Discover the elegance of Eastern Canada with a journey through Ottawa and Montreal. In Ottawa, explore iconic landmarks, scenic waterways, and cultural gems. Then experience Montreal’s old-world charm, stunning architecture, and world-class cuisine. From historic streets to refined dining, this getaway blends culture, luxury, and timeless appeal.
DAY 1
Upon arriving at the Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Montreal, you will be met in the Arrival Hall outside the Customs and Luggage Claim area and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at leisure, allowing you time to settle in and explore the city on your own.
Included in your program is the admission to La Grande Roue de Montréal in Old Montréal which you can experience on your own during your stay. Built in 2017, La Grande Roue de Montréal has quickly become a major Icon of the Montreal skyline. With its 60 meters high, La Grande Roue de Montréal is the tallest structure of its kind in Canada. Treat yourself during the day for a panoramic view of up to 28 km / 17 miles on a clear day, or in the evening to see the city lights from an exciting angle.
DAY 2
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will be introduced to various areas of Montreal that reflect its cultural diversity and French charm.
Your exploration of the city begins with the Golden Square Mile. Once home to Canada's Anglophone, predominantly Scottish, upper class, this beautiful neighborhood – named after the square mile it covered – is lined with gorgeous Victorian homes, leafy parks and trees and a plethora of architectural masterpieces. See McGill University and enjoy a short walk at the summit of Mt. Royal Park for a panoramic view of the city.
Then, it’s on to the Mile End, a creative neighborhood, for a taste of a traditional Montreal bagel and then to famed Little Italy for a stroll through the sprawling Jean-Talon Market, complete with tastings from local producers.
Next, you will be transported to a local restaurant for lunch.
This City Tour would not be complete without a stop in Old Montreal, where you will visit the magnificent 19th-Century Notre-Dame Basilica. Its stained-glass windows depict the history of Ville-Marie, the original name of Montreal. After an orientation tour on the bus, you will be given the option to follow your guide for a short walking tour of Old Montreal or be given some free time to explore on your own. You will then be taken back to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Dinner will be on your own.
DAY 3
After breakfast at your hotel, you will set out for the 2-hour and 15-minute drive to Ottawa, Canada’s vibrant and beautiful capital city as chosen by Queen Victoria in 1857.
Over the past century, this former lumber town has gracefully blossomed into a cosmopolitan city filled with neo-gothic government buildings, gardens, and parks.
Upon arrival in Ottawa, you will travel along Sussex Drive and view the Prime Minister and General Governor’s residences. Downtown, you will see Parliament Hill and take a drive along the Rideau Canal – the brilliant waterway that cuts through Ottawa’s downtown. This famous waterway turns into the world’s longest skating rink in the winter.
After this orientation tour and for lunch, you will have some free time at the ByWard Market to grab a bite on your own and do some further exploring before being picked up for the return journey to Montreal.
Established by Lt-Col. John By in 1826, the ByWard Market is one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets. Within an area of roughly four blocks square, you'll find museums, cafés, specialty food shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, pubs and more! Easily accessible on foot, the ByWard Market offers a unique experience for all.
Afterwards, we will take you to the other side of the Ottawa River, to the Canadian Museum of History. After a guided tour of the museum, you will explore the Canadian History Hall. Opened on July 1st, 2017, as a gift to the people of Canada for the 150th anniversary of Confederation, this gallery traces Canada’s history from the dawn of human habitation to the present day. Authentic artifacts and stories are explored through various lenses, as you will encounter the events, movements and personalities that have shaped our nation, and whose influence on our lives can still be felt today.
Back at the hotel the remainder of the day is at your leisure with dinner on your own.
DAY 4
After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide and transfer to Jardin Botanique de Montréal. Recognized as one of the world’s greatest botanical gardens, it displays a collection of over 22,000 plant species and cultivars, 10 exhibition greenhouses, Frédéric Back Tree Pavilion, and more than 20 thematic gardens spread out over 75 hectares.
Enjoy the natural beauty of this city’s jewel before transferring to the Montreal Pier for embarkation.
Land Program Details Step by Step
• The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
• Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
• The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
• Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
• If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
• If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
• If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Arrive at the Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.
You are met in the Arrival Hall outside the Customs and Luggage Claim
Transfer to your hotel to spend the afternoon and the evening at your leisure.
Check in time at your hotel is 3:00pm.
Although every effort will be made to have rooms available sooner, this cannot be guaranteed.
You can use the admission for La Grande Roue de Montréal today or any other day of your program.
Overnight at Le Germain or similar Hotel
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
DAY 2
From 7:00am Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Meet your tour guide in the hotel lobby
9:00am Board the coach with your tour guide for the City Tour
Drive through the Golden Square Mile
Short walk (10 min) on Mt Royal to get to the Belvedere Kondiaronk viewpoint and enjoy a panoramic view of the city
Bagel tasting in the Mile End
11:00am Visit of the Jean-Talon Market, tasting of local products
12:30pm Lunch in a local restaurant
2:30pm Visit of the Notre-Dame Basilica and Old Montreal
5:00pm Arrive back at your hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on own
Overnight at Le Germain Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
From 6:30am Breakfast at the hotel
7:30am Meet your local tour guide in the hotel lobby
8:00am Board the coach with your tour guide for the journey to Ottawa
10:15am Arrive in Ottawa and begin an orientation tour via coach
Free time and lunch on own in ByWard Market
2:00pm Guided tour and free time at the Canadian Museum of History
3:30pm Drive back to Montreal
6:00pm Approximate arrival back at your hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on own
Overnight at Le Germain Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 4
From 6:30am Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
9:30am Meet your local tour guide in the hotel lobby
9:45am Transfer to Espace pour la Vie
10:15am Free time to visit the Botanic Garden
12:00pm Departure towards the Montreal Pier for embarkation.
Expected Weather
50°- 68° (Fahrenheit) 10°- 20°(Celsius)
What to Bring
Good walking shoes, casual clothing, hats and sunglasses. Be sure to bring a weather-appropriate sweater or jacket.
Local Currency
Canadian dollar. U.S. dollar may be accepted in certain businesses, at applicable exchange rate.
Electricity
120 volts. The hotel concierge may have converters, if needed however we recommend you bring your own.
Hotel address:
Le Germain Hotel
2050 Rue Mansfield, Montréal, QC H3A 1Y9
Phone: 1 877-333-2050
*We will only source a different hotel in unforeseen situations. If a similar hotel is required it will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
•3 nights in a Signature Room King or Prestige 2 Queen beds, at Le Germain Montréal or similar hotel
•Daily breakfast at the hotel
•Meet and greet and airport transfer
•1 x Lunch (3 courses pre-set) at local restaurant, including 1 glass of house wine or 1 local beer or 1 soft drink and 1 coffee or 1 tea (Day 2)
•Entrances and touring with English-speaking guide as per the itinerary
•Luggage handling
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
•Meals and beverages not listed above
•Personal expenses
•Gratuities for drivers and guides
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released. Arrangements for accommodation and transfers will be at the expense of guests.
