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Social Program
 Tours
US$ 110 (minimum of 20 participants)
Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007 – 9 am to 3 pm
Monday, Sept. 17, 2007 – 9 am to 3 pm (included in accompanying Persons' package)
Duration: 6 hours total
3 hours - coach tour
1.5 hours – lunch
1.5 hours – walking tour
Highlighting Montréal's history, cultural heritage, cosmopolitan nature and European flavour, this tour starts with a guided coach tour of Montréal's vibrant, multi-faceted downtown, a shopping and cultural haven where ultra-modern skyscrapers soar alongside 19th century mansions, Victorian brownstones and the many remarkable restoration projects which have preserved heritage structures.
The tour will continue to Old Montréal's rich architectural and historical legacy dating back to 17th century New France, where narrow cobble-stoned lanes and buildings were home to North America's original explorers and traders including a guided visit of the 3,000 seat Notre-Dame Basilica, whose outstanding neo-gothic architecture and art rivals Europe's finest cathedrals.
Then to the islands of Notre-Dame and Ste-Hélène, site of Montréal's 1967 World Fair, Expo '67, now featuring Montréal's Grand Prix racetrack Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and the European-style Casino de Montréal, Mount Royal Park, a 494-acre year 'round playground and leisure destination rising over the heart of the city.
The morning tour concludes with an overview of Westmount, Montréal's elegant upper class community, located on the west side of Mount Royal; St-Lawrence Boulevard, first home and cross-roads of Montréal's ethnic communities; St-Denis Street, the French centre of night life and fashion; Sherbrooke Street's "golden square mile", the Latin Quarter and other colourful neighbourhoods, and a panoramic view of Montréal and the surrounding region from the summit of Mount Royal Park.
Lunch consists of freshly baked wood oven bagels and smoked meat—accompanied by a dill pickle, of course! at one of Montréal’s well known delis.
After lunch, discover Old Montréal's history and charm as you explore its maze of cobblestone lanes and the largest concentration of 17th, 18th and 19th century buildings in North America. This remarkable collection of architecture embodies a rich cultural heritage; as home to North America's original explorers and traders each street and building represents a page of history. Featured on this walking portion of the tour are the beautiful restoration projects which have revitalized the Old Port, City Hall, early marketplaces and civic buildings, original financial district, historical homes, churches and Place Jacques-Cartier, site of 17th century skirmishes and now a centre of lively street life.
At the conclusion of the tour return with your guide to the hotel, or remain in the historic quarter and explore the boutiques, art galleries and handicrafts shops or relax in one of the many European-style cafés and bistros.
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US$ 90 (minimum of 15 participants)
Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007 – 12 noon to 4 pm
Highlighting Montréal's history, cultural heritage, and cosmopolitan European flavour, this tour will focus on the culinary contributions of Montréal’s local specialties through stops and samplings at specialty shops and a visit of the Jean-Talon Public Market, established in 1934. With its unlimited selection of fresh produce, Montréal’s top chefs are often spotted making the market their first stop of the day.
As you travel through the city between stops, you’ll also view Montréal's vibrant, multi-faceted downtown; Old Montréal's rich architectural and historical legacy dating back to 17th century New France; Mount Royal Park, a 494-acre year 'round playground and leisure destination rising over the heart of the city; Montréal's leading museums, cultural and performing arts institutions; St. Lawrence Blvd., first home and crossroad of Montréal's ethnic communities, the Latin Quarter and other colourful neighbourhoods.
Each stop will provide you with the opportunity to purchase culinary delights!
Specialty shops to be visited:
Fairmount Bagel Bakery
Milano’s
Fromagerie Hamel
Marché des Saveurs
Aux Délices de l’Érable
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US$ 80
Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2007 – 9 am to 1 pm (included in accompanying Persons' package)
Montréal's Botanical Garden, the second most important collection in the world after London's Kew Garden, is internationally renowned for its variety of plant life. Comprising 180 acres, the Botanical Garden features 26,000 species and variety of flora, displayed in more than 30 garden settings and 10 exhibition greenhouses. Highlights include the stunning display of prized orchids (over 700 species), the rose gardens (over 8,000 rose bushes), the Monastery garden, the Arboretum, the serenity and refined beauty of the expansive Japanese garden and pavilion, North America's largest and most elegant bonsaï collection, not to mention the Ming Dynasty inspired Chinese Garden, offering 16 landscapes covering six acres, the largest display of its kind outside of Asia.
