These are the four most beautiful cities in eastern Canada

Canada is of course known for its breathtaking natural parks. But its cities also belong on the bucket list of anyone who loves to travel. Eastern Canada is home to such gems as Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto and Ottawa. These cities will amaze you with their unique character and cosmopolitan atmosphere, and within an 8-hour flight you can be there with Air Transat!

Montreal, the Paris of North America
In the south of the province of Quebec, soak up culture, history and creativity in Montreal. The oldest part of the city, Vieux-Montreal, takes you back to the 18th century. Along the banks of the Saint Lawrence River, make your way from the old port to Marché Bonsecours and the Basilique Notre-Dame. This church looks like it stepped out of Paris and will amaze you with its vaulted ceiling, wooden sculptures and colourful stained-glass windows. In Downtown Montreal, Centre-Ville to the locals, you will stroll among imposing skyscrapers, prestigious shopping malls and futuristic museums. Fashionistas take a diversion via Rue Sainte-Catherine, Canada's longest shopping street.
By the way, did you know that Montreal hosted the Olympics in 1976? The stadium still looks otherworldly today. A big contrast to the botanical garden, which is just around the corner. At 75 hectares, the garden is one of the largest in the world. Quiet seekers will also find peace at Mont Royal. On this huge hill lies the city's green park. From the park you look out over Montreal.

Québec City, the historic city
In Vieux-Québec, you will discover a piece of UNESCO World Heritage. This district immerses you in North America's French history. Although the British also settled here briefly. Between 1820 and 1850, they built a military fort: la Citadelle de Québec. During that troubled history, Quebec was even walled in, as the only North American city. That makes for a lot of sightseeing.
The past also speaks to you on la terrasse Dufferin. For here stands the proud statue of Samuel de Champlain, the founder of Quebec city. The monument flanks Château Frontenac, the most photographed hotel in the world. After this, be sure not to stow your camera. Because in and around Quebec City are several nature parks where you can spend hours hiking among the mountains and spot moose, wolves and even black bears.

Toronto, Canada's largest city
Almost three million inhabitants make Toronto the largest city in the country. Its skyline is also iconic: it is brimming with skyscrapers. Although the pointy CN Tower in particular goes off with the attention. At 553 metres, it was once the tallest freestanding structure in the world. With it, the broadcast tower grew into a tourist attraction. So there's a restaurant, a cocktail bar or enjoy panoramic views in the Skypod... at up to 447 metres above sea level.

From the Skypod, you not only overlook the city, but also Lake Ontario. There lie the fifteen Toronto Islands. Those who sail to these small islands can relax on blissful sandy beaches or visit insane theme parks like the Centreville Amusement Park.
Good to know: the Toronto metropolis has eleven neighbourhoods. Westside is undoubtedly one of the city's hippest neighbourhoods. Here you stroll through the narrow streets of Kensington Market. In this multicultural neighbourhood, you can spot one ornate façade after another, photograph street art and shop at the best vintage shops. Speaking of shopping, be sure to check out the Toronto Eaton Centre. This underground shopping centre has more than three hundred shops!

Ottawa, the city of three rivers
What do the rivers Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau have in common? They all meander through the Canadian capital Ottawa. Although the city has a million inhabitants, it surprises you above all with its beautiful nature. Bright parks and public gardens take you from one green oasis to another. But make no mistake: because Ottawa is developing rapidly. It is the beating heart of Canada's high-tech industry.
So the future comes alive here. Although the same goes for the past. Take a boat trip on Rideau Canal, a waterway that dates back to 1812. Rideau Hall also dates from the same era. The stately mansion houses the Canadian governor-general and has no fewer than 175 rooms. On the estate is a historic skating rink where you can attend games of ice hockey, curling and figure skating in winter. Ottawa's political centre is about three kilometres away. There you will admire the Gothic parliament buildings on top of Parliament Hill.

Fly with Air Transat to Eastern Canada's most beautiful cities
Fancy exploring on your own? With Air Transat, Canada's friendliest airline, you'll be there after an eight-hour flight. Air Transat offers direct flights from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Toronto and Montreal with onward connections to Quebec, Calgary and Vancouver. At the height of the season, the airline will offer 3 direct flights a week from Amsterdam to Montreal and 4 to Toronto. The vast majority of these flights will be operated with the new Airbus A321LR. This aircraft, the greenest in its category, reinforces the airline's ongoing efforts to promote responsible tourism. The aircraft consumes 15% less fuel and reduces NOx emissions by 50%.

Information and bookings at airtransat.co.uk or through your travel agent.

Over Air Transat
Air Transat zag het levenslicht 35 jaar geleden in Montreal en groeide uit tot een toonaangevend vakantiemerk. Tijdens de Skytrax World Airline Awards werd het door de passagiers verkozen tot ’s werelds beste vakantieluchtvaartmaatschappij. Air Transat vliegt vanuit Canada naar verschillende internationale bestemmingen. De maatschappij zet in op gastvrijheid, kwaliteit, veiligheid en duurzaamheid. Zo is de vloot de meest ecologische binnen haar categorie. Daarmee draagt Air Transat zorg voor de natuur en het milieu, want alleen zo blijven de prachtige bestemmingen waar het naartoe vliegt bestaan. Air Transat is een dochteronderneming van Transat A.T. inc., een wereldberoemde vakantieleverancier die in 2018 een Travelife-certificaat ontving dankzij zijn inzet voor duurzame ontwikkeling.

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