Ontario - Lakeside Family Adventure

From: £2355

There’s a lot of family adventure to be found in Northern Ontario, and this spectacular itinerary bundles it all together. You’ll launch this unforgettable experience with a fascinating exploration of downtown Toronto, Canada’s most exciting city. Niagara Falls, and the truly deafening, awe-inspiring call of the wild. Travelling north, you’ll travel through rolling hills and classic Canadian countryside to a two day resort retreat on the world’s largest freshwater island - Manitoulin. Nurturing your artistic side, you will next explore Killarney, the region immortalized on canvas by the Canadian Group of Seven. Winding down your adventure in Bracebridge, you’ll enjoy two days of relaxing amid the picturesque Muskoka Lakes Region. A leisurely drive back to Toronto caps a memorable two week holiday.

Price per person includes:

Return flights UK to Toronto
13 nights accommodation in sought after locations
13 days car hire
Niagara Falls - 30 minute Maid of the Mist ride
Toronto - CN Tower admission

Day 1 : Arrival in Toronto

Arrive at Pearson International Airport in Toronto. Transfer independently to your downtown hotel and the rest of the day is yours to explore this cosmopolitan city. Enjoy the fine cuisine, varied nightlife and world-class shopping of Toronto.

Day 2-3 : Toronto

Your days are free to discover the dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Toronto. On day 2 of your stay, enjoy your admission to the CN Tower. Standing 553 metres tall, this symbol of Toronto and Canada not only offers sweeping panoramic views but also a world of entertainment. Venture back in time and travel from the mid-70s to the present where you discover the architectural secrets behind the tower. Then ride the glass-fronted elevators to the top of Canada's tallest free standing structure. Dare to walk the glass floor, sample the exquisite cuisine at the revolving restaurant or relax in the Horizon’s Café.

The views of Toronto, Lake Ontario and the distant U.S. are unforgettable. Back on earth, browse through the Marketplace and shop for authentic Canadiana and First Nations merchandise, sports memorabilia or CN Tower souvenirs. Stroll through the shops on Queen Street and Yonge Street, head to the theatre district to catch a show and enjoy the bustling night life. Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame or Ontario Place. Overnight in Toronto.

Day 4 : Toronto to Niagara Falls

Today's route leads south, skirting the Niagara Escarpment and traversing the orchards and vineyards of the Niagara Peninsula. You will discover the historic village of Niagara-on-the-Lake proudly displaying its 19th century heritage. Take some time to browse through the quaint shops and boutiques before continuing along the scenic Niagara Parkway to Niagara Falls.

Day 5 : Niagara Falls

The honeymoon capital of the world, Niagara Falls has transformed itself into a colourful and entertaining celebration of popular culture. Aside from spectacular views of the Falls from above, you can visit Table Rock where you'll descend through moist tunnels directly behind the Falls. Your tour includes a ride on the Maid of the Mist. Put on your rain jacket and step aboard for the ride of a lifetime. The Maid of the Mist will take you to the American Falls before sailing past massive rock formations to the magnificent sight of the thundering Horseshoe Falls. As the Maid of the Mist battles the waters, take advantage of the unsurpassed photo opportunities. Length of operating season is weather dependent. Overnight in Niagara Falls.

Day 6 : Niagara Falls to Blue Mountain

There are several alternative routes to Blue Mountain. You can travel via Kitchener and Beaver Valley or along the shores of Lake Huron, all leading to the largest mountain resort in Ontario. Spend some time on the award-winning golf course, or take a gondola ride up the breathtaking mountain escarpment. Enjoy an evening in The Village, a welcoming focal point with a variety of shopping and entertainment.

Day 7 : Blue Mountain to Manitoulin

Today you’ll drive through the picturesque Bruce Peninsula to Tobermory before boarding a ferry for a two-hour cruise to South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island. The world’s largest freshwater island, Manitoulin contains five native reservations and one of the oldest settlements in North America, dating back 9,500 years. You’ll spend your day exploring this history and enjoying the variety of adventure activities available at your resort.

Day 8 : Manitoulin Island

A geographic wonder, Manitoulin Island contains over 100 lakes, including Lake Manitou which itself contains several more lakes. With all this fresh water, it’s no surprise that Manitoulin offers so many boating, fishing and scuba diving adventure activities. If you prefer dry land, don’t miss a visit to Assininack Museum, Little Current-Howland Museum, or the well maintained Mississagi Lighthouse Museum.

Day 9 : Manitoulin Island to Killarney Provincial Park

Crossing back to the mainland via Little Current you’ll travel through the lakes and woodland areas to Sudbury. This thriving mining town boasts Science North. The afternoon takes you through a dramatic landscape of white quartzite mountains and pink granite coastlines ringing azure lakes. Arriving at on the north shore of Georgian Bay, you’ll wind down your day with a choice of activities at your resort.

Day 10 : Killarney Provincial Park

The world-famous Group of Seven made this area their artistic inspiration and you’ll discover why as you further explore this striking landscape of pre- Cambrian granite and sparkling lakes. Known for its superb camping, Killarney Provincial Park also offers excellent canoeing and hiking trails.

Day 11 : Killarney Provincial Park to Huntsville

In the morning, travel south following the old furtrading routes of early pioneers. Arrive in Huntsville and spend some time relaxing on the waterfront of Peninsula Lake. If you are the more adventurous type, peddle boats, windsurfers, kayaks, mountain bikes, and fishing rods are all available for use.

Day 12 : Huntsville/Algonquin Provincial Park

The day is at your leisure to explore Huntsville and the surrounding area. We suggest a walk along an interpretive walking trail in a nearby Muskoka forest where samples of seasonal flora and fauna can be found. You could also venture into the wilds of Algonquin Provincial Park to hike through the pristine forests or canoe on the sparkling clean lakes. Take advantage of the convenient children’s programme where children can partake in stimulating and challenging activities, Sunday to Friday (daycare programme available for children).

Day 13 : Huntsville to Toronto

Take a leisurely drive down through Southern Ontario and return to the Toronto area for one final afternoon of urban discovery. Some highlights; the CN Tower, spectacular Rogers Centre (formerly SkyDome), Ontario Place, the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Ontario Science Centre, Art Gallery of Ontario and the Royal Ontario Museum.

Day 14 : Return to UK

Spend a last leisurely morning before heading to Toronto's Pearson International Airport for your flight home.

Not ready to return? Your adventure doesn't have to end here. Spend a few days enjoying Toronto further or maybe head over to Canada's capital, Ottawa or even take in a bit of the USA's East Coast.

Call the travel experts at Bon Voyage to discuss your perfect Lakeside Family Adventure.

BACK TO INDEX