Planning a trip through Canada’s eastern provinces? This 6-day small-group tour from Toronto offers a solid mix of natural wonders, historic cities, and scenic cruising, all with the comfort of a guided experience. When we looked into it, what stood out immediately were the opportunity to visit iconic sights like Niagara Falls and Château Frontenac without the hassle of organizing every detail ourselves, plus the small-group setting—limiting to just 13 participants—to keep things intimate and flexible.

One thing to keep in mind is that while the itinerary is packed, the pace can be quite full, and some optional activities (like the Montmorency Falls cable car or Thousand Islands cruise) might require extra planning or cost. Still, for travelers who want a straightforward, well-organized overview of eastern Canada with plenty of highlights, this tour fits the bill nicely.

This tour suits those who enjoy structured travel with guided commentary, want to see multiple major cities in a short span, and appreciate a balance of sightseeing and free time. It’s especially appealing if you’re traveling from Toronto and prefer to avoid the stress of driving or planning logistics for a bigger group.

Key Points

Limited group size offers a more personal experience and better interaction with guides.
Includes iconic attractions like Niagara Falls, Château Frontenac, and Montmorency Falls.
Multiple scenic cruises enhance the experience, especially the Niagara Hornblower and Thousand Islands tours.
Varied city stops—from Toronto’s urban vibe to Quebec City’s historic charm—offer diverse sights.
Accommodation and breakfasts included help keep costs predictable.
Optional activities and tickets are available for those wanting to customize their experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Toronto

Your adventure kicks off with a paid airport pickup from Toronto Pearson International Airport, which sets a smooth tone. The hotel, Crowne Plaza Toronto Airport, offers a comfortable base close to the airport for those arriving from different places. The day is designed mainly for settling in and getting ready for the busy days ahead. The provided transfer and hotel stay make logistics stress-free, especially for first-timers.

Day 2: Niagara Falls — Power and Wonder

This is often the highlight for most travelers. The tour includes the Hornblower Niagara Cruise, which is acknowledged as the only official cruise in Canada. It gets you close enough to feel the raw power of the falls—an experience that’s genuinely awe-inspiring. We love how the tour combines this with other iconic sights like the Journey Behind the Falls and the Niagara Power Plant—these are not just tourist traps, but places that give you a sense of the scale and engineering behind the spectacle.

You’ll also have some free time on Clifton Hill, which is good for grabbing lunch at your own expense and soaking in the lively, carnival-like atmosphere. The in-depth tour includes stops at the Niagara Whirlpool State Park and the famous Flower Clock, making the visit well-rounded. A few reviews mention that the falls are more impressive in person, and the boat cruise really captures that feeling.

Day 3: Thousand Islands & Montreal

On this day, you’ll leave Toronto early, heading toward Kingston to experience the scenic Thousand Islands cruise—a favorite for many. The islands on the St. Lawrence River are a picture-perfect backdrop, and the boat ride offers a peaceful way to see the lush scenery.

Afterward, the journey continues to Montreal, a city known for its vibrant culture and history. The 45-minute city tour provides a quick but compelling snapshot, highlighting key neighborhoods and landmarks. Expect a mix of modern city feel with touches of old-world charm.

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Day 4: Quebec City — European Vibes in North America

This is the day for exploring Quebec City, with a focus on the Old Quebec City Tour. Walking through cobbled streets, visiting the outside of Château Frontenac, and exploring the historic neighborhoods really gives you that European atmosphere—something travelers rave about.

The tour visits Place d’Armes, the Notre-Dame Basilica, and Little Champlain Street, allowing for some time to stroll and soak in the ambiance. The optional Montmorency Falls visit, including a cable car ride, is a fantastic addition if you’re up for scenic views and a bit of adventure.

