Pamlover

We are planning with my wife (I have 72 years old and my wife 64) a tour of Canada to the classic circuit to Toronto, Montreal, Quebec and the Thousand Islands and the question is whether we could recommend a company of reliable tours with guides in Spanish.
We would be leaving New York and returning there. I think you can also include Boston too. We already went twice to Europe and made it their own without any kind of tours but we are not sure in regards to this trip to Canada.
Whenever we come to a city use the Hop-In Hop Off Bus Tours and we are happy with that but We don't know if in that area is the best. Especially the part of the Thousand Islands. What do you think about it??
And we'd also like to know which is the best time of the summer to go. Mid-June is right or just wait until August or September.
We were very grateful for your help and advice.
Pamlover

zootsi

I've been to Montreal and Quebec City many times - they are very easy cities to explore on your own. They are safe and clean. Quebec city is small, and can be explored on foot. Montreal is a big city, but has an excellent Metro. There is also an on-off bus for tourists in Montreal. You should call Quebec Tourism (bounjourquebec web site) and request free travel books for both cities (I don't know if they have Spanish versions). These books are VERY helpful for first time visitors.
I've never been to Toronto, but I suspect it's also user friendly.
As for the best time to go, any of your choices would be fine. Mid June will be a little cooler of course. Montreal in particular has many festivals during the warmer months.

Pamlover

Thank you very much Zoosti for your help. We really would like to do it on our own but it seems that this type of trip is difficult.Our particular interest is to know the city, its people, as they living, not the places with landscapes
Every time we come to a city use the on-off bus for tourists. In this case we would do the same. What happens is we want to know Boston, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec and Niagara Falls is made difficult by all the route and the number of places. But we have time to plan everything.
And as we do with Thousand Isles?
We do not like the cold lel which would be more warm month?
Again, thank you, appreciate your help.

meaganc

Hi Pamlover! If you have done Europe on your own (we are from Canada and trying to plan a Europe trip now - what a nightmare!!) you will be fine at this! The only thing you will need to think about is transportation to each area. Are you renting a car?

I live just outside of Niagara Falls area so hopefully I can help Niagara Falls heading towards Toronto is not a hard drive - unless you are in rush hour. Niagara Falls is pretty relaxed actually. If you have the time, check out either Niagara on the Lake or Jordan area for some great wineries (if in Jordan let me know!).

I am not a city girl by any means but have been able to manage in Toronto. There are subways and trains to get you where you need to go, not to mention lots of taxis. If you are driving, just be mindful that you will have to pay for parking at your hotels and driving in the city during the day has a lot of traffic. Overall though, Toronto is pretty easy to navigate - similar to NYC.

I was in Boston the summer before last and we spent a couple nights in Boston and then took the ferry over to Provincetown (Cape Cod) and spend a few nights there too (5 day trip total) and we had lots of time to do what we wanted to do. Boston was a blast! Provincetown was pretty fun too - we rented bicycles and were able to follow the trails to the beaches and see wild seals in the water. It also has lots of cute shops and art galleries that are open super late. Check it out.

I have been to Quebec or Ottawa in a very very long time so I can't really help there - sorry!

Pamlover

Thanks very much for your help.On this trip we prefer not driving.To be honest in this as in many other forum members Forum advise us not make excursions to Eastern Canada by bus because he sees nothing and lose much time traveling. I would like a opinion..We are thinking to travel to Toronto to stay two days and see what excursions can be made and then go to Montreal and stay two days and see the same, what tours are available from this city, What do you think? It is OK chose those two cities or may be others? We would like to go back to Boston too and then return to New York. The truth in every city we use Hop- in Hop- off buses and are very happy. We do not know how to do the tour to Thousand Isles and that city would be better.
From already thank you very much for your help.

meaganc

Hmm not sure what I can suggest for "tours" in the city of Toronto. They have tons of great shows they do at night if you are into theatre - and lots of great nightlife and restaurants! I love the distillery district - so pretty! The Aquarium is really neat in Toronto - however I also loved the one in Boston!

If going Montreal way, again nightlife is fun! Check out old Quebec City if in that area - I haven't been in years but its great!

Again, I can try to give suggestions for the Toronto area but maybe let us know what your interests are first?

Pamlover

We thank all the friends of the Forum everything they have helped us. But while we are studying all variants and with regard to Eastern Canada it becomes very difficult for us. Maybe age does not help (72/64) but honestly travel to Europe we are easiest. I think eventually go to Montreal by plane from New York we will be 3 or 4 days and then fly to Toronto to be 2 or 3 days and then home. Unfortunately we lose easily reach Ottawa and Thousand Isles thing we dislike but at least we have a view of what is Canada that never before visited.
And if you do not make a scheduled tour and all selling a company called Europamundo which they said are very good.
Thanks again.

lucyp

Hi, you might change from flying between Montreal and Toronto and consider the bus (cheapest) or train. Ottawa is only 2 hours from Montreal, and Toronto is around 4 from Ottawa. I'm afraid that unless you drive you will miss the Thousand Islands.

eliztravels2

I would recommend the train trip on Via Rail between Montreal and Toronto. It is comfortable and relaxing. Business class is great but economy quite acceptable as well. You would get a chance to see some scenery and get a better 'feel' for this part of the country than you would if you fly. Train stations are in the center of the city so you would have easy access to public transportation and tourist sites. You can book hotel packages along with your train ticket. You could also make a stop in Kingston and book a cruise of the Thousand Islands from there.

www/viarail.ca

I can't help you with Spanish speaking services, but your written English is quite good so I think you will manage fine. You can expect Canadians to be quite friendly and helpful.
July and August are the hottest month and the busiest for tourism because of school holidays. June is usually warm and pleasant with long daylight hours. Early September is also a good time to travel.

Good luck with your planning. I'm sure you will enjoy your adventure.

almcd

Eliztravels2 is right. Train seems ideal for you. Toronto to Kingston for the thousand Islands and then on to Montreal. Check out the web site for Via Rail.