The Province of Québec has to be the most understated of all Canadian Provinces and yet one of the friendliest, varied and attractive. The Québecois know how to celebrate winter and do so with the charm and sophistication of this delightful people.
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Winter in Quebec
Day 1: Montréal Day 3: St Alexis-des-Monts Day 6: Hotel De Glace – Quebec City Day 7: Quebec City Day 9: Depart Quebec City
A winter holiday is not exclusively for the downhill skier and if you talk to many Canadians, they will tell you that there is a lot more to a winter holiday that simply dusting off your ski’s or snow board. A winter holiday in Canada and Quebec in particular is about all sorts of winter adventure. Montreal is a relatively quick hop across the Atlantic and opens up the entire province of Quebec and all that it has to offer for a winter wonderland holiday.
Day 1: Montréal Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Montréal. Two nights here, and an opportunity to explore this vibrant city. Take a half day city tour visiting the quaint streets and buildings of Old Montreal, the intricate wrought iron balustrades of the residential district and the Olympic Stadium of the 1976 Summer games. Take in a little retail therapy in the shops of the underground city and try your hand at the tables of the Casino. Two nights Montréal
Day 3: St Alexis-des-Monts Moving east today, to the foothills of the Laurentians at St Alexis-des-Monts. Three nights here staying in log built accommodation in a fairytale setting of lakeshore accommodation. From here, take part in snowmobiling, cross country skiing and sightseeing flights over this winter wonderland. The province of Quebec offers a vast network of snow mobile tracks – great fun, and second nature to native Quebecois. Three nights St Alexis
Day 6: Hotel De Glace – Quebec City We’ve all heard tell of the Ice Hotel – but who is brave enough to spend the night in this unique environment! The Hotel De Glace, located a short distance from Quebec City is built a-fresh each winter, offering an extraordinary combination of ice-carving, and artist design. Hotel De Glace 1 night
Day 7: Quebec City Head into the romantic city of Quebec, dominated by the fairytale towers of the Chateau Frontenac and the imposing city wall of the old city Quebec City 2 nights
Day 9: Depart Quebec City Return to Montreal today for your overnight flight home to London – or perhaps squeezing one or two more nights to round off your winter holiday with a romantic stay in the Eastern Townships
More time? – then you may consider extending your stay and adding in a few nights in one of the ski areas such as Le Massif or Tremblant – skiing , snow-shoeing and ice-skating are just some of the winter activities on offer – contact us for more details
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Little Gems
The cosy log fire at the Hotel Sacacomie welcomes visitors as soon as you step in from the cold, stamp the snow off your boots and accept a very welcome cup of hot chocolate. This log built hotel sits on the shores of a frozen lake of the same name – a flat plateau that provides a winter playground in itself – to land a light aircraft, cut a hole for a little ice fishing or take to the ice on dog sled or snow mobile. This hotel is a firm favourite!
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With the longest day just about to arrive and the true summer weather with us, you may think that it is too late to book a holiday for this year, but you could well be wrong! Many regions still have the capacity to take good numbers of travellers and still feel un-crowded.
Parts of Canada and the USA fit this bill well and do have the option of medium and long haul flights on offer. Atlantic Canada is just 6-7 hours flying time away and offers a huge variety of experiences, scenery and excellent food and wine. Eastern USA also has much to offer and is only a little longer on the plane. September is a particularly good time for these regions, as the fall colours begin to show.
If you are willing to be more adventurous in your destinations and avoid the really popular locations, then you have time to book your holiday for this summer or autumn.
It starts with a call – Contact us / 01323 446550 and you could be on your way.
Have you ever thought of combining a canoe trip with camping in the pristine nature of a National Park? Well Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada has a 2 night/3 day trip that is proving popular. Nor do you have to be a canoeing expert – this is a beginner friendly experience.
Your trip starts with an overnight stay in one of the Park’s unique forest cabins and then you set off. Imagine paddling through the early morning mist on the lake and then taking a walk through the forest on one of the numerous forest trails looking out for the animals and birds that live here.
