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The Best Time to Travel is the Fall

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 20:22:00 GMT

Why Fall is One of the Best Times to Travel

Summer may be the most popular time to travel, but ask many experienced travellers their favourite season, and they'll tell you it's fall.

The days are cooler, the crowds are smaller, and destinations seem to slow down just enough to let you truly enjoy them. Whether you're admiring brilliant autumn colours, exploring a historic town, celebrating Thanksgiving away from home, or taking in the scenery from the comfort of a motorcoach, fall offers a travel experience that's both relaxing and rewarding.

Here are just a few reasons why autumn has become a favourite season for so many of our travellers.

Comfortable Weather Makes Every Day More Enjoyable

One of the greatest pleasures of travelling in the fall is simply being outside.

Gone are the hot, humid days of midsummer. Instead, you'll find crisp mornings, comfortable afternoons, and ideal conditions for sightseeing. Whether you're wandering through a quaint downtown, exploring a historic site, visiting a local market, or enjoying a leisurely walk, it's easier to spend the entire day discovering new places when the weather is working in your favour.

The Scenery Is Worth the Journey

There's no denying that autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year. Forests glow with brilliant reds, oranges, and golds, rolling countryside takes on a whole new character, and scenic drives become attractions in themselves.

One of the advantages of travelling on an escorted coach tour is that you don't have to concentrate on the road. Instead, you can relax, chat with fellow travellers, or simply enjoy the ever-changing scenery from your window. Sometimes the journey between destinations becomes just as memorable as the places you're visiting.

Travel at a More Relaxed Pace

After the busy summer season, many destinations become quieter. Attractions are easier to enjoy, restaurants are less crowded, and there's a more relaxed atmosphere almost everywhere you go.

That slower pace makes it easier to appreciate the little things, a conversation with a local guide, time to browse a museum, or simply sitting on a waterfront bench and taking in the view. It's one of the reasons so many travellers return to the road each fall.

Celebrate Thanksgiving a Little Differently

Thanksgiving doesn't always have to mean spending days planning meals, cooking, and hosting.

For many travellers, it's become the perfect opportunity to enjoy a holiday getaway instead. Imagine sharing a traditional Thanksgiving meal, taking in beautiful autumn scenery, visiting festive attractions, and spending time with fellow travellers while someone else takes care of the driving, accommodations, and planning.

It's a relaxing way to celebrate the season—and one that creates lasting memories.

Let Someone Else Handle the Details

One of the greatest advantages of an escorted tour is how easy travel becomes. Your transportation, accommodations, sightseeing, and itinerary are all carefully planned, allowing you to focus on enjoying the experience instead of organizing it.

From the moment you depart until you arrive home, all you have to do is settle into your seat and enjoy the journey.

Experience the Best of Fall with DeNure Tours

At DeNure Tours, we've been helping Canadians discover the beauty of fall for decades. Whether you're looking for colourful landscapes, charming communities, festive Thanksgiving celebrations, scenic cruises, live entertainment, or unforgettable sightseeing, our fall tours are designed to showcase the very best the season has to offer.

If you've only ever travelled in the summer, consider trying something different this year. You may discover what so many of our guests already know, that fall isn't just another season to travel. For many, it's the very best one.

Why Hike?

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:43:44 GMT

Discover the World One Step at a Time

Some destinations are meant to be seen. Others are meant to be experienced.

While scenic drives showcase beautiful landscapes, hiking allows you to become part of them. It invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and discover places that can't be appreciated from a motorcoach window. Whether you're standing atop a dramatic coastal cliff, wandering through a peaceful forest, or following a historic trail, hiking creates a deeper connection to the places you visit.

At DeNure Tours, we believe some of the best adventures begin with a single step.

More Than Just Great Exercise

Hiking is one of the most enjoyable ways to stay active while travelling. Every trail offers a natural workout, helping to improve cardiovascular health, build strength, increase balance, and boost endurance. Uneven terrain gently engages muscles and joints in ways that paved sidewalks simply can't.

But the benefits extend well beyond physical fitness.

Time spent outdoors has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and sharpen the mind. Away from the constant distractions of daily life, hiking encourages you to focus on the sights, sounds, and beauty surrounding you. The fresh air, the scent of the forest, the sound of crashing waves, or the quiet of a mountain trail all have a remarkable way of refreshing both body and mind.

See More Than the Average Traveller

Some of the world's most memorable places are found at the end of a trail.

Hiking leads to hidden waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, rugged coastlines, alpine meadows, and charming villages that many visitors never experience. It offers a perspective that simply isn't possible from behind the window of a vehicle.

