Insight Vacations
Best of Eastern Canada & USA - Small Group
Best Of Eastern Canada & Usa – Small Group
See the top destinations in two countries on this 14-Day guided tour of Canada and the U.S. Stroll the urban-but-regal Queen’s Park in downtown Toronto, then get up-close to the world’s most famous waterfall, Niagara Falls. Wander the grand mansions of Montreal and step inside the Notre-Dame Basilica – a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, featuring a gold and azure-hued sanctuary – with a Local Expert. Walk with a guide along part of the Freedom Trail in Boston, a 2.5-mile trail with 16 historically significant sites, including the house where the Boston Tea Party was planned in 1773. In Philadelphia, see the Liberty Bell, rung throughout history to announce some of the country’s most historical moments, such as the death of George Washington. In New York City, meet local vendors at a neighborhood public market and taste local specialties.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 13 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Quebec City: Experience Montmorency Falls, the remarkable natural wonder that towers 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls. Walk the full width of the falls on a suspension bridge between both sides of the park with roaring water below for a unique, adrenaline filled perspective. If you’re feeling more adventurous, take the 487 panoramic staircase down along the cliff.
- Quebec City: Get up close and personal discovering metal craftsmanship at the copper art studio. Learn how – beginning with a Jewelery box decorated with tin and embossed copper panels – the repoussé technique has been passed down in the Gilles family for over 90 years. After seeing a collection of fascinating copper art, experiment for yourself using thin sheets of copper and tools to create your own work or art.
- New York City: Newly constructed in Midtown Manhattan, Summit One Vanderbilt has amazing views of the NYC skyline, especially the Chrysler Building. Summit One has four levels of multi-sensory space that represent art and design. With amazing views of the NYC skyline, guests will walkthrough a five-part-story-driven immersive art experience that includes reflective glass, optical illusions and art installations meant to challenge your perspective. Outside, there is also a wrap-around viewing deck that allows for amazing views and photos
Authentic Dining
- Toronto: Delve into Canadian specialties during dinner in the nation’s largest city.
- Ottawa: Join a cooking demonstration at Just Food Community Farm, nestled within Ottawa’s lush 150-acre Greenbelt. Discover the meaning of forest to table as your chef prepares your meal using local foraged ingredients. This entertaining cooking experience is hands on, and you may find yourself participating as a sous chef for a day. Savor a 3-course feast, perfectly paired with wine.
- Trois-Rivieres: Guests enjoy a traditional Sugar shack (Cabane sucre) lunch full of traditional staples and the French-Canadian hospitality.
- Quebec City: Savor the evening in an intimate setting as you enjoy a Highlight Dinner in historic Old Quebec.
- Washington: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a dinner and toast to new friends and fantastic memories.
Insight Choice
- Quebec City: Experience Montmorency Falls, the remarkable natural wonder that towers 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls. Walk the full width of the falls on a suspension bridge between both sides of the park with roaring water below for a unique, adrenaline filled perspective. If you’re feeling more adventurous, take the 487 panoramic staircase down along the cliff.
- Quebec City: Get up close and personal discovering metal craftsmanship at the copper art studio. Learn how – beginning with a Jewelery box decorated with tin and embossed copper panels – the repoussé technique has been passed down in the Gilles family for over 90 years. After seeing a collection of fascinating copper art, experiment for yourself using thin sheets of copper and tools to create your own work or art.
- New York City: Newly constructed in Midtown Manhattan, Summit One Vanderbilt has amazing views of the NYC skyline, especially the Chrysler Building. Summit One has four levels of multi-sensory space that represent art and design. With amazing views of the NYC skyline, guests will walkthrough a five-part-story-driven immersive art experience that includes reflective glass, optical illusions and art installations meant to challenge your perspective. Outside, there is also a wrap-around viewing deck that allows for amazing views and photos
- New York City: Embark on a captivating 2.5-hour walking tour through the heart of New York City, starting at the iconic Grand Central Terminal and learn the storied transportation legacy of this historic landmark. Immerse yourself in the luminosity of Broadway in the Theater District, marvel at the architectural opulence of Radio City Music Hall, pause to contemplate the grandeur of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and explore the legendary Rockefeller Center with its Art Deco splendor. Traverse the celebrated Fifth Avenue, discovering both highlights and hidden gems in this renowned shopping and cultural district. Conclude the journey at your hotel.
