Rendez-Vous Canada

Rendez-vous Canada Educational Programs (RVC) are affordable, curriculum-based trips to selected destinations across Canada. They are developed as a hands-on cultural experience for groups of all ages looking for an educational, fun and affordable way to visit Canada. All revenues from the program are used to subsidize more SEVEC student exchanges.

SEVEC's mission is to create, promote and facilitate enriching educational opportunities for youth within Canada for the development of mutual respect and understanding through programs of exploration in language, culture, and community.

SEVEC believes that every child in Canada should have the opportunity to learn, firsthand, about another part of the country and its people.

We believe that visiting another part of Canada or sharing the experience of an exchange has a lasting positive impact on the lives of all those involved-individuals, families, organizations and communities. We are totally committed to the success of your exchange or your visit, and to the celebration of your experience of Canada.

Visit the SEVEC website.

The cosmopolitan centre of Montréal is the most important Francophone city in Canada. From the top of the famous Mont-Royal, you can get an amazing view of this metropolis which is located on an island measuring about 50 km long and 17 km wide. The downtown core, which includes historical Old Montréal, offers a beautiful variety of architecture. Come discover the interesting evolution of Montréal since it was founded in 1642 as Ville-Marie.

Tours of Montreal can be done on foot or when you want an easy way to get around, take a ride on the extensive metro system.

Learn about animal and plant life by visiting the Biodome and Insectearium or go back in time by visiting the Pointe-à-Callière Archaeology Museum.

Many hands-on educational programs are available. Learn the skills of an astronaut at the Laval Cosmodome. Discover your inner artist at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Soak up the sun in the summer with seasonal attractions such as the La Ronde Amusement Park and Disco Boat Cruises.

Several more choices can be added to your itinerary.

University Tours

Visit McGill University or Concordia University which offer spaces for picnic lunches, sports facilities, arts performances and historical tours. When traveling with students who are starting to think about post-secondary education, tours of specific faculties can be arranged based on availability.

Performing Arts

For a rich cultural experience incorporate a performing arts event such as theatre, dance or musical performance into your itinerary. The Place des Arts offers a variety of programming including Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal and the Opéra de Montréal.

Festivals

If you have flexible travel dates, your trip can be planned around the many diverse festivals in the Montreal area including the High Lights Art and Light Festival, the Just for Laughs Festival and the Terres En Vue First Peoples Festival.

Curriculum

While in Montreal study the difference between Upper and Lower Canada or focus on Canada’s native culture. Hands on activities and online resources are available.

Day Trips

When travelling to a new part of Canada, why not take in all that the region has to offer by adding a day or overnight trip to a nearby city? When in Montreal visit scenic Ottawa. Take the train to the nation’s capital of Ottawa. Tour the Parliament Buildings and learn about our country’s justice system at the Supreme Court of Canada. In the winter, skate along the Rideau Canal, the world’s longest outdoor skating rink.

RVC tours can last from one to ten days. When deciding on the length of your trip, keep in mind the age of the participants, the size of the group and your budget. Here is an overview of what you can accomplish during a trip.

1-2 days: Large groups going to a nearby city or daytrips for younger students

overview of one city
attractions based on one theme

3-4 days: First time travelers, or a long weekend group trip

in depth discovery of one city
add a day trip to a nearby destination
multiple attractions covering various themes
hands on learning programs

5-7 days: Immersion in the language and culture of a new destination

in depth discovery of one city OR overview of two cities
include a day trip to a nearby destination
multiple attractions covering various themes
hands on learning programs
special event
seasonal activities

7-10 days: Explore the whole region

in-depth discovery of two cities OR overview of three or more cities
include day trips to nearby destinations
multiple attractions covering various themes
hands on learning programs
multiple special events
seasonal activities

A trip to Canada’s national capital will inspire you to discover our country’s history through a multitude of museums, historic sites and monuments or simply by perusing the streets of the Byward Market area. Ottawa also hosts a number of exciting festivals and activities throughout the year such as the famous Winterlude in February and the charming Tulip Festival in May.

