Ontario- Christmas Season in St Jacobs and Niagara- 4 day
November 15-18, 2024
4 days, 3 nights
For our 5 day, 4 night package please click here.
Join Travac as we embark on an unforgettable adventure to southern Ontario to celebrate the holiday season. Begin with 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. Then travel to Niagara-on-the-lake for a free afternoon to explore and shop on your own. That evening, finish you day in Niagara Falls where you will experience the magic of Niagara’s winter while taking a coach tour through the Festival of Lights at night.
This fabulous holiday includes round trip transportation by deluxe chartered coach,1 nights’ accommodation at the Hilton Niagara Falls, 2 nights’ accommodation at the Homewood Suites by Hilton, breakfast daily, admission fees, evening sightseeing of the Festival of Lights, and the services of a Travac Tours Director.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
This morning you will depart Westgate Shopping Centre on your journey to St Jacobs. A lunch stop and restroom stops will be made along the way. Expect to arrive in the late afternoon. You will have free time to shop, have dinner, and relax after you check in to your hotel.
Overnight: Homewood Suites by Hilton Waterloo/St Jacobs
Day 2
Today we will have time to explore the St. Jacobs Market in the morning. Your afternoon is free, and you will have time in the evening to enjoy the St. Jacobs holiday event “Sparkles” in the village of St. Jacobs
Overnight: Homewood Suites by Hilton Waterloo/St Jacobs
Day 3
Enjoy your included breakfast at the hotel before checking out mid-morning. We will depart for Niagara Falls and we will stop in the beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake for lunch and shopping ($ on your own account) Expect to arrive late afternoon. This evening you will get the chance to experience the Niagara Festival of Lights.
OPTIONAL: There may be an opportunity to see “A Christmas Carol” if we have enough bookings. You will be asked on booking if you are interested in seeing this show.
Overnight: Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel
Day 4
Enjoy your included breakfast before checking out of the hotel. We will make our way back to Ottawa. Lunch and restroom stops will be made along the way. Expect to arrive in the late evening.
Hotel Information
Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel
Hotel Address
6361 Fallsview BlvdNiagara Falls, ON
L2G 3V9
(905) 354-7887
Homewood Suites by Hilton Waterloo/St Jacobs
Hotel Address
45 Benjamin RdWaterloo, ON
N2V 2G8
(519) 514-0088
Quebec- Louise Penny Book Launch
Abbaye de Saint-Benoit du Lac
October 25-27, 2024
Award-winning Canadian author Louise Penny will be releasing her latest novel, The Grey Wolf, this fall. To celebrate this exciting event, Travac has arranged to attend a special book launch with Louise Penny in the Eastern Townships. As one of the mystery genre’s all-time greats, tickets to Penny’s book signings are highly coveted and difficult to obtain. Travac has secured a limited number of seats for this special event which includes a signed copy of the new book. Also included are some of the attractions from our exceptionally popular “On the Trail of Louise Penny” tour: a lunch at Sapin Bistro; a visit to the Abbaye de St Benoit; a visit to the Louise Penny corner at Brome Lake Books; a wine tasting; and a visit to Sutton. Demand for places on this tour will be very high- early booking is your only guarantee. Travac cannot obtain more seats for this event.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
This morning, we will leave Ottawa and make our way towards the Eastern Townships of Quebec. Our first stop will be at Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre where you will enjoy a full high tea experience. This is a tradition Louise and Armand would no doubt appreciate. Housed in a Neo-Georgian residence built in 1862, Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre is a non-profit organization devoted to the preservation, the support, and diffusion of the cultural and heritage traditions of the Eastern Townships. This beautiful centre is a favourite of many in the region. After tea, we will depart Uplands and head towards Magog where we will visit an award-winning winery known for its sparkling wines.
Day 2
We will begin our day in Sherbrooke with a guided tour of the town and its famous murals. We will then depart Uplands and head to Knowlton, a town known to Penny for its pastoral beauty and the inspiration for Three Pines in her books. We will stop by the Brome County Historical Society Museum where you will see “Jane’s Painting” from Still Life. We will then enjoy a fabulous lunch before heading to Knowlton for the special Louise Penny book launch event. During this event you will have the opportunity to hear from Louise Penny herself and even receive a copy of her new book.
