Transfer Option:

Daily itinerary for the Route

1. Saturday - Arrival and warm-up ride
2. Sunday - Montréal’s Old Port – Lachine Canal – Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue
3. Monday - Lac Saint-Louis –Soulanges Canal – Valleyfield
4. Tuesday - Valleyfield – Lac Saint-François – Valleyfield
5. Wednesday - Valleyfield – Parc régional du canal Beauharnois – Beauharnois
6. Thursday - Beauharnois – Châteauguay – Lachine – Old Port
7. Friday - Departure from the Old Port

A typical day
Here is the itinerary for a typical day on our Bike & Boat tours:

• 8:00 a.m.: Breakfast and lunch preparation
• 8:45 a.m.: Instructions and weather for the day, presented by the guide
• 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.: Cycling tour with a break or visit every 15 km, including 45-minute lunch break
• 5:00 p.m.: Return to the ship and free time
• 6:15 p.m.: Four-course dinner
• 7:30 p.m.: Guided heritage tour or free time

The ship will remain moored at the port-of-call for the night.
The average cycling speed of the group is approximately 15 km/h. The guide can assist cyclists who are looking for more of a challenge by creating routes that satisfy their specific needs. They are free to travel these routes solo or accompanied by other members of the group.
Difficulty:  Easy cycling. Most of the routes are flat with only occasional rolling hills. Daily biking distances range from 21 to 29 miles (34 - 47 km) (and a warm-up bike ride of 6 miles on the day of arrival). All biking takes place on good asphalted bike paths or country roads with as little traffic as possible.
Should you choose not to cycle, or if you are traveling with a partner who is not such an enthused cyclist or needs a rest, you may always stay on board the ship and enjoy the beautiful passing scenery. The rest of the cycling crew will meet you again on the boat in the next town.

Detailed Itinerary
SATURDAY: Arrival in Montreal; warm-up ride, 6 mi. (10 km)
Your floating inn for the duration of the tour, the Latitude Amsterdam will be docked at the Quays of the Old Port directly in the Old Montreal. Check-in starts at 4 P.M. Upon arrival you will be introduced to the crew and receive information on the ship and the tour. You will be assigned your bike for the week and it will be fitted for your comfort. Dinner will follow. In the evening, a short ride will allow you to become familiar with the handling of the bike. Afterwards, there is a possibility for a city walk in beautiful Old Montreal. In May and October, the warm-up ride will occur before dinner because of the earlier sunset.
SUNDAY: Old Port of Montréal - Lachine Canal - Ste-anne-de Bellevue, 29 mi. (46 km)
Leaving Old Montreal, for this first day of riding, we explore the Lachine Canal, stopping along the way at the Atwater Farmer’s Market to discover the produce, colours and tastes of Quebec. At the Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site we discover the root of the economic development of Nouvelle-France in the 18th Century. After lunch, we follow the Route Verte bike route along the shores of Lake St-Louis to picturesque Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue. Dinner on-board and overnight stay at the Ste-Anne canal, with a possibility for an evening walk along the lively boardwalk.
MONDAY: Lake St-Louis - Soulanges Canal - Valleyfield, 21 mi. (34 km)
The morning starts with a breakfast cruise on Lake St-Louis and the St-Lawrence Seaway around Ile Perrot and Pointe-du-Moulin with its 18th Century seigneurial windmill. We leave the ship at Pointe-des-Cascades to ride along the old Soulanges Canal bike path in a quiet country-side setting. After a visit at the Coteau-du-Lac National Historic Site to discover the history of canal construction on the St-Lawrence and the War of 1812-14, we ride to Valleyfield on the dams that divert the St-Lawrence into the Beauharnois Canal. The ship docks in the picturesque St-François bay, in the Valleyfield city center and the Old Beauharnois Canal. Dinner on-board and possibility in the evening to explore the city.
TUESDAY: Valleyfield - Lake St-François - Valleyfield, 29 mi. (47 km)
Transfer by mini-van to the Lake St-François Natural Wildlife Sanctuary where we trade our bikes for rabaska canoes and explore the unique setting and rich wildlife of the wetlands of Lake St-François. After the visit, we return to our bikes and ride quiet back roads to the Drouler/Tsiionkiawatha First Nations archeological site to explore the life style of the St-Lawrence Iroquois who inhabited the village in the 15th Century. After the visit, the Adirondack mountains and the plains of the St-Lawrence river serve as our backdrop as we bike back to Valleyfield, where we stay for a second night. Dinner on-board and possibility to attend Tuesdays-in-Music during July and August in the city park.
WEDNESDAY: Valleyfield - Beauharnois Canal Regional Park - Beauharnois, 25 mi. (40 km)
We leave Valleyfield to explore the natural setting surrounding the Beauharnois Canal, a man-made reservoir created to supply the Beauharnois hydro-electric dam. After observing some of the many migratory birds that transit through the sanctuary developed and managed by Ducks Unlimited, we ride to the Pointe-du-Buisson archeological site for lunch and an opportunity to discover some of Quebec’s local food fare. We then ride into Beauharnois where we will stay overnight. Dinner on-board. Evening walk to the bucolic and intimate falls on the St-Louis River.
THURSDAY: Beauharnois - Châteauguay - Lachine - Old Port of Montreal, 22 mi. (35 km)
The morning starts with a breakfast cruise across Lake St-Louis to Lachine. We follow the St-Lawrence river through an exceptional urban setting to discover the Lachine rapids, Nun’s Island and the St-Lawrence Seaway lock at St-Lambert. We then ride through Jean-Drapeau park back to the Old Port of Montreal. Dinner on-board and overnight stay in the Old Port of Montreal.
FRIDAY: Departure from Old Port of Montreal.
After breakfast, time to say goodbye to the Latitude Amsterdam and crew.

