Montreal and Ontario Highlights Self Drive Discovery Tour Detail Page

Welcome to Montreal! Upon arrival at the Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, you will pick up your rental vehicle and drive approximately 30-minutes into downtown Montreal.

Montreal was founded in 1642 as Ville-Marie, or the City of Mary, it is named after Mount Royal the triple-peaked hill in the heart of the city, and is centered on the Island of Montreal in the Saint Lawrence River. French is the city's official language and the city is the second-largest primarily French-speaking city in the developed world, after Paris. Blessed with one of the most exciting food scenes in North America it is a foodie's dream come true while making sure to try Poutine, a local Quebecois dish made with fries covered in cheese curds and gravy. Montreal is known as Canada's cultural juggernaut and hosts more than 90 festivals every year. It is part old European charm mixed with contemporary design and dotted with a wealth of heritage churches. Highlights include Parc du Mont-Royal, Museum of Fine Arts, Notre-Dame Basilica, Jardin Botanique, Place d'Armes, Pointe-a-Calliere Museum, Old Montreal & Port, Biodome, Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Insectarium.

Today you will drive approximately 6-hours from Montreal to Toronto. Your journey today follows the Saint Lawrence River where you can enjoy spectacular vistas of the river and its many islands. Ensure to stop in Kingston, a city with a fascinating history dating back more than 300 years. While in Kingston you can enjoy a 1000 Islands cruise or visit Fort Henry National Historic Site. You may also choose to visit Upper Canada Village with its more than 40 historical buildings, costumed staff, and demonstrations depicting rural Canadian life in 1886.

Toronto, Ontario's capital, is located on the shores of Lake Ontario, which forms part of the border between Canada and the United States, it is home to 250 ethnic groups that speak more than 180 languages; it is no surprise that the city's motto is "Diversity, Our Strength." It is a national and international hub for finance, communications, and cultural life. Toronto’s multicultural roots are also deliciously reflected in its food scene where you can sample culinary experiences for every taste from sunrise to way past sundown. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sumptuous multi-course tasting menu, the city’s kitchens are renowned. Not to be missed, is its bar, lounge, and club culture, buzzing cafes, and craft breweries. Highlights include the Bata Shoe Museum, Casa Loma, the CN Tower, For York National Historic Site, the Hockey Hall of Fame, Ontario's Parliament Building, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, the Royal Ontario Museum, or enjoy a cruise on Toronto Harbour.

Today you will drive approximately 1-hour, 30-minutes to 2-hours from Toronto to Niagara Falls. En route ensure to explore Wine Country on the southern shores of Lake Ontario which offers enticing wines, tempting tastes, and so much more. While traveling this route, be sure to also stop in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Take a stroll through its flower-filled, tree-lined old town which features 19th-century buildings, mainly along Queen Street. Or visit the 19th-century Fort George National Historic Site which was built by the British to defend against American attacks.

Niagara Falls was carved during the ice age more than 12,000 years ago. It is a wonder of the world so spectacular that 14 million people a year come to experience its power, strength, and beauty. In the Niagara region, you can explore an award-winning wine region, enjoy excellent shopping, dining to match every palette or play a round of golf on a championship course. Niagara offers fun and entertainment for the whole family, a myriad of outdoor adventures, and rich cultural history. Highlights include the Niagara Parks Botanical Garden, the Whirpool Aero Car, the Niagara Falls History Museum, Old Fort Erie, Journey Behind the Falls, a visit to Skylon Tower, or enjoy a helicopter ride above the falls, a cruise on the Niagara River to the base of the falls, a Zipline to the Falls adventure or a whirlpool jet boat ride.