This is a momentus year for history buffs as 2012 marks the bicentennial of the war of 1812. Take a step back into history on this private guided tour of Southern Ontario where the key battles unfolded. Your guide will bring the stories to life with visits to Laura Secord's homestead, a tour of Fort George and a visit to the Brock monument. Learn how this epic 3 year war changed Native American relations and free-trade practices between the USA and Britain. This war was the start of the demilitarized border that still reigns true between Canada and the US today.

While in Toronto, explore Fort York with a private guide who is Toronto's most famous historian. See the location of two attacks by the Americans during the War of 1812 (captured during the Siege of York April 26, 1813) when many of the original buildings were destroyed eventually rebuilt with the oldest structures constructed in 1814. Head to the Distillery District to learn of the fascinating history (the site dates back to 1832) of this incredible factory complex with its original cobblestone pathways including the years it was visited by 1920’s gangsters during the heyday of Prohibition.

This tour is packed with historical facts including the chance to rest your head at properties deeply rooted in Ontario's history and longtime icons of its architectural skyline.

Toronto is a cosmopolitan city with a wonderful network of parks, recreational and cultural facilities. It is the largest city in Canada, with a population consisting of over 2.5 million people. Toronto is the home of seven professional sports teams and the third largest English-speaking theatre district in the world, behind New York and London. It is one of the world's most multicultural cities, home to more than 80 ethnic communities (half of people living in Toronto were born outside Canada). A dominant force in the business and economy of the nation, it is also the cultural centre of English-speaking Canada. Toronto is known as a city of neighborhoods. Districts are often centered one of the main streets (Queen, College, Bloor etc), and packed tightly together, with each having something different to offer each visitor. The relative compactness of these neighborhoods makes exploring on foot easy and pleasant, especially in the warmer months.

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer with vehicle and driver.

Enjoy some time exploring the many things to see and do in the cosmopolitan city of Toronto. If you are interested in art and culture, be sure to visit the newly expanded Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) which has an extensive permanent collection as well as ever changing temporary exhibitions. The newly revamped Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) showcases the best of Canadian and international art, all housed under an impressive building designed by Frank Gehry of Guggenheim fame - consider a private guided tour of the gallery. The Ontario Science centre is a fascinating museum which appeals to both adults and children. The Distillery district, one of Toronto's most historical areas makes for a pleasant morning or afternoon stroll as you can check out the many artisanal studios and galleries or take a shared or a private tour. There are often live musical performances on weekends during the summer. For shopaholics, Toronto's Rodeo drive equivalent is along Bloor street, on either side of Yonge street. Here you will find all of the top boutique names from Gucci to Tiffany's to Prada as well as the upscale department store Holt Renfrew. For a more eclectic shopping experience, head to Queen street west, where there are many independently run stores. Alternatively, escape it all and take the short ferry crossing over to the Toronto Islands where you can enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk or through the residential area with many traditional beach style houses. With a no car policy on the island, it is indeed a tranquil escape from the metropolis of Toronto. If you would like to do a tour, consider a shared or private walking tour of one of the interesting neighbourhoods of the city. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if any of these are of interest to you.

Enjoy an afternoon high tea in the Four Seasons in the heart of Yorkville with a choice of pot of tea, selection of finger sandwiches, warm scones, and a selection of pastries. Then take a stroll through the neighbourhood which is full of great designer boutiques and art galleries.

There is always plenty on in terms of theatre and entertainment in Toronto. All of the main theatres and entertainment venues in Toronto can be found at http://www.showmetoronto.com/toronto_theatres.htm

Toronto is a city that has grown up around this grand landmark - The Fairmont Royal York Hotel (4*). It is just steps away from the hub of Toronto and a major access port to Canada is Union Station. If you're here to relax and take in the sights, this hotel has everything you need; luxurious surroundings, refined guest rooms and suites, and a knowledgeable Concierge are some of the services and amenities you will find while staying at The Fairmont Royal York Hotel.

Overnight at Fairmont Royal York (4*).

Today meet up with Toronto’s most famous local historian for a guided walking tour of Fort York. This is undeniably the symbolic cornerstone of Toronto’s British beginnings. When Lt Governor John Graves Simcoe arrived in 1793 one of the first things he did besides change the name to’ron’to the Huron First Nation gave to the region to the more British sounding York was to build a fort to protect the newly constructed Town of York (a few km to the east) from an American attack.

Back then Fort York was built right on the waters edge with it cannons pointed out to the bay. Today after years of landfill the Fort is landlocked hidden in the midst of the city that grew around it.

The fort was attacked twice by the Americans during the War of 1812 (captured during the Siege of York April 26, 1813) when many of the original buildings were destroyed eventually rebuilt with the oldest structures constructed in 1814. 

Then we will head to the First Parliament Site where many historians believe this could be possibly be the most historically significant while at the same time the most historically contentious spot in all of Toronto. It was on this site once the banks of Lake Ontario in 1796 that the first Parliament Buildings of Upper Canada (now the Province of Ontario) were constructed the forerunner to Queen’s Park Ontario’s Legislature .

The two small red brick buildings (no bigger than two average sized suburban bungalows) were destroyed by fire during the occupation of York  (April, 1813) by American forces during the War of 1812. While never really proven that the Yanks burnt the first seat of the Provincial Government the British never the less set fire to the American President’s mansion in Washington after which was repainted white and re-dubbed  The White House ever since.

The First Parliament Buildings were re-built but once again destroyed by fire in 1824 at which time after meeting in various taverns and ballrooms the decision was made to move across town to Front Street west now the site of the CBC Broadcasting Centre. 

