Spring and Fall in Upper Canada is always lovely, and it is with special pleasure we have created a magical holiday with train travel, three nights in New York State’s stunning Finger Lakes Region, a voyage aboard the splendid “Canadian Empress”, Canada’s only riverboat through Upper Canada including the beautiful 1000 Islands, all in one leisurely trip. And saving a great visual treat for last, we end our holiday with Niagara Falls, a spectacular sight one can never see too many times.

We begin in Albany with a train trip across the famed ‘Water Level Route’ of the former New York Central with beautiful views of the Mohawk and Genesee Rivers, and then enjoy the great luxury of a three-night hotel stay in the Finger Lakes region. Sightseeing is included at no additional cost and highlights include a cruise on the Erie Canal, a winery visit and touring of the Lakes. Having a three-night hotel stay without packing and unpacking is a joy and the best way to see this lovely region. After our three-night stay we drive to Kingston, Ontario and board the wonderful ‘Canadian Empress’ for a rare four-night voyage through Upper Canada. With comfortable cabins, fine dining and a cheerful and friendly Canadian crew, this elegant small ship is a great way to see Canada. After our voyage, we drive from Kingston to enchanting Niagara on the Lake with its quaint downtown and famed vineyards before our final visual spectacular, Niagara Falls which we not only view but sail up to on the Niagara Falls excursion boat. One of the great sights in North America. Our final evening is spent in downtown Buffalo for easy connections home the next day by train or air.

All Aboard! We depart Albany this morning on a beautiful train trip across upstate New York aboard the Maple Leaf. Highlights include traveling along the Mohawk River with fall colors in abundance. This afternoon, we arrive in Syracuse and begin a three-night stay in this lovely region with a visit to Skaneateles with its quaint downtown area and beautiful lake. Later tonight is our welcome dinner.

This morning features a visit to Letchworth State Park, renowned as the ‘Grand Canyon of the East’ with over 19 waterfalls, followed by a ride on the Finger Lakes Railway and a winery visit this afternoon. A bit later, a boat cruise on shimmering Canandaigua Lake. The balance of the evening is at leisure to enjoy this beautiful setting at your own pace.

We visit two of our favorite lakes today, Seneca and Cayuga Lakes and also enjoy a boat cruise through the historic Erie Canal, the perfect treat for our final day in the Finger Lakes region.

We visit two more Finger Lakes this morning before the drive to Kingston to board the Canadian Empress with a Welcome Reception hosted by our Captain in the Grand Saloon. A special evening is planned with Empress Class Roast Prime Rib of Beef and afterward we are offered a party on deck with fine chocolate and liqueurs greeting our fellow travelers under a million stars among 1000 islands.

We anchor to explore the 1000 Islands, Wanderer’s Channel and Admiralty Group Islands bound for Ganaopque where we enjoy a guided tour of the 1000 Islands Heritage Museum. Later we visit Boldt Castle & Singer Castle on Dark Island.

This morning, we sail to Prescott for a guided tour at Fort Wellington National Historic site. Later today we sail through old Galop Canal and pass through the Iroquois Lock at the Seaway Control Dam bound for Morrisburg.

This morning includes a ride by horse-drawn wagon to Upper Canada Village with free time to discover this unique village. Then we return and embark aboard the Canadian Empress for Gananoque.

Today begins with a breakfast cruise through the 1000 Islands before we disembark and drive west, stopping at historic Niagara on the Lake with time to look around before a 30-minute drive to Niagara Falls, where, naturally, a cruise to the Falls is included. This visual masterpiece should be on everyone’s “must-see once” list and is truly amazing. Later tonight, a farewell dinner and overnight hotel stay in Niagara Falls, Ontario, allowing guests to see the nightly fireworks show over the falls, making connections tomorrow by air or train from Buffalo convenient.

We offer a transfer to Buffalo airport and train station this morning after breakfast or guests may extend their stay in Niagara Falls.