The visit to the Botanical Garden will start with a 35 minutes commented tram tour of the Gardens, following which participants will enjoy a free time visit of the theme gardens of their choice.
Originally constructed for the 1976 Summer Olympic Games, the Montréal Biodôme is now an avant-garde "living" museum of environmental science. A botanical garden, zoo and aquarium all rolled into one, you'll wander at leisure through the Tropical Forest, the Laurentian Forest, the St. Lawrence Marine Ecosystem and the Polar World, four magnificent full-scale natural environments complete with landscapes, waterfalls, rivers, flora and fauna typical to the Americas.
Showcasing over 19,000 birds, animals and fish in their natural habitats, the Biodôme, as in nature itself, offers wonderful surprises, from the lynx, raccoons and beavers of the Laurentian Forest, the crocodiles, parrots and hummingbirds of the Tropical Forest to the penguins of the Polar World.
The visit to the Biodôme will include details and history of the architecturally unique structures making up the Olympic Park Complex, including the Olympic Village, the Biodôme, the Swimming Complex, the Olympic Stadium and the Olympic Park Tower, the tallest inclined structure in the world.
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Biking Excursion along the Lachine Canal
(includes Round-trip transportation by mini-coach, bicycle rental, helmet, water & professional guide)
US$ 90
Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007 – 9 am to 1 pm
Starting from Old Montréal, along the Lachine Canal towards the Parc des Îles, this. On Notre-Dame Island you will see Habitat 67, the Casino de Montréal, the beach and the Gilles-Villeneuve Formula 1 racetrack. You will also have the chance to enjoy the incredible panoramic view of Montréal and the mountain which makes the island of Montréal our home. This enjoyable tour brings you back into the Old Port. A stop at the Clock Tower will allow you to go up the 192 steps and enjoy the view of Montréal and the St-Lawrence River. The tour will end on rue de la Commune in Old Montréal.
Professional guides supervise the excursion and 100% of the tour is on bicycle paths.
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US$ 185
Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007 – 10 am to 2 pm
This private cooking lesson in the kitchen of Montréal's very popular Restaurant Globe will provide participants with an insider's view of the techniques upholding Montréal's reputation as the North American capital for gastronomic cuisine. The lesson will provide participants with practical tips they can put to use at home and copies of the recipes prepared will be distributed.
Globe, at the forefront of Boulevard St-Laurent’s trendy hotspots, offers fine contemporary cuisine from the kitchen of Chef Sasha Lima who will discuss and demonstrate gourmet French cuisine cooking tips for a main course dish with different sauce options and accompanying vegetables, plate presentation and decorative techniques with vegetables. Participants will practice the illustrated techniques as they their own lunch!
The chef will remain with the group during lunch, answering questions and discussing cooking. Lunch will be accompanied by a glass of wine or non-alcoholic alternative.
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 Tours
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Québec City day trip
(includes return trip in a deluxe motor coach, ferry crossing to Québec City, licensed Québec City step-on guide , and a three course light gourmet lunch at an Old Québec French restaurant)
US$ 175
Friday, Sept. 21, 2007 – 7:30 am to 7:30 pm
The only UNESCO World Heritage city in North America, Québec City will enchant you with its old world charm and remarkable collection of architecture dating back to the 17th century.
The visit to Québec City will start with a ferry crossing from Levy, to allow photo opportunities of the city's magnificent cliff-side scenery. On arrival, a city tour will commence in the lower town's, Place Royale/Le Quartier Champlain, the true birthplace of French civilization in North America, as well as the oldest shopping district on the continent and will include Old Québec, the Latin quarter, Battlefields Park, the National Assembly and Parliament Hill, Notre-Dame-de-Québec Basilica, the Citadel, fortifications, museums, monuments and ancestral homes, all of which form an integral part of Québec's cultural heritage. Stops will include the Dufferin Terrace cliff-side boardwalk, Rue du Trésor street artists and artisans alleyway and the Plains of Abraham, site of the historic confrontation between the French and British armies in 1759 for control of North America.
