CANADA EAST - Quebec and Ontario: from Montreal to Toronto

The second biggest city in Canada, Montréal stands exactly between Europe's western coast and Vancouver, and it is a unique embodiment of both sides. Two thirds of its inhabitants have French origins; as for the rest, it's an exceptional melting pot of different people – English, Chinese, Italian, Greek, South American, Eastern European and Caribbean. This variety is shown especially in Montréal’s cuisine and its countless folklore celebration, making it one of the liveliest cities in Canada.

travelling from Québec to Montréal, one can’t help notice how strikingly different the two places are: Montréal is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, futuristic city; while Québec holds on to its religious and military heritage. Standing in a wonderfully panoramic location on Cap Diamant, overlooking the Saint Lawrence, Québec is the city with the oldest tradition in Canada. It’s also the only Northern American city that still boasts walls, bastions and buttresses, as well as many churches and convents, thus deserving the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Québec takes pride in its deeply-rooted French tradition.

Mt Tremblant is Eastern Canada’s premier ski resort and a great spot year-round for outdoor pursuits. Forget the towering Alps and the Rocky Mountains: the highest peak in the area is Mont Tremblant (875 m). These mountains are ancient,and time has eroded them down to hills, with lush forests and many lakes.

Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, stands between the British identity of Toronto and the French heritage of Montreal – both physically and historically. It’s one of the most unique cities in the country. The seat of the Canadian Parliament and a cultural centre of importance, Ottawa is a pleasant town, brimming with parks.

The journey from Ottawa to Toronto leads through picturesque countryside, past rivers and small villages. You pass by the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and cities such as Kingston, with its fascinating history. As you approach Toronto, the rural setting gives way to the dynamic skyline of the city, the economic and cultural heart of Canada. Standing on the shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto is not afraid to show off its wealth: its skyline juts with shining skyscrapers, under the futurist steeple of the CN Tower.