front desk will be happy to help you. Then please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: Orientation: 7:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Program-related transportation will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. We will use public transportation for one field trip; public transportation is also available for free-time use. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. You may wish to begin exploring what the city has to offer. The hotel is within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and attractions including the Québec City Fortifications, Le Capitole Performing Arts Centre, and the Chateau Frontenac. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
2
Québec History, Walking in Old Québec, Ursuline Museum
Quebec City, Québec
B,L,D
Hôtel Manoir Victoria

Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles and standing during field trip, approximately 2 hours; some uneven terrain, stairs, cobblestones.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will gather for a presentation introducing the history of Québec City. As we learn about the dramatic history of Canada’s oldest city — founded in 1608 by the intrepid Samuel de Champlain — historic images and pertinent commentaries will summarize noteworthy events and notorious characters who have shaped the illustrious history of this World Heritage City. We’ll then set out on an expert-led walking field trip through Old Québec that will provide an excellent overview of the city while learning 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 that date from 1745. This area has a distinct European feel with its stone buildings and winding streets lined with shops and restaurants.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Next, we will walk to the Pôle culturel du Monastère des Ursulines where a museum expert will lead our exploration as we learn about the educational mission of the Ursuline nuns and their way of life. The Ursulines landed in New France in 1639 and concerned themselves with the education of girls, both French and Native. The Convent is the oldest institution of its kind in North America and is housed in buildings erected at various times during the monastery’s three and a half centuries of existence. The Chapel dates from the early 20th century and preserves the interior decor of the original 1730s chapel. The Ursulines museum contains one of the richest ethnographic and artistic collections passed down from the early days of New France, including exquisite embroidery works by the nuns.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
3
Quebec's Evolution, Plains of Abraham, Musée des Beaux Arts
Quebec City, Québec
B,L
Hôtel Manoir Victoria

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; city driving, approximately 2+ hours riding time. Walking up to 1 mile and standing, approximately 1.5 hours. Uneven terrain, stairs.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: At the hotel, we will gather for a presentation to learn about Québec’s evolution from a traditional to a modern society. From its foundation in 1608, Québec 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” — marked a radical change when Québec developed into a modern, secular society. Today, Québec has developed it own identity. We’ll then board a motorcoach and ride to National Battlefields Park, also known as the Plains of Abraham with commentary by a local historian. We’ll explore the site of many clashes for supremacy between the French and British Empires. After our field trip, we’ll ride to the Musée national des beaux arts du Québec.

Lunch: At a local restaurant

Afternoon: During our field trip to the Musée National des Beaux Arts du Québec, we will explore the exhibits with a museum expert. 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. The Group Leader will accompany those who wish to return to the hotel aboard the motorcoach.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
Transfer to Montréal, Pointe-a-Calliere, McCord Museum
Montréal, Québec
B,L,D
Hampton Inn by Hilton Montreal

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 170 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time. Walking up to 1 mile and standing during field trip, approximately 1.5 hours.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will check out of the hotel, board a motorcoach and ride to Montréal. Once here, we’ll explore the birthplace of Montréal, at Pointe-à-Callière Museum, with an expert. Rising above evidence of more than 1,000 years of human activity, this museum houses remarkable architectural remains, displayed on site 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 us to reflect on the future.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Next, we will visit the McCord Stewart Museum where we will be joined by a museum expert to learn about the the eleven Indigenous nations in Québec. We will then ride to our hotel for check-in.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
5
Organ Recital at Notre Dame, Explore Old Montréal
Montréal, Québec
B,L
Hampton Inn by Hilton Montreal

Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles and standing during field trips, approximately 2 hours; some uneven terrain, cobblestones in Old Montréal, stairs at entrance of Basilica.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We'll start the day with an introductory lecture on Montreal, with a focus on the culture of this world-class city. We will then set out on a walking field trip to the magnificent Notre Dame Basilica, a jewel of Montréal. This masterpiece of Gothic revival architecture is renowned for its interior, sculpted in wood, paint and gold leaf. We will learn about the history of Notre Dame, then enjoy a private organ recital. More than 100 years old, the Basilica’s organ is a world-renowned masterpiece.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will set out on a walking field trip with a local expert to explore the architectural history of Old Montréal along its cobbled streets. Notable highlights will 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 Vieux Port (waterfront). Its impressive facilities include a 1.5-mile long recreational park along the St. Lawrence River, a state-of-the-art science center, a theater, antiquarian bookshops, and inviting cafés. The Group Leader will accompany those who wish to return to the hotel.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
6
Canadian Museum of History, Ottawa Highlights
Ottawa, Ontario
B,L,D
Lord Elgin Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 150 miles, approximately 4 hours riding time. Walking up to 1 mile and standing during field trips; indoors and exterior pavement.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll check out of the hotel, board a motorcoach, and ride to Ottawa, Canada’s capital city. With curatorial staff at the Canadian Museum of History, we will learn about the history of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples, their fight for cultural survival, and admire the wealth of their contributions to Canadian society. This a remarkable journey will take us through 1,000 years of Canadian social history.

