Discover the heart of eastern Canada

Hike through remote mountain wilderness and ancient forest, canoe and swim in crystal clear lakes, explore the cultural delights of Toronto and charming Quebec City, explore the inspiring panoramas of the Charlevoix, Lac Saint Jean and Saguenay Fjord regions, then drive to the whale-watching capital of the East coast to watch the Saint Lawrence whales.

Walks Worldwide’s new 17-day self-drive, Eastern Canada Pioneer, departs London Fridays and Tuesdays from May to September 2008.

On arrival, guests collect their rental vehicle and spend 3-nights making a leisurely exploration of Toronto’s museums, galleries, the famous CN tower, and visiting Niagara Falls. Next, drive north into the Ontario hinterland and Canada’s oldest provincial park, Algonquin - a vast 7,725 km² area of maple hills, rocky ridges, and thousands of lakes.

Enjoy a 3-day guided tour featuring Music Lake and a hike to Surprise Lake, where a 26-foot Voyageur canoe awaits a leisurely paddle around the islands before arriving at a cosy lakeside log cabin deep in the heart of the park. Here, relax, swim, or take a sauna before enjoying a hearty Canadian supper. On to Ottawa for a night with time to explore the Museum of Humanity before continuing to one of North America's landmark settlements, Quebec City.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985, this is a slice of France, complete with street entertainment, terraced cafes and a very continental feel to its cobbled alleys and narrow streets. Continue north to the spectacular landscape of Charlevoix. For time out of the driving seat, hike the Sentier de Caps de Charlevoix for sweeping views of the Saint Lawrence river, then ascend Mont du Lac des Cygnes in the Grand Jardin de Charlevoix regional park.

Visit Baie Saint Paul, a quiet village full of art galleries inspired by the unique mountain, valley and river panoramas. Head further north through a wilderness of dramatic landscapes to the quiet towns of Saint Fulgence and Chicoutimi on the Saguenay Fjord, known for their charm and hospitality.

Travel south to Tadoussac, the whale-watching capital of the East coast, for an unforgettable boat trip to observe Fin-Back, Minkie, Beluga and perhaps a lone Blue, close-up from a zodiac. Drive to Montreal, with its 17th and 18th century streets and buildings, fine restaurants and boutiques, Mont-Royal Mountain Park and Notre Dame Cathedral, before homeward evening flights.

The holiday costs from £2,195 p/p including flights, hotel, inn and log cabin accommodation, some meals, car hire, boat trips, guided Algonquin tour, and route notes and maps.

For more information, visit Walksworldwide.com.