Let’s go to Montreal, Quebec City, and the Candian Maritimes

This summer, I’m excited to be partnering again with Holiday Vacations. Last July, I was one of the media hosts for a super fun excursion to Scotland and Northern Ireland. I took my mom with me, and we loved it. Since it was my first time on a tour, much less being a host, I had no idea what to expect, and it was hard to share the full experience with all of you. I was learning along with everyone else.

Now that I’ve experienced a Holiday Vacations tour, I have a better handle on how to explain it. So, I’ve created this guide that should answer common questions and concerns.

When is this trip, and where are we going?

The tour travels to Montreal, Quebec City, and the Canadian Maritimes from August 10-20, 2023. The day-by-day itinerary offers the full trip details, but here are some of the highlights:

We’ll be visiting the historic districts in both Montreal and Quebec city. A local guide will lead both visits, and we will experience the French culture and old world feel.

We’ll check out a copper art studio and museum and see the Montmorency Waterfall, which is taller than Niagara Falls!

I am incredibly excited about spending the night on the train as we pass through scenic New Brunswick, but let’s not turn this into a Murder on the Orient Express situation.

We’ll spend two nights on Prince Edward Island for all of you Anne of Green Gables fans. We’ll visit the Green Gables Heritage place, Prince Edward Island National Park, and watch Anne of Green Gables – The Musical™ at the Confederation Center of the Arts. I’ve been to Prince Edward Island before, and you’re going to love it. Charlottetown is a big city, but the rural parts of the island are scenic and peaceful. We had fun counting the lighthouses.

After Prince Edward Island, we’ll pass through Cape Breton Highlands National Park..

Then, we’ll spend the last two days in Halifax with a side trip to Peggy’s Cove.

How much does it cost?

Double $5399/person (Holiday Vacations can help you find a roommate if you prefer to pay the double occupancy price.)

Single $6299/person

An easy way to earn a $100 travel voucher is by watching the online travel show for this trip. (I promise it’s not a timeshare presentation. BTDT Ha!)

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A refundable $200 deposit will hold your spot between now and April 30th, 2023.

Final Payment Date: 05/27/2023

Holiday Vacations has a generous cancellation and full refund policy, and they also offer trip insurance.

That price seems high. What does it include?

Something very unusual about Holiday Vacations is that your airfare is included in the price. Flights leave from all over the country, and we meet in a central location. In this case, we’ll meet as a group in Montreal. Holiday Vacations offers a land-only price if you want to use frequent flyer miles or arrive at the meeting location via a different mode of transportation. A booking agent can discuss that option with you, and I’ll post the toll-free number at the bottom of this post.

In addition to airfare, everything below is included in the price:

Also included are all of the taxes, fees, and tips for the included meals and local guides. However, it is customary to tip the tour guide and coach driver separately.

Do I have to participate in every scheduled activity?

If this is your question, you are singing my song. Last year, I wondered the same thing, and the answer is no. At each destination, you are free to go off on your own and explore. In Edinburgh, Scotland, the planned activity was a very “touristy” castle tour. However, I really wanted to wander the cobblestone streets in search of hidden gems and an outdoor cafe. So I did, and I had a great time taking hundreds of photos and daydreaming.

The only requirement is that you are back at the coach when it’s time to leave and travel to each new location with the group. In other words, you can’t arrive in Montreal and stay there for ten days. When we switch hotels, you have to go too.

Most of the time, I was interested in the group activities, but sometimes I did my own thing. For example, I have a friend in Scotland. He met me at one of the locations, and we spent an afternoon walking and chatting while everyone else shopped.

So, there is flexibility to make this trip your own.

Who will be on the tour?

I’m going to be honest with you, the people who take these tours skew a little on the older side. However, last summer, the ages ranged from 18-80, and some people had already taken several Holiday Vacations tours because they enjoyed the experience so much. If a bunch of us book this Canadian adventure, we’ll make our own core group within the tour.

I took my mom, but there were whole families traveling together, grandparents with grown grandchildren, couples, sibling groups and their partners, and several singles who traveled alone regularly. It was a mixed bag of nuts, just the way I like it.

What is it like traveling with strangers?

The thought of traveling with strangers worried me at first. However, our tour group merged with another hosted group from Maine, and we all bonded really quickly. We laughed and joked, and when we needed time alone, we took it.

The motor coach will be very comfortable with modern amenities. So, you’ll be able to tune out for some extra alone time if you need it.

How do I get more information and book this Canadian Adventure?

For more information and to book the trip, please call 1-888-867-2190.

Be sure to tell the booking agent that you’re traveling with me, and if you have any questions, please let me know. I hope I get to meet you in Canada.