After setting up camp and getting the fire going, you all gather by the lakeside and send out a group wolf howl. This is very often answered by the nearby wolf pack, which should send a tingle down your spine.
Picture courtesy of Helen Wibley
If you go in the autumn you will have the extra benefit of seeing the beautiful fall colours as well.
To make this part of your bespoke tailor made holiday to Eastern Canada please give us a call on 01323 446550 or email info@experienceholidays.co.uk or if you would like information on other tailored holidays to Canada.
Photograph by kind permission of UnCruise Adventures
Don’t forget we will be at Destinations Show at Olympia, London, on February 02, 03, 04 and 05. Find us on Stand AC32 which we are sharing with the American company Uncruise Adventures. Most of the team will be there over the 4 days and would love to see a friendly face or two. This is one of the biggest travel shows in the U.K and a great place to find new destinations and experiences that would suit you. If you have a particular place in mind for your holiday next year (or the year after) give us a call to book an appointment with our team expert for that part of the world. However we will be very pleased to see you as and when you are free.
Naturally Superior Adventures are celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday by recreating the fur trade experience on Lake Superior. The route starts in Sinclair Cove in Lake Superior Provincial Park and finishes on Old Fort William in Thunder Bay.
The canoeing will be in 6 stages varying from 5 to 10 days starting on July 02 and ending August 19. You can elect to join for the whole journey or for just one or two stages. This is canoeing just as the fur trade voyageurs did two centuries ago in the very stable and seaworthy canoes – 12 metres long which carry 12 to 14 paddlers. The size of the crew allows for a mixture of experienced and novice paddlers. You are guided by well experienced trip leaders who have an intimate knowledge of the coastline, including the best campsites, and are talented wilderness chefs!
Lake Superior – Photo courtesy of Naturally Superior Adventures
For full details please get in touch. We have the details of each stage, the equipment included and how to join at different points. A true adventure based in some of the most pristine areas of Canada.
We look forward to hearing from you, please call us on Tel: 01323 446550 or email us at info@experienceholidays.co.uk
Lake Superior – Photo courtesy of Naturally Superior Adventures
Lake Superior – Photo courtesy of Naturally Superior Adventures
If you have ever yearned to experience the real Western way of life, then this destination should be on your travel agenda. Located with a stunning mountain backdrop it will not be long before they will have your horse saddled up ready to ride in to the Old West. Within a few minutes you will be forgetting the stress of modern life and concentrating on the scenery, wildlife and the huge horizons.
The real cowboys will be looking after you, telling tales of cowboy wisdom and way of life and improving your riding and cowboy skills. All done with the legendary Western hospitality.
Make sure you are there for a Friday and go along to the regular Friday Night Rodeos in the town of Dubois. The rodeos originated as a fun gathering to practice and show off ranching skills and have now developed into entertaining, competitive events. A night to remember.
Picture courtesy of Wind River Country
For those of you that enjoy mountain climbing Wind River Country hold an International Climber’s Festival every July celebrating the climbing lifestyle. With speakers, competition, food, music and competitions it is a fun way to enjoy the sport and meet like minded people from around the world.
Finally, visit the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary to see these wild animals and to learn of their story in North America – particularly how the Native Americans lived and used them.
Start planning now to ensure your bespoke, tailor made holiday in this amazing and adventurous place is confirmed.
Ontario has much to offer on a winter break in Canada as well as the more popular summer and with the opportunity for a little skiing as well, this is an idea with wide appeal.