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 abbey itself has a history that dates back to 1912. At the time of its construction, it was rather isolated, but in an incredibly beautiful locale. The Benedictine monks of the Saint-Benoit-du-Lac abbey are famous for and have been making cheeses since 1943. You will have the chance to tour the abbey and to purchase some of this incredible cheese. Leaving the abbey, we will continue on to Sutton. 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.
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- Pelee Island and Windsor Getaway
August 28-31, 2024
A passage to Pelee Island and Windsor Essex is an excellent getaway. The climate of the Lake Erie Islands Archipelago boasts the highest heat units in the country and the longest frost-free season in Ontario. This helps make the flora and fauna of Pelee Island rather unique.
There are many facets to Travac’s marvelous getaway. You’ll enjoy a Rum Runners tour that lets you understand the nefarious lifestyle of Windsor during the 1920’s. During your adventure you’ll experience Pelee Island through the eyes of a local professional guide, visit a local winery and enjoy tasting. You’ll also stop at Willistead Manor House once the residence of Edward Walker, the second son of Hiram Walker, one of the principle icons of the spirits industry during its formative years.
Your holiday includes round trip transportation on a deluxe chartered coach, 3 nights’ accommodation, 2 lunches, a full sightseeing program and the services of a Travac Tours Director. Early booking is your best guarantee of obtain space on this fabulous getaway.
Hotel Information
Best Western Plus Leamington Hotel and Conference Centre
Hotel Address
566 Bevel Line RoadLeamington, ON
N8H 3V4
519-326-8646
Holiday Inn Express Waterfront
Hotel Address
33 Riverside Dr EWindsor, ON
N9A 2S4
(519) 258-7774
Ontario- Agawa Canyon, Mackinac Island and Frankenmuth
September 15-19, 2024
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
This morning you will depart Westgate Shopping Centre for Sault Ste. Marie. Along the way we will make a stop in Sudbury for a chance to view the Big Nickel. You will arrive in Sault Ste. Marie in time for dinner. There are several options for dinner close to the hotel.
Overnight – Sault Ste Marie
Day 2
This morning you will depart your hotel for the Algoma Central Railway Terminal and your trip to the Agawa Canyon. Your lunch is included aboard the train. Your trip will take you 114 miles north into the forests and hill of the Canadian Shield. Upon reaching the observation point you will have a chance to get off the train and enjoy the spectacular views. The train will have you back to Sault St. Marie in time for dinner.
Overnight – Sault Ste Marie
Day 3
Following breakfast, you will depart for Michigan. Shortly after crossing the border, you’ll board the ferry and head to Mackinac Island. Mackinac Island is world famous both as a historical site and as a movie location. There are no cars allowed on Mackinac Island, but the options of things to see and do on the island are limitless. You will board a horse-driven carriage for a tour of the island, then have free time. You can rent a bicycle built for two, shop, or visit Mackinac’s iconic landmark the Grand Hotel for afternoon tea. You depart Mackinac Island in the late afternoon arriving at your hotel in time for dinner.
Overnight – Mackinaw City
Day 4
After breakfast, you will make your way to Frankenmuth, one of the most visited tourist cities in Michigan. It is famous for its Bavarian architecture and Bronner’s which is known as “the world’s largest Christmas store”. Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland is the size of 1 ½ football fields with a Christmas inventory to match. You will have free time to shop and enjoy this festive village.
Overnight – Frankenmuth
Day 5
After breakfast, you will begin your journey back to Ottawa. Expect to arrive in Ottawa in time for dinner.
Itinerary subject to change.
Hotel Information
Algoma Water Tower Inn & Suites
Hotel Address
360 Great Northern RdSault Ste. Marie, ON
P6B 4Z7
705-949-8111
Baymont Inn & Suites Mackinaw City
Hotel Address
109 South Nicolet StreetMackinaw City, Michigan
49701
+1 231-436-7737
Bavarian Inn Lodge Frankenmuth
Hotel Address
1 Covered Bridge LnFrankenmuth, Michigan
48734
1-855-652-7200
Quebec City & Whale Watching
September 2-5, 2024
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.
