Canada 2024 – Pilgrimage – Discovering Faith and Culture

TULSA/WICHITA - MONTREAL

Flights from Wichita and Tulsa take us to Montreal, a vibrant city located in the province of Quebec, the largest province in Canada and the largest French-speaking territory. Montreal boasts a rich cultural heritage, with a majority population that has retained the language and traditions inherited from their French ancestors.

Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a delightful lunch at a charming local restaurant, where we’ll savor the unique flavors of Quebecois cuisine. After lunch, we’ll head to the Thousand Islands Park area for an hour-long boat cruise on the picturesque St. Lawrence River(we sent the request for availability and hours). This scenic cruise offers a wonderful opportunity to relax and take in the breathtaking beauty of the region, making it a perfect start to our adventure in Quebec.

We check into our hotel in Montreal for the night.

MONTREAL

Experience a day filled with spiritual exploration and architectural wonders in Montreal, starting with a hearty breakfast at the Universel Hotel. Begin your journey at the iconic Olympic Stadium, a testament to Montreal’s sporting history and architectural prowess.

Next, marvel at the breathtaking Gothic Revival architecture of the Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal, where intricate woodwork and stunning stained glass tell stories of faith and history. Then, visit the grandeur of Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral, a scaled-down replica of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, offering a glimpse into Montreal’s ecclesiastical heritage.

Enjoy a delightful lunch in the heart of the city, savoring local cuisine amidst Montreal’s vibrant atmosphere.

Continue your spiritual journey at Saint Patrick’s Basilica, renowned for its ornate interior and serene ambiance, followed by a moving mass at Saint Joseph’s Oratory, a monumental sanctuary atop Mount Royal offering panoramic views of the city.

Embrace Canada’s indigenous heritage at the Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine, dedicated to North America’s first indigenous saint, before a serene stop at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish, reflecting Montreal’s enduring Catholic legacy.

Retreat to the Universel Hotel for an overnight stay, reflecting on a day of spiritual enrichment and cultural discovery in Montreal, a city where history, faith, and architectural splendor converge harmoniously.

MONTREAL - QUEBEC CITY

Embark on a scenic journey from Montreal to Quebec City, filled with cultural landmarks and natural wonders. Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the Universel Hotel in Montreal before bidding farewell to the city.

Your first stop is the historic Notre Dame des Victoires Catholic Church, a stunning example of French colonial architecture and a symbol of the city’s rich religious heritage. Admire its intricate facade and serene interior before enjoying a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring Quebecois specialties amidst the city’s charming atmosphere.

After lunch, continue to Place Royale, a picturesque square surrounded by 17th-century buildings that evoke Quebec’s early history. Next, visit the imposing Citadelle, a star-shaped fortress offering panoramic views of the city and the St. Lawrence River. Nearby, the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac awaits, a grand hotel that dominates the skyline and epitomizes Quebec City’s old-world charm.

Continue your journey to the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Sanctuary, a renowned pilgrimage site known for its healing waters and impressive architecture. Attend a meaningful mass in this sacred space before marveling at the majestic Montmorency Falls, which cascade dramatically into the river below.

Conclude your day at the Hotel & Suites Normandin in Quebec City, where you can relax and reflect on a day filled with history, spirituality, culinary delights, and natural beauty. Immerse yourself in Quebec’s rich cultural tapestry, from ancient churches to scenic waterfalls, experiencing the essence of French Canadian heritage in every step of your journey.

QUEBEC CITY - OTTAWA

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, we head to Ottawa, the vibrant capital of Canada. Our first stop is a charming local restaurant where we indulge in a delicious lunch, savoring the flavors of the city.

Next, we visit the historic Notre Dame des Victoires Catholic Church. There, we participate in a serene and uplifting mass, experiencing the spiritual essence of this beautiful landmark.

Afterwards, we head to the iconic Parliament Hill, where we take a leisurely walk around the stunning grounds. We admire the majestic Gothic Revival architecture of the Parliament Buildings and enjoy panoramic views of the Ottawa River.

Finally, we check in to the Courtyard by Marriott, a comfortable and welcoming hotel in the heart of Ottawa, where we relax and unwind after our day of exploration.

OTTAWA - MIDLAND

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel before we embark on our journey from Ottawa to Midland. The drive to Midland takes approximately 5-6 hours. Upon arrival, we start with lunch at the gorgeous Boat House Eatery, which offers a majestic view of the stunning Georgian Bay.

After lunch, we visit Martyrs’ Shrine to take part in a mass. Following the mass, we take a leisurely walk and shop for some souvenirs. Martyrs’ Shrine is situated on a 300-acre property featuring natural forests, manicured gardens, devotional spaces, and open parklands, all inviting you to experience God’s grace in a serene natural environment.

We check into our hotel in Midland for the night.

MIDLAND – TORONTO - NIAGARA FALLS

After breakfast, let’s head to the vibrant heartbeat of Canada’s largest city – Toronto. It’s not just a financial hub but a lush green oasis with parks dotting its urban landscape, making it one of the greenest cities globally.

We start with a visit to the CN Tower, one of the world’s tallest free-standing structures, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks and the thrilling experience of walking on the glass floor.

After that, we attend the Holy Mass at the Church of St. Maximilian Kolbe, the world’s largest Polish parish. Following the mass, we enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the regional cuisine.

Next, we head to one of the world’s natural wonders, Niagara Falls. Specifically, we visit the stunning Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side. Here, we admire its breathtaking beauty and take a leisurely walk around the falls.

Our day culminates with a check-in at the luxurious Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa, where we can relax and unwind.

NIAGARA FALLS

After breakfast, prepare for an unforgettable day at Niagara Falls. Begin by experiencing the awe-inspiring views from a special platform before boarding the iconic Hornblower Cruise for a thrilling ride beneath the falls.

Next, we will attend Holy Mass at the picturesque Shrine of the Little Flower, a serene and beautiful location. Following this, we will enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of the region.

After lunch, we will visit the Skylon Tower to admire Niagara from a different perspective, taking in panoramic views of the majestic falls and surrounding area. Our adventure continues with the White Water Walk, where we will get up close to the powerful rapids along the Niagara River.

This day promises to be filled with unforgettable experiences and breathtaking sights.

As night falls, rest in a hotel at Niagara Falls.

NIAGARA FALLS - TORONTO - TULSA / WICHITA

After breakfast at the hotel, we check out and head to Toronto, where we will stop for lunch at a delightful local restaurant. Afterward, we proceed to the airport in Toronto, from where we fly home to Tulsa or Wichita.