Whether you're exploring the rugged beauty of Newfoundland, walking historic routes in Europe, or discovering Canada's spectacular national parks, hiking allows you to experience each destination at its own pace while appreciating the details that make it unique.

The Joy of Exploring Together

One of the greatest rewards of hiking is sharing the experience.

Travelling with fellow hikers creates opportunities to meet new people, celebrate accomplishments, and make lasting memories together. Whether you're reaching a scenic lookout, spotting wildlife, or simply enjoying conversation along the trail, the journey often becomes just as meaningful as the destination.

Many guests tell us that the friendships they make are among the highlights of their hiking adventures.

Hiking with DeNure Tours

Our hiking tours are designed for travellers who enjoy combining active exploration with comfortable travel.

Each itinerary has been thoughtfully planned to showcase spectacular scenery, fascinating history, local culture, and rewarding hikes. Along the way, our experienced Tour Directors handle the logistics so you can focus on enjoying every step of the journey.

Hikes vary depending on the destination and may range from leisurely walks of 2–3 kilometres to more challenging hikes of up to 12 kilometres over uneven terrain, hills, stairs, or rocky paths. We encourage guests to review the activity level for each tour to ensure it matches their comfort level and hiking experience.

Where Will the Trail Take You?

Whether you're standing beside a powerful waterfall, gazing across a dramatic coastline, or reaching a panoramic mountain viewpoint, hiking has a way of turning unforgettable scenery into unforgettable memories.

If you enjoy staying active, exploring the outdoors, and discovering destinations from a new perspective, a hiking tour with DeNure Tours offers the perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and camaraderie.

Lace up your hiking boots, embrace the fresh air, and let your next adventure begin, one step at a time.

100 Years of the Grand Ole Opry — A Canadian Connection

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:03:21 GMT

100 Years of Country Music History

In 1925, a simple radio broadcast from Nashville began a tradition that would shape country music for generations. Today, the Grand Ole Opry stands as the longest-running radio show in American history and one of the most iconic stages in music.

As the Opry celebrates its 100th anniversary, there's never been a better time to experience this legendary institution. For a century, country music’s biggest stars—from Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn to Dolly Parton and countless others—have stepped into the famous Opry Circle, carrying on a tradition that continues to define the genre.

Did You Know?

The first Canadian-born Grand Ole Opry member was Hank Snow, who was inducted in 1950 and became one of the show’s most influential early international stars.
Canadian artist Terri Clark joined the Grand Ole Opry in 2004, becoming one of the few non-American artists to earn membership in the Opry’s storied history.
The Opry stage is still lit by the traditional “circle spotlight,” a signature cue that dates back to the show’s early radio days and remains part of every performance today.
Each artist performs in short sets, meaning an Opry show often features more than a dozen acts in a single night—something rarely seen in modern concert formats.
In celebration of the Opry’s 100th anniversary, Canadian country music takes centre stage with a special all-Canadian lineup led by Terri Clark.

Join us in Nashville for this historic milestone and experience the Grand Ole Opry during its landmark 100th anniversary year. Be part of a once-in-a-generation celebration where Canadian talent meets country music history on the world’s most famous stage.

Celebrate 100 Years of the Opry — Reserve Your Seat Today!

Muskoka Steamship History and Scenic Cruises in Ontario

Wed, 06 May 2026 22:39:31 GMT

Muskoka Steamship History and Scenic Cruises in Ontario

Muskoka, Ontario is known for its stunning lakes, cottage country scenery, and rich tourism history. One of the most important parts of that history is the era of steamship travel, which helped establish Muskoka as one of Canada’s earliest and most popular vacation destinations. Long before modern roads, visitors from Toronto and beyond travelled north by train and steamship to reach the region’s lakes, resorts, and summer retreats.

Did You Know About Muskoka Steamship Travel?

Steamships were the primary way to travel through Muskoka before roads connected the lakes and communities
In its peak tourism era, Muskoka had dozens of steamship operators running regular passenger routes across the lakes
Travellers from Toronto, Ontario arrived by train and continued by steamship, with tens of thousands visiting Muskoka each summer
In the 1800s, iconic resorts such as the Windermere House were designed for direct arrival by steamship at the dock
Lake Muskoka cruises once lasted a full day and often included dining and onboard entertainment
Steamships transported guests, mail, and supplies to remote cottages and waterfront resorts across the region
Muskoka quickly became one of Ontario’s most sought-after summer destinations because of its steamship access and natural beauty

Today, visitors can experience this historic tradition aboard the Wenonah II, which offers scenic boat cruises across Lake Muskoka with open-air decks and panoramic views of cottage country. Our Muskoka tour combines this classic cruising experience with a stay at the historic Windermere House, creating a unique Ontario getaway that blends history, relaxation, and scenic lake views—ideal for travellers seeking Muskoka boat cruises, cottage country tours, and a relaxing lakefront escape in one experience.

