Explore at your own pace with expertly crafted Independent itineraries that offer both must-see sights and free time, with all accommodation and transportation pre-arranged.
On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
✓ Travel in comfort with VIA Rail between cities, see Toronto's famous landmarks, witness the beauty and power of the Niagara Falls, discover Quebec's French-speaking cities, and explore Canada's capital city of Ottawa
✓ Enjoy the flexibility of independent travel
✓ 10 nights in 4-star accommodation
✓ Travel between Eastern Canada’s historic cities with VIA Rail
✓ Full day trip to Niagara Falls including lunch and Journey to the Falls cruise
✓ Full day hop-on hop-off tour of Toronto including entry to the CN Tower observation deck
✓ Full day scenic hop-on hop-off tour of Ottawa
✓ Tour Quebec City’s iconic attractions with an expert local guide
✓ Enjoy a 3-hour guided tour of Montreal’s highlights
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Journey through Eastern Canada in comfort aboard VIA Rail! Witness the thundering Niagara Falls, explore the historic charm of Quebec City, and discover Montreal’s vibrant culture. Stroll Parliament Hill in Ottawa, follow the scenic Chemin du Roy, and soak in Toronto’s energy—all with the flexibility of independent travel.
Upon your arrival at Toronto International Airport (YYZ), make your own way to your downtown hotel for a three-night stay. You can collect your information kit from the hotel’s reception upon check-in.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy, allowing you to discover the vibrant heart of Canada, rich in commerce and culture.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Embrace the freedom of a one-day hop-on-hop-off city tour guided by an affable and knowledgeable tour guide. Discover intriguing facts and the history of Toronto as you visit major downtown hotels with this pass. Your admission to the CN Tower, which soars 335.33 metres into the sky, is already included. Ride the glass-fronted elevators to the tower's pinnacle, where you can enjoy unforgettable views of Toronto and Lake Ontario.
Afterward, the day is yours to explore independently, go shopping, or simply unwind.
Indulge in a captivating full-day journey to Niagara Falls. The route meanders through the bountiful fruit-growing district and the scenic wine region of the Niagara Peninsula. Be awestruck by the magnificent Niagara Falls and embark on the Hornblower Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour, also known as Niagara City Cruises, for an extraordinary voyage to the base of the Horseshoe Falls. You'll have plenty of time to capture photographs and marvel at the powerful cascades or take a leisurely stroll through the town. This adventure includes a delicious meal and a scenic drive along the enchanting Niagara Parkway, which winds its way along the stunning Niagara Gorge. You'll pass through the historic community of Niagara-on-the-Lake before returning to Toronto for the evening.
This morning, make your way to Union Station on your own to catch VIA Rail's The Corridor train heading to Ottawa. During your journey, you'll pass through charming small towns along Lake Ontario, the historically rich city of Kingston, and the picturesque Thousand Islands region. Once you reach Brockville, your journey continues northward towards the capital region.
Upon arriving in Ottawa, the rest of the day is yours to explore the enchanting aspects of Canada's capital city. You can leisurely wander along the renowned Rideau Canal, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or explore the vibrant offerings of the bustling Byward Market.
Today, enjoy a hop-on/hop-off panoramic sightseeing tour in Ottawa. This tour will take you to various significant landmarks, including the Parliament Buildings, Embassy Row, the Royal Canadian Mint, the National Gallery of Canada, the National Aviation Museum, the Prime Minister and Governor-General's residences, the RCMP Museum and Stables, the National Arts Centre, and much more. Your journey will also lead you through scenic gardens, parklands, and along the picturesque Rideau Canal. This comprehensive sightseeing adventure is unique because it lets you hop on and off at any of the designated stops, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the charm of the nation's capital. In the event that the sightseeing tour is unavailable (Apr 6 - 26 2024 & Oct 28 2024 - Apr 21 2025 dates), it will be substituted with admission to the Canadian Museum of History and War.
The rest of the day is yours to explore the city's numerous museums, galleries, and boutiques.
Today marks your journey from Ottawa to Quebec City aboard VIA Rail's The Corridor. You'll bid farewell to the capital region of Ottawa and set your course for the enchanting Laurentians. As you venture beyond Montreal, the train will trace the scenic southern shores of the St. Lawrence River, taking you through picturesque small towns and villages in the captivating French-Canadian countryside.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace, allowing you to explore the intriguing facets of Quebec City and savour its vibrant nightlife.
