2-Week Great Lakes Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 2-week Great Lakes 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.

  

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  • 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."

    

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• 11 Days in Ontario, incl. Toronto and Ottawa

  Explore the Great Lakes over 11 days, from Toronto's waterfront to Muskoka's pristine waters. Visit 250,000 freshwater lakes, cruise the Thousand Islands, and enjoy water activities at Elmhirst's Resort and Deerhurst Resort.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Toronto

    Start in downtown Toronto and pick up your rental car at Pearson Airport. Try to book an afternoon arrival to avoid rush hour traffic. Stay in Yorkville where you'll be close to attractions but away from the Entertainment District noise. On Day 2, visit the CN Tower first thing (book 9AM tickets online to avoid crowds). Spend your afternoon exploring neighborhoods like Kensington Market for lunch and the historic Distillery District.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Kingston & Thousand Islands

    Take a 3.5-hour drive east along Lake Ontario. Stop at Norman Hardie Winery in Prince Edward County for wine tasting and wood-fired pizzas. Stay near Kingston's waterfront for easy boat tour access. Take the Thousand Islands cruise early morning when the water is calmest. Visit Kingston Mills locks for a quieter experience than Ottawa's locks.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Ottawa

    Drive 2.5 hours northeast to the capital. Stay at The Metcalfe Hotel to be within walking distance of Parliament Hill and Byward Market. The best way to see the UNESCO Rideau Canal is by bike. If you want to watch the changing of the guard at Parliament Hill in summer, get there by 9:30 AM for the 10 AM start.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Calabogie & Ottawa River

    Drive an hour west to Calabogie Peaks. Take the full-day rafting trip between mid-July and August when the water is warmest. Bring water shoes and quick-dry clothes. Relax at the resort beach afterward. A recent visitor said: "The Ottawa River rapids were perfect for beginners - exciting but not scary. The guide's safety briefing was thorough and put everyone at ease."

    
  • Days 9-10

    Muskoka Lakes & Huntsville

    Travel 4.5 hours north to cottage country. Stay at Deerhurst Resort near the lake. Visit Algonquin Park in early morning to spot wildlife. Rent canoes from Algonquin Outfitters instead of the park for better prices and newer equipment. Remember bug spray from May through September, especially at dusk.

    
  • Day 11

    Return to Toronto

    Take a scenic 3-hour drive back through the Kawarthas. Buy local maple syrup at farm stands along the way. If you have time before your flight, visit Toronto's Beaches neighborhood for Lake Ontario views away from downtown crowds.

    

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• 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.

  

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  • 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."

    

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