Insight Experiences
- Ottawa: Gain new culinary skills and learn more about regional cuisine with a local chef during a cooking demonstration at C’est Bon.
- New York City: This late afternoon, enjoy a visit to Essex Market, a cornerstone of the Lower East Side for over 100 years. Meet and hear the stories of local vendors while tasting their noteworthy specialties from around the world. Enjoy and learn from a live cooking demonstration while hearing how our visit to this non-profit run market contributes to countless programs aimed to provide quality, affordable food to the community and foster entrepreneurship as well as economic development.
Make Travel Matter
- Ottawa: Learn about the Manitobah Mukluks Storyboot Project, a key initiative that aims to revive the traditional arts by creating partnerships with elders and artisans who fashion mukluks and moccasins in the traditional way. After receiving the prestigious TreadRight Heritage Initiative grant, the project now endeavours to expand its partnerships, teaching opportunities and artisan support network.
- Ottawa: Visit Madahòkì Farm and learn about diversity of Indigenous cultures across Canada and how dance has helped revive the traditional arts. Your experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Summary
- Embark on a cruise to the base of Niagara Falls.
- Visit historic Kingston • Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal • Ile d’Orleans • Quebec City • Acadia National Park • Kennebunkport • Boston’s Freedom Trail • Times Square in NYC • Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell • Washington D.C.
- City tours of Montreal, Quebec City and New York City with Local Experts; Washington, D.C.
- Welcome Dinner in Toronto • Cooking Demonstration and three-course Highlight Dinner in Ottawa • Celebration Dinner in Washington, D.C.
Top Rated Highlights
- Niagara Falls: Get up close and personal with the mighty Falls. Experience the awesome power, thundering water and amazing mist from a state of the art eco-catamaran, making it a perfect and memorable way to experience this natural wonder. After the rush of excitement and rush of water, slow down and explore Niagara-on-the-Lake, a beautifully preserved 19th century village in the heart of Ontario wine country. The flower-filled, tree-lined town features old world architecture, boutique shopping and plenty of character allowing for a truly charming time.
- Montreal: Join a local Expert who will guide you around Old Montreal and Mont Royal. View the Notre-Dame Basilica, the colorful old port and Place Jacques-Cartier, both at the magnificent heart of the old city.
- Montreal: Discover the history of the first neo-gothic church in Canada, an important witness of Montréal’s foundations and breathtaking architecture, gold leaves, infinite blue, thousands of stars and exceptional stained glass windows.
- Quebec City: Discover more of Quebec’s unique European charm with a Local Expert. Get an in-depth look at why Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage site as you see the Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, City Hall, Palace Royale and views of the grand Chateau Frontenac.
- Boston: Explore the great city of Boston, with your Travel Director and learn about its transformative past. You’ll follow part of the red-brick Freedom Trail that brings the story of the American Revolution to life. Journeying to other historically significant sights that include the Boston Common, the Old Corner Bookstore and the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. View the colorful neighborhood of Back Bay and the lively North End, otherwise known as Boston’s Little Italy.
- New York City: Take a bite of the Big Apple, as a Local Expert shows you the very best of what the city has to offer. Including intimate looks at Times Square and Rockefeller Center. Also view other icons of the famous city skyline such as the Empire State Building, and the Art Deco filled Chrysler Building.
- Philadelphia: Explore the UNESCO-listed Independence National Historic Park and see the famous crack that runs down the Liberty Bell, whose inscription has inspired so many in history to “proclaim liberty.” It is the first and only institution in America established by Congress to increase the awareness and understanding of the Constitution on a nonpartisan basis among the American people.
- Washington, D.C.: Take a city tour of the history lined streets of Washington, D.C. and learn about the proud heritage of a nation. View the White House, the striking Washington Monument, and sprawling National Mall. Reflect on the country’s most turbulent days at the Lincoln Memorial and the somber World War II Memorial.