Today, your day begins with a morning sightseeing tour, allowing you to explore the historical and contemporary aspects of Quebec City. Remarkably, Quebec City is the sole North American city fortified with city walls and gates, a distinction that led to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Delve into the city's historical treasures and experience the delightful "joie de vivre" atmosphere that defines Quebec. As you journey through the city, your guide will provide informative commentary, highlighting places such as the Latin Quarter, the Plains of Abraham, the Fortifications, the National Assembly, Place Royale, the Basilica, and numerous other points of interest.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace, offering the opportunity to delve deeper into the city's attractions or savour the culinary delights of one of its many excellent restaurants.
Today, embark on a train journey for a brief trip to Montreal. During this ride, you'll follow the northern banks of the St. Lawrence River, passing through the historic town of Trois-Rivières and the delightful Cap-de-la-Madeleine, which is home to a national shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Upon your arrival in the vibrant city of Montreal, get ready for an afternoon of discovery in the second-largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris. Take a stroll down the bustling St. Catherine Street, adorned with a multitude of shops and cafes. Indulge in the delectable local cuisine and partake in the lively nightlife scene.
Today, you'll embark on a 3-hour sightseeing excursion in Montreal. This journey will take you through a plethora of remarkable sights, including the renowned Notre Dame Basilica, the bustling financial and residential neighbourhoods, the historic enclave of Old Montreal, the delightful Latin Quarter, and many more attractions. You'll have the chance to explore the Olympic Complex, traverse the beautiful campus of McGill University, and relish the breathtaking panoramic vistas from an observation point atop Mont Royal. Your overnight stay will be in Montreal.
For departures on or after October 28, 2024, please note that the Montreal city tour will be substituted with an Oasis Immersion experience.
Today is your departure from Montreal to Toronto on board VIA Rail’s The Corridor. Upon arrival at Toronto’s Union Station, make your own way to your centrally located hotel. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure.
The time has come to say goodbye to Eastern Canada. Make your own way to the airport for your onward flight.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
VIA Rail Train Information
Hop onboard, experience the comfort of the train including complimentary Wi-Fi, and relax as the scenery of southern Ontario and Québec roll by. Discover iconic landmarks, enjoy beautiful panoramas around the Great Lakes and the Saint Lawrence river, and explore bustling urban centres including Toronto, Ottawa, Québec City and Montréal.
Business Class Upgrade - refer to upgrade options for pricing.
Locally sourced, well-crafted menus and beverages are offered throughout your peaceful journey, far away from traffic. Hop on, relax, and let yourself be carried to your destination in comfort. Your business class upgrade includes:
Business class upgrades and prices are subject to availability upon booking.
Pre/post accommodation
Not available
Upgrades
Not available
Airport Transfers
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
Bedding Configuration
Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two/three options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $2,495.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your room throughout the entire tour.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with them and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), making separate payments and having individual access to our Traveller Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Triple Share
Not available
Payment Information
This product requires a $99.00 deposit per person and full payment within 48 hours to secure your booking.
Once you have created your booking you will be directed to your invoice to choose your preferred payment method.
Cooling Off Period
A refund will be available within the 7-day cooling-off period unless otherwise restricted by the purchased product.
Where 'last minute' bookings are available within 71 days of departure, the cooling-off period does not apply and bookings are immediately non-refundable.
Terms and conditions
Please review our terms and conditions here: https://www.inspiringvacations.com/au/page/terms-and-conditions
Trusted Travel Partner Tour
This tour will be operated by one of our trusted travel partners. These are meticulously crafted tours designed by established travel partners we know and trust. These tours offer a unique and exciting way to explore the world, packed with incredible sights and experiences.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list.
Visas & Entry Requirements
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your tour and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your tour. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the visa entry requirements for your nationality via our page here:
https://inspiringvacations-8357211.hs-sites.com/visa-information
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.
We need your passport information to get everything ready for your tour so the information on your booking must match your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended on all our tours. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. It is also important to consider forced pre-tour cancellations and how your chosen insurance policy may cover such circumstances, so please keep this in mind when choosing your provider.
We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international tours, you will be asked by your tour leader for your travel insurance details if they were not already added to your Traveller Hub account pre-departure.
If you have credit card insurance your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide may require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details before arriving in-country.
Before you depart, you will be asked to submit your Travel Insurance details through the booking holder's Traveller Hub account through the Inspiring Vacations website. This is to ensure that we have this information readily available should we ever need it.
Health & Wellness
All travellers need to be in good physical health to participate fully on this tour. Our group tours are designed to immerse you in incredible sights and activities, often involving walking tours and self-exploration. To ensure you can fully embrace every moment, we recommend a moderate level of fitness for all of our tours.
When selecting your tour please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that in the assessment of our Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a tour without refund.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell before travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements and we would be more than happy to assist you.