Parliament sat there on and off (after moving to Kingston and Montreal for a few years after the Union of Upper and Lower Canada in 1841) until 1892 and the following year moved into the magnificently appointed and still in use today, Queen’s Park.  The First Parliament site became home to the infamous Berkeley Street Goal (jail) then part of the enormous gas works before becoming today home to a car dealership, a parking lot and a patch of grass known as Parliament Square. There is however on going talks to redevelop the entire site into a permanent historical park complete with a reconstructing of those First Parliament Buildings in time for the War of 1812 Bicentennial.

Today meet up with Toronto’s most famous local historian for a guided walking tour of the historic village of the Distillery District.

Learn of the fascinating history (the site dates back to 1832) of this incredible factory complex with its original cobblestone pathways including the years it was visited by 1920’s gangsters during the heyday of Prohibition.  After touring the Distillery the group will head out to the surrounding area and visit what most historians regard as the most famous spot in Toronto, the site of the First Parliament Buildings (the forerunner to Queen’s Park) where the roots of Ontario’s democracy got its start.

Then we proceed through the fascinating remains of the great Toronto Gas Works of the 19^th century.  At one time this enormous industrial complex (once home to the Consumers’ Gas Co) took up over 30 acres of prime downtown real estate. Today while most of it was demolished in the 1960’s some outstanding buildings still remain and have been converted into the new Police Station and the Canadian Stage Company both of which we will tour inside. Another stop is Berkeley Castle once a 19^th century knitting mill and now one of the hidden treasures ofToronto. Its six buildings were converted into an enclave of prime office space surrounding an exquisite garden that is simply breathtaking the first time visiting.

Overnight at Fairmont Royal York (4*).

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a quaint and beautiful little town on the shore of Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Niagara River. The town accentuates its British heritage, and features the only Lord Mayor in Canada. Its preserved turn of the century architecture make it a delightful walk around. The mild climate and excellent soil have turned the surrounding region into the wine capital of the country. Visitors flock to dozens of nearby wineries, including those making the world's largest volumes of ice wine. The town is also known for its gardens, art galleries, antique shops, and golf courses.

This year marks the bicentennial of the War of 1812 in Niagara-on-the-Lake and there are a wide variety of events and celebrations taking place to commemorate this pivotal time in American and British history. The War of 1812 was the first time the USA declared war on another nation. Spanning over three years, the war brought to the forefront US/British conflicts around Indian relations, territory, and free trade. While land changed hands throughout  the many battles, neither side lost territory in the war. The biggest impact of this historic war was the demilitarization of the Great Lakes boarder and Lake Champlain which evidentially paved the way centuries in advance for our free-trade cross-border agreements.

On this full day tour you will visit the homestead of Laura Secord, a British Loyalist, who gave troops advanced warning that the Americans were approaching. You will then visit Fort George along the northern end of the Niagara River. Before heading to lunch at Grill on King (with one glass of wine), we will visit the Brock Monument - an iconic General who was killed at the Battle of Queenston Heights.

Enjoy the company of a professional tour guide for a 1/2 day tour (4 hours). On the tour, you will get to visit 4 of our Favourite Niagara wineries, where you can enjoy some wine tastings, and an extensive winery tour at one of the premiere wineries in the area. You will see behind the scenes how these magnificent wines are crafted and stored in the barrel cellar. Savour each drop!

During your tour you will discover the history and rich culture of Old Niagara on the Lake, and admire the mansions along Lake Ontario and along the beautiful Niagara Parkway.

The Pillar and Post (5*) is located in a quiet residential area, surrounded by a wonder of gardens and only a five minute walk from Niagara-on-the-Lake’s main street. Originally built in the late 1800’s as a canning factory in the midst of Niagara’s wine and fruit region. Since 1970 it has been gradually transformed into a luxurious country inn with 123 individually decorated cosy guestrooms, many with fireplaces, four poster king-sized beds and whirlpool tubs. Relax in front of a fire in the warm, gracious front lobby, enjoy a drink in Vintages Wine Bar and Lounge, or seek total balance in mind, body and spirit at The 100 Fountain Spa. The 13,000 square foot spa has not only a stunning interior, but a wide offering of services, making it top of its class in Ontario. The heated indoor saltwater pool, hot springs, fitness centre, plus a heated outdoor pool are yours to enjoy during your stay.

Overnight at Pillar and Post (5*).

Your adventure begins above the Canadian Horseshoe Falls with our professional tour guide giving an informative and interesting narration of the sights along the Niagara River. Highlighted will be such sights as the International Control Dam, the Barge, The Falls and a stop at Table Rock where you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the brink of Horseshoe Falls. From there you will go to The Journey Behind the Falls and have the amazing opportunity to experience the Falls up close!

You will then continue on down scenic Niagara Parkway to Souvenir City where you will be given time to browse, shop, eat and watch the gifted glass blowers create works of art right before your eyes. Then proceeding on to the Butterfly Conservatory where you will be astounded by over 2000 free-flying tropical butterflies in the lush rainforest surrounding. You will then visit the second most photographed sight within the Niagara Parks, the Floral Clock. Finally, return up river to the Skylon Tower to see a panoramic overview of your journey along the Niagara River.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a quaint and beautiful little town on the shore of Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Niagara River. The town accentuates its British heritage, and features the only Lord Mayor in Canada. Its preserved turn of the century architecture make it a delightful walk around. The mild climate and excellent soil have turned the surrounding region into the wine capital of the country. Visitors flock to dozens of nearby wineries, including those making the world's largest volumes of ice wine. The town is also known for its gardens, art galleries, antique shops, and golf courses.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).