- Washington, D.C.: This striking museum has collected more than 36,000 artefacts that reflect history, politics, sports, arts and entertainment. Explore the richness and diversity of the African American experience, what it means to their lives, and how it helped shape this nation.
| Day 1 |
The capital of Ontario and Canada's largest city, Toronto is a vibrant destination on the banks of Lake Ontario. Highlights of this striking cultural capital include the looming CN Tower (featuring a revolving restaurant), Casa Loma, Toronto Island Park, Royal Ontario Museum, and Ripley's Aquarium of Canada. |
| Day 2 |
The capital of Ontario and Canada's largest city, Toronto is a vibrant destination on the banks of Lake Ontario. Highlights of this striking cultural capital include the looming CN Tower (featuring a revolving restaurant), Casa Loma, Toronto Island Park, Royal Ontario Museum, and Ripley's Aquarium of Canada. |
| Day 3 |
The capital of Ontario and Canada's largest city, Toronto is a vibrant destination on the banks of Lake Ontario. Highlights of this striking cultural capital include the looming CN Tower (featuring a revolving restaurant), Casa Loma, Toronto Island Park, Royal Ontario Museum, and Ripley's Aquarium of Canada. |
| Day 4 |
Ottawa, the charming capital of Canada, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. Nestled along the scenic Ottawa River, the city is home to the iconic Parliament Hill, where the Gothic Revival architecture of the Parliament Buildings stands majestically above the riverbanks. Visitors can witness the ceremonial Changing of the Guard in the summer or explore the Peace Tower for panoramic views of the city. During winter, the annual Winterlude Festival transforms the city into a snow-dusted wonderland, with the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink, taking center stage. Ottawa's rich history comes alive at the Canadian Museum of History, which offers a deep dive into Canada’s past, showcasing Indigenous cultures and the country’s development. For art enthusiasts, the National Gallery of Canada houses an impressive collection, from the masterpieces of the Group of Seven to contemporary works. Not far away, the vibrant ByWard Market district brims with local boutiques, artisanal goods, and diverse dining options. Sample fresh, local flavors at bustling outdoor stands or savor a BeaverTail, a famous Canadian pastry, while exploring this lively neighborhood. Outdoor adventure is never far away in Ottawa. Nature lovers can explore the nearby Gatineau Park, a year-round destination for hiking, cycling, and cross-country skiing. During the fall, the park's dense forests burst into fiery hues, creating one of the country’s most breathtaking natural displays. The Ottawa River also invites visitors to embark on kayaking or rafting adventures, with calmer sections perfect for families and more challenging rapids for thrill-seekers. Fun fact: Ottawa is one of the world's coldest capitals, often experiencing sub-zero temperatures in winter. Yet, this does not deter its residents or visitors; instead, it encourages them to embrace the season with festivals, ice sculptures, and even an ice dragon boat race on the frozen Rideau Canal! |
| Day 5 |
Canada's second-largest city and the most populous city in Québec, Montréal is a cultural capital and replete with magnificent architecture, immersive museums, and lush botanical gardens and parks. Highlights include the cobblestoned Vieux Montréal neighborhood, Notre-Dame Basilica, Montréal Botanical Garden, the Montréal Museum of Archaeology and History, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. |
| Day 6 |
Canada's second-largest city and the most populous city in Québec, Montréal is a cultural capital and replete with magnificent architecture, immersive museums, and lush botanical gardens and parks. Highlights include the cobblestoned Vieux Montréal neighborhood, Notre-Dame Basilica, Montréal Botanical Garden, the Montréal Museum of Archaeology and History, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. |
| Day 7 |
