Canadian History and Culture By Rail
10 days / 9 nights
Trip Overview
Sit back and relax and enjoy this meandering journey through eastern Canada by train. On board, the spectacular countryside of Ontario and Quebec rolls past your train window - lakes and forests; quaint villages and bustling small towns; rolling farmland dotted with picturesque farmhouses and tumbledown red barns...At the end of each day on the train you’ll arrive at a fascinating new city to explore, for this is a journey between Niagara on the Lake, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec City - with a wonderful side-tour to Quebec’s Charlevoix region
Dine out, go to the theater, visit a museum or just stroll the busy streets and rest in an outdoor cafe in the sunshine.
This is the perfect getaway for those interested in history, culture, cosmopolitan cities and spectacular scenery.
Map
2 nights in Niagara on the Lake
1 night in Toronto
2 nights in Ottawa
2 nights in Montreal
2 nights in Quebec City
Depart from Montreal
Trip Images
First spend two nights in charming Niagara on the Lake.
You have a day to go wine tasting, or simply enjoy the tranquility.
Visit awe inspiring Niagara Falls, before returning to Toronto.
Travel by train from Toronto to Montreal.
Journey through historic French Canada, sampling epicurean delights and discovering cultural gems.
Watch the Charlevoix mountains plunge into the St. Lawrence from Le Massif train.
A rail experience you will never forget.
Detailed Itinerary
Please note, like most of our Canada vacation packages, this trip can be customized to your needs - just ask one of our local experts when you call.Day 1 – Your Canadian vacation begins - Welcome to Niagara on the Lake
Arrive in Toronto, Canada's largest city, and be whisked away to the serene town of Niagara on the Lake. With your surroundings bursting with flowers or fall colors, eagerly check in to your charming accommodations before heading out to explore the town. Take in the laid-back vibe as visitors and residents celebrate the beauty of the season.
Day 2 – Niagara Falls or Niagara wine tasting
Today the choice is yours - a visit to the famous Niagara Falls,or take a deluxe wine tasting tour of the region. Whether you decide to witness the splendor of the Niagara Gorge or the rolling woodlands of wine country, you will be surrounded by sublime landscapes. Overnight in Niagara on the Lake.
Day 3 - Onward to Toronto
As you transfer back to Toronto this morning, the CN Tower, Casa Loma, Bay Street, the Eaton Centre, and Yorkville are waiting to be explored. The day is spent at your leisure exploring this exciting metropolis. Overnight in Toronto.
Day 4 - Via Rail’s Corridor train to Ottawa
Settle into your carriage for a relaxing train journey along the shores of Lake Ontario, past the typically Canadian thick forest. The train will travel through villages and farms, with grain towers gleaming in the sunlight, and red barns in various states of repair. Overnight in Ottawa.
Day 5 – In Ottawa – The Capital of Canada
Ottawa is a beautiful Canadian city, with so much to see and do. This is the federal capital of Canada with museums abound - the Museum of Civilization, the Canadian War Museum and the National Art Gallery are all awaiting your exploration.
On a gentle city tour with a personal guide, travel through the historic districts and get your bearings so you can further explore on your own. To end a perfect day, cruise up the Rideau Canal with a local guide for an intimate and entertaining perspective on the city.
Day 6 – Train to Montreal
As the train rocks and sways out of Ottawa, you travel towards the open farmland of eastern Quebec, chat with old friends and new, dip into a book, or do the crossword. This is what train travel in Canada and being on vacation is all about!
Arriving in Montreal, you settle into your hotel and go for a walk - perhaps enjoying the shopping, or the cobbled streets of the Old Town, or the entertainers outside a sidewalk cafe. Overnight in Montreal.
Day 7 - Montreal touring
Montreal is North America’s only French-speaking major city - but these days it is a fascinating cosmopolitan mosaic of people from all over the French-speaking world. A morning tour helps you find your bearings and learn about the landmarks such as Notre Dame and St. Catherine’s Street. Afterwards, explore on your own, do a bit of shopping or just chill out at a sidewalk café and nibble on Pain au Chocolate. Whatever you do, the city shows you its special ‘joie de vivre’. Overnight in Montreal.
Day 8 – Your Canada vacation continues - Montreal to Quebec City
Today you are bound for a piece of Europe right in Canada. As the St. Lawrence River dances in the sunlight, the charming town of Cap-de-la-Madeleine passes outside your window. At the end of the day, step off the train in Quebec City as your surroundings fill-up with old stone buildings, cobbled streets, and a wealth of history and culture. A guide gives you a city tour upon arrival before dropping you off at your hotel. Overnight in Quebec City.
Day 9 - Charlevoix day trip by luxury train
A gourmet experience awaits as you travel by rail along the stunning Charlevoix coastline. Dine on mouthwatering food as you experience an onboard multi-media presentation. Rolling mountains plunge into the vast St. Lawrence River outside your window. Arrive in La Malbaie and enjoy a few hours to savour the work of local artisans or a stroll along the river. A ride back to Quebec City this evening provides another opportunity to feast on a delicious 3-course meal and possibly even spot a breaching beluga whale.
Day 10 - Departure - your Canadian vacation comes to an end
Say farewell to Canada's friendly faces and fascinating culture, as you travel back to Montreal by train, and depart from the airport.
Which part of Canada should you explore?
Talk to a friendly local expert TOLL FREE now!
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United Kingdom 0800 917 5924 |
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Accommodation Styles
Delta Chelsea Hotel Toronto
Boutique
The centrally located superior hotel has shopping, dining, and public transit all within walking distance. Hotel facilities include 3 restaurants, a bar, indoor pool with waterslide, fitness centre, sauna, whirlpool, and a children's activity centre.
Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel
Deluxe Inn
This deluxe historic Montreal hotel is located right above the VIA rail station, so you don't even have to go outside to get to one or the other. It is also connected to Montréal's subterranean network of malls. There are over 32 kilometers of interconnected buildings. Enjoy all of the amenities that Fairmont hotels have to offer.
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
Comfort Level hotel
This deluxe landmark chateau-style hotel is located within the walled city of Old Quebec. To enjoy views of the St. Lawrence River, upgrade to a deluxe view room. The hotel offers 3 restaurants, 2 lounges, a pool with whirlpool, fitness room, steam bath, spa, and shops.
Hotel Manoir Victoria
Deluxe
The Hotel Manoir is our most popular superior hotel option used in many of our packages. This classic hotel is located within the walled city of Quebec. Two things that did stand out was the spa and the restaurants. The Spa is the largest in old Québec and the Fairmont even uses their services when a guest is looking for treatments. There are 2 restaurants on site, one that is a little more elegant and one that is a diner style that opens on to the main street.
Options & Upgrades
Trip customization and upgrade ideasAll our Canada train trips can be customized to create your ideal vacation featuring some time on a railroad across all or part of Canada. Here are some ideas - but please ask our friendly experts for more ideas tailored to your needs when you call.
• Upgrade to Business Class for access to the Panorama Lounge at the train station, priority boarding, and meals and bar service, including alcoholic drinks served by an attendant on board the
train
• Add extra nights in any of the Eastern Canada cities as well as day-trips and tours for great additions to this trip
• Add some time in Montreal to visit the Laurentian mountains, including Mont Tremblant
• Rent a car and drive up the stunning Saguenay Fjord
• Combine this trip with one of our Cross Canada rail tours, or a visit to Ontario
• Travel by cruise ship to Montreal, and begin your adventure from here
Dates & Prices
Start dates for 2012 - 2013 Canada vacation packagesFrom January 1 - May 9 - Daily
From May 10 to June 9 - Thursdays, Fridays Saturdays
From June 13 to August 26 - Daily
August 29 to September 8 – Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays
September 10 – 28 – Daily except Sundays
September 29 and 30
October 2 – 13 – Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
From October 14 - April 21, 2013 - daily
| Comfort Hotels with Economy Class on VIA Rail | USD$ | |
| Double | Single | |
| Jan 1 - Apr 21 2012 | 2,662 | 4,639 |
| Apr 22 - May 9 2012 | 2,867 | 4,938 |
| May 10 - Oct 13 2012 | 3,170 | 5,381 |
| Oct 14 - Oct 31 2012 | 2,867 | 4,938 |
| Nov 1 - Apr 22 2013 | 2,662 | 4,938 |
| Boutique Hotels with Business Class on VIA Rail | USD$ | |
| Double | Single | |
| Jan 1 - Apr 21 2012 | 3,414 | 5,809 |
| Apr 22 - May 9 2012 | 3,597 | 6,168 |
| May 10 - Oct 13 2012 | 4,031 | 6,635 |
| Oct 14 - Oct 31 2012 | 3,629 | 6,232 |
| Nov 1 - Apr 21 2013 | 3,414 | 5,809 |
| Deluxe Hotels with Business Class on VIA Rail | USD$ | |
| Double | Single | |
| Jan 1 - Apr 21 2012 | 3,590 | 6,156 |
| Apr 22 - May 9 2012 | 3,944 | 6,867 |
| May 10 - Jun 22 2012 | 4,346 | 7,269 |
| Jun 23 - Oct 13 2012 | 4,548 | 7,672 |
| Oct 14 - Oct 31 2012 | 3,884 | 6,746 |
| Nov 1 - Apr 21 2013 | 3,590 | 6,156 |
| Deluxe Plus Hotels with Business Class on VIA Rail | USD$ | |
| Double | Single | |
| Jan 1 - Apr 21 2012 | 4,240 | 6,412 |
| Apr 22 - May 9 2012 | 4,600 | 8,174 |
| May 10 - Jun 22 2012 | 5,002 | 8,577 |
| Jun 23 - Oct 13 2012 | 5,294 | 9,138 |
| Oct 14 - Oct 31 2012 | 4,543 | 8,035 |
| Nov 1 - Apr 21 2013 | 4,240 | 6,412 |
• Our obsessive attention to detail
• Our caring and creative people
• The promise of seamless amazement
Trip price notes
• Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
• Triple and child rates are available
Included on your vacation package
• 9 nights of hotel accommodation
• Via Rail's corridor train from Toronto to Montreal to Quebec City (Comfort guests in Economy class; Boutique, Deluxe, and Deluxe Plus in Business class)
• Full day excursion on the Charlevoix touring train, including 2 meals (Charlevoix train runs on May 10 to October 13 departures)
• Choice of wine tasting or Niagara Falls sightseeing tours
• Toronto hop on / off tour
• Ottawa sightseeing tour, with Cruise on the Rideau Canal (Canal cruise runs from May 5 - October 8)
• Montreal guided sightseeing tour
• City orientation tour of Old Quebec City, upon arrival at the train station
• A personalized pick up from your arrival airport, and drop off from your departure airport
• All train station transfers
• Documentation package
• Friendly and dedicated Fresh Tracks Canada customer service
Not included on your vacation package
• Meals, other than those mentioned
• Airfare (but don’t hesitate to ask for help)
• Gratuities for rail, hotel, tour & transfer staff
• Trip Cancellation Insurance (highly recommended)
• Canadian Sales Taxes
Need help making the most of your time?
Call one of our friendly local experts TOLL FREE now!
| US & Canada 1 877 913 5264 |
United Kingdom 0800 917 5924 |
Australia 1800 159 634 |
Other Countries 1 604 737 8743 |
Contact Us » |