Canada has always been a bucket list destination for me. When I found out Newmarket Holidays wanted to take me there, I was overwhelmed with excitement.
Getting to Heathrow airport was very easy, I got the Flixbus from Bristol bus station, it takes you into the central bus station for Terminal 2 & 3. Just behind the coach park is the local bus stop, I was able to get straight on the number 111 bus to the Premier Inn on Bath Road for an overnight stay before our 8.30am flight.
The next morning, I was up bright and early to meet the Newmarket reps Wayne and Sarah and the other agents at the Air Canada desk. Check-in was very easy. The flight was really comfortable, the staff were attentive, bringing snacks and drinks throughout the flight. I also watched a film between naps.
Our first hotel was the Sheraton Fallsview at Niagara Falls. I remember walking into my room and thinking wow, but then I saw my view. It was a real pinch yourself moment. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to be there. The view was incredible.
That afternoon we spent time exploring the area, taking in the breathtaking view of the falls. I couldn’t get over the amount of water, it really is a magnificent sight. As we got closer to the falls we began to get sprayed with water. It’s a good job I had my raincoat as otherwise I could have ended up quite wet. In the evening we visited Niagara Park Power Station. We watched an immersive sound and light show and then we ventured 180 feet underground into the illuminated tunnel to get a closer view of the falls. We walked 2,200 feet to a viewing platform at the river's edge. It felt very surreal that we were underneath all the water. It was amazing to get so close to the Falls.
Afterwards we explored the Clifton Hills area of Niagara, there is lots to see and do there, with many attractions, shops, bars and restaurants, it has something for everyone.
The following morning, we had a delicious breakfast with falls views at our hotel. They had a large selection of items to choose from with a hot and cold selection, Edna makes a very tasty omelette.
We then got a tour of the hotel, looking at various room types, I think the falls view is my favourite. They also have a lovely spa and swimming pool again with a view of the falls. This is a really beautiful hotel, I would definitely stay there again.
Then we were in for a real treat, this was one of the highlights for me. We had a helicopter flight over the falls. Wow! it was incredible, I feel so lucky to have experienced it. The bird’s eye view was more than I could have imagined, if you go to Niagara, you must do it.
That afternoon we went to Niagara-on-the-Lake, a beautiful 19th century town. It was like stepping back in time. We had some free time to explore the lovely shops and the lake itself. I promised my family I would get them some maple syrup, there was plenty on offer here. We had some on pancakes when I got home, wow it’s delicious. It even came in a maple leaf shaped bottle.
The rest of the group had found an Irish pub so I thought I better go for a drink. This was my first experience of Canada’s famous poutine, it was yummy. Chips with cheese and gravy, real comfort food.
On Thursday we said goodbye to Niagara, Jim our coach driver took us to Toronto “The New York of Canada”. We had a private tour of the city with amazing guides Brian and Felicia. With a stop off at the Distillery, followed by lunch at St Lawrence’s Market which was the world famous peameal bacon on a bun.
We then visited the Hockey Hall of Fame. A great experience for any sports fan. They had lots of amazing memorabilia and trophies including the Stanley Cup.
Then it was time for Little Canada, this is Canada but in miniature. It’s absolutely amazing, definitely worth a visit. We were even lucky enough to get shrunk into a mini me which will be exhibited in the display. It will take around 6 weeks to be made. How cool is that! A mini Andrea in Canada forever.
Brian also told us all about the “Pathway”, the underground shopping network, linking the city underground. It's very modern, some people don’t ever have to step outside, as they also have hotels and apartment buildings linked to it.
The highlight of the evening was dinner at the CN Tower. The view from up there is spectacular. We had a delicious 3 course meal while rotating 360 degrees above the city. Another must do while in Canada. I even braved walking across the glass bottom floor and lay out over the glass, not for the faint-hearted I can tell you.
Next stop is the capital of Ottawa. But to break up the journey we had a few hours in the beautiful Kingston. This is the former capital of Canada, set in a picturesque spot on Lake Ontario.
