Enjoy the Ultimate Tour of Eastern Canada!

If you have three weeks to spare, the Schooner Tour offers enough adventure and experience to last a lifetime. Starting in Toronto, you will travel 4,500 km through Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa, Halifax and Charlottetown. Along the way, visit east coast towns and villages that have been inhabited since the 1700's. There are also plenty of activities, including whale watching, tidal bore rafting, walking the ocean floor, hiking spectacular trails, visiting lighthouses, clam digging (voted favorite activity by passengers in 2010) and much more! For less than $90 CAD per day, this is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed.

PLEASE NOTE: This tour does NOT include accommodation. Your Tour Guide will reserve your shared accommodations in youth hostels at every stop en-route, however you are responsible for paying each hostel directly. Additional information will be provided on your E-Ticket.

Also note that there is a mandatory local payment of approximately $240 CAD. This covers taxes, fuel surcharges, some meals and activities. Local payment must be made in person. Information on making those arrangements will be included on your E-Ticket.

Schedule:

• June 1, 2011 (Return on June 20, 2011)
• June 27, 2011 (Return on July 16, 2011)
• July 22, 2011 (Return on August 10, 2011)
• August 1, 2011 (Returning on August 20, 2011)
• August 15, 2011 (Returning on September 2, 2011)
• September 7, 2011 (Returning on September 26, 2011)

Toronto Pick-up Times & Locations:

• HI Toronto (pick-up at 8:00 am)
• Canadiana Backpackers (pick-up at 8:15 am)
• Global Village Backpackers (pick-up at 8:30 am)

Highlights:

• Visit Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa, Halifax and Charlottetown
• Tour Cape Breton - one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world!
• Ride on a real lobster boat and enjoy a fresh lobster dinner
• Exciting Tidal Bore rafting - an adrenaline rush if there ever was one!
• Visit the spectacular lighthouse route along the ocean coast
• Walk the ocean floor on the Bay of Fundy as the tide goes out
• Visit Fairview Cemetery in Halifax, resting place of Titanic victims
• See beautiful east coast villages settled since the 1700's
• Tour the Anne of Green Gables homestead on Prince Edward Island

Tour Includes:

• 5 dinners / 8 breakfasts (including clam dig)
• Thousand Island Cruise
• Lobster boat cruise & lobster dinner
• Keith's Brewery tour & whiskey distillery tour
• Beachcombing on the Bay Of Fundy, Hopewell Rocks tour
• Anne of Green Gables Tour
• Souvenir Tour T-shirt
• Wrap-up party in Toronto
• Driver & Guide services

Trip Options:

• Tidal Bore rafting experience $90 - $100 CAD
• Whale Watching $40 - $50 CAD
• Sea Kayaking in Nova Scotia $35 - $45 CAD
• Jet boat ride in Montreal - $65 CAD
• Prices are approximate and subject to change.

PLEASE NOTE: This tour does NOT include accommodation. Your Tour Guide will reserve your shared accommodations in youth hostels at every stop en-route, however you are responsible for paying each hostel directly. Additional information will be provided on your E-Ticket.

Also note that there is a mandatory local payment of approximately $240 CAD. This covers taxes, fuel surcharges, some meals and activities. Local payment must be made in person. Information on making those arrangements will be included on your E-Ticket.

Sample Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Toronto to Montreal
Travel from Toronto along the St Lawrence seaway to Montreal, City of Festivals and the largest French speaking city outside of Europe. En-route you will stop for a beautiful cruise of the Thousand Islands (included). That night, explore the vibrant nightlife of this wonderful city.

Day 2: Montreal
Enjoy free time to explore the lovely city of Montreal including Mont Royal, the Old City, boutiques, Cathedrals and the cafes and bars. Bring your French dictionary to practice your language skills!