Visit picturesque Quebec City, situated on the mighty St. Lawrence River, and become instantly mesmerized by this historic jewel in Canada’s French province. Replete with striking landmarks and stunning architecture, Quebec City is perfect for sight-seeing and deserves ample time for exploration. The Vieux-Québec quarter, located in the heart of the Quebec City, boasts the city’s most iconic attractions and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll find la Citadelle de Québec, la Place Royale, Musée de la civilisation, and most notably, the famous Château Frontenac, whose impressive structure towers over the St. Lawrence. Stroll Terrasse Dufferin for a spectacular waterfront view of this massive castle, or head just north of Frontenac to Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica and marvel at the cathedral’s gold-laden Baroque style. The lush beauty of Quebec City’s nature parks, from the verdant Plains of Abraham park (once witness to the Battle of Québec) to the cascading waterfall of Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, complements the city’s man-made wonders. Adventurous travelers will love nearby Jacques-Cartier National Park, where hiking, skiing, canoeing, and kayaking are among the most popular day-time excursions. Venture across the St. Lawrence River to the Île d’Orléans, where local vendors offer the city’s best wines, cheeses, and culinary bites to savor. With so much to see and do, Quebec City is guaranteed to astound you! |
| Day 8 |
Visit picturesque Quebec City, situated on the mighty St. Lawrence River, and become instantly mesmerized by this historic jewel in Canada’s French province. Replete with striking landmarks and stunning architecture, Quebec City is perfect for sight-seeing and deserves ample time for exploration. The Vieux-Québec quarter, located in the heart of the Quebec City, boasts the city’s most iconic attractions and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll find la Citadelle de Québec, la Place Royale, Musée de la civilisation, and most notably, the famous Château Frontenac, whose impressive structure towers over the St. Lawrence. Stroll Terrasse Dufferin for a spectacular waterfront view of this massive castle, or head just north of Frontenac to Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica and marvel at the cathedral’s gold-laden Baroque style. The lush beauty of Quebec City’s nature parks, from the verdant Plains of Abraham park (once witness to the Battle of Québec) to the cascading waterfall of Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, complements the city’s man-made wonders. Adventurous travelers will love nearby Jacques-Cartier National Park, where hiking, skiing, canoeing, and kayaking are among the most popular day-time excursions. Venture across the St. Lawrence River to the Île d’Orléans, where local vendors offer the city’s best wines, cheeses, and culinary bites to savor. With so much to see and do, Quebec City is guaranteed to astound you! |
| Day 9 |
Evidence of our nation's birth abounds in Boston, a hub of revolution that is essentially the oldest city in the United States. Visitors are compelled to walk the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail around the city center, and bear witness to 16 historical locations related to the history of America.
Art, music and theater devotees will find much to embrace here, while sports fans have their choice of baseball (see the Red Sox at Fenway), basketball (Celtics), football (Patriots) and hockey (Bruins). And hey, everyone must eat, so don't miss the universally praised local seafood, from clam chowder to lobster. Nearly 20 million people visit Boston annually, where they'll walk the Freedom Trail, visit "cradle of liberty" Faneuil Hall, view the collections at the Museum of Fine Arts, and ride a Swan Boat on the lake at Boston Common. |
| Day 10 |
Evidence of our nation's birth abounds in Boston, a hub of revolution that is essentially the oldest city in the United States. Visitors are compelled to walk the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail around the city center, and bear witness to 16 historical locations related to the history of America.
Art, music and theater devotees will find much to embrace here, while sports fans have their choice of baseball (see the Red Sox at Fenway), basketball (Celtics), football (Patriots) and hockey (Bruins). And hey, everyone must eat, so don't miss the universally praised local seafood, from clam chowder to lobster. Nearly 20 million people visit Boston annually, where they'll walk the Freedom Trail, visit "cradle of liberty" Faneuil Hall, view the collections at the Museum of Fine Arts, and ride a Swan Boat on the lake at Boston Common. |
| Day 11 |
Architecture, fine art, theater, dining, shopping... what can't you experience in New York City? Cloud-breaching skyscrapers dot its skyline, while Lady Liberty stands proudly in New York Harbor. Visitors taking a bite of the Big Apple will find endless options in this metropolis' five distinct boroughs (Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island). Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and the High Line, a park situated on a former elevated railroad, are just a few of the major NYC attractions.
