5-day Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal & Quebec City Tour

This 5-day tour from New York City offers a comprehensive look at some of Eastern Canada’s most iconic cities and natural wonders. Priced at $1,174 per person, the excursion covers Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City, along with a stop at Ausable Chasm in upstate New York. The tour is ideal for those who want to see multiple destinations without the stress of planning, thanks to included hotel accommodations with breakfast, transportation, and select attraction tickets.

While the tour provides an efficient route through these major cities, it’s worth noting that some attractions may be optional and incur additional costs. The group size can be up to 55 travelers, but reviews highlight that the guides and organization handle large groups well. This tour suits travelers seeking a structured itinerary, with a mix of natural scenery, cultural sights, and city exploration, but may not be the best fit for those preferring a more flexible or independent experience.

Key Points

• All-inclusive 5-day itinerary covering Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City
• Price of $1,174 per person with four nights of hotel stay and breakfast included
• Visit Niagara Falls twice, including a night tour and optional boat cruise or Skylon Tower lunch
• Guided city tours of Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec, with highlights like the CN Tower and Old Montreal
• Stops at Watkins Glen State Park and Ausable Chasm for scenic natural beauty
• Optional attractions and meals available at extra cost, with some reviews noting potential for more transparent info

Starting Point and Tour Logistics

This tour departs early at 7:00 am from New York, with pickup options from selected hotels in New Jersey. The transportation uses professional vehicles driven by experienced guides, ensuring a comfortable journey across the US-Canada border. The group size is capped at 55 travelers, which helps maintain a good balance of camaraderie and personal attention.

Hotel stays are arranged for four nights, with accommodations typically featuring double or queen beds and breakfast included. Tour organizers recommend bringing comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and cash for meals or optional activities. Note that parking is not available at the pickup points, and travelers are responsible for their own transportation to and from the meeting location.

The Adventure at Watkins Glen State Park and Finger Lakes

The first day begins with a visit to Watkins Glen State Park, famous for its dramatic gorge carved by Glen Creek. The gorge features 19 waterfalls along a winding trail, creating a landscape of rock formations and cascading water. The visit lasts about 90 minutes, but the park is seasonal—open from April to October. If closed, the itinerary is replaced with a trip to the Corning Museum of Glass.

Travelers can enjoy the scenic Finger Lakes region, weather permitting, making this an excellent start for nature lovers. The day concludes with a night tour of Niagara Falls, providing a stunning view of the illuminated waterfalls, a highlight noted in reviews for its breathtaking scenery.

Niagara Falls: From Daylight to Night

On day one and two, the focus is on Niagara Falls, which is experienced both during the day and at night. The morning offers a close-up view of the American and Horseshoe Falls, with optional activities such as a Hornblower boat cruise—getting as close as possible to the falls—or a visit to Skylon Tower’s Observation Deck for panoramic city and waterfall views.

The night tour is a particularly praised feature, with visitors commenting on how the illuminations make the falls appear even more dramatic. The Skylon Tower includes a lunch option in its revolving restaurant, standing at 520 feet tall, providing spectacular views of Niagara’s natural beauty.

The boat cruise takes guests into the mists of the falls, a must-do for many, though it’s an optional activity with an additional fee. The proximity to Niagara State Park ensures ample photo opportunities and memorable experiences.

Toronto Highlights: The CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, and Harbour Tour

The journey continues on day two with a visit to Toronto, Canada’s largest city. Key attractions include the CN Tower, once the world’s tallest free-standing structure, and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, which features over 16,000 aquatic animals and North America’s longest underwater tunnel.

A Harbour Tour aboard the Great Lakes steamship replica offers a 60-minute narrated cruise around Toronto’s skyline and harbor, giving a relaxed perspective on the city’s modern and historic sites. Visitors can also choose to visit Chinatown for dinner, enjoying authentic Chinese cuisine, which is part of the tour’s optional meals.

