Ontario- Shaw Festival: September Departures
September 8-11, 2026
September 29 – October 2, 2026
For our June trip, please click here.
Travac Tours is pleased to announce that it will be offering another exceptional program this year at the Shaw Festival.
The first play we will attend is Amadeus. Antonio Salieri is a pious, conscientious man—and the greatest composer in the Austrian Empire. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is a young, foolish show-off—and apparently no threat. Except that Salieri can hear what no one else can: this ridiculous boy is perhaps the greatest musical genius ever to have lived. How can God have played such a trick on Salieri? To reward his devotion by rubbing his nose in his own mediocrity? There is only one possible revenge: God’s beloved, Amadeus, must be destroyed. This story of genius and the price it extracts is one of the greatest and most ravishing experiences in theatrical history.
Our second performance is Funny Girl. Fanny Brice has everything it takes to be Broadway’s next big thing: the voice, the charm and more than a little chutzpah. But does she have “the look?” This touching comedy explores her unlikely rise to stardom with the Ziegfeld Follies as well as her turbulent love life with gambler Nick Arnstein. One of the greatest musical scores of all time, Funny Girlincludes classics like “Don’t Rain on My Parade”, “I’m the Greatest Star”, “People” and much more.
Travac’s Shaw Festival Holiday is affordably priced and includes round trip transportation by deluxe chartered coach, 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 breakfasts, orchestra seating for both plays and the services of a Travac Tours Director. Book early to avoid disappointment!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Ottawa to Niagara Falls
This morning you depart Carlingwood Shopping Centre for Niagara Falls. Scheduled washroom and lunch stop will be made enroute. Expect to arrive in Niagara Falls in early evening.
Hotel for the next 3 nights: Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview (or similar)
Day 2
Niagara Falls
Enjoy breakfast before we head to the Shaw Festival Theatre for a private backstage tour. Your Travac Tours Director will advise of the shuttle times between Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake for the day. Your Shaw Festival performance of Amadeus is in the evening.
A listening device is offered at no additional cost; please request should you require one.
(B)
Day 3
Niagara Falls
After breakfast, your Travac Tours Director will advise of the shuttle times between Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake for the day. Your Shaw Festival performance of Funny Girl is in the afternoon (September 10 group) or in the evening (October 1 group).
A listening device is offered at no additional cost; please request should you require one.
(B)
Day 4
Niagara Falls to Ottawa
Following breakfast, we’ll check out of the hotel and begin our journey back to Ottawa, with scheduled washroom and lunch stops en route.
(B)
**Itinerary and hotel are subject to change**
Hotel Information
Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel
Hotel Address
6361 Fallsview BlvdNiagara Falls, Ontario
L2G 3V9
(905) 354-7887
Ontario- Shaw Festival: June Departure
June 23-25, 2026
For our September Shaw departures, please click here.
Travac Tours is pleased to announce that it will be offering another exceptional program this year at the Shaw Festival.
We will attend the play Funny Girl. Fanny Brice has everything it takes to be Broadway’s next big thing: the voice, the charm and more than a little chutzpah. But does she have “the look?” This touching comedy explores her unlikely rise to stardom with the Ziegfeld Follies as well as her turbulent love life with gambler Nick Arnstein. One of the greatest musical scores of all time, Funny Girlincludes classics like “Don’t Rain on My Parade”, “I’m the Greatest Star”, “People” and much more.
An optional second performance ($) you can attend is a matinee of One for the Pot. Billy Hickory Wood is set to inherit a proper pot of cash. A wealthy businessman has decided to give £10,000 to the family of his former partner, and Billy is the sole living relation. Right? Wrong. Cue the arrival of several, hitherto unknown and identical, Hickory Wood siblings (all played by the same actor) looking to claim what they’re owed. To say that chaos ensues would be an understatement. The team that brought you One Man, Two Guvnors (2024) is reunited for this legendary farce.
Travac’s Shaw Festival Holiday is affordably priced and includes round trip transportation by deluxe chartered coach, 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 breakfasts, orchestra seating for Funny Girl and the services of a Travac Tours Director. Book early to avoid disappointment!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Ottawa to Niagara Falls
This morning you depart Carlingwood Shopping Centre for Niagara Falls. Scheduled washroom and lunch stop will be made enroute. Expect to arrive in Niagara Falls in early evening.
