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  4. US & Canada Discovery

From Amish country to cityscapes, discover diversity in Canada and the USA.

Allow us to introduce Canada and America, you might have heard of them. Enjoy the sights of the Midwest and the North as you drive through scenic countryside and quaint towns. Feel the spray on your face at the thundering Niagara Falls, wander cobblestone alleyways in Old Montreal, enjoy a Chicago-style hotdog in the Windy City and have a meal with an Amish family in Berlin, Ohio. With this 11-day tour, you and North America will be best buds in no time.

Start
Chicago, United States
Finish
New York, United States
Destinations
Canada, United States
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
SSKC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 13

Why you'll love this trip

  • Enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal with an Amish family in Ohio, a unique opportunity to get to know people from a misunderstood and mythologised culture.

  • Scratch a big one off the bucket list with a day trip to Niagara Falls.

  • Both the USA and Canada can be overwhelming for travellers, so this trip balances scheduled sightseeing with plenty of free time for you to relax or explore at your own pace.

  • Explore the quaint and quintessentially New England town of Stowe, a tiny town surrounded by thick forest that changes colour with the seasons.

  • Wander the narrow cobblestone streets of Old Montreal on a walking tour that will transport you back in time.

Is this trip right for you?

  • You'll be driving in a van with a group of travellers on long journeys, so conditions may feel a little cramped. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.

  • Part of travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people. As this trip includes a visit to Amish country, we ask you to dress so that you’re covered from elbows to knees and refrain from taking photos without asking.

  • This part of the country can experience extremes of weather. Summer can be very hot and humid on the east coast of the USA, while shoulder seasons can be chilly around Chicago and Niagara Falls. Bring layers regardless of the season.

  • Traffic in/out of the cities of New York and Toronto can be busy, especially during the holiday period. There may be delays, so be prepared to take part in car games to keep you entertained.

  • You'll get more out of your trip if you're reasonably fit and able to walk moderate-to-long distances. However, public transport in these cities is modern and reliable.

Map of US & Canada Discovery including Canada and United States Of America
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Itinerary
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Welcome to Chicago, USA, the first official stop on your North American adventure. Kick things off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at the hotel. If you arrive with time to spare, perhaps explore the Lakefront Trail that connects some of Lake Michigan’s parks and beaches. In the evening, settle into your hotel in downtown Chicago. You’ll be up bright and early tomorrow, but if you’re eager to hit the town you can ask your leader for recommendations on where to grab a slice of the Windy City’s famous deep-dish pizza.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Chicago - History Museum - USD14
  • Chicago - Boat Cruise - USD18
  • Chicago - Field Museum - USD15
  • Chicago - Navy Pier - USD16
  • Chicago - Museum of Science and Industry - USD27
  • Chicago - Bobby's bike hike - USD35
  • Chicago - Willis Tower Skydeck - USD18
  • Chicago - Adler Planetarium - USD12
  • Chicago - Museum of Contemporary Art - USD12
  • Chicago - Art Institute of Chicago - USD23
  • Chicago - Buddy Guy's Legends - USD55
  • Chicago - Architecture Boat Tours - USD50
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

In the morning the trip starts with a long drive, usually around 7 hours, to the heart of Amish country – Berlin, Ohio. Berlin is part of the largest Amish settlement in the world and travelling here offers a unique opportunity to learn about the traditions and religious beliefs held by those in the community. Depending on the day of the week, you'll visit a local home for a hearty and wholesome dinner, or breakfast tomorrow morning. Dinner consists of homemade bread, baked chicken, vegetables, salad, pie, beverages and more, while breakfast is scrambled eggs, has browns, sausage, cinnamon rolls, homemade bread, fruit slushees, biscuits and sausage gravy! Your hosts are a local family who will dine with you, so you’ll have the chance to learn there is more to being Amish than eschewing technology.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Berlin - Meal with an Amish family
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
Part of travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people. Please note that we recommend you dress modestly for your Amish dinner, with shoulders and knees covered, so as not to offend our hosts.

From Amish country to a bustling metropolis, make the drive to Toronto (approximately 6 hours).  On the way, scratch a big one off the bucket list with a visit to Niagara Falls. Take a tour of the falls from dry land before grabbing a raincoat and heading out on an optional ‘Maid of the Mist’ boat ride. There are numerous viewpoints from which you can appreciate the power of this amazing set of falls, but there's no better way to approach them than from the water. This activity is not included in your trip price, but it is highly recommended. Continue to Toronto and spend the night as you wish. Maybe head to a bar for a Canadian Old Fashioned – that’s the classic cocktail made with maple syrup instead of the usual sugar.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Niagara Falls - 'Maid of the Mist' boat tour - USD19
  • Niagara Falls - Cave of the Winds - USD14
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
The ‘Maid of the Mist’ boat tour is subject to weather conditions. While this activity is scheduled to run from 1 April to 30 October, there is a chance that it will be unavailable (especially at the start and end of this period). If unavailable, your leader will organise a replacement activity for the group.

