Question 1

What is the best time of year to start a Montreal, Great Lakes tour?

Accepted Answer

The most favorable period for Montreal Great Lakes tours falls between June and September with peak activity in July and August. These months bring reliable weather and a full calendar of events. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony in Ottawa (available only in July and August) and enjoy prime conditions for whale watching. Hotels like the Delta Montreal and Hotel Le Concorde Quebec City see high occupancy during this season. A TourRadar traveler notes: "Taking the tour in August was perfect - we had beautiful weather for the Thousand Islands cruise and all outdoor activities."

Question 2

What's the typical duration of Montreal, Great Lakes tours starting in Montreal?

Accepted Answer

Montreal Great Lakes tours generally span 3 to 11 days with most programs running 8 to 9 days to cover the region thoroughly. The Unmissable Canada tour extends 11 days from Montreal to Chicago while shorter options like the Ultimate Canada Adventure concentrate on Toronto and Niagara Falls in 3 days. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The 9-day itinerary was perfect giving us enough time to really explore each city without feeling rushed."

Question 3

What are the top attractions included in the first day of Montreal, Great Lakes tours?

Accepted Answer

The first day typically features exploration of Montreal's key sites including Parc Mont Royal St. Joseph Oratory and Notre Dame Basilica. Most tours begin with a morning panoramic drive past major landmarks followed by free time in the Old Port area where colonists first landed in 1642. Accommodations often include central properties like Hotel Le Cantille Suites or Delta Hotel by Marriott. A TourRadar traveler shares: "Starting the tour with Montreal's historic sites and the stunning Notre Dame Basilica was a perfect introduction to Canadian culture."

Question 4

What accommodation options are typically included in Montreal, Great Lakes tours?

Accepted Answer

Tours generally book guests into established properties such as Delta Hotel Montreal Hotel Le Concorde Quebec City and Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Downtown. Toronto stays often feature the Westin Harbour Castle or Eaton Chelsea Hotel. These properties provide indoor pools fitness facilities and central locations. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The hotels were consistently high quality especially the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu with its spectacular river views."

Question 5

What types of meals are included in Montreal, Great Lakes tours?

Accepted Answer

Tour packages typically cover daily hotel breakfasts and may include special dining events such as traditional Quebec meals at sugar shacks or farewell dinners at Toronto's CN Tower. Hotels like Delta Montreal and Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Downtown serve both American and regional dishes. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The included breakfast at Hotel Le Concorde Quebec City was excellent and the sugar shack lunch was a unique cultural experience."

Question 6

What optional activities are available when starting from Montreal?

Accepted Answer

Additional activities range from whale watching in Tadoussac to helicopter rides over Niagara Falls and Thousand Islands boat tours. Visitors can also explore Toronto's Ripley's Aquarium visit the CN Tower or enjoy wine tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Each tour offers its own mix of these experiences. One TourRadar traveler suggests: "The optional whale watching tour from Quebec City was absolutely worth it - we saw multiple species and got amazing photos."

Great Lakes Tours from Montreal

An adventure starting in Montreal is a great way to see Great Lakes. We have 5 tours that range from 7 days up to 9 days. The most popular time for tours from Montreal is May, which has the most tour departures.

5 best Great Lakes tours from Montreal

Charms of Québec A Journey through Montreal, Charlevoix & Quebec City (2026)

Eastern Journey (6 nights)

Eastern Journey (7 nights)

Canada's Eastern Splendours

Eastern Explorer Mini Tour: Montreal Departure

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