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Day 5: Mont Tremblant & Ottawa

This day mixes mountain scenery with political history. Mont Tremblant, known for its ski resort vibe, offers a short visit to enjoy the scenery, even if you’re not into winter sports. Then, a drive to Parliament Hill in Ottawa rounds out the day, giving you a taste of Canada’s political heart.

The rest of the day involves returning to Toronto, making for a full but satisfying day. The inclusion of hotel options in Toronto or nearby allows flexibility depending on your preferences.

Day 6: Toronto City Tour & Departure

The final day is a lighter sightseeing day, focusing on some of Toronto’s most filmed spots like Yonge Street, Toronto City Hall, and the University of Toronto. The Toronto Movie & TV Tour lasts about 2.5 hours, perfect for fans of films and shows shot in the city.

Additional optional visits include the CN Tower and a cruise around Toronto Harbour—if time permits. The day wraps up with a suggested departure time after 8-9 pm, giving you flexibility to plan your flight.

What We Really Think

When weighing this tour, the value for money is quite clear. For $1,255 per person, you get five nights of accommodations, guided transportation, and multiple major attractions included, with many of the tickets optional based on your preferences. It’s a pretty efficient way to see a lot of eastern Canada without the stress of planning each step.

The small group size is a big plus—fewer crowds, more personalized attention, and chances to ask questions. Our sources mention that guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience more engaging. Plus, the included breakfasts and hotel stays help keep the costs predictable.

However, be aware that the itinerary is quite full. Some travelers might find the schedule a little rushed, especially if you want to linger longer in certain cities or attractions. Also, optional tickets like the cruise or cable car aren’t included unless you select the all-inclusive package, so if those are must-do activities for you, factor that into your budget.

The pacing might not suit everyone, especially those who prefer a more relaxed trip or traveling with mobility challenges (not suitable for wheelchair users). Also, since the tour is in English, it’s best for travelers comfortable with that language.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is well-suited for first-time visitors to eastern Canada who want a rundown without the hassle of planning. It’s perfect if you want to see major sights in a short period and prefer to travel with a guide and small group. If you enjoy scenic cruises, city walks, and cultural highlights, you’ll find plenty to love.

It’s not ideal for those seeking a very relaxed pace or traveling with very young children or mobility issues. Also, if you have specific interests or want to customize your itinerary extensively, this structured tour might feel limiting.

FAQ

Is airport pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers paid airport pickup from Toronto Pearson International Airport, with a cost of USD$90 or CAD$120 per person. The pickup is available from 09:00 to 22:00.

Are hotel accommodations included?
Yes, five nights are included, primarily based in the Crowne Plaza Toronto Airport or similar hotels. The tour also offers options in Montreal and nearby areas.

What optional activities are available?
The tour includes optional tickets for attractions like the Thousand Islands Cruise, Montmorency Falls cable car, Toronto Harbour Tour, and the CN Tower. You can pay extra for these if you want to include them.

Is this tour good for foodies?
While breakfasts are included, meals at other times are at your own expense. There are some optional dinners, such as a French dinner in Montreal and Quebec, which can be a highlight but aren’t included in the base price.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 13 participants, making for a more intimate experience compared to larger bus tours.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if needed.

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From Toronto: 6-Day Eastern Canada Small-Group Tour

Final Thoughts

This 6-day small-group tour of Eastern Canada from Toronto hits many of the highlights travelers dream of—Niagara Falls, Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa—all packed into a well-organized package. It balances guided sightseeing with free time, and the inclusion of scenic cruises adds a memorable touch that elevates the experience.

If you’re someone who appreciates having a lot of key sights checked off without the stress of planning every detail, and you’re comfortable with a fairly full schedule, this tour offers solid value. It’s especially good for first-timers or those looking for a curated snapshot of eastern Canada’s diverse landscape and history.

For travelers wanting a more relaxed or personalized experience, or with specific mobility needs, you might find a more tailored or private option better suited. But for most, this provides a practical, enjoyable way to see some of Canada’s most iconic spots in just six days.