This behemoth at the nexus of the Hudson River and the Atlantic Ocean is the most populated city in the United States. The character, landscapes, culture and peaks of human achievement that New York City displays make it an indisputably essential travel destination. Alicia Keys may have said it best in her song "Empire State of Mind": "There's nothing you can't do." |
| Day 12 |
Architecture, fine art, theater, dining, shopping... what can't you experience in New York City? Cloud-breaching skyscrapers dot its skyline, while Lady Liberty stands proudly in New York Harbor. Visitors taking a bite of the Big Apple will find endless options in this metropolis' five distinct boroughs (Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island). Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and the High Line, a park situated on a former elevated railroad, are just a few of the major NYC attractions.
This behemoth at the nexus of the Hudson River and the Atlantic Ocean is the most populated city in the United States. The character, landscapes, culture and peaks of human achievement that New York City displays make it an indisputably essential travel destination. Alicia Keys may have said it best in her song "Empire State of Mind": "There's nothing you can't do." |
| Day 13 |
Washington, D.C., the vibrant capital of the United States, offers a perfect blend of history, politics, and culture that makes it a must-visit destination for travelers. Known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol, D.C. offers endless opportunities to explore the country’s history through its architecture and museums. The Smithsonian Institution, comprising 19 museums and galleries, allows visitors to dive into American history, art, and culture at no cost. The National Mall, a sprawling green park, is an essential part of any trip, stretching between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial and offering stunning views of these towering monuments. A visit to Washington, D.C., would be incomplete without exploring its world-class museums. The National Museum of African American History and Culture highlights the rich history and contributions of African Americans, while the National Gallery of Art offers a breathtaking collection of works from Europe and America. For a more contemporary experience, head to the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, which showcases modern and contemporary art through rotating exhibitions. The city is also known for its beautiful neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm. Georgetown, with its cobblestone streets and historic waterfront, is ideal for shopping, dining, and admiring 18th-century architecture. Capitol Hill, home to the U.S. Congress, also offers delightful cafes and the historic Eastern Market, where you can explore local vendors selling fresh produce, crafts, and antiques. Fun fact: Washington, D.C., is home to one of the largest cherry blossom festivals in the world. Every spring, the city bursts into bloom as over 3,000 cherry trees, gifted by Japan in 1912, line the Tidal Basin, creating a stunning pink and white landscape that attracts visitors from around the globe. From its historic landmarks to its vibrant neighborhoods and cultural offerings, Washington, D.C. provides a rich and diverse experience for all types of travelers. |
| Day 14 |
Washington, D.C., the vibrant capital of the United States, offers a perfect blend of history, politics, and culture that makes it a must-visit destination for travelers. Known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol, D.C. offers endless opportunities to explore the country’s history through its architecture and museums. The Smithsonian Institution, comprising 19 museums and galleries, allows visitors to dive into American history, art, and culture at no cost. The National Mall, a sprawling green park, is an essential part of any trip, stretching between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial and offering stunning views of these towering monuments. A visit to Washington, D.C., would be incomplete without exploring its world-class museums. The National Museum of African American History and Culture highlights the rich history and contributions of African Americans, while the National Gallery of Art offers a breathtaking collection of works from Europe and America. For a more contemporary experience, head to the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, which showcases modern and contemporary art through rotating exhibitions. The city is also known for its beautiful neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm. Georgetown, with its cobblestone streets and historic waterfront, is ideal for shopping, dining, and admiring 18th-century architecture. Capitol Hill, home to the U.S. Congress, also offers delightful cafes and the historic Eastern Market, where you can explore local vendors selling fresh produce, crafts, and antiques. Fun fact: Washington, D.C., is home to one of the largest cherry blossom festivals in the world. Every spring, the city bursts into bloom as over 3,000 cherry trees, gifted by Japan in 1912, line the Tidal Basin, creating a stunning pink and white landscape that attracts visitors from around the globe. From its historic landmarks to its vibrant neighborhoods and cultural offerings, Washington, D.C. provides a rich and diverse experience for all types of travelers. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/24/26 - 06/06/26 |
Starting At $8,875 |
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|
07/19/26 - 08/01/26 |
Starting At $8,925 |
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|
09/13/26 - 09/26/26 |
Starting At $8,895 |
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Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change.
Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.