Important Information for Customers with Mobility Limitations
We want to ensure everyone has a fantastic and inclusive experience on our tours. If you require the use of a mobility aid, such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair, please disclose this information at the time of booking.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the entire group, our tours are designed with a specific itinerary in mind. This may involve moderate walking, uneven terrain, or stairs. While some itinerary adjustments may not be possible, we'll do our best to find alternative solutions within the planned activities whenever possible.
Open communication helps us ensure your tour is a perfect fit and it allows your local guide or tour leader to assist you where possible.
Information for CPAP Users
If you use a CPAP machine, please let us know at the time of booking. Some portions of our itinerary, like overnight cruises or camping tours, may have limited access to power outlets. In such cases, we recommend travelling with portable battery packs.
Certain activities, like overnight journeys on board smaller vessels, may not be suitable for CPAP use due to space limitations or noise concerns. We can discuss these potential limitations upfront and help you make informed decisions about your tour.
Please ensure that you check the voltage used throughout the countries you are travelling to and if it will be compatible with your machines. For example, Japan runs on 100 volts vs Australia at 220-240 volts, meaning a voltage converter might be required.
Documentation
Tour documentation is typically emailed to the lead passenger or your travel agent between 14-30 days before your scheduled departure. This will include your final hotel list.
Child policy
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Official Travel Advice
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, we recommend referring to the official travel advisory website of your home country for the latest updates on your chosen destination. These websites provide valuable information on:
Here are some helpful links to get you started:
In the unlikely event of a situation that could potentially disrupt your tour, we want to assure you of the following:
By staying informed and working together, we can ensure a fantastic travel experience for you. We will post our own travel updates to our website here.
Starting Point
Your starting hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book pre-tour accommodation independently, we suggest you do this only once you have received your final hotel list for your tour. If you would like to book something sooner, we recommend that you book using a flexible rate that can be cancelled through your chosen third-party provider without penalty.
Travellers will arrive at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. If arriving before standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available as there are no scheduled activities on day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Note: if you need to apply for a tourist visa before departure, we recommend using the details of the suggested hotel on the tour itinerary if you wish to fulfil this before the release of your final tour documentation. Please refer to our visa section for more information on whether or not a visa is required for your destination.
Arrival Details
Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the airport to the hotel will be comfortable and hassle-free.
As an added service, we do offer airport transfers at an additional cost which can be booked via your Traveller Hub. These must be booked at least 70 days prior to departure.
To make your own way to your hotel from the airport, it is recommended to use taxis booked from an official taxi booking desk at the airport, or alternatively you can use ride share apps such as Uber.
If you're having any problems finding the hotel, please ring the hotel directly or you can phone our customer support team for on-tour assistance.
Please note that if you are choosing to book an independent airport transfer service, your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise, nor can they resolve any concerns that you may have with your transfer service.
Optional Airport Transfers - Transfer Portal
Depending on the package purchased, you may have the option to add airport transfers to your booking and you can do so through your Traveller Hub account. We partner with an online marketplace where travellers can compare and select the transfer of their choice.
Inspiring Vacations acts as an agent on behalf of our transfer service partner and any service is delivered by the provider. Inspiring Vacations cannot be held liable for any loss resulting from the transfer service provided. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure any transfer booked meets the requirements of any other travel arrangements. Likewise, your tour leader or any of our on-ground representatives cannot be held responsible for the service of your transfer nor are they in a position to assist with amending your reservation. Any transfer booking is separate from any other booking with Inspiring Vacations, regardless of whether purchased with regards to the same travel journey.
When you make your transfer service booking, you will receive a confirmation email and this will include your meeting instructions, as well as direct contact details. Please ensure you print and bring this with you as you will need to ensure you can make direct contact with your transfer service provider.
Welcome Meeting Instructions
On arrival in Toronto, make your own way to your downtown hotel. You can collect your information kit from the hotel’s reception upon check-in with all the details of your tour.
In Case of Emergency
Although we strive to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise during travel. If any issues arise during your tour, it's essential to promptly communicate them to your tour leader or local representative. This ensures they can take immediate action to address the problem and mitigate any negative impact on the remainder of your journey.
We understand that there may be instances where your tour leader or local representative is unable to resolve a situation to your satisfaction. In such cases, we encourage you to request that the tour leader or local representative escalate the matter to their direct manager for further assistance.
You also have the option to share details in your online feedback after the tour. However, please keep in mind that it's challenging for us to offer practical assistance once the tour is completed. Therefore, notifying us while still travelling allows us the chance to address the issue in real-time and provide a timely resolution.
For general contact details please visit the Contact Us page on our website.