Hotel for the next 2 nights: Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview (or similar
Day 2
Niagara Falls
After breakfast, your Travac Tours Director will advise of the shuttle times between Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake for the day. Your Shaw Festival performance of Funny Girl is in the evening.
A listening device is offered at no additional cost; please request should you require one.
Optional ($): Shaw Festival 1:00pm – Performance of “One for the Pot”.
7:00pm – Performance of Funny Girl.
(B)
Day 3
Niagara Falls to Ottawa
Following breakfast, we’ll check out of the hotel and enjoy a private backstage tour at the Shaw Festival Theatre. Afterward, we begin our journey back to Ottawa, with scheduled washroom and lunch stops en route.
(B)
Itinerary and hotel are subject to change.
Hotel Information
Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel
Hotel Address
6361 Fallsview BlvdNiagara Falls, Ontario
L2G 3V9
(905) 354-7887
Quebec City & Whale Watching
Tadoussac
August 16-20, 2026
A late summer trip along the majestic St. Lawrence River is an experience that leaves a lasting impression on visitors. Sweeping hills give way to historic trading post towns, lively Francophone cities and ultimately the cool blues of the river itself.
Join us as we depart for the picturesque village of Tadoussac, at the maritime junction of the St. Lawrence River and the Saguenay Fjord. From here you will depart on a breathtaking whale watching cruise on which you are bound to see an abundance of marine life. Then it will be off to Quebec City. While in Quebec City you will have enough time to explore many of the wonders of this magnificent city including its quaint shops and cafes.
This tour is sure to sell out fast- call the office at 613-728-1934 or visit us at the Carlingwood Shopping Centre today!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Ottawa to Tadoussac
This morning you will depart Carlingwood Shopping Centre on your journey to the Quebec heartland. A lunch stop will be made enroute. Expect to arrive at Hotel Tadoussac in the late afternoon. Your evening will be free to enjoy the facilities at the hotel. (D)
Overnight at Hotel Tadoussac or similar
Note: Hotel Tadoussac does not have air conditioning, only fans. The pool will be closed by end of August 2026.
Day 2
Whale Watching Cruise
This morning you will make your way to the pier for your 2.5-hour whale watching experience. A qualified guide will give you information about points of interest as well as information about the whales or belugas that you might encounter. After the cruise, you will return to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at your leisure. (B)
Overnight at Hotel Tadoussac or similar
Day 3
Tadoussac to Quebec City, QC
You will have an early departure for Quebec City. Upon arrival, you will have time to enjoy lunch in the city before in taking a guided tour of this magnificent city that is truly “a touch of Europe in your own back yard”. You will have ample time to explore the city on your own. (B)
Overnight at Hotel Clarendon or similar
Day 4
Quebec City
Today, you have a free day to shop, dine, and explore the city and its surroundings. (B)
Overnight at Hotel Clarendon or similar
Day 5
Quebec City to Ottawa
Your morning will be free in Old Quebec. Your Travac Tour Director will advise you of your departure time from the hotel. Expect to arrive back in Ottawa in the early evening. (B)
Itinerary and hotels subject to change.
Hotel Information
Hotel Clarendon
Hotel Address
57 Rue Sainte-AnneQuébec, QC
G1R 3X4
(418) 692-2480
Hôtel Tadoussac
Hotel Address
165 Rue du Bord de l'EauTadoussac, Quebec
G0T 2A0
(418) 235-4421
Quebec- On the Trail of Louise Penny
Abbaye de Saint-Benoit du Lac
Exploring the Epic Sites That Created the Backdrop to
Louise Penny’s Captivating Novels
September 9-11, 2026
September 23-25, 2026
October 7-9, 2026
October 14-16, 2026
October 21-23, 2026
Award-winning Canadian author Louise Penny has captivated the world with her compelling mystery novels set primarily in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. Her wildly popular books from the Three Pines series have consistently topped the New York Times bestseller lists and have been translated into 29 languages, selling more than 10 million copies worldwide. Her recent collaboration co-authoring State of Terror with Hillary Rodham Clinton has cemented her as one of the mystery genre’s all-time greats, and this spring Travac wants to take you to the centre of her universe as we visit the idyllic real-life locations that inspire the settings to her novels.
