We started our trip looking around the city of Montreal, which was the destination of our flight from Europe. After an one-day-excursion to Quebec City, we went on to Ottawa, the capital, which, we thought, was the nicest of these three big cities. Then the trip became more  ‘nature-oriented’: Algonquin Park, Parry Sound and Bruce Peninsula. We continued our trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake (skipping Toronto). and finally  crossed the border to USA. We visited friends in Ithaca and Cape Vincent (both NY).

Montreal

Although Montreal is in the French part, you will be quite comfortable even if you speak only English.
The city has plenty of skyscrapers and some shopping districts. It has an old town which was announced to be fabulous, but to be honest we did not find it too convincing. It is neither very old nor very new, something inbetween. (As we are from Europe we might see things differently.)
However, the vast underground shopping district is amazing, and one of the most impressing sights is the big complex around the former Olympic stadium.
All in all: not a must. Two days are surely enough.

Quebec

Quebec City is very French indeed. You may encounter people who only speak French, but it’s definitely worth a visit. Nicely situated looking down the St. Lawrence River, it offers a lovely old town district and plenty of history. Here the French fought wild battles against the English, all of which still make them very proud!
All in all: recommended. We did it in one day from Montreal which gave us a nice impression.

Ottawa

Most intersting city of our tour. Ottawa in contrast is very British! Not only the Parliament building which reminds you of Westminster. There are numerous nice  museums - we found the Canadian Museum of Civilisation, with a good overview of Canadian history and settlement, particularly interesting. Great shopping and eating thanks to the famous Byward Market with food from all over the world. Nice to stroll around!
All in all: one of the highlights, the city is not huge, but is colourful enough to spend some days. We stayed two nights, which was OK.

Algonquin Park

It is supposed to be a major natural attraction. Well, it is, but it is also tourist enough so that you can never  forget about civilisation as long as you stay on the hiking trails. What we did not do is a few-day boat tour in the wild, which must have definitely been amazing.
However, the trails are well prepared and you get a guide booklet at the entrance so that you know what you are seeing. By doing so we learned a lot about wildlife and logging in the Canadian forests. Especially the Mizzy Lake Trail (11 km) was a great experience. You meet people very rarely on the way and can enjoy nature’s great atmosphere. However, you should do it very early in the morning when wildlife has just woken up and most tourists are not yet in action...
All in all: we enjoyed both of our hiking days very much. We recommend even a longer stay than our two days to include a several day boat trip up the lakes.

Parry Sound

Parry Sound’s biggest attraction is its “30,000-Islands”, a part of Georgean Bay with indeed thousands of islands floating, which you can only explore by boat tour. We took one of the commercial ones. It is quite impressive how Canadians manage to build houses on tiny islands which entirely belongs to  them.
We also did a bit of hiking in the Kill Bear Park, about 30 km from Parry Sound. ‘Kill Bear’ does not sound very cozy, and actually signs warn of bears running around at night and ask people to stow away their food. But the chance to see one during the day is very, very low. A pity! Or luck?
All in all: interesting but not a must. There is another area full of small islands called “1000-Islands” around Kingston where St. Lawrence River leaves Lake Ontario.

Bruce Peninsula

We basically stayed overnight with a short trip to the little village of Lion’s Head on the East side of Bruce Peninsula.
All in all: not too exciting but nice to visit. It offers the typical Canadian landscape around the lake.

Niagara

Any questions? Well, it is very tourist, but you have to have seen it. It is just spectacular! Niagara-on-the-Lake, the city nearby is neat and offers plenty of history between Americans and British who fought lots of battles in the Niagara area. Along Niagara Parkway between the Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake you can visit vinyards and see lots of marvellous family houses. A dream place to live in...
All in all: a must!

Ithaca

Ithaca, and especially Cornell University, is a great place to live. Cornell has a very attractive campus - totally unusual for the ones who are used to German standards. Around Ithaca there are plenty of chances for hiking and seeing remarkable spots in the nature.
All in all: it can be a dream place to study and live for  students. For tourists - well, you will find other places like this in other areas of the USA, too.

Cape Vincent

Cape Vincent offered us a relaxing three last days of our trip. Staying with Jack an Barbara in their house directly at the lake shore, we enjoyed every minute. Trips to Canada (Kingston!) and a boat trip were absolutely pleasant... We spent fabulous time.
All in all if you are in the area, you should visit the “1000-Islands” and Kingston, former capital of Canada.

Montreal

Mariposa Bead & Breakfast
Contact: mariposa@sympatico.ca
Booked via Downtown B&B Network
Contact: bbdtown@cam.org
Nice accomodation, walking distance to downtown, hints and tips by the owner during breakfast included.

Ottawa

Alexander House Bed & Breakfast
Contact: alechouse@hotmail.com
Information: www.bbcanada.com/4929.html
Comfortable accomodation, 20 minutes walking distance to city center in a quiet residential area.
Very private bed & breakfast.

Algonquin Park

Annie’s Luxury Inn
Information: www.anniesinn.com or www.bbcanada.com/5090.html
It is not really situated in Algonquin Park but in the village of Killaloe. In fact it is about 60 km away from Algonquin, so that it takes about an hour by car to get to the park’s East Gate.
However, we enjoyed the stay very much. Very charming and hearty people and a huge country-style breakfast. Behind the Inn there is a lake and you can do some canoeing. But that’s it, because Killaloe itself is very tiny. Nevertheless, after hiking the park the whole day you’ll have a nice stay overnight. Definitely a good address when going to Algonquin.
Breakfast was a lovely event, meeting the different guests. (You will be spoiled by generous and heart-warming breakfast - if you are lucky you will get heavenly fresh blueberry pancakes with home-made maple syrup!) Discussions were about everything: the area, politics, cultures... Fun!

Parry Sound

Seguin Country Inn Bed & Breakfast
Information: http://www.bbcanada.com/986.html
About ten minutes drive from Parry Sound’s city center this is a well-equipped and quiet place to spend your nights. The breakfast can be called a culinary event.

Bruce Peninsula

Haven On the Bay Bed & Breakfast
Information: www.havenonthebay.com
Rural place, but only 2 minutes walk from Lake Huron. Breakfast was a nice event, meeting all the guests at the table.
We only stayed one night, but it seems to be a good basis for excursions to Bruce Peninsula. The owner is very nice and definitely supporting you in finding the main sights.

Niagara

A Breakfast With Friends
Information: http://www.canvisit.com/Notlbba.114/defaul t.html
The name is the programme. We had such a good time at home of Allison and Barry, originally from London, England (you can still hear from their lovely accent). By car it is 20 minutes to Niagara-on-the-Lake and about 30-40 minutes to Niagara Falls. Very good basis for your excursions.
The house is also situated in a quiet private residential area. Only a 150 m walk from the sea shore, on clear days you will be able to see Toronto’s skyline on the other side of the lake. The only B&B we had in Canada offering a swimming pool! Allison’s breakfast is so  delicious and we had lots of fun, also with the other guests from Winnipeg - we’ll never forget that breakfast... it was fun!