Tour Ottawa by bus or in the summer, by water, and you will see many famous landmarks including Parliament Buildings, Rideau Hall and the Royal Canadian Mint.

Learn about the mechanical wonders of the sky at the Canadian Aviation Museum. Find out about the latest gadget at the Science and Technology Museum.

The National Arts Centre is home of the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, French and English theater productions, dance companies and many other performances.

Play in the winter during the Winterlude Festival, with seasonal activities such as skating on the Rideau Canal and Ice Sculpting Competitions.

Several more choices can be added to your itinerary.

University Tours

Visit the University of Ottawa or Carleton University which offer spaces for picnic lunches, sports facilities, art shows and historical tours. When traveling with students who are starting to think about post-secondary education, tours of specific faculties can be arranged based on availability.

Performing Arts

For a rich cultural experience incorporate a performing arts event such as theatre, dance or musical performance into your itinerary. The National Arts Centre presents many symphony concerts designed for students and youth.

Festivals

If you have flexible travel dates, your trip can be planned around the many diverse festivals in the Ottawa area including Winterlude, the Tulip Festival and the International Jazz Festival.

Curriculum

During your visit to Ottawa, study the time of Confederation or focus on Canada’s involvement in World War II. Hands on activities and online resources are available.

Day Trips

When travelling to a new part of Canada, why not take in all that the region has to offer by adding a day or overnight trip to a nearby city? When in Ottawa, visit historic Kingston. Kingston, the second oldest city in Canada was once the capital of the country. Explore Old Fort Henry and cruise through the 1000 Islands. For all those things that go bump in the night, enjoy the Ghost Walk of Kingston.

1-2 days: Large groups going to a nearby city or daytrips for younger students

overview of one city
attractions based on one theme

3-4 days: First time travelers, or a long weekend group trip

in depth discovery of one city
add a day trip to a nearby destination
multiple attractions covering various themes
hands on learning programs

5-7 days: Immersion in the language and culture of a new destination

in depth discovery of one city OR overview of two cities
include a day trip to a nearby destination
multiple attractions covering various themes
hands on learning programs
special event
seasonal activities

7-10 days: Explore the whole region

in-depth discovery of two cities OR overview of three or more cities
include day trips to nearby destinations
multiple attractions covering various themes
hands on learning programs
multiple special events
seasonal activities

Québec City is the hub of French-Canadian culture. Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, it still maintains the flavour and charm of the old world. Many architectural aspects, such as fortifications, narrow streets and different structures still characterize the capital to this day. Discover Québec City by visiting the impressive Château Frontenac, by perusing the cobble-stoned streets lined with old-fashioned buildings or by walking along the tops of the ramparts that surround this age-old city.

Walking tours in Quebec City highlight two areas, Place Royal and Old Quebec City. Test your observation skills by taking part in a Foot Rally.

Enjoy Québécois music at a concert by Pierre Leclerc. Visit the beautiful Ste. Anne Bascillica. Learn about the gold and copper artwork at the Albert Gilles Copper Workshop.

Defend the city at the Plains of Abraham and experience the life of a soldier. Meet historical characters and don period costumes at the Légéndes Québécoises.

Keep warm in the winter with seasonal attractions such as the Winter Carnival, Ice Palace and Village Valcartier Sledding Park.

Several more choices can be added to your itinerary.

University Tours

Visit the University of Quebec or Laval University which offer spaces for picnic lunches, sports facilities, arts performances and historical tours. When traveling with students who are starting to think about post-secondary education, tours of specific faculties can be arranged based on availability.

Performing Arts

For a rich cultural experience incorporate a performing arts event such as theatre, dance or musical performance into your itinerary. Palais Montcalm and Theatre Capitole are home to traditional French theatre performances.

Festivals

If you have flexible travel dates, your trip can be planned around the many diverse festivals in the Quebec area including Winter Carnival, Carrefour International du Théatre and the Les Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France.

Curriculum

During your visit to Quebec City, study the battle on the Plains of Abraham and focus on Canada’s involvement in world wide shipping. Hands on activities and online resources are available.