We were met by 2 ladies who were from Kingston Tourism, we had some delicious sandwiches from the famous Juniper Cafe, sat with a view of the lake. We then had a private trolley tour, we got to see Fort Henry, Queen’s University where Elon Musk studied and Kingston Penitentiary.
We arrived at the Courtyard by Marriott in Ottawa later that day. I went shopping with some of the group, they have a huge shopping mall not far from our hotel. I must say all the hotels on this trip are in a great central location. Perfect for exploring on foot.
That evening we had dinner at Zak’s Diner, the food was delicious. I had the Canadian burger and fries with a boozy Pina Colada shake, wow it was amazing. Then a visit to the Ottawa sign and back to a bar to listen to some live music by a local band. It was a great atmosphere, and everyone was up dancing and singing.
On Saturday morning we had a guided walking tour of Ottawa with a lovely local guide Jessie, she was very knowledgeable about the local area. We got to visit the Parliament Buildings and the Whispering Wall. This is a crescent-shaped wall, if you sit at one end you can talk to the person at the other end and no one else can hear your conversation, a very clever invention. Before we said goodbye, we got to have a Beavertail! We had all been talking about these throughout the trip, so it was a real treat. An iconic Canadian pastry shaped like a beavertail. They have various flavours to choose from. I had pistachio.
We arrived at Le Central Sheraton Montréal later that afternoon. We had a tour of the hotel, we got to see some very impressive suites. Many celebrities stay here while performing locally. We also had access to the lounge, which serves snacks and drinks throughout the day. You get a great view of the city from up there. Now time for some more fun, we got on the metro for a few stops. Then some of the group including me braved the zipline, it was so windy at the top, but wow what an awesome experience. I absolutely loved it, it was such a thrill. We also went on the big wheel, with amazing views across the city. That evening we had some free time to explore the nightlife in the city. It’s a very vibrant place to stay.
On Sunday Jim took us to Quebec City, on the Maple Leaf Trail with Newmarket you get to stay here for 2 nights but we had a whistle-stop tour in a few hours. It’s definitely worth a visit.
The weather wasn’t kind to us, but it didn’t dampen our spirits. We had a walking tour around the city, there was still some snow on the ground from the harsh winter they had. A very charming city, even in the rain. It’s one of the oldest cities in North America and the official language spoken is French. I was able to use some of the French I could remember from school.
We had a visit to the Basilique-Cathédrale Notre-Dame, the gold leaf was stunning. It’s the oldest church in Canada. I lit a candle for my gran, I do this whenever I go away.
We had a lovely lunch at the Paillard bakery, everything is homemade. We warmed up with cheddar and broccoli soup and quiche. I also had a ride on the funicular, it has amazing views across the city.
The evening was spent in Montreal, with a visit to a local Italian restaurant, a great recommendation from Jim our coach driver. He joined us for dinner. The lasagna was delicious.
Our last morning was spent with a hosted breakfast at the nearby Warwick Le Crystal hotel, some of Newmarket tours stay at this beautiful boutique hotel. We had a tour of some of the suites they have on offer. Every room comes with a kitchenette area, which is very handy and not something you normally find in a city hotel. The hotel has the most amazing smell, this is specially designed for them.
We then had some free time for some last minute souvenir shopping before heading to Musee Imaginarium. We had lots of fun here, an immersive experience with pop art sets to strike a pose and take a selfie.
Our last stop was to Le Central Market Montreal, the very best of Montreal cuisine under one roof. Of course, we all had poutine, they had different toppings, but I had the traditional cheese and gravy, followed by a Biscoff crepe.
Then it was sadly time to say goodbye to Canada, we made our way to the airport to fly home.
I had the most incredible trip to Canada with Newmarket holidays. Wayne and Sarah were both fantastic hosts. I got to tick off a bucket list destination, but I would go back again in a heartbeat. It was so much more than I could have imagined. I have lots of photos and videos I would be happy to share with you. If you are thinking of a trip to Canada, please pop in and see me for a chat, I would be happy to relive my fabulous memories with you. You can reach me on 01749 574 029 or email [email protected]
