Ontario's Great Lakes Self Drive • View Itinerary
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Lake Huron
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto City Ontario
Niagara Falls
Tobermory
Bruce Peninsula National Park, Canada
Gore Bay, Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Island, Lake Huron, Canada
Deerhurst Resort Muskoka
Algonquin Provincial Park
Ottawa, Ontario
Rideau Canal, Ottawa
Thousand Islands National Park
Kingston Ontario
Toronto Skyline across Lake Ontario

Ontario’s Great Lakes

14 day Self Drive – from £1899

With flights from £2549

Discover Ontario’s Great Lakes on this round trip from Toronto to Niagara Falls, Lake Huron and the beautiful Algonquin Provincial Park.

Highlights:
  • Explore vibrant Toronto, Canada’s largest city
  • Visit the mighty Niagara Falls
  • Cruise the 1000 Islands in Kingston
  • Go in search of wildlife in Algonquin Park
  • Visit Manitoulin, the largest freshwater island in the world

Your Itinerary

Expand All

You can customise this Canada self drive itinerary by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do

Toronto, Ontario

Day 1 – Welcome to Toronto

Arrive today in Toronto. Once you are settled in at your downtown hotel, the rest of…

Arrive today in Toronto. Once you are settled in at your downtown hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to start exploring the city.

    Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown or similar

Toronto, Ontario
Toronto City Ontario

Day 2 – Toronto

Wake this morning to the sounds of a bustling metropolis. Today is free for you to…

Wake this morning to the sounds of a bustling metropolis. Today is free for you to experience the sights of Canada’s largest and most diverse city. You might want to visit the Eaton Centre for some shopping, Toronto’s Chinatown, the impressive CN Tower and the Old and New City Halls – the choice is yours.

    Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown or similar

Toronto City Ontario
Niagara Falls

Day 3 – Niagara Falls

Collect your rental car this morning and travel along the shores of Lake Ontario to Kingston….

Collect your rental car this morning and travel along the shores of Lake Ontario to Kingston. Travel along the shores of Lake Ontario and through the orchards and vineyards of the Niagara Peninsula to arrive at Niagara-on-the-Lake. This is the first capital of Upper Canada and one of the best-preserved 19th Century towns in North America. Continue along the Niagara Parkway heading towards Niagara Falls, one of the world’s natural wonders. We have included the Niagara Falls Adventure Pass, which offers admission to many of Niagara Falls’ most popular attractions while avoiding long wait times.

    Toronto > Niagara Falls | 130 kms

    Standard: Oakes Hotel Overlooking The Falls

    Deluxe: Hilton Fallsview

Niagara Falls
Tobermory

Day 4 – Tobermory

Today heading north west to Tobermory – a true paradise for naturalists, photographers, divers, hikers, kayakers,…

Today heading north west to Tobermory – a true paradise for naturalists, photographers, divers, hikers, kayakers, leisure-seekers, golfers and art lovers. Tobermory offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, rest and relaxation, sweet clean air and water, and scenery that is absolutely breathtaking.

    Niagara > Tobermory | 298 kms

    Standard & Deluxe: Tobermory Princess Hotel

Tobermory
Bruce Peninsula National Park, Canada

Day 5 – Tobermory

The day is free to explore the area. Hike the majestic cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment…

The day is free to explore the area. Hike the majestic cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment along the world famous Bruce Trail or the inland trails of Bruce Peninsula National Park, enjoy diving or snorkelling in the Fathom Five National Marine Park – many shipwrecks make the park a popular scuba diving destination – or take a glass bottom boat tour (not included), allowing you to see the shipwrecks without having to get wet.

    Standard & Deluxe: Tobermory Princess Hotel

    Breakfast
Bruce Peninsula National Park, Canada
Gore Bay, Manitoulin Island

Day 6 – Manitoulin Island

Today you travel to the North and board the Chi-Cheemaun ferry from South Baymouth to Tobermory…

Today you travel to the North and board the Chi-Cheemaun ferry from South Baymouth to Tobermory on a leisurely 2-hour cruise in the deep waters of Lake Huron. The world’s largest freshwater island, Manitoulin contains five native reservations and has discovered the perfect balance between outdoor recreation, native land stewardship and eco-tourism. You’ll spend your day exploring the cultural and geographic history or the island and enjoying the variety of adventure activities available at your resort.

    Tobermory > Manitoulin Island | 110 kms

    Standard & Deluxe: Manitoulin Hotel

Gore Bay, Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Island, Lake Huron, Canada

Day 7 – Manitoulin Island

The day is free to explore Manitoulin Island. Manitoulin communities have beautiful public beaches, often accompanied…

The day is free to explore Manitoulin Island. Manitoulin communities have beautiful public beaches, often accompanied by parks and playgrounds. Hiking trails meander through the Manitoulin landscape. The island has a great many quiet roads, ideal for an exploratory “drive in the country” or cycling adventure, and miles of varied and spectacular shoreline. You may choose to take the 1.5-hour walking tour with the Great Spirit Circle Trail that specializes in Authentic Aboriginal Experiences.

