2-Week Great Lakes Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 2-week Great Lakes tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaGreat Lakes travel expert at TourRadar
11 Days in Eastern Canada, incl. Toronto and Halifax
Toronto's iconic CN Tower and the powerful Niagara Falls await on this Great Lakes adventure. A boat cruise through Thousand Islands National Park reveals stunning archipelago views. The scenic Lake Ontario shoreline drive features expert commentary throughout the journey.
- Days 1-2
Toronto & Niagara Falls
Plan to arrive in Toronto by early afternoon. Visit St. Lawrence Market around 3 PM when it's less crowded. "The peameal bacon sandwich at St. Lawrence Market is a must-try Toronto specialty - get it from Carousel Bakery on the main floor." Leave Toronto for Niagara Falls by 8 AM the next morning. The drive typically takes 90 minutes but can reach 2.5 hours in traffic. Take the morning cruise for better photos and smaller crowds. A waterproof phone case and the provided ponchos are essential since you'll get soaked.
- Days 3-4
Ottawa via Kingston
The 4.5-hour drive to Ottawa is best broken up with a stop in Kingston. Take the 2-hour 1000 Islands cruise from Rockport to see the island mansions. Parliament Hill is busy during daytime while Byward Market offers great nightlife with local pubs and restaurants.
- Days 5-6
Québec City
After a 5-hour drive you'll reach North America's only walled city. Book accommodation within Old Québec walls, particularly in the Petit-Champlain district for authentic charm. "Walking the walls at sunset gives you incredible views, but wear good walking shoes - the cobblestones are uneven and can be slippery when wet."
- Days 7-8
Montréal & Overnight Train
Start your morning at Mount Royal. Take bus #11 from Mont-Royal metro station for easy access. In the evening board the Ocean Train to Halifax. You'll sleep in a private car but pack essentials in a small bag since main luggage is stored separately.
- Days 9-11
Halifax & Nova Scotia Coast
Spend your first afternoon walking the 2-mile waterfront boardwalk. Visit Peggy's Cove early the next day. "Visit Peggy's Cove before 10 AM - not only for photos without crowds but also because the morning fog often creates beautiful coastal scenes."
11 Day Eastern Canada & USA Itinerary, incl. Montreal and Chicago
Motor City heritage meets Midwest charm on this 11-day Great Lakes tour. Highlights include Windsor's Riverfront, Detroit's Henry Ford Museum, and Chicago's stunning Millennium Park. The charming streets of Saugatuck and Lake Michigan's shores round out this comprehensive urban and coastal expedition.
- Days 1-2
Montreal
Get started in Montreal with a morning visit to Parc Mont Royal for the best city views before the crowds show up. Visit St. Joseph's Oratory and Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica later in the day. Not many people know about the basilica's evening sound and light show. Book your tickets early since it often sells out.
- Days 3-4
Quebec City & Ottawa
Old Town Quebec City looks like a slice of Europe. Take a walk on the city walls when they open at 7:30 AM for quiet morning views. Make time for Montmorency Falls. They're actually taller than Niagara Falls. Visit between 11 AM and 2 PM to catch rainbows in the mist. A previous visitor noted: "The boardwalk along the Terrasse Dufferin offers stunning river views - but bring a warm layer as it gets quite windy even in summer."
- Days 5-6
Ottawa & Toronto
Watch the Changing of the Guard at Parliament Hill at 10 AM if you're visiting in July or August. Take a boat ride on the Rideau Canal, then drive to Toronto. Stop at the Thousand Islands on the way. The 2.5-hour boat tour from Gananoque shows you beautiful historic mansions and islands. You'll arrive in Toronto by evening.
- Day 7
Toronto Exploration
Take a full day to see Toronto's best spots. Go to CN Tower right when it opens at 9 AM to skip the lines. Spend your afternoon in neighborhoods like Kensington Market and Chinatown. If it rains, use the PATH underground walkway system to get around. It connects most major attractions.
- Day 8
Niagara Falls
Start with a 1.5-hour drive to Niagara-on-the-Lake, then continue to the falls. Take the Hornblower cruise in late morning when there's less mist and better chances of seeing rainbows. A recent visitor shared: "The falls are most impressive from the Canadian side - walk along the promenade at sunset when the crowds thin and the falls are illuminated."
- Day 9
Detroit
Have your travel documents ready to cross into the US. Visit the Henry Ford Museum. You'll need 3-4 hours to see it properly. For dinner, try authentic food in Greektown. Take an evening walk on the Riverwalk to see the skyline.
- Days 10-11
Chicago
End your trip in Chicago. See Cloud Gate ("The Bean") in Millennium Park early before tourists arrive. Take an architecture river cruise in late afternoon to see interesting shadows on the buildings. One traveler suggested: "Book Willis Tower Skydeck tickets online and go just before sunset to see the city transform from day to night."
13 Day Eastern Canada Itinerary, incl. Toronto and Quebec City
The Great Lakes unfold over 13 days, from the majesty of Niagara Falls to Georgian Bay's 30,000 islands and Muskoka's pristine waterways. Kingston's harbor and Toronto's waterfront showcase maritime heritage. Travelers rest at premium lakeside properties including Hidden Valley Resort and Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront.
- Days 1-2
Toronto & Niagara Region
Start in Toronto before going to Niagara Falls (130km, 2 hours). Leave Toronto after 10am to skip rush hour traffic on the QEW highway. Visit Niagara-on-the-Lake for wine tasting - you can't miss trying their famous ice wine. Take a morning Hornblower cruise at Niagara Falls when it's less crowded and you can spot rainbows in the mist. Bring a waterproof phone case and spare clothes - you'll definitely get soaked!
- Days 3-4
Georgian Bay & Muskoka Lakes
Drive through Ontario's Mennonite country (260km) to Midland. Visit the Huron Village early to learn about First Nations culture and beat the summer heat. Take a boat cruise through Georgian Bay's 30,000 Islands the next day. Want great fall colors? Come in September but book early - it gets busy.
- Days 5-6
Algonquin Provincial Park
Stay in Huntsville to explore Algonquin Park. Get a kayak from Algonquin Outfitters and paddle Lake of Two Rivers in the morning when it's calm and moose often visit the shore. The Lookout Trail has great views but it's steep - good hiking shoes are a must and pack bug spray if visiting June through August.
- Days 7-8
Ottawa
You'll want two full days in Canada's capital. Take the free Parliament Hill tours but book online to avoid long waits. The ByWard Market is a must-visit spot. A recent visitor shared: "The food stalls are amazing but go hungry - portions are huge and you'll want to try everything from beaver tails to poutine."
- Days 9-10
Quebec City
The 450km drive to Quebec City takes you through pretty countryside. Walk the Dufferin Terrace inside the old walls for views of Château Frontenac and the St. Lawrence River. Lower Town (Basse-Ville) is the best place to stay since Upper Town's hills can be tricky to navigate, especially in wet weather. Visit Petit-Champlain at night when lanterns light up the cobblestone streets.
- Days 11-12
Montreal & Kingston
Montreal's food scene reflects its diverse culture - stop at Schwartz's Deli for their famous smoked meat but expect to wait 30+ minutes at lunch. On the 300km drive to Kingston, take the 1000 Islands boat tour from Gananoque. It's just an hour long but gives you a different view of the area.
- Day 13
Return to Toronto
The 270km drive back to Toronto usually takes 3 hours without traffic. If you're returning a rental car at Pearson Airport, add extra time - the rental return area can be confusing and shuttle buses to terminals run every 15-20 minutes.