When your final tour documentation is released, this will include an emergency contact for our local travel partner while you are on tour. If this is not included in your documentation, you will receive this on arrival during your welcome meeting.
Tour Pace
This tour is categorised as: 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
Group Size
Minimum: 2 people
Escorted Style
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour.
Tour Type
This is an independent tour, where you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible. The choice is yours.
Exclusions
Optional Tours
To secure your spot and enjoy the best rates, pre-booking these tours in advance is highly recommended. While some tours require a minimum number of participants to operate, you'll be fully refunded if the tour is cancelled at your destination for this reason. Our optional tours are typically led by your tour leader or local guide. Please note that transportation to and from the optional tours may not be included, but your tour leader will be happy to assist you with navigating public transportation options like trains or taxis to reach the starting point.
Community Guidelines
Inspiring Vacations does not tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams (Inspiring Vacations Tour Leaders and local expert guides) or local communities.
Any behaviour that prevents your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines, may result in Inspiring Vacations removing you from the tour.
If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader immediately. Alternatively, when you are on-tour and require immediate support you can contact our Customer Support team and select the “On-Tour” option when listening to the options.
Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader vs. Local Guide
While both tour leaders and local guides enrich your travel experience, their roles differ. Tour leaders, who often accompany you for the entire tour, handle logistics, ensure smooth sailing of the itinerary, and act as your point of contact for any concerns. They might provide general information about destinations, but in-depth historical or cultural knowledge often comes from local guides. Local guides, frequently native to the area, lead tours at specific sites or attractions, offering a deeper understanding of the local history, art, or way of life.
Itinerary Changes
Sometimes, unexpected things can happen, like unpredictable weather or higher-than-usual crowds at attractions. In these situations, your tour leader might need to adjust the itinerary slightly to improve your overall experience.
This flexibility ensures you get the most out of your tour! Your tour leader will always keep you informed of any changes and explain the reasoning behind them. Remember, when travelling with a group, sometimes going with the flow can lead to even more amazing experiences.
Staying Connected
If you want to stay connected and access reliable internet while on tour, there are a few options available. It is possible to purchase a virtual sim and we recommend contacting your mobile phone provider for assistance in doing so. You can add a roaming data plan to your existing phone contract is another option, albeit an expensive one. You will need to arrange this before departure. Purchasing a local SIM at the airport is the final option. For a prepaid fee, you can get data by simply swapping your current SIM with your new SIM and depending on which package you purchase, you’ll be able to text and make phone calls, just as you would at home.
Getting Around
This journey uses trains for the entirety of the tour. For further information on trains, see the ‘Rail Information & Upgrades’ section.
Hotel Ratings
Star ratings can differ between countries, reflecting diverse standards and amenities. To give you the most accurate picture possible, we don't just rely on a single source for hotel ratings. We go beyond by researching various trusted travel websites like Tripadvisor and Booking.com. This allows us to analyse a wider range of genuine customer reviews and experiences, giving you a well-rounded understanding of the hotel's typical star rating.
This means you can book with confidence, knowing the hotel has a strong track record of satisfied guests.
Accommodation Details
This tour uses carefully selected 3-star hotels to ensure your comfort and enjoyment. Our accommodations reflect the best available options, tailored to our style of travel. Locations may be further from city centres, allowing for a more cost effective tour while giving a quieter environment.
Packing Essentials
What you need to pack for your tour will vary according to the tour style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible, ensuring that you can carry and lift your luggage, and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs.
A lockable suitcase with wheels is ideal for this tour. Many tours will include internal flights which often have luggage weight restrictions, and it is recommended that you keep your main luggage weight around 15kg and no more than 20kg. A small or medium-sized backpack (45-50 litres) is another good option. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, a camera, a jacket, and your essentials while touring during the day.
Climate
Canada’s climate varies significantly by region. Western Canada, including areas like the Rockies and coastal regions, enjoys mild summers with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), often with occasional rain. Eastern Canada, including cities like Toronto and Ottawa, experiences warmer summers, typically between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), with occasional humidity. The interior enjoys sunny, warm summers, often reaching up to 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), perfect for outdoor exploration. Be prepared for sudden weather shifts and dress in layers, especially in mountainous regions where temperatures can fluctuate.
Currency and ATMs
Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD), and the USA uses the US Dollar (USD). Credit/debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are easy to find in cities but may be limited in remote areas. Expect small fees for foreign ATM withdrawals. Tipping (15-20%) is standard in restaurants and for services in both countries.
Food and Allergies
Canada’s food scene is diverse, influenced by Indigenous, French, and global cuisines. Try iconic dishes like poutine (fries, cheese curds, and gravy), butter tarts, Nanaimo bars, and fresh Atlantic lobster. Regional specialities shine, from Montreal’s smoked meat and bagels to West Coast salmon and prairie bison. Don’t miss the maple syrup!
