Destination - Eastern Canada

"When you travel you experience, in a very practical way, the act of rebirth. You confront completely new situations, the day passes more slowly, and on most journeys you don't even understand the language the people speak....You begin to be more accessible to others, because they may be able to help you in difficult situations."   Paulo Coelho

In my last posting we talked about Western Canada and the train trip on the Rocky Mountaineer, which can be combined with a rail trip on Via Rail to the eastern cities of Canada.  There are some great places to visit on the eastern side of Canada, whether you do it by rail or other methods such as a driving trip or flying.  The main cities to visit on the East Coast of Canada are Toronto, Montreal, Quebec and Halifax, as well as other smaller towns, especially in Nova Scotia.  French is the main language of most of Eastern Canada.

Toronto and the CN Tower

Toronto is situated on the northern shore of Lake Ontario. Toronto is Canada’s largest city (with a population of 5.5 million).  People are drawn to the charm of the harbourfront district, the high-rise splendor of Yonge Street, the trendy shops and quaint cafés along College and Queen Streets, and the flourishing music and performing arts scene.  There are several distinctive neighbourhoods, such as Greektown, Little Italy and Chinatown. The CN Tower is Toronto's tallest and most defining landmark. Photos of Toronto are often defined by the building, stretching more than 550 metres into the sky.  The tower has become a major tourist destination. Visitors can test their courage by walking across the glass floor 113 stories above the ground. The first of its kind in the world, the glass floor gives you that dare-to-walk-on-air experience, with only 2.5 inches of glass holding you 342 metres in the air. The glass floor is actually stronger than most commercial floors and has the strength to hold 14 hippos! Or if you dare, travel higher up the tower to the Sky Pod another 33 storeys above ground.  The tower's revolving 360 Restaurant offers an award winning wine list and spectacular views for a romantic evening.

Niagara Falls is only a 2 hour drive away from Toronto, an easy day trip. At Niagara Falls you can take The Maid of the Mist boat ride that takes you to the base of the falls, expect to get wet. The Journey Behind the Falls tour sounds like thunder as you descend to tunnels that travel to observation decks literally behind the falls.

Old Town, Montreal

Montreal, with its unique mix of old world charm, radiates sophisticated glamour. Renowned for its innovative fashion, extensive arts community and delectable bistros, the city has plenty to offer the visitor. Spend an afternoon exploring the Old Montreal, taking a horse and buggy ride, tasting the famed cuisine, or retreat to the fine museums and the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica. The city’s history is rooted in Old Montreal and the Old Port, where you can stroll the cobblestone streets and walk along the banks of the mighty St. Lawrence River. We were there a few years ago, and had lunch at Jardin Nelson in the Old Town area.  It was a delightful place with a pretty outdoor courtyard and wonderful food. 

Quebec City

Quebec is the only walled city north of Mexico.  Visitors come to Quebec for its old-world atmosphere, its cobblestone streets and charming alleyways.  Quebec City is the cradle of French civilization in North America and the capital of Quebec province.  It is a busy seaport on the St. Lawrence River and the name literally means "where the river narrows."   Historic Quebec was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.  The city is famous for its array of quaint shops, outdoor cafes and strolling musicians.  There is a funicular that will take you to the Upper Town, to reach the castle-like Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, one of the best-known landmarks in Quebec.  From there you have an excellent view of the St. Lawrence River, the Ile d'Orleans and the Laurentian Mountains.  You can take a horse-drawn carriage tour of the city.

Montmorency Falls

Just 9 miles outside of Quebec are the Montmorency Falls.  The falls at 275feet  high, are the highest in the province of Quebec and 98 feet higher than Niagara Falls.  The falls are at the mouth of the Montmorency River where it drops over the cliff shore into the St. Lawrence River.  There is a suspension bridge over the top of the falls.

Halifax, is the capital of Nova Scotia and the largest city in the Atlantic provinces.  Halifax is the major centre of the Maritimes. Combined with its steep streets and the famous Citadel overlooking the city, Halifax is world-renowned for its beauty, character and vibrant nightlife.  Halifax is also a gateway to many of the other treasures that Nova Scotia has to offer: charming seaside towns, sparkling coves and miles of rugged shoreline guarded by graceful lighthouses.  Not to be missed is Peggy's Cove on the shores of the scenic St. Margarets's Bay.  It is famous for the natural beauty of the area, its lighthouse, and the freshest seafood.

Peggy's Cove

I've only touched on parts of Canada, there are so many more areas to explore.  "Canada is a country so vast that it is difficult to convey an adequate idea of its size; so fertile that nothing short of official returns will exonerate a description of it from a charge of exaggeration; so prosperous as to not only rival, but to surpass all other countries on the face of the earth; so healthy in climate, so beautiful in scenery, so abundantly supplied with magnificent lakes and rivers, so full of commercial resources, and so rich in minerals, that I am overpowered with the magnitude of the task I have imposed upon myself in attempting to convey even a faint idea of it."—Haliburton.

**Some photos taken from the internet