For booking information, contact Travac Tours at (613) 728-1934 or visit us at the Westgate Shopping Centre.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
This morning you will depart Westgate Shopping Centre on your journey to the Quebec heartland. A lunch stop will be made enroute. Expect to arrive Hotel Tadoussac in the late afternoon. Your evening will be free to enjoy the facilities at the hotel. (D)
Day 2
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 leisure. (B)
Day 3
You will have an early departure for Quebec City. Upon arrival, you will have 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)
Day 4
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 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
British Columbia- The Great Canadian Train Experience: VIA The Great Western Way (East to West)
October 5-12, 2024
Travac wants you to see Canada the way it was meant to be seen, travelling onboard VIA’s unforgettable rail journey.
This epic journey you will board the Corridor train in Ottawa to Toronto. You will overnight at the Royal York in Toronto. The next day you will leave the bustle of this large metropolitan city and board VIA’s The Canadian enjoying the incredible scenery of Canada’s lake country. Onward through the picturesque towns, the gentle prairies and finally through the stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.
The Journey will take you from Toronto to Sioux Lookout on to Winnipeg then Jasper and finally Kamloops to Vancouver.
This unforgettable rail experience lets you enjoy the wonderful diversity of our great nation.
Join us this October as we embark on one of the world’s most renowned rail experiences.
Canada awaits you- call us today for more information!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Today you will meet your Travac Tours Director at the Ottawa VIA Rail Station on Tremblay Rd. You will board train #53 departing Ottawa at 1145 and arriving in Toronto at 1633. It is a 3-minute walk from Union Station to the Fairmont Royal York which is your accommodation for the night. Located in the core of downtown Toronto your restaurant and shopping possibilities are extensive. The remainder of your afternoon is free time. Reminder that check-in is 4:00pm.
As per Canada Transport the entire group must travel from Ottawa to Toronto. No alternate pick-up station is permitted.
Day 2-3
This morning you will depart the hotel and walk over to Union Station to board the Canadian. NOTE: You are only permitted to have a carry-on size bag to take to your cabin. Your larger checked bag must be checked in with VIA and it will be stored away. YOU CANNOT ACCESS YOUR CHECK BAG WHILE ON THE TRAIN.
Today your wonderful train adventure begins aboard VIA’s The Canadian. You will be completely immersed in the single most contributing factor to what connected Canada from east to west.
Get comfortable in your “Manor Sleeping Car”. The cabins for one (with a concealed toilet) or two (with an ensuite toilet) both have vanities, and the chairs configure to make up your beds for the next four nights. The beds are made up while at dinner and put back away while at breakfast. The cabins for 2 have one upper and one lower bunk. The single cabin has one lower bed. A public shower, and 2 washrooms per car, are at your disposal. Your meals and access to the Dome Observation Car are included. Breakfast is first come, first served while lunch and dinner are set times. Times can only be reserved on the train the day before for the following day.
All 3 meals have 4 choices (one of which is vegan).
It is important to note that the train stops about every seven hours for operational reasons. The length of the stop can vary from ten minutes to two hours.
We will depart Toronto at 0945 and you will travel to Winnipeg. Depending on our fall weather we should enjoy all the autumn colours along with the spectacular scenery of the Canadian Shield of Northern Ontario. Expect to arrive October 16 in Winnipeg at 1930. You can put your watch back 1 hour to CST in Allanwater Bridge, ON.
There is a complete staff change in Winnipeg which can affect your mealtimes.
Cabin for one
Cabin for two
Day 4
You will travel from Winnipeg to Saskatoon during the night. Expect to arrive in Saskatoon at 1050. There will be a 1 hour stop in Saskatoon where you can set your watch back 1 hour to MST then onward to Edmonton. Sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery and perhaps enjoy time with new friends. The train will follow a beautiful stretch on the Manitoba and Saskatchewan border of the Assiniboine River. Expect to arrive in Edmonton at 2050.
Day 5
Wake up and enjoy your wonderful breakfast in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Expect to arrive in Jasper at 0630 and then depart at 0930. You will enjoy full daylight for this breathtaking segment from Jasper to Kamloops. Jasper to Kamloops is likely the most stunning scenery. Enjoy the Dome Car, the Dining Car, and the Park Car to take in all the scenery. You can set your watch back 1 hour MST in Jasper.
Expect to arrive in Kamloops at 1830 and depart at 1903.