Travac’s special three-day excursion will take you into the heart of the Eastern Townships and to the locations that have been immortalized by Penny and her brilliantly fashioned characters. We will visit the Victorian village of Knowlton- the direct inspiration for Penny’s fictional village of Three Pines- with stops at Brome Lake Books and the Brome County Historical Society Museum where Jane’s painting from Still Life is on display. Your tour will continue with visits to many sites that are cherished parts of the fabric woven in Louise Penny’s novels, including (among others) Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac (the inspiration for Saint-Gilbert-Entre-les-Loups Abbey in A Beautiful Mystery), old Hadley House, and of course, Sarah’s Boulangerie. We will also make stops at Elderberry Farm, and Sherbrooke’s famous murals.
Travac’s fabulous Louise Penny adventure will be very popular- early booking is essential. Join us as we uncover the important settings that make Penny’s novels so endearing and the secrets behind them!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
This morning, we depart Ottawa and travel toward Quebec’s picturesque Eastern Townships. Our first stop is Vitality Elderberry Farm in Lac-Brome, where we will enjoy a tasting of their locally grown elderberry products.
We then continue to Knowlton, a charming village known for its pastoral beauty and for inspiring Louise Penny’s fictional town of Three Pines. While in Knowlton, we will visit Brome Lake Books, followed by a short walk to the Brome County Historical Society Museum. After your included lunch, we travel to an award-winning winery just outside of Magog, renowned for its exceptional sparkling wines. (L)
Day 2
We will begin our day in Sherbrooke with a guided tour of the town and its famous murals. After your included lunch, we will visit La Station Fromagerie, winner of several regional, provincial, and national awards for their cheese made from organic raw cow milk. Our last stop is Georgeville, where you can visit the General Store, the inspiration for Mr. Belliveau’s General Store, and St George’s Church, inspiration for St Thomas Church. You will also see the old Mansion House, the basis of “Hadley House” which figures prominently in Penny’s novel A Fatal Grace. (B, L)
Day 3
Our final day begins with a journey to Sutton. On our way, we will stop at Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac. This abbey was the inspiration for Saint-Gilbert-Entre-les-Loups Abbey in A Beautiful Mystery. The Benedictine monks of the Saint-Benoit-du-Lac abbey are famous for and have been making cheeses since 1943. Leaving the abbey, we will continue to Sutton where lunch will be included. Before we bid farewell to the world of Three Pines, you will also have a chance to visit the delicatessen (La Rumeur Affamée) on which Sarah’s Boulangerie was based. (B)
We hope you will enjoy this tour into the world created by Louise Penny in her many Three Pines novels.
Itinerary subject to change.
Ontario- Christmas Season in Niagara and St. Jacobs
November 20-24, 2025
5 days, 4 nights
Join Travac as we embark on an unforgettable adventure to southern Ontario to celebrate the holiday season. Begin with Niagara Falls where you will experience the magic of Niagara’s winter while taking a coach tour through the Festival of Lights at night. Enjoy a free afternoon in Niagara-on-the-lake to explore and shop on your own. Then travel to St. Jacobs to experience “St Jacobs Sparkles” where you will be immersed in a village enveloped in holiday spirit. Shop into the night amidst thousands of twinkling lights, indulge in delicious cuisine, and enjoy the old-fashioned charm of St Jacobs and all that Sparkles has to offer. You will also have the opportunity to visit the St Jacobs Market.
This fabulous holiday includes round trip transportation by deluxe chartered coach, 2 nights accommodation at the Hilton Niagara Falls, 2 nights’ accommodation at the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Waterloo/St Jacobs, breakfast daily, evening sightseeing of the Festival of Lights, and the services of a Travac Tours Director.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
This morning, we’ll depart from Ottawa and begin our journey to Niagara Falls. Along the way, we’ll make stops for lunch and restroom breaks. Expect to arrive in the late afternoon. You’ll then have free time to shop, enjoy dinner, and relax.
Hotel for the next 2 nights – Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel
Day 2
Start your day with an included breakfast at the hotel. The day is yours to enjoy Niagara Falls at your own pace. A shuttle service will be available to take you to and from Niagara-on-the-Lake, known for its charming streets and boutique shops.
Optional ($): Shaw Festival 1:00pm – Performance of “A White Christmas”. A listening device is offered for the Shaw Festival at no additional cost, please request should you require one.
In the evening, rejoin the group for a scenic drive to enjoy the spectacular Niagara Festival of Lights.