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Ontario In Winter
Day 1: Toronto Day 2: Niagara-on-the-Lake Day 4: Blue Mountain Resort Day 7: Huntsville Day 9: Ottawa Day 11: Toronto [/wptabcontent]
Here is one suggestion for a memorable self drive winter itinerary through this beautiful Province …
Day 1: Toronto Fly into Toronto and spend the night in the city. Shop at the world’s largest underground shopping centre ‘The Path’; full of shops, restaurants and entertainment this is great place to explore when it’s chilly outside. Take a trip up the CN tower for superb city views. One night Toronto
Day 2: Niagara-on-the-Lake Collect a hire car and drive to the quaint village of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The area is famous for the production of Ice Wine and each January the village hosts its own Ice Wine Festival where you can tempt your taste buds with this delicious regional speciality. The magnificent Niagara Falls are a short drive away; during the winter the falls often have the illusion of being partially frozen as the mist wraps around them – a magical sight. Two nights Niagara on the Lake
Day 4: Blue Mountain Resort Drive to Blue Mountain Resort on the edge of Georgian Bay on Lake Huron. There is plenty of family fun to be enjoyed as you learn to ski on the gentle slopes, ice skate, stroll along the cobbled streets of the village nestled at the foot of the slopes, or simply relax in the Spa. Three nights Blue Mountain
Day 7: Huntsville Next stop is Huntsville, your base for experiencing wintery adventures in Algonquin Provincial Park. In this winter wonderland dogsledding, back country skiing, ice fishing and snowmobiling are amongst the activities on offer Two nights Huntsville
Day 9: Ottawa Continue to Ottawa, with its charming blend of English and French culture. The Winterlude Festival held annually in February is a great family event. Skate on the Rideau Canal, watch spectacular firework displays and marvel at the magnificent ice sculptures. Two nights Ottawa
Day 11: Toronto Return home today for your overnight flight home from Ottawa.
Credit Ottawa Tourism
Credit Butterill
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Little Gems
A winter holiday in Canada is far more than a skiing holiday. In this itinerary, there are so many opportunities to take part in winter activities besides skiing. [/wptabcontent]
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This is just one idea for a 2 week self drive holiday around the beautiful Province of Ontario in Canada. This can be adapted to suit your exact requirements and links well to its neighbour Quebec province. Ontario also has a good rail network and some of this holiday can be achieved by rail. Call us for more ideas
Day 1: Arrive Toronto
Fine shops, rivalling those of New York, and fantastic restaurants await. Spend time on Toronto’s waterfront, take a leisurely boat cruise and visit the many sights that this vibrant city has to offer, climb the CN tower and brave the ‘Edge Walk’… Take a day tour to see the magnificent Niagara Falls and include a boat trip on the famous ‘Maid of the Mist. Three nights Toronto
As an alternative, why not pick up you hire car a day earlier, drive to the Falls, then spend a night in Niagara-on-the-Lake?
Day 4: Kingston
Collect a hire car and drive west to historical Kingston. Meander along the waterfront admiring Kingston’s architecture and explore the 1000 islands on a boat tour. Drive, walk or cycle the beautiful 1000 Islands Parkway. Two nights Kingston
Day 6: Ottawa
Drive northwards to Canada’s capital city, Ottawa. Watch the familiar sight of the ‘Changing of the Guards Ceremony’ outside the Parliament Buildings and walk or cycle along the banks of the Rideau Canal (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Visit Byward Market, a centre for fashion, music, art and tourist sights. Two nights Ottawa
Day 8: Huntsville
Head west to the Muskoka Lakes region, an area full of wonderful lakes and fantastic scenery. Take scenic drives and explore Algonquin Provincial Park, a wilderness park and home to wildlife such as the illusive Moose. Four nights Huntsville
You may consider adding in a true wilderness adventure here with opportunities for canoeing and hiking – camp or stay in a log cabin in the heart of Algonquin
Day 12: Blue Mountain Resort
Drive south to Blue Mountain Resort. A ski resort during the winter months, in the summer the resort offers a wide range of activities including mountain biking, hiking and tennis. Or take a short drive down to the resort’s own private beach on the shores of beautiful Georgian Bay – relax on the sandy beach or paddle along the peaceful shoreline. Two nights Blue Mountain Resort
Day 14: Depart Toronto
Drive back to Toronto where you will drop off you hire car in time to check in for your return or onward travel arrangements.
