Canadian Capitals Self Drive Explorer Tour Detail Page

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

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 may choose to enjoy an optional day tour to Niagara Falls. 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."

Today you will drive approximately 5-hours from Toronto to Ottawa. A portion of 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 take a short detour to the Upper Canada Village with its more than 40 historical buildings, costumed staff, and demonstrations depicting rural Canadian life in 1886.

Ottawa, Canada's capital is the perfect place to experience some of the country’s best attractions, celebrations, and flavours. The cities identity has been influenced by many cultures, including First Nations, French, English, Scottish, and Irish and is located within the traditional Anishinabeg Algonquin territory. Ottawa has many walkable neighbourhoods to explore; you can try craft beverages and fresh cuisine, admire colourful urban art, or explore the historic ByWard Market. Its many pristine outdoor spaces offer a wide variety of activities year-round. The region is framed by beautiful waterways, including the Ottawa River, the Rideau River, and the Rideau Canal—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ottawa is the perfect place to soak up Canadian culture and hosts seven of Canada’s nine national museums. Highlights include Parliament Hill, where on summer mornings you can see the changing of the guard, the Canadian War Museum, the National Gallary of Canada, the Peace Tower, the Canadian Museum of Nature, the National War Memorial, Diefenbaker, Canada's Cold War Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum, the Royal Canadian Mint, enjoy a cruise on the Rideau Canal, or visit during Canada's Tulip Festival.