Day 3
Enjoy your included breakfast at the hotel before checking out mid-morning. We’ll then depart for St. Jacobs, with a stop at the St. Jacobs Market, within walking distance from the hotel, where you’ll have free time to have lunch and explore the many vendors and local offerings at your own pace.
Optional ($): Mennonite Story Tour – price and time to be announced.
Afterward, we’ll board the coach and head to the hotel. Once checked in, the evening is yours to relax, enjoy dinner, or take in the festive “Sparkles” holiday event in the village of St. Jacobs. Shuttle service will be available for your convenience.
Hotel for the next 2 nights – Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Waterloo/St Jacobs
Day 4
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we’ll set out for a visit to the charming village of Elora, explore artisan shops and boutiques. Shuttle service will be available between Elora, St. Jacobs, and your hotel for convenience. Your Tour Director will also offer optional tours ($). In the evening, enjoy your final night at St. Jacobs’ delightful “Sparkles” holiday event.
Day 5
Following breakfast, we’ll check out and begin our journey back to Ottawa. We’ll make stops along the way for rest and lunch. Expect to arrive home in the late evening.
Itinerary and hotels are subject to change.
Hotel Information
Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel
Hotel Address
6361 Fallsview BlvdNiagara Falls, ON
L2G 3V9
(905) 354-7887
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Waterloo/St Jacobs
Hotel Address
55 Benjamin RdWaterloo, ON
N2V 0C6
(519) 514-0090
Québec City Christmas Market
November 21-23, 2025
November 28-30, 2025
December 05-07, 2025
December 13-15 *new date added due to overwhelming demand*
Québec City comes alive in the winter with the very best the holiday season has to offer. Travac would love to take you to Québec City to celebrate and enjoy its famous German Christmas Market, nestled right in the heart of the walled city. The market is designed to recreate as closely as possible the atmosphere of the big European Christmas markets. With its festive atmosphere, one-of-a-kind décor, and scintillating lights, the market is truly an exceptional multi-sensory experience you don’t want to miss!
Your Quebec holiday includes round trip transportation by deluxe chartered coach, accommodation in the heart of Old Quebec, a city tour, and the services of a Travac Tours director.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
This morning, we will depart for Quebec City and the German Christmas Market Festival. Upon our arrival in Quebec City, we will embark on a short tour of Quebec City. Quebec City is in a class by itself when it comes to enjoying the four seasons which you can enjoy as the remainder of your day will be free to enjoy the festivities, just steps from your hotel.
Day 2
The Quebec Christmas Market is one of the highest regarded festivals of its type in North America. Your day will be free to do your Christmas shopping, enjoy the entertainment, and to explore the rest of Old Quebec. Its shops and restaurants are generally decked out in cheerful colours for the Christmas season.
Day 3
You will have the early morning to again amble through the streets of Old Quebec before departing for your drive back home in the late morning. Your tour director will advise of the exact departure time for Ottawa.
Itinerary subject to change.
Ontario- Agawa & Group of Seven Experience
AN ARTISTIC TRIP ON THE RAILS THEY RODE
See what they saw and capture your own moment in Algoma!
October 6-10, 2026
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Northern Ontario with our exclusive Group of Seven & Agawa Canyon Tour—a journey that blends art, nature, and adventure! Follow in the footsteps of Canada’s most iconic landscape painters as you explore the rugged scenery that inspired the legendary Group of Seven. Travel aboard the scenic Agawa Canyon Tour Train, winding through towering forests and dramatic granite cliffs ablaze with colour, especially during fall. Perfect for art lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a uniquely Canadian escape, this unforgettable tour promises inspiration at every turn.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Depart from Ottawa to the city of Markham, Ontario. Along the way, we’ll pause for a restful break, giving you a chance to stretch or grab a coffee. We will also make a stop for food and washroom break enroute. Anticipate arriving in Toronto by early afternoon, where we will journey into the heart of Canadian art at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto—home to stunning works by the Group of Seven and other iconic Canadian artists. After soaking in the creative energy, we will make our way to your hotel for the night. Your Travac Tours Director will be happy to recommend some spots for dinner.
Overnight – Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre (or similar)
Day 2
This morning, fuel up with your included breakfast before we begin our scenic drive north to Sault Ste. Marie. We will rest along the way, giving you the opportunity to stretch and grab some food. You can expect to arrive in the evening and enjoy a relaxed night.