Day 6
We will travel from Kamloops through the night onto our destination of The Canadian to Vancouver. You can set your watch back 1 hour PST in Vancouver. Expect to arrive at 0800. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your Vancouver hotel The Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront. Within walking distance to Vancouver Harbour and Canada Place with wonderful views of Stanley Park you are very well situated. After arriving at your hotel, the rest of the day is free to enjoy the surrounding area. Your Travac Tours Director will have ideas of things to do. Reminder that check-in time is 3:00pm.
Day 7
This morning at 9:00am you will depart the hotel on a private coach for a 4-hour guided city tour. Your afternoon is at your leisure. You may wish to visit Gastown, a lovely walk in Stanley Park or make your way to Granville Island. This beautiful city has so much to offer.
Day 8
Today you will meet your Travac Tours Director in the lobby of the hotel to get your transfer to the Vancouver International Airport and board your flight to Ottawa. Your tour guide will update you on the time.
We hope you’ve had a memorable trip.
Itinerary subject to change.
Hotel Information
Fairmont Royal York
Hotel Address
100 Front St WToronto, ON
M5J 1E3
416-368-2511
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
Hotel Address
1133 W Hastings StVancouver, BC
V6E 3T3
604-689-9211
Maritimes- Iles de la Madeleine & Prince Edward Island
June 18- 26, 2024
September 13-21, 2024
Located in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, a green archipelago surrounded by white-sand beaches and red cliffs wields a magnetic attraction on everyone that steps on its shores. Iles de la Madeleine offers a perfect summer escape. Renowned for their warm hospitality, the islanders here have created a perfect summer getaway with exquisite seafood, fabulous attractions including wonderful galleries and shops.
While on PEI you will experience Charlottetown as well as landscapes filled with rolling hills and green forests. You also have a chance to stroll along the beckoning sandy beaches with their dunes and red sandstone cliffs. Imagine walking in the footsteps of Lucy Maud Montgomery, creator of Anne of Green Gables. During the tour of this island you will be charmed by the yarns of our local host as he guides you through some of the most beautiful and colourful villages in Canada.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Ottawa to Edmundston
This morning you will depart Ottawa and travel east along the south shore of the St Lawrence River. Expect to arrive in Edmundston in the late afternoon.
Hotel – Edmundston Four Points by Sheraton (or similar)
Day 2
Edmundston to Summerside
Leaving Edmundston we will continue our journey along the Trans-Canada highway making your way east through New Brunswick to the sea, where you will cross Confederation Bridge. Confederation Bridge spans the Abegweit Passage of Northumberland Strait, linking Prince Edward Island with mainland New Brunswick. It won’t take long once you have crossed this engineering marvel to reach Summerside, your home for the evening.
Hotel – Quality Inn & Suites Garden of the Gulf Summerside (or similar) (B)
Overnight – Summerside
Day 3
Summerside to Iles De La Madeleine
After a leisurely breakfast and a bit more time in Summerside, you’re off to Souris for the ferry crossing to Iles de la Madeleine. Our route to the ferry will take us along the north coast of PEI. Dinner will be available to be purchased onboard the ferry during your 5-hour crossing.
Hotel – Chateau Madelinot Iles de la Madeline (or similar) (B)
Day 4
Iles De La Madeleine
The Îles de la Madeleine is an isolated archipelago made up of seven inhabited islands in the middle of the Gulf of St.Lawrence. Six of these islands are linked by the main road, Route 199, while the seventh, Entry Island, is only accessible by boat. The total population of the islands is under 15,000. While on the islands you enjoy a complete change of pace. Today we tour the western part of the archipelago. In the morning we will visit the villages of Cap-aux-Meules, L’Etang-du-Nord and La Cote. In the afternoon we have the opportunity to explore the island of Havre-Aubert. Dinner is included tonight.
Hotel – Chateau Madelinot Iles de la Madeline (or similar) (B & D)
Day 5
Iles De La Madeleine
Today we visit the eastern part of the islands. In the morning, we explore the village of Havre-aux Maisons and make a stop at the Pointe-Basse Harbour to visit the herring smokehouse economuseum. We will then make our way to the Echourie lighthouse before stopping at Dune-du-Sud for a walk on the beach and a look at the brilliant cliffs carved by the sea. In the afternoon we will visit the villages of Grosse-Isle and Grand-Entrée. Dinner is included tonight.