Photographs courtesy of Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership
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Little Gems
Niagara on the Lake is a step away from the cosmopolitan life of the town at Niagara Falls. You’ll need a car to reach it as it is not on the public transport network, but as a base to explore the falls, it is superb.
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Client Feedback
‘I was not sure what to expect from Niagara Falls – a magnificent natural feature, or a huge commercialised resort. Whilst the commercialised resort is there, it does not detract from the beauty and magnificence of the Falls themselves. We got totally soaked on our boat trip, but it was worth it!’
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So often overlooked, but in our opinion, a Canadian province that offers charm, sophistication and a huge welcome, to say nothing of gourmet meals, wildlife and an array of interesting places to stay. Quebec offers some excellent skiing in the winter time and other winter activities as well. Both Montreal and Quebec City are great choices for a shorter city break
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The Province of Quebec
Day 1: Montreal
Day 3: St Alexis des Monts
Day 6: Lac St Jean
Day 8: Chicoutimi
Day 9: Tadoussac
Day 10: Le Malbaie
Day 12: Quebec City
Day 14: Depart Quebec
This vast area is home to over 7 million inhabitants, mainly clustered along the banksand floodplains of the mighty St Lawrence – the Eastern Townships and Gaspé Peninsular to the south, the Laurentians, Lac St Jean and the Saguenay Fjord to the north. This itinerary offers a taste of the Province to the self-drive traveller and as with all our itineraries can be adapted to suit you.
Day 1: Montreal
Fly to Montreal for a two night stay in this vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Two nights Montreal
Day 3: St Alexis des Monts
Drive to St Alexis des Monts for a stay on the shores of Lac Sacacomie. Three nights St Alexis des Monts
Day 6: Lac St Jean
Drive north east where your destination is Lac St Jean. We suggest a two-night stay at Val Jalbert, a historic village once home to a thriving paper and pulp business, now lovingly restored. A cycle trail skirts the lake itself – the zoo at St Felicien is worth a visit. Discover the history & way of life of the Montagnais Ameridians through an exhibition & films at Pointe-Bleue. Visit the small Perron Cheddar Cheese factory in St Prime. Two nights Lac St Jean
Day 8: Chicoutimi
Today, head into the Saguenay Fjord, and to the small town of Chicoutimi. A short distance away the Site de la Nouvelle-France was used as the film set for the movie ‘Black Robe’ and has now been transformed into a visitor attraction. Visit Quebec City as it was in the 1600’s and the house of its founder Samuel de Champlain. The Parc du Saguenay sits on the shore of the Riviere Saguenay, stretching from the banks of the estuary to Sainte Rose du Nord. One night Chicoutimi
Day 9: Tadoussac
Down to the mouth of the fjord today, to Tadoussac where whale watching is the order of the day. Visit the Mammals Interpretation Centre where you can learn more on the fascinating way of life of the whales & play at being a Marine Biologist! One night Tadoussac
Day 10: Le Malbaie
Follow a route west to the little town of La Malbaie for a two night stay. Charlevoix is famous for its local artisan food producers – follow the Flavour Trail and sample many of the local delights. Visit the Parc des Hautes Gorges, hire a bike and cycle through the Parc. Two nights La Malbaie
Day 12: Quebec City
Return to Quebec City – stunning with its walled old city and historic significance, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the area of Petit Champlain, or take a ferry across the St Lawrence for stunning views of the city. Visit the Citadel and walk on the Dufferin Boardwalk for stunning views of the mighty St. Lawrence River or take a ride up to the top of the Observation tower. Two nights Quebec City
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The Province of Quebec
Nothing can be more beautiful than to awake to the sight of a pristine lake surrounded by wooded hills. This is the view that awaits with a stay at one of our all time favourite properties – Hotel Sacacomie
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[wptabtitle] What our clients say[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]
Client Feedback
We had a fantastic time in Canada. We saw and experienced so much that I hardly know where to start. The hotels were top class (!) Highlights were the wildlife (bears, beavers and whales in the wild, plus the ones at the Biodome in Montreal), Quebec, the botanical gardens at Montreal (absolutely superb!). All the arrangements worked perfectly.