Day 3: Montreal to Riviere du Loup
Your journey eastward continues as you cross to the southern shore of the St Lawrence River to your overnight destination of Riviere du Loup or “Wolf River”. Travel along spectacular vistas through small French speaking towns that were founded by Basques fishermen from France over 350 years ago. The St Lawrence River changes from fresh water to salt water in this area, so watch for seals and other marine animals!

Day 4: Riviere du Loup to Moncton
Cross from Quebec into new Brunswick, the only officially bilingual province in Canada, so you can still practice your French language skills! This is the homeland of the Acadians — a warm, friendly people with a proud history and rich culture. You will see the world's longest covered bridge as well as Magnetic Hill.

Day 5: Moncton to Digby
In the morning you will start towards the world famous Bay of Fundy, traveling through the Annapolis Valley and visiting a winery along the route. Spend the evening in the special town of Digby, a beautiful east coast town you will never forget.

Day 6: Digby
Explore this spectacular region throughout the day, with an excellent clam dig included on the beach (voted best activity in 2010) and visit the Digby neck. Enjoy another another peaceful evening in the east coast fishing town.

Day 7: Digby to Halifax
Set off towards Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia. Along the way you will visit Kejimkujik Park as well as Lunenburg, home to the world famous Blusenose II sailing ship. Then enjoy the evening in Halifax.

Day 8: Halifax
Take advantage of your free time to explore the museums, cafes, bars and boutique shops of Halifax. There is plenty to see and do in this maritime city, including a visit the grave site of victims of the most famous shipwreck in the world — the Titanic. Later in the afternoon you will take a tour of Alexander Keith’s — the oldest brewery in Canada. Then head out for a group dinner at a local pub!

Day 9: Halifax
Continue exploring the city of Halifax with another free day. You will also take a quick tour to see Peggy's Cove - one of the most beautiful scenic villages in the east!

Day 10: Halifax to Pleasant Bay (Cape Breton)
Travel towards the incredible region known as the Cape Breton Highlands, home to Canada's Scottish heritage. You will have several photo stops en-route, plus a visit to the only whiskey distillery in North America. At night you will stay in a lovely hostel located on the Cape Breton road.

Day 11: Pleasant Bay to Bear on the Lake (Cape Breton)
Continue to explore the Cape Breton region. You will make more photo stops, plus a stop for an amazing whale watching tour and an easy hike up the Skyline Ridge where the views are spectacular! You will spend the night beside the lake.

Day 12: Cape Breton National Park
Continue your exploration of the Cape Breton area, including a restful (and fun) stop for a swim at the beach. Enjoy lots of free time for resting and relaxation. At night you will stay again at Bear on the Lake.

Day 13: Cape Breton to Charlottetown
In the morning you will travel to Prince Edward Island, Canada's smallest province. Take a beautiful drive and a ferry ride to the island. In the evening you will explore Charlottetown, home to Canada's confederation signing!

Day 14: Prince Edward Island
Continue to explore Prince Edward Island visiting Cavendish Beach, as well as the beautiful Anne of Green Gables homestead.

Day 15: Charlottetown to Moncton
Start back into New Brunswick across the Confederation Bridge (13kms long). Ride on a real lobster boat and enjoy a fresh lobster dinner. Then enjoy a tour of the Hopewell Rocks - an amazing area in the Bay of Fundy.

Day 16: Moncton to Quebec City
Today you will travel back towards Quebec City. You will have a long drive, but the destination is well worth the effort. Quebec City is the only walled city in North America and a spectacular place - you will love it! In the evening you can enjoy some great French cuisine - bon appetit!

Day 17: Quebec City
Explore the narrow walkways, cobblestone streets, boutiques, museums and cafes of Quebec City. Try some poutine or crepes to get a taste of the local flavor. At night you can visit a local bar for some live music!

Day 18: Quebec City to Ottawa
Journey into the countryside of “la belle province”, making a quick detour to visit Montmorency Falls (which are 1.5 times higher than Niagara Falls) just outside of the city. From there you will travel to Ottawa, the capital of Canada, where you can relax in an outdoor cafe, visit a museum, or enjoy cycling by the Rideau Canal.

