Eastern Canada and Quebec holidays

What is the best option for a Eastern Canada and Quebec holiday?

Head into the eastern provinces - New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec - and you can expect a similar harmony of countryside and city as its western counterpart, but with a very different vibe. Ontario is home to two out of three of Eastern Canada's biggest cities - Toronto and Ottawa - as well as the Great Lakes that cross the border into the USA, and the famous Niagara Falls, and is perfect for those who want to balance culture and nature. From Ottawa, it's just a short hop over the Gatineau River and you're in Quebec province, which has its own distinct French-Canadian culture, language and history that almost feels like a different country altogether. Here you'll find trendy Montreal - home of the delicious Montreal-style bagel - and historic Quebec City, as well as a scattering of quaint villages and huge natural parks in a province that stretches from the USA to the Arctic Circle.

Head further east still and you start to enter real off-the-beaten-path territory. The Atlantic Provinces are often overlooked in favour of the bright lights and famous sites of the other regions, but they are home to a rich history and culture unlike anywhere else in the world. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island all have an intriguing maritime past which is evident as you travel around each, ideally on a road trip to discover the furthest nooks and crannies. Stop in time-stood-still fishing villages, sample freshly-caught seafood (the lobster in Nova Scotia is out of this world) and take to the seas on a whale watching adventure, then top it off with hikes and myriad other outdoors adventures. While you're here, it seems only fair to pop over to the staggeringly beautiful and untouched landscapes of Newfoundland and Labrador, where you can explore the path less trodden on hikes, stargaze on a remote island, and eat your way around foodie heaven St John's.

Who are Eastern Canada and Quebec holidays best for?

Whether you’re travelling as a family, couple, or solo adventurer, Eastern Canada and Quebec are bursting with culture and natural beauty waiting to be explored. Enjoy time spent out in wild nature; stop off at villages that time forgot for a warm Canadian welcome; and soak up the culture and history of major cities such as Quebec City, Toronto, Halifax and Ottawa. Wildlife-lovers have oodles of opportunities to spot moose, elks and beavers in the countryside, while foodies will love testing out the regional dishes such as Beavertails, poutine, lobster stew and Montreal bagels.

What you can find in Eastern Canada that you won't find elsewhere:

The Canadian culture is different from anywhere else in the world. It has its North American touches - but with a lot of Britishness left over from the colonial years - and you’ll often hear than Canadian’s are the most polite people on Earth. Eastern Canada in particular, is a prime example of this, and you’d be hard pushed to find a warmer welcome, whether it’s a friendly chat in a microbrewery over a shared love of craft beer, or help choosing which poutine shack is the best in town. Aside from its people, and the spectacular landscapes in Eastern Canada and Quebec, the history of this vast part of the country is incredibly interesting. Visit Nova Scotia for an insight into the maritime past of the country and visit traditional Acadian villages where they still practice time-honoured skills such as weaving, carpentry, ironwork and boat making. Learn about the nation’s history in its capital, Ottawa, with a visit to Parliament Hill or one of its many (and truly amazing) museums and galleries. Hop just over the border into Quebec, and you’ll find a totally different culture - this majority-French-speaking province is fiercely independent and holds onto its French roots - while the international melting pot of cultures that is Toronto will showcase some of the best food and festivals in the country.

Special things to do in Eastern Canada and Quebec:

- Take a road trip around Nova Scotia, visiting picture-perfect seaside towns, eating freshly-caught lobster, sampling local wine in pretty wineries, and going on a whale watching adventure.
- Learn about Indigenous Canadian history by visiting educational museums and galleries that celebrate this rich cultural heritage
- Embark on a wildlife safari in Ontario and spot moose, elks, wolves and more from the safety of a 4x4 with an expert ranger guide
- Sample craft beer and poutine on an autumn day when the country is changing colour
- Choose a team to support and watch an ice hockey game, soaking up the atmosphere of the crowd and players.