Hotel – Chateau Madelinot Iles de la Madeline (or similar) (B & D)
Day 6
Iles De La Madeleine to Charlottetown
This morning, you will enjoy a boxed breakfast on the ferry back to PEI. Upon our arrival the remainder of the day will be at leisure.
Hotel – Rodd Charlottetown Hotel (or similar) (B)
Day 7
Charlottetown
This morning, we will be met by our local guide for a tour of this appealing island. We will start off with a tour of Historic Charlottetown. Next, we will be off to Anne’s Land. Your journey will take you to Cavendish, one of the prettiest towns on the island. The fictional redheaded Anne of Green Gables is everywhere in this area. When the novel Anne of Green Gables was first published in 1908, most people could only dream of visiting its magical setting. Your visit will take you to Green Gables heritage place. Green Gables, part of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Cavendish National Historic Site, is famous around the world as the inspiration for the setting in Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic tale of fiction. We will also visit PEI Preserve Company, North Rustico, and PEI National Park.
Hotel – Rodd Charlottetown Hotel (or similar) (B & L)
Day 8
Charlottetown to Edmundston
After a hearty breakfast you will begin your homeward journey stopping again in Edmundston.
Hotel – Edmundston Four Points by Sheraton (or similar) (B)
Day 9
Edmundston to Ottawa
It will be an early start back to Ottawa. Expect to be back in the city for dinner. (B)
Itinerary subject to change.
Hotel Information
Four Points by Sheraton Edmundston, or similar
Hotel Address
100 rue Rice StreetEdmunston, NB
E3V 1T4
(506) 739-7321
Quality Inn and Suites Summerside
Hotel Address
618 Water St. EastSummerside, PEI
C1N 2V5
(902) 436-2295
Chateau Madelinot
Hotel Address
323 QC-199Fatima (Iles de la Madeleine), QC
G4T 2H6
(418) 986-2211
Rodd Charlottetown
Hotel Address
75 Kent StCharlottetown, PEI
C1A 7K4
+1 902 892 7448
Québec City and Île d’Orleans
June 21-24
Québec City, built on the banks of the St. Lawrence River at Cap Diamant, is one of the most historic and beautiful cities in North America. It is the continent’s only walled city, a fact that aided UNESCO’s 1985 decision to classify it as a prestigious world heritage site.
Let Travac Tours transport you on a four day, three-night holiday to this breathtaking capital of the province and enjoy a taste of Europe in your own backyard.
You will spend three nights at the fabulous Clarendon Hotel, in the centre of the old town. This 4 star hotel is an ideal base for exploring all the old city has to offer. A wonderful city, with a taste of Europe, that can be explored by foot.
Travac’s Québec expedition provides you with a fully narrated glimpse of the city.
Your Québec City holiday includes round-trip transportation in a comfortable chartered coach, three nights’ accommodation, and guided tours of Old Québec and Île d’Orleans. Join us on this fabulous getaway!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Coach departs Westgate Shopping Centre for Quebec City. Our accommodation for the next three nights is the Clarendon Hotel. A fabulous location to see the sights and sounds of Old Quebec. You will easily enjoy the cobblestone streets and their seventeenth- and eighteenth-century stone houses and churches. You will also be free to come and go at your leisure, perhaps stopping for a croissant and steaming bowl of coffee in a Parisian-style café.
Day 2
This morning, we will depart for a guided tour of Québec City. Our tour includes visits to the Plains of Abraham, the Parliament Buildings, Artists’ Alley and much of the old city. We will then head along the Beaupré coast to visit Montmorency Falls and Sainte Anne de Beaupre Basilica. Late in the afternoon you will again be free to stroll through the streets of old Quebec. You may also wish to visit the Musée de la Civilisation, which skillfully presents tourists with a display of French-Canadian culture.
Day 3
Later this morning we will depart for the culinary island of Ile d’Orléans. Savour the favours of the region by having the opportunity to make several stops, including a vineyard. The island measures 34km long and 8km wide. A great place to stop and taste local produce and learn from your local guide, the history dating back to 1535 when the first European explorers set foot on this island.
Day 4
Your morning will be free to shop and enjoy this magnificent city at your leisure. Check out time is 11:00am.
Expect to arrive in Ottawa in the early evening.
Itinerary subject to change.
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
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, Sherbrooke’s famous murals, and enjoy high tea- an Eastern Townships tradition that Penny and Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of Three Pines would no doubt appreciate.