Day 19: Ottawa
Continue your exploration of the beautiful city of Ottawa, including an option of doing a hike or a Zip Line Tree Walk in the Gatineau Park.

Day 20: Ottawa to Toronto
Start your journey back to Toronto, stopping along the way to take a tour of Kingston, the original capital of Upper Canada, and enjoy a boat cruise amongst the Thousand Island resort region. Arrive back in Toronto around 6:00 pm in time for your wrap up dinner, then party on the patio of Global Village Backpackers!

Food & Beverages:
Each hostel on the route offers a self-serve kitchen so you can prepare your own food. You also have the choice of eating at restaurants or cafes, so ask your driver or guide for recommendations. This tour includes some meals and activities (see Tour Itinerary).

Preparing For Your Trip:
~ Bring proper clothing for the tour. The weather in Canada is predictable, but changes in temperature can occur throughout the day depending on location (this is especially true in the mountains or during the spring and fall months elsewhere).
~ If possible, bring a credit card with you while traveling. Credit cards can be used as identification and for making deposits on rentals if needed.
~ Don’t forget your camera — you will definitely want to take photos of new friends, beautiful scenery and wild animals!

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the costs of nightly accommodations included in the tour price?
A: No. However, beds are available for each guest at all stopovers. Please be advised the accommodations guaranteed are only at certain hostels and are dorm-style beds only. Your Tour Guide will reserve your shared accommodations in youth hostels at every stop en-route, however you are responsible for paying each hostel directly. Passengers wishing to stay at other hostels or hotels are encouraged to book their own accommodations.

Q: Is there an age limit?
A: NO - most travelers are between 18-35 but anyone is welcome. Travelers should be adventurous, independent, and familiar with hostels and/or campgrounds.

Q: Can we do our own cooking?
A: YES! Most youth hostels have cooking facilities and your driver will make grocery stops along the way. Often your driver will also organize meals for those interested - it makes cooking easy and cheap!

Q: What should I bring?
A: Bring clothes for a variety of weather. Summer temperatures can range from a high of 35c to a cool 0C in the mountains in the evening. Good trainers or light hiking boots are also recommended. Sleeping bags are not essential. Bring your camera and a fun attitude!

Q: How much money should I budget for my trip?
A: Most of your money will be spent in the following three areas:
~ Accommodations - budget approximately $18-$35 CAD per night.
~ Food - budget approximately $15 - $34 CAD per day depending on how much/where you eat.
~ Activities - anywhere from $50-$215 CAD.

Q: What happens if I do not want to participate in an activity?
A: All activities are optional. There will be more than one option for paid activities and a free option every day.

Q: What are the buses like?
A: The vehicles are safe, comfortable mini-coaches which seat 11-24 people.

Q: Is it okay if I travel alone?
A: YES! Most passengers travel alone, but you'll find couples and small groups on the trip as well.

Rave Reviews:

"What an amazing trip, mate. I enjoyed the entire tour and took plenty of pics for my family and mates back home. Thanks!"
- Steve from United Kingdom

"What an adventure! This trip really takes you off the beaten path. I would never have seen such great things on any other tour. Great price too!"
- Hanz from Germany

"I enjoyed the lobster boat ride very much. The east coast is so beautiful, everyone should see it! These drivers are the best!"
- Melanie from Sweden

Tour offers pick ups from specific Toronto hostels only. This tour does NOT include accommodation. Your Tour Guide will reserve your shared accommodations in youth hostels at every stop en-route, however you are responsible for paying each hostel directly. There is also a mandatory local payment of approximately $240 CAD which covers taxes, fuel surcharges, some meals and activities. Local payment must be made in person. Information on making those arrangements will be included on your E-Ticket. Rates are per person in US dollars. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 800-953-7375.