A light gourmet lunch in an Old Québec's charming French restaurants will be followed by free time to visit a museum, take a calèche (horse-drawn carriage) ride, enjoy the views from Dufferin Terrace's cliff-side boardwalk, or to simply stroll around exploring the cobblestone streets and lane ways. An outstanding day in North America's oldest walled city (founded in 1608), exuberant, romantic and steeped in four centuries of history and French tradition.
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Whale Watching at Québec City
(includes return trip in a deluxe motor coach, ferry crossing to Québec City, licensed Québec City step-on guide , and a three course light gourmet lunch at an Old Québec French restaurant)
US$ 700
Friday, Sept. 21, 2007 – 6:30 am
 Tour
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Ottawa day trip
(includes return-trip by deluxe motor coach, licensed Ottawa step-on guide, entry fee to the Canadian Museum of Civilization, refreshments and three-course lunch)
US$ 165
Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007 – 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
The day in Canada's capital city will start with a city tour showcasing Parliament Hill, the official residences of Canada's Prime Minister-24 Sussex Drive built in 1867, Canada's Governor-General-Rideau Hall built in 1838, national institutions, monuments and museums including the Museum of Civilization, National Gallery of Canada, Royal Canadian Mint, National Archives and the Supreme Court of Canada, the historic Rideau Canal, the ByWard market-one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets since 1840, and the exclusive Rockcliffe Park district with its many embassies and magnificent homes.
Following lunch at the elegant Courtyard Restaurant in the bustling ByWard Market, the afternoon will conclude with a visit to the magnificent Canadian Museum of Civilization.
Featuring 10,000 years of human history in Canada, highlights of the visit will include the History Hall-retracing the discovery and settlement of Canada through thematic exhibits, reconstructed buildings and historical settings, all furnished with original artifacts, the Grand Hall-showcasing the rich cultural heritage and monumental art of Canada's Pacific coast native cultures, the Traditions Hall which celebrates creative genius through displays of folk culture, fine crafts and the multicultural collections of the museum, the Indian and Inuit Art Gallery which displays both traditional and contemporary native art, and two additional Special Exhibition halls.
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 Tour
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Toronto & Niagara Falls
(includes transfers by train class VIA1 and by motor coach, 1-night stay, double occupancy with breakfast, at Fairmont Royal York Toronto*, 1-night stay, double occupancy, at Sheraton on the Falls Niagara Falls*, visit and 3-course lunch at 360 Restaurant, guided city tour of Toronto with English-speaking step-on guide, visit, tasting and 3-course lunch with ½ bottle of wine at Hernder Estate Winery and Maid of the Mist Boat tour at Niagara Falls)
US$ 1,350
Thursday, Sept. 19, 2007 – departure at 6:30 am
Day 1 - Montreal-Toronto
VIA 1 First Class train transfer to Toronto - departure at 6:55 am – arrival at 11:30 am
Check-in at Fairmont Royal York Toronto*
Lunch at 360 Restaurant at the CN Tower, including elevator access to observatory tower where you will enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the comfort of your table. As implied by the name, the restaurant does revolve and you will see the entire city during your meal!
The CN Tower experience does not end with dessert and coffee. Below the restaurant you will find the outdoor observation level and the latest and most exciting addition - a glass floor! Imagine walking 1,122 feet above the ground on the highest glass floor in the world. Walk across it if you dare (and for the faint of heart… just walk around)!
Afternoon guided City Tour of Toronto (2.5 hrs) by deluxe motor coach, the perfect activity to capture a glimpse of the many wonderful sites available in Toronto! This "get acquainted" tour will include such famous attractions as Queen's Park, the Parliament Buildings, Old and New City Halls, St. Lawrence Market and Hall, the CN Tower, Rogers Center (SkyDome), Roy Thomson Hall, the Bay-King financial district, Harbour front, Chinatown, and the elegant neighbourhood of Forest Hill.
