Day 1: Kingston - Canada's First Capital City
Begin your Canada 160 journey in Kingston, a city whose limestone streets and historic waterfront tell the story of Canada’s early years. Once the first capital of the united Canadas (the Province of Canada), Kingston played an important role in shaping our nation. Discover its heritage on a guided trolley tour, then visit Bellevue House National Historic Site, the former home of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's First Prime Minister. After time to check in to your hotel and freshen up, walk to the dock and enjoy a welcome dinner cruise.
Stay:
Kingston Marriott, Kingston, ON (1 night)
Meals: D
Day 2: From the First Capital to the National Capital
After breakfast, step back into the Cold War era with a visit to the Diefenbunker, Canada’s once-secret underground emergency headquarters. Discover how Canada prepared to protect its government during a nuclear crisis, and explore this remarkable reminder of a defining chapter in modern Canadian history. Continue to Ottawa, Canada’s capital, for a city tour and a visit to Beechwood Cemetery, Canada’s National Cemetery. Founded just six years after Confederation, Beechwood honours Canadians who have helped shape our nation, from military personnel and public servants to national figures. Its memorials recognize generations of service and sacrifice, offering a meaningful opportunity to reflect on Canada’s journey over 160 years. Check in to your hotel and enjoy time to freshen up before an included dinner.
Stay:
Hilton Lac Lemy, Gatineau, QC (1 night)
Meals: B, D
Day 3: Ottawa - Confederation, Parliament & Democracy
Today, explore Canada’s democratic traditions with a visit to Parliament, where you’ll discover how our system of government works. Then, enjoy a guided tour of the Canadian Museum of History, uncovering the stories of our nation through fascinating exhibits and artifacts, including those from the years before Confederation. At the Royal Canadian Mint, discover the craftsmanship behind our Canadian currency. Then travel to Montréal, check in to your hotel and enjoy a free evening exploring the historic streets, charming cafés and lively atmosphere of Old Montréal.
Stay: Best Western Villa Marie, Montreal, QC (1 night)
Meals:
B, L
Day 4: Montreal to Québec City - The Meeting of Two Founding Cultures
In the morning, discover Montréal on a guided city tour, exploring the sights and stories of a city with deep roots in Canada’s history. Learn about Ville-Marie, the French settlement founded in 1642, and how Montréal grew into an important centre of commerce and culture, shaped by French and British influences. After the tour, enjoy free time for lunch before travelling to Québec City, where the historic streets and fortified walls of Old Québec reflect the city’s French colonial heritage. In the evening, gather for dinner and enjoy the atmosphere of this historic destination.
Stay: Hotel Clarendon or Chateau Laurier, Old Québec, QC (2 nights)
Meals: B, D
Day 5: Québec City & Île d’Orléans - The Roots of New France
Experience the history and heritage of Québec City on a guided city tour, visiting the streets and landmarks that tell the story of one of North America’s earliest European settlements. Learn how French settlers established communities along the St. Lawrence River and how agriculture shaped life in New France. In the afternoon, visit Île d’Orléans, one of the earliest settled regions of New France and the birthplace of French Canadian culture. With its historic villages, traditional farmsteads and generations of agricultural heritage, the island offers a glimpse into the traditions that helped shape Canada’s story.
Meals: B, L
Day 6: New France to Upper Canada
After breakfast, enjoy a guided visit to Fort Chambly, a historic French fort built to defend the Richelieu River and protect the colony from military threats. Learn how the struggles between French and British powers helped shape Canada’s early history. In the afternoon, arrive at Upper Canada Village, where a guided visit and free time bring the 19th-century to life with historic buildings, traditional trades and the stories of early settlers. Cap off your journey with a special farewell dinner at the village, sharing a memorable meal in a historic setting.
Stay: Best Western Parkway Inn & Conference Centre, Cornwall, ON (1 night)
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Home
Enjoy a comfortable journey home, bringing your Canadian history adventure to a close. Reflect on the stories, landmarks and cultural traditions encountered along the way, from the early days of New France to the communities that helped shape modern Canada.
Meals: B