The Skylon Tower lunch provides bird’s-eye views of Niagara Falls and Toronto, rounding out a busy day of sightseeing. The tour handles large groups well, with some reviews praising the organized and friendly guides, especially during the city explorations.

Exploring Ottawa and Montreal on a Single Day

Day three shifts the focus to Ottawa and Montreal. The tour offers a quick but insightful look at Parliament Hill, the seat of Canada’s government, with an outside visit lasting about 20 minutes.

In Montreal, the guide leads a double-decker bus tour that includes Notre-Dame Basilica, famous for its stained glass windows and architecture, and Montreal City Hall. The tour also visits Old Montreal, a historic district featuring cobblestone streets and buildings dating back to 1642. These stops give a good overview of the city’s French-influenced culture and architecture.

Travelers should note that some attractions are outside visits, allowing flexibility, and that the time allocated may not cover every detail but provides a solid introduction to both cities.

Quebec City and Montmorency Falls: French Charm and Natural Wonder

On day four, the tour explores Quebec, often called the “Little Paris of North America,” due to its European ambiance. The visit includes an Old Quebec walking tour, highlighting landmarks like Place d’Armes and Chateau Frontenac, along with a taste of French cuisine in a dedicated lunch (optional).

The day also features a stop at Montmorency Falls, a 275-foot-high waterfall accessible via a cable car, offering stunning views of the natural landscape. The falls are a popular scenic stop, with comfortable access for most travelers, though it’s an optional activity with an extra fee.

Strolling Little Champlain Street reveals art galleries, cafes, and boutiques, enhancing the European feel of Quebec City’s historic core.

Final Day: Ausable Chasm and Return to NYC

The tour concludes on day five with a stop at Ausable Chasm, a 500-million-year-old geological formation carved into the Adirondack Mountains. The Ausable River flows through this spectacular gorge, featuring Potsdam sandstone cliffs that reach up to 500 feet high.

The visit lasts about 60 minutes, offering a last glimpse of natural beauty before heading back to New York City. The return trip allows for reflection on the variety of landscapes and cities explored over five days, making this tour a balanced combination of urban sightseeing and scenic nature.

Final Thoughts on the 5-day Canadian Circle Tour

This guided tour from New York City provides a comprehensive look at eastern Canada’s highlights, with hotel stays, breakfasts, and key attraction tickets included. The itinerary manages to balance natural wonders like Niagara Falls and Ausable Chasm with cultural and historic sites in Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City.

The guides receive praise for their organization, knowledge, and friendliness, especially in reviews mentioning Boris, Jake, and Wendy. The tour’s value for money is noted, with many guests appreciating the well-planned stops and scenic experiences.

However, some reviews raise concerns about limited meal options and optional activity costs not being clearly explained upfront. Travelers should be prepared for additional expenses and some busy days, but overall, this trip offers a rich, efficient overview of eastern Canadian cities and attractions suited to those seeking a structured, guided experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers under 18 require an adult, and pregnant women under 24 weeks can participate.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes hotel accommodations with breakfast, transportation, and tickets to Skylon Tower, Montreal Double Decker, Niagara Falls Night Tour, and Ausable Chasm if selected.

Are attraction tickets mandatory?
No, many attraction tickets are optional and incur additional fees. The guide provides the necessary information but does not include all entrance fees in the base price.

How physically demanding is the tour?
The tour involves walking at several stops, such as Old Montreal and Old Quebec. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The itinerary is fixed but may be adjusted for weather or operational reasons. Optional activities can be selected at extra cost.

What are the booking and cancellation policies?
Bookings require confirmation, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are meals included?
Breakfast is included for four mornings. Other meals, such as dinners and optional lunches, are available at extra charges.

Is border crossing included?
Transportation across the US-Canada border is managed as part of the guided service. Passports or valid ID are required.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is primarily conducted in English, but it is organized by a Chinese company and may include bilingual elements.

How large is the tour group?
The group size can be up to 55 travelers, ensuring a good balance between social dynamics and individual attention.