Overnight – Sault Ste. Marie, Holiday Inn Express (or similar)
Day 3
Today promises to be a highlight of the tour! After breakfast, board the legendary Algoma Central Railway for a breathtaking 114-mile journey into the wild heart of the Canadian Shield. As you travel north, marvel at the dramatic scenery—towering trees, rugged hills, and glistening lakes—all while enjoying your included boxed lunch onboard. At the Agawa Canyon, step off the train and take in the stunning lookout views perfect for photos or a quiet moment in nature. Return to Sault Ste. Marie by evening, just in time for dinner.
Overnight – Sault Ste Marie, Holiday Inn Express (or similar)
Day 4
Start your morning with a visit to the Art Gallery of Algoma, where a guided tour and an included lunch await. The AGA is a cultural gem located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, right on the banks of the St. Mary’s River. It’s a small but vibrant gallery that showcases Canadian and Indigenous art, with a special emphasis on artists from Northern Ontario.
Then we’re off to Sudbury—but not without a photo op at the iconic Big Nickel, a monument celebrating Canada’s mining heritage. Wrap up your evening at your leisure—plenty of dining options are nearby.
Overnight – Sudbury, Hilton Garden Inn (or similar)
Day 5
Before we head home, we will visit the renowned Science North Museum, housed in its distinctive snowflake-shaped buildings. Interactive exhibits and fascinating stories bring the science and spirit of Northern Ontario to life. Whether you’re curious about local wildlife, northern lights, or geology, there’s something to spark everyone’s imagination. After our visit, we begin our journey back to Ottawa, arriving in the evening with memories of art, nature, and discovery fresh in your mind.
*Itinerary and hotels are subject to change*
Hotel Information
Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre or similar
Hotel Address
8500 Warden AveMarkham, ON
L6G 1A5
+1 905-470-8500
Sault Ste. Marie, Holiday Inn Express or similar
Hotel Address
320 Bay StreetSault Ste Marie, ON
P6A 1X1
(705) 759-8200
Sudbury, Hilton Garden Inn or similar
Hotel Address
475 Barry Downe RdSudbury, ON
P3A 3T4
+1 705-586-3001
Ontario- Prince Edward County Winery Tour- Countylicious
November 1-2, 2025
Join Travac on a Gastronomic Tour of The County!
Come and explore Ontario’s newest wine country! Prince Edward County, otherwise known as “The County”, is a rural hotspot with over 40 wineries, a growing craft-beer scene, cider, spirits and fabulous farm to table cuisine.
Prince Edward County is a cultural mosaic of early colonial Canada. Its earliest European settlers were loyalists traveling north from the American Colonies. These early settlers created a culture that remains magnetic to this very day. The simple, laid back lifestyle that is found in the county still resonates through its hills, valleys and waterways.
Travac Tours wants you to follow the Taste Trail with us and discover some of the best food and drink in “The County”. We will be visiting during the county’s Countylicious event, which highlights Prince Edward County’s varied culinary landscape and local producers making farm-to-table fare with special menus. Enjoy your night stay in Picton, the largest community in the county. Explore the small village of shops and farm to table restaurants.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Start your adventure by boarding your private motor coach which departs from Carlingwood Mall. On route to Prince Edward County there will be a pit stop and time for lunch ($). As we enter the County, we will be making our first winery stop at Sugarbush Vineyards. Here we will try locally made wine. Hop back on the motor coach which will take you to the second stop, Kinsip Fine Spirits. Here we will try craft spirits. Reboard the motor coach which will take you to your hotel in Picton where your Travac Tours Director will help check you in. This evening you will be driven to your included dinner at with a Countylicious menu.
Overnight: Picton Harbor Inn
Day 2
Start your day with your included breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a relaxing free morning before checking out of your hotel, and boarding your motorcoach. Before returning to Ottawa, we will be stopping at Waupoos Estate Winery. To start with, we will be enjoying a wine tasting. After enjoying the tasting, we will be having an included lunch from their Countylicious Menu. Following lunch, we will also have a cider tasting at Waupoos. After our time at Waupoos, we will head for the last stop of the tour. Parsons Brewing Company will have local beer for you to try as you enjoy the atmosphere. After this stop we will take you back to Ottawa, on route will be a pit stop and dinner ($).
Itinerary & wineries subject to change.