Paster de Nata, A Portuguese Treat

Sat, 02 May 2026 18:10:18 GMT

Pastel de Nata: a traditional Portuguese custard tart

These tasty treats originated in 18th century Lisbon. Today, these flaky, buttery custard tarts can be found all over Portugal, as a delicious staple sweet on breakfast buffets, as a treat to accompany an afternoon coffee, or as a light after dinner dessert. On menus and in bakeries , you will see "Pastel de Nata" (singular) or "Pasteis de Nata" (plural). What follows is the recipe received from a workshop attended in Porto, where we learned to make these yummy tarts.

Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

Yield: 18-24 tarts
(It is uncertain exactly how many tarts will be made, since the tins were smaller than what would be made using muffin tins. It was also noted that individual quiche tins can be used, but the amount dough would need to be adapted for the larger "mold".)

Syrup:

200 grams sugar

100 ml water

2 – peels from a lemon

1 – cinnamon stick

Cream:

15 grams flour

10 grams corn starch

250 ml whole milk

6 egg yolks

(optional additional 100 ml milk during assembly)

Puff Pastry:

One package of frozen puff pastry made with butter

Finishing:

Ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

1. Make the Syrup

Pre-heat the oven to 480°F.

Add syrup ingredients to a cold saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat WITHOUT stirring. Once it is actively boiling throughout the pot, time it for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Prepare the Cream

Mix the flour, corn starch and 250 ml of milk in a second saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and thick.

Gradually pour in the syrup in the thin stream, mixing well.

In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. While whisking, add a few tablespoons of the hot cream mixture to temper the yolks, then whisk the yolks into the cream mixture, and set aside. (At the workshop, the lemon peels and the cinnamon stick were left in the cream mixture to infuse their flavour.)

3. Mold the puff pastry

Roll the puff pastry into a log, and cut into equal pieces, about 20 grams each. (Will look like pinwheels of dough.) Place pinwheels of dough, lying flat, into each tart mold or cup of muffin tin, and press with moistened thumbs up the sides into a cup shape, to the top of the sides of the mold.

4. Fill the molds

Pour the cream mixture through a sieve into a large measuring couple to remove lumps, lemon peels and cinnamon stick. (If a creamy tart texture is desired, whisk in up to 100 ml of milk. Without this extra milk, the custard will be more firm.) Pour or spoon the custard into the tarts to be about 2/3 full.

5. Bake

Place tray of tarts in the hot oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden on top.

May be served warm or cold. They are really nice with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top!

(For a print version of this recipe, click HERE .)

Québec’s Regions: Five Destinations Worth Exploring

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:50:55 GMT

Québec’s Regions: Five Destinations Worth Exploring

Québec is a province best experienced by exploring its distinct regions, each with its own scenery, culture, and pace of life. From coastal landscapes to historic streets and rolling countryside, here are five highlights that show just how varied Québec can be.

From coastlines to countryside and historic cities, Québec’s regions each bring something unique to the journey, together offering a well-rounded experience of the province’s beauty and character.

10 Fun Facts about Canada's Maritimes

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Tue, 09 May 2023 18:35:58 GMT

‘All Aboard!’ for Fall Foliage

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 19:43:30 GMT

‘All Aboard!’ for Fall Foliage

Escape this fall and enjoy a relaxing trip by train through Canada’s majestic northern landscapes.

A one-day train tour of the Agawa Canyon will take you 114 miles north of Sault Ste Marie, over majestic trestles, skirting along northern lakes and rivers and through the awesome granite of the Canadian Shield. You will see the same sights that inspired the Group of Seven to create Canada’s most notable landscape art.

So what and where is the Agawa Canyon?

The Agawa Canyon is located 183 kilometres northwest of Sault Ste Marie in Algoma County. The Canyon was created 1.2 billion years ago by faults along the Canadian Shield and was enlarged by erosion of the Agawa River. The granite bedrock of the area was formed over 2.5 billion years ago and is among the oldest rock in the world.

The Canyon got its name from the native Ojibway word for "shelter." The name makes sense since the Agawa Canyon’s walls are 575 feet at their highest point, offering early visitors some shelter from the cold winter winds.