    Standard & Deluxe: Manitoulin Hotel

Manitoulin Island, Lake Huron, Canada
Deerhurst Resort Muskoka

Day 8 – Huntsville

Today, travel east into the magnificent Muskoka Country with sparkling clean lakes shimmering under brilliant blue…

Today, travel east into the magnificent Muskoka Country with sparkling clean lakes shimmering under brilliant blue skies. This area has long been a favourite for the people of Southern Ontario for vacations and weekend getaways to the cottage by the lake.

    Manitoulin Island > Huntsville | 365 kms

    Standard & Deluxe: Deerhurst Resort

Deerhurst Resort Muskoka
Algonquin Provincial Park

Day 9 – Algonquin Park

Warm weather activities and amenities are yours to enjoy today. Rent a canoe and spend some…

Warm weather activities and amenities are yours to enjoy today. Rent a canoe and spend some time by one of the lakes in the area, or perhaps golf is more to your taste – there are dozens of courses in the area.

    Standard & Deluxe: Deerhurst Resort

Algonquin Provincial Park
Ottawa, Ontario

Day 10 – Ottawa

Time to travel again, heading east into Algonquin Provincial Park. Take your time and enjoy the…

Time to travel again, heading east into Algonquin Provincial Park. Take your time and enjoy the scenery, visit the interpretation centre, and watch out for wildlife. Your destination today is Ottawa, Canada’s capital. With unique history, geography and lifestyle, Ottawa offers a wide variety of urban attractions: many of Canada’s best museums and cultural facilities, as well as the Parliament Buildings and other historical structures and major institutions are located in the Capital area.

    Huntsville > Ottawa | 399 kms

    Standard: Delta Ottawa or Alt Hotel

    Deluxe: Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Ottawa, Ontario
Rideau Canal, Ottawa

Day 11 – Ottawa

Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the below…

Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the below activities to include in your holiday. Simply let your consultant know which you would prefer when booking your trip.

Option 1. Ottawa River Cruise
The cruise offers a spectacular view of the city and allows you to see the river as it was used long ago: as a highway to transport resources. You will also see the natural beauty of the region that captured the imagination of the first European explorer Samuel de Champlain.

Option 2. Ottawa Express Bike Tour
Join this leisurely relaxed bike tour of Ottawa which is about 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) and explores many of downtown Ottawa’s major attractions on its beautiful and safe bicycle paths.

Option 3. Discover the Capital City Hop On | Off Tour
Experience Ottawa’s original and most comprehensive Hop-on-Hop-off City Tour aboard one of our London Style open top Double Deckers or turn of the century Trolleys.

    Standard: Delta Ottawa or Alt Hotel

    Deluxe: Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Rideau Canal, Ottawa
Thousand Islands National Park

Day 12 – Kingston

Travel south to the city of Kingston or Gananoque today. On the way enjoy a visit…

Travel south to the city of Kingston or Gananoque today. On the way enjoy a visit to Upper Canada Village (included), located in Morrisburg, an 1860s reconstructed village. You’ll meet loads of friendly folks from the past as you visit over 40 heritage buildings including mills, trades shops, farms, churches, homes, factories and even a one-room schoolhouse. Before reaching Kingston, stop at Gananoque to join an hour cruise of the Thousand Islands (included). Affectionately known as ‘limestone’, Kingston is a city noted for its handsome 19th century limestone architecture.

Once the capital of Canada (1841 to 1843), Kingston is located at the point where Lake Ontario flows into the St. Lawrence River, and at the southern end of the Rideau Canal. Visit the Kingston Mills Lock station, which is the southern entrance to the Rideau Canal System, where visitors can view the four locks raising boats fourteen metres

    Ottawa > Kingston | 290 kms

    Standard & Deluxe: Delta Kingston Waterfront

Thousand Islands National Park
Kingston Ontario

Day 13 – Toronto

Take the time to visit Fort Henry National Historic Site (admission not included) near Kingston. The…

Take the time to visit Fort Henry National Historic Site (admission not included) near Kingston. The flash of scarlet uniforms, the beating of the drums and the sudden crack of musket fire echoing off the limestone battlements send visitors reeling back in time. A living museum of military life, Fort Henry was built between 1832 and 1834 to repel an American invasion that never came. The fort, once the largest military establishment in Upper Canada, now offers visitors a glimpse of the soldier’s life of those days, through guided tours, soldier’s parades and drills.

