The Great Northeast Road Trip

Begin your morning along the beautiful waterfront. Stroll the boardwalk, take in views of the St. Lawrence River, and grab a coffee from one of the many cafes.

Walk up Rue Saint-Paul to Place d'Armes and visit the breathtaking basilica. The interior is one of the most stunning in North America with its deep blue ceiling and gold stars.

Wander through the cobblestone streets lined with galleries, boutiques, and street performers. Check out Place Jacques-Cartier square for people-watching and artists.

Head to Boulevard Saint-Laurent for Montreal's famous smoked meat sandwich at Schwartz's (open since 1928). A must-try! Pair it with a classic poutine from La Banquise nearby.

After lunch, head to Mount Royal. Hike or drive to the Kondiaronk Belvedere lookout for a stunning panoramic view of downtown Montreal and beyond. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (who also designed Central Park).

End the day at one of North America's oldest public markets. Sample local cheeses, fresh pastries, maple treats, and Quebec produce. Great for picking up snacks for the road!

Drive straight to Parliament Hill and walk the grounds. Snap photos of the iconic Peace Tower, the Centennial Flame, and the views over the Ottawa River. A great spot for a family photo!

Walk down to the scenic canal locks right next to Parliament Hill. Watch the boats go through the historic lock system that connects the canal to the Ottawa River.

A 5-minute walk to Ottawa's liveliest district. Grab lunch from one of the many food stalls and don't leave without a BeaverTail pastry — a flat fried dough with sweet toppings. The kids will love it!

Start with Toronto's most iconic landmark. Take the elevator up to the observation deck for breathtaking views of the city and Lake Ontario. Dare to walk on the glass floor 1,122 feet above the ground!

Right next to the CN Tower, this world-class aquarium features a mesmerizing underwater tunnel with sharks, rays, and sea turtles gliding overhead. A huge hit with the whole family.

Head east for lunch at this market, voted the world's best food market by National Geographic. Try a peameal bacon sandwich (a Toronto original) from Carousel Bakery.

Walk through this beautifully preserved collection of Victorian-era industrial buildings, now filled with galleries, cafes, boutiques, and street art. Great photo ops everywhere.

Explore this bohemian neighborhood full of colorful vintage shops, diverse food vendors, and incredible street art. Grab tacos, dumplings, or fresh fruit from the many stalls.

Take the short ferry from Jack Layton Terminal to the Toronto Islands. Enjoy sandy beaches, bike rentals, and a stunning view of the city skyline across the water. A perfect way to wind down the day.

Start at Table Rock for the most dramatic viewpoint of Horseshoe Falls. Stand at the railing and feel the thundering mist on your face. This is the closest you can get to the brink of the falls.

Descend 125 feet through tunnels carved in the rock behind the Horseshoe Falls. Stand on the observation deck with millions of gallons of water crashing right in front of you. An unforgettable experience.

Board the boat and cruise into the heart of the Horseshoe Falls basin. The roar of the water and the wall of mist around you is absolutely thrilling.

Take a break from nature and hit Clifton Hill — Niagara's tourist strip packed with arcades, haunted houses, the Niagara SkyWheel Ferris wheel, mini golf, and plenty of treats like fudge and ice cream.

After dinner, walk back to see the falls illuminated in brilliant, changing colors. The light show runs every evening and is completely free. A magical way to end the day.

Before heading out, catch the morning light at Niagara Falls State Park on the American side. Walk along the Observation Tower for one last look and grab breakfast nearby.

Head east on I-90 through the Finger Lakes region and across New York. Consider a pit stop in Syracuse or Binghamton to stretch your legs and grab lunch.

Roll into Matawan with a car full of memories, souvenirs, and probably some leftover maple candy. What a trip!