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Canadian History and Culture by Rail

5.0
11 reviews

Length

10 days / 9 nights

Time on train

3 days

Train type

Where it goes

When to go

April – October

Price from

Your itinerary is personalized to suit your dreams and needs:

  • Decide your desired budget
  • Choose your own activities and experiences
  • Have all the details of your trip arranged for you
Start Planning

Explore the best of Ontario and Quebec by rail

Enjoy this meandering train journey through eastern Canada. Each day you’ll explore a fascinating new city - from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec City.

Route map of Canadian History and Culture by Rail trip from Toronto to Quebec City
Highlights of your trip

Explore the Niagara region, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City

Travel onboard VIA Rail's Corridor train

Visit Quebec's charming countryside  

Unique selection of small group sightseeing and foodie tours

Daily train departures to accommodate your schedule

Top experiences and features

Flowers blooming across the street from the old Prince of Wales Hotel

Discover Niagara-On-The-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake is an undeniably gorgeous place, with tree-lined streets, lush parks and impeccably restored houses.

Your Questions Answered

Find out what is included in your trip and have all your questions answered. We are here to help.

What’s Included

Hotel accommodation
Train journey onboard the daylight Corridor train
Choice of unique guided activities
Feature dining experience at one of our favorite local restaurants
Airport and train station transfers
Electronic travel documentation package
Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

Frequently Asked Questions

Our vacations are not typically ‘escorted.’ You are not tied into a specific group, or a rigid daily itinerary but rather have the freedom of ‘independent’ travel.

This allows you, with the help of our Canadian Insiders, to personalize your trip to suit your occasion, interests, timeframe and budget. We’ll guide you through the process and provide the reassurance of seamless connections, customer service support, and scheduled activities tailored to your taste.

Your trip can be as rich as you’d like, and completely arranged around your interests and needs. The greatest benefit of working with us is our local knowledge. You can customize your trip and decide what you’d like to see and do.

If your trip is a special occasion, we’ll make sure it is unforgettable. Or if you’re traveling with a group, we’ll take care of the logistics so you can share time together stress-free.

Absolutely! We personalize all our clients’ trips to fit their exact tastes and needs. You can add days at locations that you’d like to explore and spend more time at. Or leave out certain areas that don’t interest you as much. Discuss your travel goals with our Vacation Advisors who make sure that your trip fits your needs and budget.

We partner with many hotels across the country that offer a variety of service levels and unique experiences. Choosing a hotel is based on local availability and personal preference, and our Insiders will help you find the perfect place to rest your head so that you can have the best experience possible.

On some of our trips, you’ll see that we categorize our hotel rooms by Comfort, Boutique, and Deluxe class, which generally translates into the traditional 3-, 4- or 5-star designation (equivalent to Best Western, Sheraton and Fairmont). However, sometimes we use the same hotel for more than one category and distinguish the room by size, floor level or view.

Our Comfort Level hotels include our favorite 3 star hotels, in great locations and with excellent service.

Our Boutique Level hotels provide amazing value for clients wanting something more upscale but not at the price of a top-end 5 star resort. These are some of our favorites because of the character and unique charm that you won't find at the average chain hotel.

In Deluxe Level hotels, it's likely you'll be staying at one of the iconic Canadian Fairmont Hotels in a room with a view. Built for the Canadian Pacific Railway in the early 20th century, these hotels are luxurious and full of history – ensuring an experience you'll never forget.

Hotel amenities can vary by property, so your Vacation Advisor will discuss what’s most important to you, such as air conditioning, parking, laundry, swimming pool, spa, onsite restaurants, or 24-hour room service.

Accessible hotel rooms vary by hotel, ranging from partially accessible to fully barrier free. Your Fresh Tracks Vacation Advisor will make sure to find the right room for your needs.

All our trips are personalized to fit our clients’ schedule and budget. The price of your trip generally depends on the travel season, train service, accommodations, and the sightseeing tours you take. When you request a quote you’ll be provided with the detailed information you need

Most of our trips include stops to get off the train to explore Canada’s beautiful locations, national parks and unique cities. However, if you’re keen to maximize your time onboard, we’ll pair you up with the perfect train experience.

Business Class includes meals on the train (breakfast, lunch or dinner, depending on the time of day). These meals and complimentary beverages are served at your seat. Business Class seats are wide and comfortable with plenty of legroom. Another feature of Business Class is that you receive access to the in-station business class lounge before you board the train.

This trip itinerary includes time in Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City. There are a range of activities available in each destination, including private sightseeing tours, small group walking tours, food market tours, and more. When you’re in Niagara-on-the-Lake, you can visit Niagara Falls or the Niagara wine region.

For more details, please see the full trip itinerary or speak to one of our Vacation Advisors. You can customize your trip and pick the activities that most interest you.

Sample Itinerary

Speak to one of our Canadian Insiders about personalizing this trip. Some of our trips can be done in the reverse direction.
Indicates featured inclusions
Welcome to Niagara-on-the-Lake
Day 01

Welcome to Niagara-on-the-Lake

Arrive in Canada's largest city, Toronto, and be whisked away to the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Rolling vineyards and blooming flowers surround you — and frame Lake Ontario. 

  • Private Transfer from Toronto Airport
Discover the Niagara Region
Day 02

Discover the Niagara Region

Discover the splendor of the Niagara Gorge and the serene woodlands of wine country. Choose an activity that's just right for you.