Day Trips

When travelling to a new part of Canada, why not take in all that the region has to offer by adding a day or overnight trip to a nearby city? When in Quebec City visit breathtaking Tadoussac. Home to the only fjord in North America and offers the unique opportunity of whale watching cruises. Learn about these beautiful aquatic mammals at the Sea Mammals Interpretation Centre and discover their role in the history of the area at the Chauvin Trading Post.

1-2 days: Large groups going to a nearby city or daytrips for younger students

overview of one city
attractions based on one theme

3-4 days: First time travelers, or a long weekend group trip

in depth discovery of one city
add a day trip to a nearby destination
multiple attractions covering various themes
hands on learning programs

5-7 days: Immersion in the language and culture of a new destination

in depth discovery of one city OR overview of two cities
include a day trip to a nearby destination
multiple attractions covering various themes
hands on learning programs
special event
seasonal activities

7-10 days: Explore the whole region

in-depth discovery of two cities OR overview of three or more cities
include day trips to nearby destinations
multiple attractions covering various themes
hands on learning programs
multiple special events
seasonal activities

Ontario’s capital city is also the biggest metropolitan area in Canada. It is home to many unique attractions such as the famous CN Tower, the Skydome, Ontario Place, Canada’s Wonderland and much more. Historical and cultural activities include Queen’s Park at the Provincial Parliament, the Harbour Front and the Royal Ontario Museum.

Bus and boat tours showcase Toronto’s downtown area, but the best view of the city is from the CN Tower. From the world’s highest observation deck, see the Harbour, the Roger’s Centre Stadium and more.

Step back in time to an era of European elegance. Canada’s largest castle, Casa Loma Castle boasts 98 rooms, 5 acres of gardens and even a secret passage.

Royal Ontario Museum, containing almost six million objects, is one of the largest museums in the world. Hands on programs cover themes such as archeology, world history, dinosaurs and insects.

Stay cool in the summer with seasonal activities such as Blue Jay’s Baseball games and the Ontario Place Water Park.

For more information please visit www.rvc.org

Several more choices can be added to your itinerary.

University Tours

Visit the University of Toronto or Ryerson University which offer spaces for picnic lunches, sports facilities, arts performances and historical tours. When traveling with students who are starting to think about post-secondary education, tours of specific faculties can be arranged based on availability.

Performing Arts

For a rich cultural experience incorporate a performing arts event such as theatre, dance or musical performance into your itinerary. The Princess of Wales theatre in the Mirvish Theatre District is home to many Broadway Productions.

Festivals

If you have flexible travel dates, your trip can be planned around the many diverse festivals in the Toronto area including the Chinese Lantern Festival, the Small World Music Festival and the Toronto WinterCity Festival.

Curriculum

While in Toronto study the War of 1812 or focus on Canada’s involvement in the Underground Railroad. Hands on activities and online resources are available.

Day Trips

When travelling to a new part of Canada, why not take in all that the region has to offer by adding a day or overnight trip to a nearby city? When in Toronto visit the wonders of Niagara Falls. The area offers an amazing day trip experience. Ride the Maid of the Mist, or explore the caves behind the falls. Learn the history of the Niagara Region by visiting Old Fort Erie or the Laura Secord Homestead. For a bit of fun, visit the Clifton Hill Entertainment District which includes Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum, the Movieland Wax Museum and the Great Canadian Midway.

1-2 days: Large groups going to a nearby city or daytrips for younger students

overview of one city
attractions based on one theme

3-4 days: First time travelers, or a long weekend group trip

in depth discovery of one city
add a day trip to a nearby destination
multiple attractions covering various themes
hands on learning programs

5-7 days: Immersion in the language and culture of a new destination

in depth discovery of one city OR overview of two cities
include a day trip to a nearby destination
multiple attractions covering various themes
hands on learning programs
special event
seasonal activities

7-10 days: Explore the whole region

in-depth discovery of two cities OR overview of three or more cities
include day trips to nearby destinations
multiple attractions covering various themes
hands on learning programs
multiple special events
seasonal activities

SEVEC
950 Gladstone Street, Suite 300
Ottawa ON K1Y 3E6
CANADA

1.613.72.SEVEC (1.613.727-3832) or 1.800.38.SEVEC
Fax: 1.613.727-3831
rvc@sevec.ca

What is included in an RVC tour?
What is not included in an RVC tour?
What affects the price of an RVC tour?
How many people do I need in my group? Is there a minimum or maximum number?
What activities are on a RVC itinerary?
What destinations are available?
When should I start planning my trip??
Does RVC offer travel only to students? Is there a minimum/maximum age for participants?
Does it have to be a school group?
What are the deadlines for payments?
When can we travel?