Lunch: At the Museum of History.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll go on a field trip by motorcoach with a local expert. Highlights will include East Block, oldest of the Parliament buildings (1865); Confederation Square; War Memorial; Tomb of Unknown Soldier; former Union Station/Chateau Laurier; Rideau Canal Locks (1832); Lockmaster’s House (1884); National Arts Centre; City Hall; National Defence HQ; and more. We will ride back to the hotel after our field trip.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
7
Ottawa Walking Exploration, Free Time
Ottawa, Ontario
B,L
Lord Elgin Hotel

Activity note: Walking about 2 miles and standing during field trips, approximately 1.5 hours; exterior pavement.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: This morning we head out on foot with our local expert to view the city as it was first conceived with the river as its main highway and resource. As we go, we’ll see the natural beauty of the region that captured the imagination of the first European explorer Samuel de Champlain. Highlights will include Parliament Buildings, ByWard Market and the National Art Gallery.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
8
Transfer to Kingston, Study Cruise, Walk Downtown Kingston
Kingston, Ontario
B,L
Kingston Market Square Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 125 miles, approximately 2 hours total riding time. Walking up to 2 miles and standing during field trips; exterior pavement. Getting on/off an excursion vessel; open air environment.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will check out of the hotel, board the motorcoach, and begin our ride to Kingston with a stop in the heart of the 1000 Islands for a boat cruise. Experience the tranquility of this lush landscape along the St. Lawrence River and learn about its history as a vacation destination for wealthy Americans that traces back to the Gilded Age. Following our cruise we will board our motorcoach and continue on to historic Kingston, Canada’s first capital.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: This afternoon we will learn about Kingston's rich history on a walking exploration with our local expert. We will learn how Kingston fits into this nation’s evolution from colonial times to the present day and how the country went from inauspicious beginnings to a territorial land expanse second only to that of Russia.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
9
Transfer to Toronto, Old Town Toronto, Market
Toronto, Ontario
B,L
Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 165 miles, approximately 3 hours total riding time. Walking about 3 miles throughout the day, approximately 3 hours, and standing during field trips; city sidewalks, some stairs.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: This morning we will board our motorcoach and transfer to the city of Toronto, situated on the north shore of Lake Ontario.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will be joined by a local expert for a presentation on the city of Toronto, past and present, and how it went from here to there. Toronto is the capital of the Province of Ontario and people have lived here since shortly after the last ice age, although the urban community only dates to 1793 when British colonial officials founded the Town of York on what then was the Upper Canadian frontier. That backwoods village grew to become the City of Toronto in 1834, and through its subsequent evolution and expansion Toronto has emerged as one of the most livable and multicultural urban places in the world today. We’ll then set out on a walking field trip to explore the city’s hidden gems that are often overlooked. Highlights will include Old Town Toronto; St. Lawrence Hall, Toronto’s first Post Office (1834); St. James Cathedral; and other historical sites along the way. The fusion of classic architecture and modern amenities is enhanced by the stunning view of Toronto’s skyline. We’ll end at St. Lawrence Market, a restored 1845 market building that is home to more than 50 specialty vendors.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
10
Discover Vibrant Toronto, Free Time
Toronto, Ontario
B,D
Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre

Activity note: Use of public transportation. Walking up to 2 miles and standing during field trips, approximately 1.5 hours; exterior pavement, some stairs.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Embark on an exciting expert led walk through Toronto's vibrant heart, starting at Toronto City Hall. Explore Old City Hall's historic charm before strolling down bustling Yonge Street and pausing at Yonge-Dundas Square. Discover the Eaton Centre's shopping paradise, then delve into the serene Church of the Holy Trinity. We continue to Nathan Phillips Square and Osgoode Hall, steeped in legal history, before immersing in Queen Street West's eclectic vibe and the Fashion District's chic atmosphere. Finally, we dive into the colorful world of Graffiti Alley, where street art is evidence of Toronto’s creative streak.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.

Dinner: At the Hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
11
Program Concludes
Toronto, Ontario
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out 12:00 Noon.

Breakfast: At the hotel. This concludes our program.

Morning: We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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