The highlight and most colourful feature is the internationally renowned Fort Henry Guard: a precision trained unit of Canadian university students performing daily 19th century infantry drills. Stop in the city of Peterborough, which boasts the worlds highest lift locks, literally lifting pleasure crafts, along with the water they float in, 20 metres straight up. Visit the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre (admission not included), and view the world’s highest hydraulic lift lock, and slides and films about the Trent-Severn Waterway. You will also see a working model, and experience the sights and sounds of Lift Lock construction at the turn-of-the-century.

    Kingston > Toronto | 265 kms

    Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown or similar

Kingston Ontario
Toronto Skyline across Lake Ontario

Day 14 – Farewell from Toronto

Check-out from your hotel and return your rental vehicle in downtown Toronto or Toronto Airport where…

Check-out from your hotel and return your rental vehicle in downtown Toronto or Toronto Airport where your Great Lakes adventure comes to an end.

Toronto Skyline across Lake Ontario

Your Itinerary

You can customise this Canada self drive itinerary by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do

Day 1

|

Welcome to Toronto

Arrive today in Toronto. Once you are settled in at your downtown hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to start exploring the city.

    Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown or similar

Toronto, Ontario

Day 2

|

Toronto

Wake this morning to the sounds of a bustling metropolis. Today is free for you to experience the sights of Canada’s largest and most diverse city. You might want to visit the Eaton Centre for some shopping, Toronto’s Chinatown, the impressive CN Tower and the Old and New City Halls – the choice is yours.

    Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown or similar

Toronto City Ontario

Day 3

|

Niagara Falls

Collect your rental car this morning and travel along the shores of Lake Ontario to Kingston. Travel along the shores of Lake Ontario and through the orchards and vineyards of the Niagara Peninsula to arrive at Niagara-on-the-Lake. This is the first capital of Upper Canada and one of the best-preserved 19th Century towns in North America. Continue along the Niagara Parkway heading towards Niagara Falls, one of the world’s natural wonders. We have included the Niagara Falls Adventure Pass, which offers admission to many of Niagara Falls’ most popular attractions while avoiding long wait times.

    Toronto > Niagara Falls | 130 kms

    Standard: Oakes Hotel Overlooking The Falls

    Deluxe: Hilton Fallsview

Niagara Falls

Day 4

|

Tobermory

Today heading north west to Tobermory – a true paradise for naturalists, photographers, divers, hikers, kayakers, leisure-seekers, golfers and art lovers. Tobermory offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, rest and relaxation, sweet clean air and water, and scenery that is absolutely breathtaking.

    Niagara > Tobermory | 298 kms

    Standard & Deluxe: Tobermory Princess Hotel

Tobermory

Day 5

|

Tobermory

The day is free to explore the area. Hike the majestic cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment along the world famous Bruce Trail or the inland trails of Bruce Peninsula National Park, enjoy diving or snorkelling in the Fathom Five National Marine Park – many shipwrecks make the park a popular scuba diving destination – or take a glass bottom boat tour (not included), allowing you to see the shipwrecks without having to get wet.

    Standard & Deluxe: Tobermory Princess Hotel

    Breakfast
Bruce Peninsula National Park, Canada

Day 6

|

Manitoulin Island

Today you travel to the North and board the Chi-Cheemaun ferry from South Baymouth to Tobermory on a leisurely 2-hour cruise in the deep waters of Lake Huron. The world’s largest freshwater island, Manitoulin contains five native reservations and has discovered the perfect balance between outdoor recreation, native land stewardship and eco-tourism. You’ll spend your day exploring the cultural and geographic history or the island and enjoying the variety of adventure activities available at your resort.

    Tobermory > Manitoulin Island | 110 kms

    Standard & Deluxe: Manitoulin Hotel

Gore Bay, Manitoulin Island

Day 7

|

Manitoulin Island

The day is free to explore Manitoulin Island. Manitoulin communities have beautiful public beaches, often accompanied by parks and playgrounds. Hiking trails meander through the Manitoulin landscape. The island has a great many quiet roads, ideal for an exploratory “drive in the country” or cycling adventure, and miles of varied and spectacular shoreline. You may choose to take the 1.5-hour walking tour with the Great Spirit Circle Trail that specializes in Authentic Aboriginal Experiences.

    Standard & Deluxe: Manitoulin Hotel

Manitoulin Island, Lake Huron, Canada

Day 8

|

Huntsville

Today, travel east into the magnificent Muskoka Country with sparkling clean lakes shimmering under brilliant blue skies. This area has long been a favourite for the people of Southern Ontario for vacations and weekend getaways to the cottage by the lake.

    Manitoulin Island > Huntsville | 365 kms

    Standard & Deluxe: Deerhurst Resort

Deerhurst Resort Muskoka

Day 9

|

Algonquin Park

Warm weather activities and amenities are yours to enjoy today. Rent a canoe and spend some time by one of the lakes in the area, or perhaps golf is more to your taste – there are dozens of courses in the area.

