16 Days Great Lakes and Midwestern Cities: USA and Canada

About the destination: Chicago, once a small trading post on Lake Michigan, has grown into one of the country’s most famous cities. Visit “The Windy City” and chow down on deep dish pizza for a truly unique vacation experience. Follow “The Loop,” the city’s primary business district, and marvel at its array of high-rise buildings, consulates, and universities. Shopping and fine dining abound in this area. If you’ve worn yourself out in the city proper, set a more sedate pace at the Riverwalk, a pedestrian path along the Chicago River, or visit the many museums and parks the city has to offer. You’ll never believe you’re actually downtown when you walk through the Garfield Park Conservatory, and the Art Institute of Chicago will allow you to appreciate creative works from around the world. The most important places to visit in Chicago are: the Willis Tower, an iconic symbol of the city, the Millennium Park, a great urban park, among the most famous landmarks of Chicago and a site for many major city events, the Shedd Aquarium, one of the world's largest aquariums. Called the front lawn of Chicago, the Grant Park is a wonderfully landscaped park and offers many sites for an urban escape, the Navy Pier, situated right on Lake Michigan, has a festive atmosphere with entertainment, shops and restaurants. No Chicago tour is complete without a mention of the nightlife, so close out your day at a jazz lounge and let the sweet sound of music carry you away.

About the destination: Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. State of Michigan and the Wayne County capital is known as the traditional Center of the automotive world (headquarters of the companies General Motors, Ford and Chrysler). Although his current situation is somewhat compromised since the City Council declared bankruptcy in 2013, yet the city has begun to remove the head and continues to be a good place to visit. The city presents a great activity both day and night, without a doubt a place to travel and that safely holds fun all visitors who want to discover this wonderful city. It offers many activities such as boat rides, night routes by pubs of the city... Without a doubt Detroit is one of the great cities of the United States that are worth visiting, its history, its people are a spectacle that should not be missed.

About the destination: Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the provincial capital of Ontario. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. Cultured and cosmopolitan, Toronto is considered the most multiculturally diverse city on the planet. Dominating Toronto's skyline, we find CN Tower. This communication tower stands at a staggering 1,815 feet and it offers spectacular Toronto views. An important historic landmark of Toronto is the Old City Hall, dating from 1899. Canada's largest museum of world culture, the Royal Ontario Museum displays impressive artefacts and archaeological objects from around the world. Casa Loma is a magnificent castle on a hill in the north end of Toronto, admire its restored rooms and gardens. Located an hour and a half away from Toronto, we find the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls. Come visit Toronto. Walk the streets by day and by night. Savour the sights, sounds and the exhilarating tastes of every cafe, restaurant, market and festival. Revel in the renewed energy and bold new looks of the famous attractions and facilities. Experience the top theatre, international dining, shopping and a full schedule of major league sports and special events. It is all yours to discover.

About the destination: Ottawa is the capital of Canada, and the fourth largest city in the country. Ottawa is situated on the south bank of the Ottawa River, and contains the mouths of the Rideau River and Rideau Canal. The older part of the city, including what remains of Bytown, is known as Lower Town, and occupies an area between the canal and the rivers. A must see for all visitors to Ottawa is the Parliament building. It is undoubtedly among the most beautiful parliament buildings in the world. Now part of a hotel, Chateau Laurier retains much of its grandeur. Inside this famous Ottawa landmark you'll find luxurious settings and ornate décor. Constructed in the 19th century, the beautiful Notre Dame Basilica is among the surviving churches of Ottawa. Take a tour in the Supreme Court of Canada building, enjoy its impressive marble Grand Entrance Hall and its exquisite Art Deco architecture. A UNESCO world heritage site, the Rideau Canal offers excellent views of the city. In winter time, it's transformed into a massive skating rink. There are also two notable museums, the National Gallery of Canada, and the Canadian Museum of Civilization. Canada's capital city could hardly be lovelier. Dynamic, gregarious, bilingual, the city has festivals, parks, theatres, museums, restaurants, shops and enough sights to fulfil the expectations of even the most demanding visitor.

About the destination: Montreal is the metropolis of the province of Quebec. Quebec City is the political capital but Montreal is the cultural and economic capital of Quebec and the main entry point to the province. Rich in culture, Montreal is big enough to have many great activities and small enough to be friendly and welcoming. Each part of the city is of interest: the old-port for the old French city; Downtown for all the shopping and clubbing; Plateau Mont-Royal for the French restaurants and boutiques and the Lafontaine park; Quartier Latin for the French shows, cinemas and restaurants; Little Italia for the Jean-Talon market and of course its delicious restaurants; Mile-End for its excellent cafes; Hochelaga-Maisonneuve for the Maisonneuve park, the Botanic Garden, the Biodome and the Olympic stadium; Ste-Helene and Notre-Dame islands for quiet and peace; and the great Mont-Royal htat offers ski rental and the best ski conditions. Dubbed the Paris of Canada, Montreal has a superb architecture, including the breathtaking Basilique Notre-Dame. A rich, almost European, culture transcending city, Montreal is a must see.