    You have 2 options to choose from today:
  • Niagara Region Winery Tour and Lunch

    Travel through the lush Niagara Peninsula on a delightful tour of the Niagara wine region. Enjoy tastings at three wineries and a delicious gourmet lunch.

  • Sightseeing Tour of Niagara Falls

    On this guided bus tour, get up close to awe-inspiring Niagara Falls, tuck into a buffet lunch, and explore the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Onward to Toronto
Day 03

Onward to Toronto

Get ready to explore Toronto's colourful neighborhoods as you travel back to the ‘big city’ this morning. Spend the day at your leisure and discover what lies behind the city's famous skyline. 

  • Private Transfer to Toronto
  • Dinner at the CN Tower
Onward to Ottawa
Day 04

Onward to Ottawa

Board the VIA Rail Corridor train for a relaxing train journey along the shores of Lake Ontario, passing small farms and villages before you reach Canada's capital — Ottawa.   

  • VIA Rail Corridor Train - Business Class
  • Private Transfer from Train Station
Explore the Capital – Ottawa
Day 05

Explore the Capital – Ottawa

Ottawa is a beautiful city with countless attractions and hidden gems. The city is the federal capital of Canada, so museums abound — the Museum of Civilization, the Canadian War Museum, and the National Art Gallery all await your visit. 

    You have 3 options to choose from today:
  • Private Sightseeing Tour of Ottawa

    With a local Ottawan as your guide and driver, explore the city's top sites on this fully customizable tour. 

  • Private Historical Walking Tour of Ottawa

    Stretch your legs on this privately guided walking tour. Visit historical highlights, including Parliament Hill, the National War Memorial, Château Laurier and ByWard Market.

  • ByWard Market Courtyards Tour

    Embark on a guided culinary adventure through one of Canada's oldest public markets. Sample tasty offerings along the way, so bring an appetite. 

  • Suggested Add-On: Ottawa River Cruise (Extra Cost)
VIA Rail – Ottawa to Montreal
Day 06

VIA Rail – Ottawa to Montreal

As the train rocks and sways out of Ottawa, you'll journey towards the open farmland of eastern Quebec. Chat with old and new friends, dip into a book, or do a crossword. This is what train travel is all about!

  • Private Transfer from Hotel to Train Station
  • VIA Rail Corridor Train - Business Class
  • Transfer from Train Station
  • Dinner in Montreal

    Try traditional French cuisine at one of our favourite Montreal restaurants.

Discover the Culture of Montreal
Day 07

Discover the Culture of Montreal

Rich in culture and beautiful architecture, Montreal is a fabulous city to explore. Venture out and discover its upscale shops, eateries and historic hidden gems.

    You have 3 options to choose from today:
  • Small Group Sightseeing Tour of Montreal

    Explore Montreal's must-see areas and attractions on this fully guided tour. Visit Mount Royal, Old Montreal, the Notre-Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory and more.

  • Private Walking Tour of Old Montreal
  • Private Food Tour in Old Montreal
  • Suggested Evening Activity – Aura Lightshow at Notre-Dame Basilica

    If you have time this evening, discover the artwork of the Notre-Dame Basilica through multimedia installations. A combination of light, orchestral music, and stunning architecture provides an unforgettable experience. 

VIA Rail – Montreal to Quebec City
Day 08

VIA Rail – Montreal to Quebec City

Travel by train along the St. Lawrence River to Quebec City, where your surroundings are full of old stone buildings, cobbled streets, distant mountains, and a wealth of history and culture. 

  • Transfer to Train Station
  • The Corridor Train, Business Class

    Relax in your spacious business class seat as you follow the St. Lawrence River from Montreal to Quebec City. Meals and full-bar service are included onboard the train. 

  • Transfer from Train Station

Prices

Get your personalized quote as prices vary by departure date, train-service level and hotel class. Prices shown are our lowest rates per person, based on double occupancy, and exclude taxes.
Comfort Level
Hotel Accommodation
VIA Rail Service
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View full itinerary

Like this trip? Get more details with a sample itinerary:

  • Day-tour options and descriptions;
  • Departure dates;
  • Suggestions for personalizing your trip.
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Accommodations

These are examples of the places you can stay on this trip. Please get in touch to discuss your options and to check availability.
Chateau Frontenac historic hotel, castle architecture, with gardens out front

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

Example of a Deluxe hotel in Quebec City

Said to be the world’s most photographed hotel, the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is an iconic landmark that overlooks the St. Lawrence River and Old Québec City. Experience the hotel’s enchanting history on a guided tour, then unwind with a relaxing spa treatment.

Personalize This Itinerary

Here are some of the most popular ways to personalize this journey.

Travel in a private group

Travel in a private group

Exploring with friends and family is the best way to create lasting memories and reconnect. Organizing once-in-a-lifetime trips for families and small groups of friends is a particular passion for us. Ask us about how our itineraries can be customized to work for your group.

What Our Customers Say

Excellent overall rating based on 11 reviews

They had everything planned so we could just enjoy the experience

It was an absolutely wonderful experience. There was a second when my husband and I got off the plane and we started getting nervous "where do we do again?", "Is the driver going t... 

Rikki and Torian review of their [object Object] trip

Rikki and Torian

CA, USA

Insider Tips

Eastern Canada has always been my favourite. From bustling cities to quaint towns and countryside, the east doesn’t lack for charm or culture. The European flair of French Canada, the snug Maritime villages, the Victorian heritage of Niagara-on-the-Lake and Ottawa – this is the beating heart of Canada. See it at its loveliest during the chromatic drama that is autumn.

Anjuli B

Anjuli

Canadian Insider

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