When my husband and his best friend decided to retire at the same time, we knew a 'retirement holiday' was the perfect way to celebrate. The four of us - myself, Ian, Fiona and David - set our sights on a two-week city tour of Eastern Canada, and our first call was to Amanda.
After some research, we had a rough itinerary in mind: starting in Quebec and finishing at Niagara Falls. Amanda suggested extending our proposed two-night stays in each city to three nights, giving us more time to soak everything in. It turned out to be the perfect plan.
We flew with Air Canada, starting with a direct flight to Montreal, followed by a quick connection to Quebec. For our intercity travel, Amanda arranged trains, which worked seamlessly. They’re comfortable, have a luggage allowance similar to flights (23kg) and offer a relaxed way to see the countryside. We finished our journey with a direct flight from Toronto back to Heathrow.
Quebec City: History & Charm
Our adventure began with three nights at the Quebec City Marriott Downtown Hotel. Quebec City is stunning - easily the cleanest city I’ve ever visited, with a rich history that’s hard to miss.
During our stay, we admired the Queen Mary 2, which was in port, and marvelled at an art installation featuring inflatable pink characters dotted across the city’s buildings.
A highlight was a trip to Montmorency Falls, where the views were breathtaking, and visits to the beautiful cathedral and the Canadian Museum of History, which left lasting impressions.
Montreal: Views & Gardens
A scenic three-hour train journey brought us to Montreal, where we stayed at Le Germain Hotel.
Our time here was filled with exploration: the Olympic Stadium, the serene Botanical Gardens, and a walk up Mount Royal Park, which rewarded us with incredible views of the city.
Each experience added a unique flavour to our Montreal stay.
Ottawa: Heritage & Waterways
Next, we travelled to Ottawa, Canada’s capital, in just over two hours and checked into the Delta Hotel City Centre.
The Parliament Buildings reminded us of home with their striking similarity to Westminster, though restoration work meant only limited tours were available.
A standout moment was an amphibious trip on the river and the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stretching 202km, the canal links the Ottawa River to Lake Ontario through 46 locks. It was fascinating to learn about its history while taking in the scenery.
Toronto: Towering Heights & Hidden Depths
Our longest train journey, at 4.5 hours, brought us to Toronto, where we stayed at the Chelsea Hotel Toronto.
The highlight here was undoubtedly the CN Tower. We were blessed with clear skies and could see over 100 miles from the top, including the spray from Niagara Falls, 60 miles away!
We also explored the Distillery District, with its charming historic vibe, and discovered Toronto’s incredible underground transport and shopping network. Designed for harsh winters, this labyrinth allows you to move around the city without braving the elements - a marvel in itself.
Niagara Falls: A Spectacular Finale
Our final stop was Niagara Falls, where a private car transfer whisked us to the Marriott on the Falls. With falls-view rooms, the vistas were spectacular.
The Niagara Falls cruise was everything we’d hoped for - wet, exhilarating and filled with laughter - my face ached from smiling so much! We also explored the hydroelectric power station, took in the view behind the falls, and visited Niagara-on-the-Lake. This quaint town, with its 19th century charm, was the perfect place to unwind before heading home.
A Memorable Journey
From start to finish, Amanda’s expertise made our trip seamless. Even when we had a couple of queries while away, Amanda - despite being on her own holiday - was just a message away.
Her knowledge and attention to detail are second to none.
This was more than just a retirement holiday; it was a celebration of friendship, new adventures and unforgettable memories. Thank you, Amanda, for helping make it all so special!
Maria
