Eastern Canada Pioneer

17 days, Self-guided, Minimum 2 People, Fridays or Tuesdays May to September

This exclusive self-drive itinerary takes you from the Great Lakes to the remote beauty of Quebec's Saguenay Fjord. Travel at your own pace between Niagara Falls and Ottawa via the stunning Algonquin Provincial Park (one of Canada's best kept secrets) where you join a fabulous guided trip based from a lakeside log cabin. Continue to the province of Quebec.

Quebec really does have it all. It offers a whole range of activities: hiking through remote mountain wilderness and ancient forests, canoeing and swimming in crystal clear lakes and cultural time spent in lively cities. It is also a land of wonderful wildlife spotting opportunities - the land of the bear and moose, bird sanctuaries and endless nature reserves. Explore the mountain, forest and lake panoramas of the Charlevoix, Lac Saint Jean and Saguenay Fjord regions - all of which offer superb hiking and wildlife possibilities.

From Tadoussac enjoy a truly memorable and inspiring experience watching the Saint Lawrence whales. You will also visit unique sites of cultural and historical interest - vibrant Toronto, beautiful and charming Quebec City and the famous artists' colony at Baie Saint Paul. Complete your journey at the bustling metropolis of Montreal. Truly a trip into the heart of Eastern Canada.

Days 1 to 3. Toronto and Niagara Falls

Fly to Toronto. Enjoy the many outdoor cafes along Lake Ontario, the museums and theatre scene this relaxed modern city has to offer. Visit Niagara Falls and take the vineyard route to the picturesque colonial town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Days 4 to 6. Algonquin Park

Algonquin Provincial Park is the oldest in Ontario and covers a massive area of about 7725 square kilometres. The essence of Algonquin is in its vast interior of maple hills, rocky ridges, and thousands of lakes. The only way to explore the interior of this park is by canoe or on foot. A quick three hour drive brings you to the meeting point for your guided group trip into the park. From your cosy log cabin base (with sauna!) you will embark on various guided hikes, including an edibles trail. Take a paddle around Surprise Lake, keeping a look out for beaver, Black Bear and moose. Sunrise and late evening activities are scheduled to make the most of wildlife-viewing opportunities and camp fires create a pioneering feel, deep in the heart of this wilderness. Drive on to Ottawa.

Days 7 and 8. Quebec City

After a morning visit of the country's capital, continue on to one of North America's landmark cities, Quebec City. A UNESCO heritage site this is a slice of France with street entertainment, terraced cafes serving crepes and a very continental feel to its cobbled alleys and narrow streets.

Days 9 to 12. Charlevoix and Lac Saint Jean

As you drive north through this region you will understand why it attracts so many artists. The landscape is overwhelming. Hike the Sentier de Caps de Charlevoix for sweeping views of the Saint Lawrence river and ascend Mont du Lac des Cygnes in the Grand Jardin de Charlevoix regional park. Visit Baie Saint Paul, a quiet NEW! village full of art galleries inspired by the unique mountain, valley and river panoramas and the extreme clarity of the air found here. Head further north through a wilderness of dramatic landscapes and pure beauty to the quiet towns of Saint Fulgence and Chicoutimi on the Saguenay Fjord, known for their charm and hospitality.

Days 13 and 14. Tadoussac Whale-watching

Head south to Tadoussac, known as the whale-watching capital of the East coast. Visit the whale-watching interpretive centre and take an unforgettable boat trip to witness these magnificent creatures close-up from a zodiac - Fin-Back, Minkie, Beluga and perhaps a lone Blue.

Days 15 to 17. Montreal and Homeward

Drive to Montreal with its 17th and 18th century streets and buildings, its fine restaurants and boutiques, Saint Joseph's oratory, Mont-Royal mountain park and Notre- Dame cathedral. Fly overnight back to the UK.