Dinner & evening At Leisure
Day 2 - Toronto- Niagara Falls
Motorcoach transfer to Hernder Estate Winery - tour and lunch
Afternoon transfer to Niagara Falls
Check-in at Sheraton on the Falls* Niagara Falls
Hernder Estate Winery, one of Canada’s largest family estate wineries, is a Niagara region’s premier producers of fine VQA and fruit wines. Located at 1 hour from Toronto and 25 minutes from Niagara-on-the-Lake, you will enjoy the breathtaking country atmosphere – reputed to be one of the most beautiful in Canada!
Following a tour of the vineyard and facilities, guests will be treated to a sampling of some of the wines and winery products. Lunch will be served in a private section of the historic barn.
The group will depart after lunch to the Niagara Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world attracting visitors from across the globe!
An historical boat ride, the Maid of the Mist has been in operation since 1846 and continues to be one of the most popular ways to visit this spectacular attraction. This half hour cruise takes you to the base of the Canadian Falls. From the deck of the boat, you will literally feel the spray and experience the true force of the powerful Falls. Soak in the excitement, feel Niagara’s cool mist on your face (do not worry, a hooded raincoat is provided), a thrill you will not forget!
Guests will have free time to browse through the gift shops or just simply enjoy the view.
Dinner & Evening At leisure
Day 3 - Niagara- Montreal
Return to Montreal by VIA 1 first class train with stop in Toronto for those who would like to leave from Pearson Airport instead of Montreal Trudeau.
TRANSFER BY TRAIN - VIA 1 CLASS includes:
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Access to Via Panorama lounge in Montreal while waiting for train boarding
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Priority boarding
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Wide, reclining seats with extra cushioning, soft leather headrests and fold-out tables.
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Breakfast (Fruit salad, juice, choice of hot main course, light pastries and tea or coffee), lunch (hot three-course meals) and beverage service (pre-dinner cocktail, wine with dinner and after-dinner liqueur)
THE FAIRMONT ROYAL YORK*
(Arrangement with other hotels could be made upon request - rates will be amended accordingly)
Ranking amongst the finest of Toronto’s hotels, the Fairmont Royal York is an historic landmark hotel providing elegant surroundings, luxurious rooms and suites, attentive service, fine dining and a superb, central location in the heart of Toronto.
Within walking distance from the CN Tower and close to Toronto’s business district, theaters, upscale shopping and other attractions, the Fairmont Royal York also features five restaurants, four lounges, a spa, health club, lap pool and fitness center.
The Fairmont Royal York Hotel is located directly across the street from Toronto’s Union Train Station. Guests can walk and arrangements can be made to transfer baggage
SHERATON-ON-THE-FALLS*
(Arrangement with other hotels could be made upon request - rates will be amended accordingly)
Situated in the heart of the tourist district, the four-diamond award winning Sheraton-on-the-Falls is just a quick one-minute stroll from the breathtaking Niagara Falls.
This full-service hotel is directly connected to Casino Niagara and features two swimming pools, Fallsview Spa and Fitness Centre, and breathtaking views from the award-winning Penthouse Fallsview Restaurant.
The establishment is also part of the Falls Avenue 20-acre entertainment complex with direct indoor connections to Marvel Superheroes Adventure City, Rainforest Café, Hard Rock Café and Club, and MGM Studios Plaza. The Hershey Store, Planet Hollywood, 4D Theatres and other great shopping venues are also on site
CANCELLATION POLICY
Refunds for registration (less a 25% cancellation fee) will be issued to delegates unable to attend, provided written notice of cancellation is received by the Secretariat on or before August 31, 2007. Refunds for tours (less a 10% administration fee) will be issued, provided written notice of cancellation is received by the Secretariat on or before August 17, 2007. No refunds will be made for cancellations received after these dates. All approved refunds will be issued after the Congress.
* Availability at hotels is guaranteed until May 29, 2007. After that date, reservations on a space-available basis at alternate accommodations of similar quality may be required.
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