What is included in an RVC tour?
An RVC tour includes a detailed itinerary, including a wide variety of themes and activities designed to showcase the best of each of our four destination cities. These itineraries have been created with assistance from our professional guides who have years of experience guiding in their city.

The land cost of the RVC tour includes accommodations, most meals, all activities, guides, accident insurance, and one free chaperone for every ten participants. It also covers all travel within the destination city, as well as transfers between cities if you are visiting more than one destination.

You also receive 24 hour emergency service while traveling, a group photo in your destination city, an RVC travel souvenir, and group membership in SEVEC.

What is not included in an RVC tour?
Travel to the destination city is not included in the land cost. An RVC travel consultant can arrange your transportation to the destination by air, train or bus at an additional cost.

Flight cancellation, medical and baggage insurance are not included but are highly recommended.

What affects the price of an RVC tour?
There are several factors that affect the price of an RVC tour. The number of participants, travel dates and the length of stay have the greatest affect. Other choices such as hotel or hostel stay, number of participants to a room, restaurant or brown bag meals, and coaches or school buses will directly change the cost of the tour. Added extras to your itinerary such as concerts or seasonal events will also change the price. An RVC representative can suggest the choices that will best suit your budget.

How many people do I need in my group? Is there a minimum or maximum number?
To take advantage of group pricing and guaranteed bookings with vendors, the suggested minimum group size is 15 people. For smaller groups please contact a RVC representative for more information.

There is no maximum group size. Groups over 30 you will be split into smaller groups for some activities. Larger groups will also receive the benefit of having multiple guides to better assist you during your travel.

What activities are on a RVC itinerary?
RVC itineraries are designed to provide an exciting educational tour. Working with tourism boards and local guides in each of the destination cities, we have incorporated the best attractions and activities into each itinerary.

While varying by city, each itinerary does cover multiple themes such history, culture, science, visual and performance art and sports. Museums, historical sites, hands on programming, physical activities and sight-seeing tours are all included.

More choices such as university tours, day trips to nearby destinations, seasonal and one time events such as concerts can also be part of your itinerary, based on availability. Please contact a RVC representative to receive an itinerary.

What destinations are available?
RVC has four destination cities – Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Quebec. Day trips to nearby destinations such as Kingston, Niagara Falls and Taddoussac are available.

When should I start planning my trip?
The earlier you can start planning the better. This gives more time for organizing your itinerary, fundraising and increasing interest in participation. Bookings for some attractions fill up quickly and early planning can help to guarantee that you get your first choice of activities. Many groups start planning their trips a year in advance.

Does RVC offer travel only to students? Is there a minimum/maximum age for participants?
While there is no specific age requirements, RVC itineraries are designed for youth ages 12 to 17. For younger participants, our day trips provide a unique travel opportunity that is not overwhelming or expensive. Contact an RVC representative on more information if your group falls outside this age range.

Does it have to be a school group?
RVC only provides tours for groups but is not limited to school groups. Scouts, Girl Guides, sports teams, bands, choirs and other community groups have previously traveled with RVC, taking advantage of the planning support and wide range of fun and educational activities that an RVC tour offers.

What are the deadlines for payments?
Deposits are to be sent with the signed contract for the tour. Final payments are due 60 days prior to travel.

Once you can sign a contract and return you deposit the cost of your trip is guaranteed unless you make changes to your group numbers, travel dates or itinerary.

When can we travel?
RVC tours are available year round subject to event availability. Summer travel provides the opportunity to participate in many seasonal activities and events.