Bears, Natives and Great Lakes

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Bears, Natives and Great Lakes

15 Days Toronto to Toronto

Tour FTBN15

Highlights include:
• Paddle in an authentic Voyageur canoe
• Hike amongst the white pine forests of Temagami Provincial Park
• View polar bears in the Cochrane Habitat and Heritage Village
• Experience native culture on Manitoulin Island

Departures:
Saturdays and Wednesdays

Day 1: Arrive Toronto
Upon arrival at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, pick up your hire car before driving to your downtown hotel, where you will receive your personalised road book. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the bustling capital of Ontario.
Accommodation: Overnight: Courtyard By Marriott or similar

Day 2: Toronto
Take a full day to explore Toronto, visiting city landmarks such as the CN Tower, SkyDome (Rogers Centre), the vibrant harbourfront district on foot or by cruise, or enjoy some shopping at the Eaton Centre. Alternatively, you may want to consider making a day trip to the wondrous Niagara Falls (driving time is approximately 2 hours).
Accommodation: Overnight: Courtyard By Marriott

Day 3: Toronto to Algonquin Provincial Park
This morning travel north through charming rural villages and the dramatic pine and granite landscape of the Muskoka region, before arriving at the Algonquin Log Cabin Lodge, ready to begin your outdoor adventure. After lunch you will join your Voyageur Quest guide for a leisurely introduction to canoeing on the clear waters of Surprise Lake. In the evening, enjoy a hearty Canadian dinner in the dining area, where you’ll get acquainted with your fellow lodgers. (LD) (175 Miles)
Accommodation: Overnight: Algonquin Log Cabin Lodge or similar

Day 4: Algonquin Provincial Park
This morning you will participate in a guided hike to Lookout Bluff for a spectacular view over one of the many the Algonquin lakes. Later in the day, the group reconvenes for dinner and to watch the sun set from a picturesque campfire point. The site is reached by canoe, if you wish you can paddle there independent,y, otherwise an 8-metre canoe will transport the group. After dinner, a night paddle back to the cabin will aid a restful night’s sleep. (BLD)
Accommodation: Overnight: Algonquin Log Cabin Lodge or similar

Day 5: Algonquin Provincial Park to Temagami
Begin your final morning in the wilds of Algonquin with a hearty home-cooked breakfast before relaxing on the dock, swimming in the lake or taking a sauna. You may also want to lace up your hiking boots and continue exploring the forest, or take one last paddle through this pristine landscape. Return to the lodge for a barbeque lunch and some free time before leaving to head north, past Lake Nipissing and North Bay to Temagami. (BLD) (117 miles)
Accommodation: Overnight: Smoothwater Eco-Lodge or similar

Day 6: Temagami
Enjoy a full day in Temagami, famous for its huge white pine forests and network of interconnecting canoe routes. In addition to hiking and canoeing, you will be able to participate in a guided excursion into the Temagami wilderness, in search of wild plants used as food and medicine by the First Nations people. Back at the lodge you’re invited to the chef’s kitchen to see your bounty, such as mushrooms, dandelion, milkweed, rose petals and cedar, turned into a tasty dinner! (BLD)
Accommodation: Overnight: Smoothwater Eco-Lodge or similar

Day 7: Temagami to Cochrane
Today’s drive leads to the northern Ontario town of Cochrane, originally founded as a railway town. Rail operations remain an important to its economy today, along with tourism and lumber production. (B) (152 Miles)
Accommodation: Overnight: Best Western Swan Castle Inn or similar

Day 8: Cochrane
An entire day at leisure. Sights of interest include the Tim Horton Museum, the Cochrane Railway and Pioneer Museum, and not to be missed is the Polar Bear Habitat and Heritage Village. Here you can observe the habitat’s three resident polar bears – Nanook, Nakita and Aurora - as they frolic and swim just inches away from you.
Accommodation: Overnight: Best Western Swan Castle Inn or similar

Day 9: Cochrane to Sudbury (Via Timmins)
Depart Cochrane, via Timmins, for today’s drive through the Ontario back country. Timmins is famous as the birthplace of country music superstar Shania Twain and here you will find a museum dedicated to her music. Yopu can also explore Timmins’ fascinating old gold mine. Your destination today is Sudbury, home of the 9-metre ‘Big Nickel’, built in tribute to the city’s early beginnings as a nickel ore producing centre. Worth a visit is Science North, an impressive science centre with IMAX theatre. (249 Miles)
Accommodation: Overnight: Radisson Sudbury or similar

Day 10: Sudbury to Manitoulin Island
Today’s drive is from Sudbury to Manitoulin Island, located on the world’s largest freshwater lake. Manitoulin is home to five native reservations and one of the oldest settlements in North America, dating back some 9,500 years. You will check in at the Endaa-aang Eco Tourism Cabins and spend the remainder of the day at leisure exploring the peaceful surroundings of the Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation. (107 Miles)
Accommodation: Overnight: Endaa-aang Cabins or similar

Day 11: Manitoulin Island
Browse through several native galleries and craft shops, or view the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls, as you stroll along a trail on the shores of the Kagawong River.
Accommodation: Overnight: Endaa-aang Cabins or similar

Day 12: Manitoulin Island to Collingwood
Today board a ferry (not included) for a two-hour cruise to Tobermory, and continue along the shores of Georgian Bay through the picturesque Bruce Peninsula. You will pass by the picturesque limestone cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment before arriving in the popular recreation and tourist destination of Collingwood. (104 Miles)
Accommodation: Overnight: Blue Mountain Resort or similar

Day 13: Collingwood
Spend a full day in this delightful town, located on the southern shore of Georgian Bay, at the foot of Ontario’s highest ski hill, Blue Mountain. We recommend a visit to the Scenic Caves Nature Preserve, a fascinating geological area with deep caverns leading to age-old passageways and rock formations. The Huron village of Ekarenniondi also once stood on this site. Other area attractions include the Collingwood Museum, Shipbuilders Park, Harbourlands Park and the cluster of historic homes along 3rd Street.
Accommodation: Overnight: Blue Mountain Resort or similar

Day 14: Collingwood to Toronto Airport
Consider a stop at popular Wasaga Beach before departing the Collingwood area and travelling|through the town of Barrie before heading south to Toronto (90 miles)
Accommodation: Overnight: Holiday Inn Select Toronto Airport or similar

Day 15: Depart Toronto
This morning you may wish to pop into downtown Toronto for some last minute sightseeing or shopping. Upon check-out of your hotel, return your hire car before checking in for your return flight.

Prices Include:
• Accommodation for duration of the tour on a room-only basis
• Canoeing excursions in Algonquin Park on days 3 & 4
• Guided wild edibles walk on day 6
• A comprehensive self-drive kit, with daily driving instructions. See page 10 for more details
• 14 days car hire with Alamo, fully inclusive of unlimited mileage, CDW, £1 million dollar third-party insurance where applicable.

Prices Exclude:
• Airfares
• Airport transfers and Airport Improvement Fee
• Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
• Park entrance fees
• Ferry charges on days 12
• Alamo Carefree Personal Protection (CPP)

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