In 1911, the first track of the Agawa Canyon railway was laid. The Algoma Central Railway began developing the Agawa Canyon Wilderness Park in 1952 by clearing a picnic area. Since then, millions of people have visited, most of them arriving on the Tour Train.

In fact, the Agawa Canyon Tour Train is the absolute best way to experience the rugged beauty of northern Ontario. This full day train excursion boards in Sault Ste Marie and travels northward through the Canadian Shield and offers the chance to explore the Canyon.

Your journey takes you over majestic train trestles, and along northern lakes and rivers. Through the window, you will see the sights that inspired the Group of Seven to create Canada’s most notable landscape art.

The train stops at the floor of the Canyon. There you’ll find walking trails, four waterfalls and 300 stairs to a lookout platform where you can take in the beauty of the area. The Lookout is 250 feet up the Canyon wall and a return trip hike takes 40 minutes.

The peak time for fall colours is generally during the last two weeks of September and the first week of October. This is when you’ll find the most spectacular landscapes - and the most tourists - so you’ll want to plan ahead!

How to Shop for a Packaged Tour

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 15:19:00 GMT

How to Shop for a Packaged Tour

Have you ever saved, budgeted, and booked a tour, packed with anticipation, excitedly departed, and then had the feeling that your hands were constantly reaching for your wallet to pay for additional trip expenses?

We know that in today’s marketplace, you're overwhelmed with the latest information about the best places to vacation, the top ten things to see and do, and of course, it’s all at the "best prices". This can be confusing and can make it hard to know how to pick the perfect vacation without the “fear of missing out”. The number one tip we have when shopping around is to compare apples-to-apples. Don’t be disappointed the next time you travel. Pay attention to the following tour components:

Prices & Details
Hotels
Attractions
Meals

PRICES & DETAILS

The lowest price does not mean the best . Look carefully at what is included, the number of days, tour highlights, and the accommodation choices.

Pay attention to the details – they matter! If the tour involves a flight, does the price include the air or is it based on land only? Are you visiting a destination during peak season? Know that it will cost more than touring in the shoulder season.

BONUS: To make your vacation stress-free from the start, we include our Connections Program and will make arrangements to get you to the closest pick-up point.

HOTELS

While to some guests, hotels are “just a place to sleep,” there are certain things you should look at.

Compare the property types included in the tour. The establishments with higher property ratings usually mean better levels of services and amenities like baggage handling. While staying at a Fairmont property costs more than a 3-star, the experience of staying at such an esteemed hotel can be worth the extra cost.

Be sure to look at hotel locations. A centrally located hotel provides access to many attractions and restaurants within walking distance whereas a hotel on the outskirts will involve transportation. Especially if your visit to the destination is short, time spent waiting for rides plus shuttle travel time might be better spent exploring.

ATTRACTIONS

The most exciting thing to look forward to during the trip planning stage is what you are going to see and do.

Weigh your two options carefully. Two companies may have the same attraction listed but the experience may be vastly different. For example, a Broadway performance may include just the show or it could be the performance plus a backstage tour.

Is the attraction guided or self-guided? If guided, the ticket will cost more but the price you pay for the guide pays for itself with the wealth of knowledge gained.

Does the company have a lot of add-ons or optional excursions? Having a choice is great, but be prepared with a realistic, on-tour spending budget.

MEALS

When looking at food options, compare the number of meals included. The fewer meals included, the more you will have to pay during your vacation. Take a look at the value of the meal – a lobster dinner vs a pasta dish for example. The lobster is going to cost more. In addition, understand that meals are sometimes included for logistical reasons, and providing box lunches works well when sightseeing in a remote location.

BONUS: Daily breakfast is always included. When meals are included in the tour price, the gratuity is also.

We hope that the next time you get the “travel bug”, you will use these helpful tips to make the best decision for you.

Top 5 Reasons to Travel with Us to the Agawa Canyon

jessicabullock@denuretours.com — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 13:16:18 GMT

Top 5 Reasons to Take our Agawa Canyon Tour

Percé Rock in Quebec’s Famous Gaspé

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 17:52:59 GMT

Percé Rock in Quebec’s Famous Gaspé

In 2009, National Geographic Traveler ranked the Gaspé Peninsula third on its list of the world’s must-see places. Why? Visitors to this region are soon awestruck by Percé Rock and the natural inhabitants of nearby Bonaventure Island.

Rising dramatically from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Percé Rock is a monolith off the Gaspé Peninsula. Located 750km east of Québec City, this limestone island-peninsula is 450m long, 90m wide and 85m high.

It is one of the world's largest natural arches and is considered a geologically and historically-rich natural icon of Quebec . In fact, it was recently nominated as one of the Seven Wonders of Canada by the CBC.