    Standard & Deluxe: Deerhurst Resort

Algonquin Provincial Park

Day 10

|

Ottawa

Time to travel again, heading east into Algonquin Provincial Park. Take your time and enjoy the scenery, visit the interpretation centre, and watch out for wildlife. Your destination today is Ottawa, Canada’s capital. With unique history, geography and lifestyle, Ottawa offers a wide variety of urban attractions: many of Canada’s best museums and cultural facilities, as well as the Parliament Buildings and other historical structures and major institutions are located in the Capital area.

    Huntsville > Ottawa | 399 kms

    Standard: Delta Ottawa or Alt Hotel

    Deluxe: Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Ottawa, Ontario

Day 11

|

Ottawa

Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the below activities to include in your holiday. Simply let your consultant know which you would prefer when booking your trip.

Option 1. Ottawa River Cruise
The cruise offers a spectacular view of the city and allows you to see the river as it was used long ago: as a highway to transport resources. You will also see the natural beauty of the region that captured the imagination of the first European explorer Samuel de Champlain.

Option 2. Ottawa Express Bike Tour
Join this leisurely relaxed bike tour of Ottawa which is about 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) and explores many of downtown Ottawa’s major attractions on its beautiful and safe bicycle paths.

Option 3. Discover the Capital City Hop On | Off Tour
Experience Ottawa’s original and most comprehensive Hop-on-Hop-off City Tour aboard one of our London Style open top Double Deckers or turn of the century Trolleys.

    Standard: Delta Ottawa or Alt Hotel

    Deluxe: Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Rideau Canal, Ottawa

Day 12

|

Kingston

Travel south to the city of Kingston or Gananoque today. On the way enjoy a visit to Upper Canada Village (included), located in Morrisburg, an 1860s reconstructed village. You’ll meet loads of friendly folks from the past as you visit over 40 heritage buildings including mills, trades shops, farms, churches, homes, factories and even a one-room schoolhouse. Before reaching Kingston, stop at Gananoque to join an hour cruise of the Thousand Islands (included). Affectionately known as ‘limestone’, Kingston is a city noted for its handsome 19th century limestone architecture.

Once the capital of Canada (1841 to 1843), Kingston is located at the point where Lake Ontario flows into the St. Lawrence River, and at the southern end of the Rideau Canal. Visit the Kingston Mills Lock station, which is the southern entrance to the Rideau Canal System, where visitors can view the four locks raising boats fourteen metres

    Ottawa > Kingston | 290 kms

    Standard & Deluxe: Delta Kingston Waterfront

Thousand Islands National Park

Day 13

|

Toronto

Take the time to visit Fort Henry National Historic Site (admission not included) near Kingston. The flash of scarlet uniforms, the beating of the drums and the sudden crack of musket fire echoing off the limestone battlements send visitors reeling back in time. A living museum of military life, Fort Henry was built between 1832 and 1834 to repel an American invasion that never came. The fort, once the largest military establishment in Upper Canada, now offers visitors a glimpse of the soldier’s life of those days, through guided tours, soldier’s parades and drills.

The highlight and most colourful feature is the internationally renowned Fort Henry Guard: a precision trained unit of Canadian university students performing daily 19th century infantry drills. Stop in the city of Peterborough, which boasts the worlds highest lift locks, literally lifting pleasure crafts, along with the water they float in, 20 metres straight up. Visit the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre (admission not included), and view the world’s highest hydraulic lift lock, and slides and films about the Trent-Severn Waterway. You will also see a working model, and experience the sights and sounds of Lift Lock construction at the turn-of-the-century.

    Kingston > Toronto | 265 kms

    Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown or similar

Kingston Ontario

Day 14

|

Farewell from Toronto

Check-out from your hotel and return your rental vehicle in downtown Toronto or Toronto Airport where your Great Lakes adventure comes to an end.

Toronto Skyline across Lake Ontario

This Self Drive Includes

13 nights accommodation
Activities and day tours as detailed in the itinerary
12 days car hire, with unlimited kilometres
Well planned, easy to follow route

Flights & More

Ask your FREEDOM Consultant to include Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for a complete ABTA and ATOL protected package.

They can also add extra nights and experiences in places you choose, to create the exact holiday you are looking for. Popular options include:

  • Extra nights in Toronto or any location en route

Next Step

Please get in touch with our Canada Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.

Ontario’s Great Lakes

14 day Self Drive – from £1899

With flights from £2549

Price is per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room and includes pre-booked accommodation, air-conditioned car and unlimited mileage. One-way fees charged locally. Hotels specified are subject to availability and may be substituted by one of a similar or higher standard.

Spirit of the Great Lakes

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