On the Comfort Plus class ship, the M/V Latitude Amsterdam. This ship has capacity for 16 passengers & 5 crew members. The ship features a full dining room, bar, salon/lounge, & sun deck.
The ship’s cabins are designed to create a cozy environment for an active clientele. The cabins boast the following features:

• Soundproofing, air-conditioning, and heating in order to guarantee a restful night of sleep following a full day of exploration and discovery;
• A desk and two lower twin beds;
• A private bathroom with a shower;
• Adequate storage space to satisfy the needs of an active clientele, including a safe.

The Cuisine
We feature Québec regional farm products and cuisine. The philosophy of its cooking is inspired by the Slow Food movement and the works of Renaud Cyr, a Québecois chef who pioneered the development of a culinary culture based on the close and steady relationship between the chef and the efforts of the Québecois agro-food artisan.
The food that is served is in keeping with its mission of promoting sustainable and responsible development and serving as an ambassador and a driving force for regional development, highlighting the benefits that can be reaped when the artisan and the chef work in unison. This harmony ensures a responsible operation and the protection of the area’s natural resources.
In keeping with the Slow Food philosophy, we offer an ethical and gastronomical culinary approach that focuses on local, biological, and sustainable production, without compromising the tasty pleasures of a diversified and progressive menu.
The result: a distinct and nuanced menu that balances the needs of an active clientele who are driven by discovery with those of the region that is being toured, the availability of local products, and the seasonal delicacies.

The Ship
Designed and built in Canada in 1997, in compliance with Transport Canada construction and inspection rules for Small Passenger Vessels, the M/V Latitude Amsterdam is the first ship in the Latitude 45º Nord’s fleet. This hotel ship offers all of the functional characteristics that are found on Dutch “Comfort Deluxe” barges. Everything has been taken into consideration in order to maximize space without compromising the comfort and well-being of passengers. The accommodations are original and welcoming, and the hospitality of the crew is matched only by the cozy ambience.
The ship is transformed into an inn and café while it is docked at its winter port between November and April. It can host visitors for a coffee, a light meal, and “hollandaiseries”: delightful dutch
pastries still undiscovered by most Quebecers. The wonderful café
stands out for its intimate ambience
and original menu.

The M/V Latitude Amsterdam

Characteristics

• Engines: 2 X Caterpillar 4126B marine diesel engines (408HP)
• Electricity: 120 VAC 60HZ
• Potable water: 5,500 liters (1,440 gal. US)
• Length overall: 23,23m
• Width: 7,07m
• Draught: 1,95 m
• Air Draught: 6,97m
• Gross tonnage: 170 tons

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

The bicycles that are included in your package have been specifically designed to satisfy the needs of cycling vacation tours. A bicycle is selected for you based on your height, and the guide will help with any adjustments when you arrive. The 24-speed hybrid bicycle is configured in such a way as to ensure that you are sitting in a comfortable position that will allow you to take full advantage of the tourism experience and not miss anything. The bicycles are stable and easy to manoeuvre, and they feature the following equipment

• Halogen headlight and red rear light
• Mud guards
• Chain guard
• Saddle bags
• Bell
• Bottle holder

If you prefer, you can bring your own bicycle. It is recommended that all cyclists wear a helmet, but it is not mandatory.