Percé Rock, translated to English as Pierced Rock, was given its name by the explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1607. He felt that the arch on its seaward end looked as though a needle had cut through the rock.

From May 28 to October 12 each year, brave visitors to the rock can cross the sandbar that appears at low tide - a mere four hour window. During these times, park guides provide information on the geology of Percé Rock, however, the top is not accessible as many birds perch there.

Next to the rock is Bonaventure Island , and together the two form Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park. An interpretation centre in the town of Percé features an exhibition entitled "one rock, one island, one national park," which details the wildlife, geology and history of the area.

The Park extends over a 2km stretch of the coastline, and exhibits a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is also one of the largest and most accessible bird sanctuaries in the world, with more than 280,000 birds. In fact, 293 different species of birds have been recorded here. The most common of these is the Northern Gannet, and the island is home to the largest colony of gannets in the world, with over 121,000 birds.

For those who would prefer to see the rock from the water, a cruise from Percé is a 75-minute trip. And if you’re lucky, you may spot some of the many species of whale that can be seen along the coast.

Enigmatic and fascinating, immortalized by artists, poets and writers, the Gaspé’s Percé Rock is definitely a must see attraction.

St. Johns, Newfoundland's friendly capital

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Wed, 26 May 2021 21:57:12 GMT

No trip to Newfoundland is complete without visiting its capital St. John’s. This inviting city is the perfect combination of big-city luxury and small-town charm. And as the oldest and most easterly city in North America, it is also where history lives. Visitors will delight in wandering the narrow, criss-crossing streets carved by horse and carriage over 100 years ago. Many pictures have been snapped of the colourful jellybean row houses wedged together in hidden alleyways and along the city’s steep hills.

You’ll be amazed by the famous Battery, where tiny wooden homes still cling valiantly to cliffs ravaged by ocean waves. And hovering over the Battery is Signal Hill and the unmistakable Cabot Tower that guards the summit. It was here in 1901 that Marconi famously received his first wireless transmission across the Atlantic. But in addition to the museums, shops and attractions that you would expect to find in a capital city, St. John’s is located on the water. In fact, the province features over 29,000 kilometres of pristine coastline, enough to stretch back and forth across Canada four times. And there's no better way to enjoy it than by boat.

Sail along the shore enjoying its rugged beauty, and encounter natural wonders like whales, icebergs, and seabirds. In fact, many visitors have caught a glimpse of a humpback playfully frolicking or breaching high into the air. Friendly and curious creatures, whales are known to surface just a few metres from tour boats. During spring and early summer, you might also cross paths with a 10,000-year-old iceberg drifting down Iceberg Alley on a southerly migration from Greenland. And keep an eye out for the puffins, kittiwakes, and gannets that reside in the many cliffs, crags, inlets, and islands around the coast, and on the ocean itself.

For the nature lover, a trip out to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is a must. Comprised of four small islands, this reserve is one of nature's greatest wonders anywhere on earth. In summer, it is home to millions of seabirds that come to shore to nest and raise their young on the four islands.

Of course, despite all of this, what you’ll remember most about your trip to Newfoundland, is the people. Friendly faces greet you at every turn, people proud of their history, and eager to make you one of their own.

7d9935e5

The Best Time to Travel is the Fall

Why Fall is One of the Best Times to Travel

Why Hike?

Discover the World One Step at a Time

More Than Just Great Exercise

See More Than the Average Traveller

The Joy of Exploring Together

Hiking with DeNure Tours

Where Will the Trail Take You?

100 Years of the Grand Ole Opry — A Canadian Connection

100 Years of Country Music History

Muskoka Steamship History and Scenic Cruises in Ontario

Muskoka Steamship History and Scenic Cruises in Ontario

Did You Know About Muskoka Steamship Travel?

Paster de Nata, A Portuguese Treat

Pastel de Nata: a traditional Portuguese custard tart

Québec’s Regions: Five Destinations Worth Exploring

Québec’s Regions: Five Destinations Worth Exploring

10 Fun Facts about Canada's Maritimes

‘All Aboard!’ for Fall Foliage

‘All Aboard!’ for Fall Foliage ﻿

How to Shop for a Packaged Tour

How to Shop for a Packaged Tour

Top 5 Reasons to Travel with Us to the Agawa Canyon

Top 5 Reasons to Take our Agawa Canyon Tour

Percé Rock in Quebec’s Famous Gaspé

Percé Rock in Quebec’s Famous Gaspé

St. Johns, Newfoundland's friendly capital

‘All Aboard!’ for Fall Foliage