While travelling with Inspiring Vacations you'll enjoy iconic sightseeing, as well as experience the vast array of local cuisines. While many meals will be eaten together with your group, not all meals are included in your tour which gives you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let our Customer Support Team know before departure. Your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide will also be able to give suggestions on which restaurants to try during your tour.
Local Customs
Canadians are known for their politeness—expect to hear plenty of “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry.” Tipping is standard (15-20%) in restaurants, taxis, and for services. Respect for Indigenous cultures is important, and small talk (often about the weather) is common in social settings.
Americans are generally friendly and outgoing, with small talk (often about sports, weather, or current events) being common in social interactions. Tipping (15-20%) is expected in restaurants, taxis, and for services. Regional cultures vary—hospitality is a hallmark of the South, while cities like New York are fast-paced but welcoming.
Responsible Dining
When dining in Canada and the US, it’s important to consider local and sustainable options. Many restaurants focus on locally sourced ingredients and offer sustainable seafood choices. Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid food waste, and check for eco-friendly practices like composting or using biodegradable packaging. Respecting Indigenous food traditions and supporting farm-to-table initiatives also help promote responsible dining.
Tipping Your Leader
Tipping is an important part of Canadian service culture. In restaurants, a 15-20% tip is standard, depending on service quality. Tipping is also appreciated for taxis, hotel staff, and tour guides. While not mandatory, it’s considered polite and helps support workers, especially in industries where wages may be lower. Always check your bill, as some places may already include a service charge.
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
Peak Travel Times
Peak travel times align with the seasons and holidays:
Holidays like Canada Day (July 1) and Thanksgiving (October) also see a rise in domestic travel.
Safety and Security
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your own government's advice for the most up-to-date travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your tour.
Your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities listed on the itinerary, however, you'll have some free time to explore on your own. While your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide will assist you as best they can with your requests and the options available outside your itinerary, please note Inspiring Vacations makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running the activity. Please use your judgement when selecting an activity in your free time.
Please also note that your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
Apps to Download
Some useful apps you may want to consider downloading before your tour include Google Translate, the lens function is especially useful when wanting to read product labels, signs, and menus. Google Maps with offline maps downloaded is great for easy navigation without being reliant on wifi.
Post-Tour Feedback
Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a link to a post-purchase survey, which is your opportunity to share your feedback with us on your booking experience and interactions with our Sales and Customer Success teams. This feedback is invaluable to ensure that we are servicing our customers to the best of our ability.
Furthermore, towards the end of your travels and while you are in your destination, you will receive an email from us with a link to an in-depth tour survey. It is very important to us that we hear from our customers to ensure that we continue to meet and exceed customers' expectations, so this will be your opportunity to let us know how your tour has been, what has worked well and potentially what could be improved.
Finishing Point
Your finishing hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book additional post-tour accommodation, please do so once you have the final hotel list. We recommend booking a flexible rate that can be changed or cancelled without penalty should there be any unforeseen changes to your booking.
Travellers will depart at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. Check-out time is generally from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost payable directly.
Departure Details
You are free to check out after breakfast on the final day of your tour.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
This is a land-only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
Canada has it all – from breathtaking scenery, to modern, vibrant cities, friendly locals and incredible wildlife. Likewise, neighbouring Alaska has some of the most famous wilderness in the world. But, when is the best time to go? Canada is an enormous country that experiences very distinct seasons, but the diver...
Whether you love hiking, film, or wine, there are several ways to experience the world’s second-largest country The fact Canada offers something for everyone is a huge part of its charm. The country evokes images of looming mountain tops, epic skiing, ice-blue lakes, pine trees for days, eclectic cities, rugged hikin...
From hiking amongst the clouds and spotting grizzlies in the wild to relaxing in hot springs, there is something truly special about the Rockies in summer Canoeing on Lake Louise At the heart of Banff National Park, surrounded by snowy peaks and famous for its turquoise coloured-water, lies Lake Louise, the so-called...
From poutine to national parks, Canada is a traveller’s paradise Stretching more than half of the Northern Hemisphere and across six time zones, the Great White North is the world’s second-largest country – and a magnificent one at that. Whether you’re a city dweller, energised by bustling streets and high-rise livin...
Do you get snap happy at the sight of picture-perfect lakes and quaint towns with colourful architecture? Let these stunning Canadian towns inspire your next adventure Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario How can one city be so lovely? Niagara-on-the-Lake, the oh-so-charming town that is nestled just beyond the roaring power...
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