The Gaspesie Peninsular, on the Southern shore of the St Lawrence Seaway is a remote and rugged area of Quebec Province, bordering New Brunswick to the south. The Chic Choc mountains dominate the central part of the peninsular, is the northern end of the Appalachian chain and literally means ‘the wall that cannot be crossed’. This part of Quebec Province is definitely off the tourist trail!
Day 1: Québec City to Tadoussac Day 3: Tadoussac to Matane Day 4: Chic Choc Mountains Day 6: Percé Day 8: Carleton Day 9: Rivière du Loup Day 10: Québec City [/wptabcontent]
Day 1: Québec City to Tadoussac Behind the wheel of your hire car, drive northeast, following the north shore of the St Lawrence. There are several options for crossing to the South shore – in this idea, we suggest a stop is in the little town of Tadoussac for two nights, allowing a leisurely drive, and time to stop en route. The Gulf of St Lawrence is famous for its whale watching, and a full day here allows time to take a trip out into the river. If you are lucky, you will spot several varieties of whales, including the resident large pod of white Belugas. You’ll need keen eyes to spot them – and beware, they are very easy to confuse with the white caps of the waves! Tadoussac 2 nights
Day 3: Tadoussac to Matane Drive the north shore of the river today taking one of three ferry routes across to the South shore. Overnight at Matane. En route, stop at the Reford Gardens at Metis sur Mer, just northeast of Mont-Joli. One night Matane
Day 4: Chic Choc Mountains This is your opportunity to head inland to the Chic Choc Mountains for a two night stay. Chic Choc literally means ‘The wall that cannot be crossed’, named by the M’kmaq many years ago. This is a hiking Mecca, not impassable at all and is home to herds of caribou, the last members of this species to be found south of the St Lawrence. Two nights Chic Choc Lodge
Day 6: Percé Return to the coast today, and continue to drive around to Percé for a two night stay. This is achievable in one day, but some may prefer to slot in another night at Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. A full day here to explore both the Parc National de l’Isle-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher- Percé and the Parc National du Forillion – two unique areas at the very tip of the Gaspésie Peninsula. Two nights Percé
Day 8: Carleton Continue on your circumnavigation of the Peninsula, to Carleton, for an overnight stay. This is the Baie des Chaleurs, with a good network of hiking trails, and views across the Bay to the New Brunswick coast, where the mountains literally drop into the sea! One night Carleton
Day 9: Rivière du Loup Returning across the neck of the Gaspé Peninsula to the south shore of the St Lawrence for an overnight stay in Rivière du Loup. If time permits, stop at the Parc National du Bic, a small but beautiful Park. Optional opportunity to spend a night in a lighthouse here! One night Rivière du Loup
Day 10: Québec City Return to the city – either dropping the car and returning home or adding further exploration of this unique Province
This itinerary works equally well in reverse and can be added to either a more extensive Quebec itinerary, or to continue on to New Brunswick and the Atlantic Canada provinces.
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Little Gems
Chic Choc Mountain Lodge is located high in the Chic Choc Mountains. Inaccessible with your own vehicle, this mountain retreat is the perfect hide-away either for an active mountain break or a relaxed day or two with lovely surroundings. [/wptabcontent]
[wptabtitle] What our clients say[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]
Client Feedback
Mrs A commented:
‘What a perfect place to stay. Our early morning hike in search of the elusive caribou was excellent and we were rewarded with a sighting of a big male’
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Experience Holidays is fully bonded under the Civil Aviation Authority ATOL scheme and is a member of the
Worldchoice Consortium.