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!
May 15-17, 2024
June 10-12, 2024
July 17-19, 2024
September 9-11, 2024
September 18-20, 2024
October 2-4, 2024
October 16-18, 2024
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
This morning we will leave Ottawa and make our way towards the Eastern Townships of Quebec. Our first stop will be Vitality Elderberry Farm in Lac-Brome for a tasting of their delicious berries that are known for their health benefits. We will then make our way to Knowlton, a town known to Penny for its pastoral beauty and the inspiration for Three Pines in her books. While in Knowlton, your lunch will be included. After lunch, we will visit Brome Lake Books. This small village bookstore has all the trappings of an early 20th century building with bookcases filled with both hardcovers and paperbacks. You can even leave a message for Louise Penny in a book dedicated to this purpose. After your visit to the bookstore, you will take a short walk to the Brome County Historical Society Museum where you will find Jane’s painting from Still Life. After our visit to Knowlton, we will visit an award-winning winery, just outside of Magog, known particularly for its sparkling wines.
Day 2
We will begin our day in Sherbrooke with a guided tour of the town and its famous murals. We will then make our way to the Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre for high tea, a tradition Louise and Armand would appreciate. Housed in a Neo-Georgian residence built in 1862, Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre is a non-profit organization devoted to the preservation, the support, and diffusion of the cultural and heritage traditions of the Eastern Townships. This Centre is a favorite haunt for many in the region. After tea, we will visit La Station Fromagerie, winner of several regional, provincial, and national awards for their cheese made from organic raw cow’s milk. The cows feed on organic pastures that give their cheeses a very local flavour. 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. The Old Mansion House was built in 1889 and once had the distinction of being Quebec’s oldest hotel in continuous operation. The house began its life as a coaching inn, serving travelers making their way from Montreal to Boston. Over the years, folklore has surrounded the house which Penny picks up in her novel.
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 abbey itself has a history that dates back to 1912. At the time of its construction, it was rather isolated, but in an incredibly beautiful locale. The Benedictine monks of the Saint-Benoit-du-Lac abbey are famous for and have been making cheeses since 1943. You will have the chance to tour the abbey and to purchase some of this incredible cheese. 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.
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 St Jacobs and Niagara- 5 day
November 19th-23rd, 2024
5 days, 4 nights
For our 4 day, 3 night package, please click here.
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 Homewood Suites by Hilton, breakfast daily, all admission fees, evening sightseeing of the Festival of Lights, and the services of a Travac Tours Director.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
This morning you will depart Westgate Shopping Centre on your journey to Niagara Falls. A lunch stop and restroom stops will be made along the way. Expect to arrive in the late afternoon. You will have free time to shop, have dinner, and relax before reboarding the motor coach to enjoy the Festival of Lights which features light displays around Niagara Falls.
Overnight: Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel
Day 2
Today will be a free day in Niagara to explore one of Canada’s most famous cities.
Overnight: Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel
Day 3
Enjoy your included breakfast at the hotel before checking out mid-morning. We will depart Niagara Falls and we will stop in the beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake for lunch and shopping ($ on your own account). Late afternoon, reboard the motor coach as we depart for St. Jacobs. After checking into your hotel, the evening is at your leisure. Enjoy St. Jacob’s holiday event “Sparkles” in the village of St. Jacobs. (Transportation included)
OPTIONAL: There may be an opportunity to see “A Christmas Carol” if we have enough bookings. You will be asked on booking if you are interested in seeing this show.
Overnight: Homewood Suites by Hilton Waterloo/St Jacobs
Day 4
Enjoy your included breakfast at the hotel. Today will be a free day at your leisure to enjoy all St Jacobs has to offer and the Sparkles holiday activities. Your Tour Director will have optional tours available ($) We will have shuttles to St Jacobs village in the afternoon and evening.
Overnight: Homewood Suites by Hilton Waterloo/St Jacobs
Day 5
Enjoy your included breakfast before checking out of the hotel. We will also make a stop at the St Jacobs Market in the morning, before you make your way back to Ottawa.
Expect to arrive 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
Homewood Suites by Hilton Waterloo/St Jacobs
Hotel Address
45 Benjamin RdWaterloo, ON
N2V 2G8
(519) 514-0088