Ontario

Take a Train Ride 

Board one of North America’s most popular train tours and chug across 182 kilometres of Ontario’s north. Relax and take in the stunning scenery through large viewing windows or see through the eyes of the train engineer with monitors in the coaches. Descend 500 feet to the floor of the Agawa Canyon and enjoy a stopover where time is given to explore the spectacular landscape. Even listen to stories of the Ojibway, fur traders, and explorers with commentary provided during your train ride. The Agawa Canyon Wilderness Park, accessible only by rail, is largely untouched.  Enjoy a picnic by the river, climb the lookout tower for a panoramic view of the canyon, or follow the river trail to Black Beaver and Bridal Veil Falls to see landscapes that, a century ago, inspired The Group of Seven artists.

First Nation Culture

The history of Ontario, and the culture of the region will be evident throughout this tour.  We’ll have rest stops at trading posts, hop aboard the “Big Canoe”, the Ojibwe translation for the Chi Cheemaun Ferry, and travel to Mnidoo Mnising, the Odawa name for Manitoulin Island, a sacred place of the Anishinaabe people. 

Become a Pilot and hang out in the hangar!

Well, not really but you will have the opportunity to climb aboard vintage airplanes or ride the flight simulator at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. Enjoy a guided tour and learn about the history of aviation and forest fire protection. As a special experience, dinner will be served in the hanger, with the unique ambiance provided by the planes!

Meet a Voyageur

Yes, with the “scenic drive” option, we’ll meet one of those fur traders and with his “Canoe Talk”, we’ll hear about the life and times and adventures of the Voyageurs.  Inspired by the book by Canadian author, Peter C. Newman, “The Company of Adventurers”, the O’Connor family opened The Voyageur’s Lodge, and provides a deliciously memorable stop along the north shore of Lake Superior.

Stand in the spots that inspired the Group of Seven!

Stand on the shore of Lake Superior and breath in the same vistas experienced by famous Canadian artists. Perhaps you’ll share the sentiment of J.E.H. Macdonald, "The most impressive sight on this trip was a view of Lake Superior. There was a sharpness in the air which merged the horizon with the sky and that smooth shimmering infinity of waters …”

It Features a Canadian Signature Experience

Designated a Canadian Signature Experience, a ride on the Agawa Canyon Train is considered one of Canada’s once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

Get Close to Nature

The different modes of transportation offered on this tour allow you to see the beautiful features of Ontario. See Canada’s rugged landscape ablaze with vibrant autumn colours. Marvel at the crystal-clear waters and the geological wonders carved by glaciers and prehistoric waterfalls.

Agawa Canyon Wilderness Park

Accessible only by rail, this untouched land is a wonder to behold. Enjoy a picnic by the river where there is a display of antique railroad equipment. Walk amongst the floral and fauna and climb the lookout tower for a panoramic view of the canyon. Or follow the River Trail to Black Beaver and Bridal Veil Falls where you might catch a glimpse of playful river otters or beavers.

Options!

Bring your friends and enjoy the fall colours together, even if one person would prefer not to take the train ride.  On that day, in the comfort of the coach, enjoy one of the most scenic drives in Ontario!

• Private coach transportation
• Our unique Connections Program
• 3 nights accommodation
• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
• Services of a Professional Tour Director

Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person, and include HST.

Included Highlights

• Tobermory 
• Chi-Cheemaun Ferry 
• Ten Mile Point Trading Post & Gallery
• Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre with Dinner
• Manitoulin Island 

Included Options:

1. Agawa Canyon Train Excursion  OR

2. Guided Lake Superior Coast Drive with

• Voyageur's Lodge & Canoe Talk
• Lake Superior Provincial Park

Day 1: Travel to Tobermory

Travel along the Niagara Escarpment, and enjoy the changing topography and colourful vistas up to Tobermory, a quaint harbour town. Tonight, enjoy dinner with fellow guests.

Stay: Bruce Anchor Inn (1 night)

Meals: D

Day 2: Chi-Cheemaun Ferry, Manitoulin Island, Canadian Bushplane Museum

Today you will board the Chi-Cheemaun ferry to cross the main channel between Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, on your way to Manitoulin Island. Visit the Ten Mile Point Trading Post & Gallery, and browse the unique handcrafts and artwork. After enjoying an included lunch in Manitoulin Island, we journey onward to Sault Ste. Marie and the Canadian Bushplane Museum.  Here we’ll enjoy a guided tour and special dinner in the hangar among the planes!

Stay: Delta Waterfront Hotel, Sault Ste Marie (2 nights)

Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: Agawa Canyon Train OR Guided Lake Superior Scenic Drive

Option 1: The Train!  Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel before boarding the train. Travel to the Agawa Canyon, with the vibrant autumn colours out in full display. You will have an hour and a half to stroll the canyon base and enjoy your boxed lunch while taking in the breathtaking vista and landscapes. 

Option 2: The Guided Scenic Drive!  Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before boarding the coach along with your local guide.  Stop at the Voyageur’s Lodge and meet a Voyageur.  Hear his stories of travelling and living on these Lake Superior shores, and enjoy the lodge’s famous fritters!  In Lake Superior Provincial Park, learn about the “Power of Lake Superior” and the park’s cultural history. Enjoy the stunning scenery with insights from the local guide and see some of the specific spots that inspired the Group of Seven.

Following both options, return to your hotel for a free evening to explore and soak up sweeping views of St. Mary’s River.

Meals: B, L

Day 4: Travel Home

Our journey home goes through Sudbury, where you’ll enjoy a farewell lunch with your fellow travellers.  Then sit back and enjoy the autumn leaves go by as you travel home.

Meals: B, L

• Bruce Anchor Inn, Tobermory (1 night)
• Delta Hotel Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront, Sault Ste Marie (2 nights)

This tour includes our unique Connections Program, and follows a special travel Route A*, picking up in the following locations:

• Lindsay
• Peterborough
• Bowmanville
• Whitby
• Markham
• Brampton

*Pickup points west of Brampton are NOT available on this tour.

Did you know?

The landscapes painted by The Group of Seven, are an important part of the heritage of Canada, and it may enrich the experiences on this trip to be re-acquainted with their story and their work. The Agawa Canyon Train and the Scenic Coastal Drive include sites that inspired these artists. When the train stops in the Agawa Canyon Park, be sure to walk towards Bridal Veil Falls where you’ll see specific landscapes that inspired some of the sketches by Lawren Harris and J.E.H. MacDonald. With the Scenic Drive option, when in Lake Superior Provincial Park, be sure to walk down to the beach.