Today, join your leader on an afternoon walking tour through Kensington Market, one of the city’s most colourful and multicultural neighbourhoods. Pound the pavement and experience the history, culture and individuality of the area. The rest of your time today is free, so why not ask your leader for help deciding what to do. Perhaps take in the views from the CN Tower or catch a Blue Jays baseball game (in season). If you feel like dining for a cause, you could grab a few of your fellow travellers and make your way to Hawthorne Food & Drink, a restaurant and social enterprise that offers free training and development to those in search of skills and employment.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Toronto - Kensington Market walking tour
Optional Activities
  • Toronto - CN Tower - CAD38
  • Toronto - Blue Jays baseball game (in season) - CAD40
  • Toronto - Hockey Hall of Fame - CAD18
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

The Canadian capital awaits, so hit the road for Ottawa (approximately 5 hours). Upon arrival you have the rest of the afternoon to explore this city. Architecture (or politics) enthusiasts may want to check out Parliament Hill, where you can wander over grassy knolls beneath the towering Gothic Revival-style buildings for free. If old buildings and government machinations aren’t your thing, another option is the four-block shopping hub that makes up the ByWard Market. Food stalls, cafes and restaurants aplenty are on offer in this busy square. Be aware that as one of Ottawa’s biggest tourist attractions, the market is busy all day, every day. Around CAD 20 will gain you entrance to the Canadian Museum of History, a great place to brush up on (or discover) local sagas and past events. The First Peoples Hall is a great place to start, as it explores the endurance and history of the First Nations, Metis and Inuit people.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Canadian Museum of Nature - CAD14
  • Royal Canadian Mint - CAD6
  • National Gallery of Canada - CAD15
  • Canadian Museum of History - CAD20
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Bonjour! Make the 2-hour drive to Montreal. Get your bearings in historic Old Montreal with a walking tour led by your leader and take in treasures such as the famous Notre-Dame Basilica, a Gothic Revival-style church with a luminous interior. The evening is free for exploring this compact city at leisure. Promise you won’t leave without trying poutine, a Quebec staple dish of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. Ask your leader for advice on where to find the best version.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Walking Tour of Old Montreal
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today is a free day in Montreal. The old town is a must-see and rambling the cobblestone streets is a great way to spend a couple of hours. For lunch perhaps try the famous pastrami sandwiches at Schwarz's Deli, or relax over a long brunch at Beauty's Luncheonette. If you're feeling active, hike up Mont Royal and capture the cityscape from the Kondiaronk Lookout. Tonight, possibly head to O. Noir restaurant for dinner. Staffed by blind waiters, diners eat in complete darkness and part of the profits from the restaurant goes to support local associations.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Montreal - Jet Boat ride - CAD67
  • Montreal - Biodome - CAD19
  • Montreal - Olympic Park - Free
  • Montreal - Montreal Tower - CAD23
  • Montreal - Dinner at O'Noir - CAD50
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

In the morning, head south and back across the border into the USA on your way to Stowe (approximately 3 hours). Stop en route at the picturesque Lake Champlain to stretch your legs. A bit further down the road is the Ben and Jerry's Factory, where you'll take a tour and try some ice cream. Depending on time and traffic, you may also stop at a chocolate factory, a cheesemaker's or a maple syrup farm before arriving into the archetypal Vermont mountain town of Stowe. Here you have a free afternoon and evening to explore your surrounds.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Waterbury - Ben and Jerry's Factory Tour
Optional Activities
  • Stowe - Walks in Green Mountains - Free
  • Stowe - Gondola SkyRide (return) - USD28
  • Stowe - Von Trapp Family Lodge - Free
  • Stowe - Ice skating (winter only) - USD20
  • Stowe - Snowshoeing (winter only) - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Stowe to soak up the fresh New England air. There are no activities planned, but you can pick and choose from a range of optional activities. Chat to your leader about a trip to the Von Trapp Family Lodge (once home to the family made famous by The Sound of Music), a gondola ride to the top of Mt Mansfield or a short hike in the Green Mountains.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

If you can make it there, you’ll make it anywhere, and make it there you will (after a 5- to 6-hour drive). Arrive in the late afternoon and begin exploring NYC. With an included Metrocard in hand and some guidance from your leader, you'll be set to take a bite from the Big Apple with the evening free to do as you wish. If you’ve got the energy, why not embrace the madness of Times Square and have a wander with a New York slice in hand?
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • New York - Metrocard
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Your trip comes to an end today with no scheduled activities on the books. If you’re staying on in New York, why not get under the city’s skin with an Urban Adventure. Find out more at www.urbanadventures.com/destination/new-york-tours. If you’re looking for a sedate way to ease into life in NYC, perhaps one of the city’s many museums is more up your alley. Both the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art (don’t get them confused!) are worth the cover charge.
Optional Activities
  • New York - Metropolitan Museum of Art - USD25
  • New York - Museum of Modern Art - USD25
  • New York - American Museum of Natural History - USD22
  • New York - Empire State Building - USD27
  • New York - Guggenheim Museum - USD22
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Meals

5 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nights)

Included activities

  • Berlin - Meal with an Amish family
  • Toronto - Kensington Market walking tour
  • Walking Tour of Old Montreal
  • Waterbury - Ben and Jerry's Factory Tour
  • New York - Metrocard

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Travel lightly with Intrepid. We’ve offset the main sources of carbon emissions from this trip on your behalf, including transport, accommodation & waste. Read more

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available on this trip.

Essential trip information

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