Tack:		--
Horses:
Pace:		asy cycling. Most of the routes are flat with only occasional rolling hills. Daily biking distances range from 21 to 29 miles (34 - 47 km) (and a warm-up bike ride of 6 miles on the day of arrival).
Level:		(1.5 to 2 out of 5)
Riders:		Min 8 riders	Max 16 riders

The bicycles that are included in your package have been specifically designed to satisfy the needs of cycling vacation tours. A bicycle is selected for you based on your height, and the guide will help with any adjustments when you arrive. The 24-speed hybrid bicycle is configured in such a way as to ensure that you are sitting in a comfortable position that will allow you to take full advantage of the tourism experience and not miss anything. The bicycles are stable and easy to manoeuvre, and they feature the following equipment

• Halogen headlight and red rear light
• Mud guards
• Chain guard
• Saddle bags
• Bell
• Bottle holder

If you prefer, you can bring your own bicycle. It is recommended that all cyclists wear a helmet, but it is not mandatory.

Passports
Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following:
(a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian Certificate of Identity, Canadian birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship;
(b) permanent residents of Canada with proof of status, ie Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing, Returning Resident Permit or a Refugee Travel Document issued by the government of Canada to refugees who have been resettled in Canada;
(c) 2. citizens of the USA holding proof of citizenship (eg US birth certificate or US naturalisation papers).
Note: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.
(d) persons entering from St Pierre & Miquelon or the USA who are legal permanent residents of the USA and hold a US alien registration card (Green Card);
(e) 3. citizens of France who are residents of and entering from St Pierre & Miquelon.
Note: (a) Children under 18 years must have information with them on the people responsible for their welfare, if travelling alone; this includes a letter of permission to travel from guardian(s), and also a letter from the custodian in Canada. (b) Depending on circumstance and nationality, certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination in order to receive their visas; this must be carried out by a physician on Canada's list of Designated Medical Practitioners.
Passport Note
Visitors to Canada must satisfy an examining officer at the Port of Entry that they are genuine visitors, in good health, with no criminal convictions, and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Canada and to return to their country of origin, as well as evidence of confirmed onward reservations out of Canada. Persons under 18 years of age who are unaccompanied by an adult should bring with them a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to travel to Canada.

Identity/travel documents issued to non-national residents of the country of issue, refugees or stateless persons are recognised for travel to Canada.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in chart above (visitor or transit) for stays of up to six months except the following:
(a) 4. holders of passports endorsed ‘British Subjects’ and ‘British Protected Persons’;
(b) 5. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania;
(c) those visiting Canada who, during that visit, also visit the USA or St Pierre & Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory) and return directly to Canada as visitors within the period authorised on their initial entry (or any extension thereto).

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
The Government of Canada refuses admission to: (a) holders of passports issued by the UK Government entitled 'British Temporary Resident's Passport'.

(a) A single-entry visa is still valid if used to visit the USA. (b) Persons wishing to attend a course of six months duration or less, at any level, do not require a study permit. However, if there is the possibility that you will extend your period of study in Canada, or if you are a full time student and wish to work on campus, you may apply for a study permit.
Types of Visa and Cost
Visitor: C$75 (single-entry); C$150 (multiple-entry). Family: C$400 (for families of six or more persons). Transit: free. Transit visas are necessary for all nationals who require a visitor visa. Although transit visas are not required by British citizens, they may be required by foreign nationals with British passports; check with the embassy or high commission for details. For further information on payment methods, contact the high commission. Prices are subject to frequent change.
Validity
Up to six months depending on circumstances of individual applicant. The determination regarding length of stay in Canada can only be decided by the examining officer at the port of entry, but visas cannot exceed the validity of the passport and cannot be longer than five years. If no actual departure date is indicated within the visitor’s passport, then the visitor will be required to depart within three months from the date of entry. Visitors must effect their departure from Canada on or before the date authorised by the examining officer on arrival. If an extension of stay is desired, an application must be made in writing to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre at least three weeks before the expiry of the visitor visa. Multiple-entry visas cannot be valid longer than passport. Transit visas are only allocated if a national's flight/onward journey is continuing within 24 hours. Single-entry visas can be used multiple times by nationals of St Pierre & Miquelon and the USA.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission)
Working Days Required
10 days are required from receiving applications, but applications should be made at least one month prior to the intended date of departure. Certain nationals are subject to longer processing times. For urgent applications it is advised to apply in person. Same-day processing is available for applications made in person and 24-hour processing for those using the drop-in service.