Eastern Rail Classic 9 days / 8 nights

Trip Overview

Imagine experiencing the big city of Toronto, bilingual Montreal, historic Quebec City and coastal Halifax – all in just over a week. Travel between each city by train, sitting in comfort as you watch the changing scenery. An overnight train journey – complete with onboard guide (available in peak season) – is a highlight of your trip. You’re rocked to sleep in a private cabin, awakening to the sun glinting off the Atlantic Ocean. This is your chance to explore Canada’s east coast like never before.

Map

Arrive Toronto
2 nights Toronto
2 nights Montreal
1 night Quebec City
1 night VIA Rail
2 nights Halifax
Depart Halifax

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Your Canada Vacation Package Begins – arrive in Toronto Upon arrival by private transfer at your hotel in downtown Toronto, you will hear the sounds of the bustling city. Couples rush to one of Toronto’s big stage productions; a woman quickly shifts all her shopping bags to one arm as she raises a hand to hail a cab; your follow the smell of Chinese food to a delivery boy biking along the street. Toronto beckons and you are anxious to explore the city.

Day 2 Urban Exploration – discover Toronto See the legislative buildings, witness the pace of life in bustling Chinatown as your onboard guide gives a feel for the history of Toronto. You see the famous harbor and your guide doesn’t stop your bus – you go right into the water! Enjoy the sparkling views of Toronto from this unexpected viewpoint.

 Day 3 A new Culture Awaits – Toronto to Montreal on VIA Rail’s Corridor Leaving Toronto behind, relax on the Corridor train today as you travel to Montreal.
Relax next to your big picture window and watch the scenery pass by - Lake Ontario, rural Quebec, and the St. Lawrence River capture your attention. The people of Montreal will happily speak English, but try a little French and the effort is always appreciated in this bilingual city.

 Day 4 French Canada’s Hub - tour Montreal The lively residential and financial districts give you a sense of life in modern Montreal. A visit to the gorgeous Notre Dame Basilica takes you back in time. Enjoy the views from Mt. Royal, Montreal’s namesake.

Day 5 Montreal to Quebec City on VIA Rail’s Corridor Journey through some of French Canada’s most scenic countryside as your train heads toward Quebec City. Arrive in a little piece of Europe - right in Canada! The historic city walls, cobble stone streets, and centuries old buildings give Quebec City its old world air.

Day 6 Explore Quebec City – Quebec City to Halifax on the Ocean Visit Place Royale, where the Chateau Frontenac sits grandly on the plateau above.
Feel as though you are stepping into Quebec City’s colorful history as you visit authentic Quebecois shops and sample mouthwatering poutine.

After a full day in Quebec City you are rocked to sleep on the Ocean train as you leave French Canada and the train heads for Halifax.

Day 7 Enter the Maritimes – Arrive in Halifax Wake to the sights and sounds of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean and coastal villages. An onboard guide recounts the history of the Maritimes and describes the region’s unique traditions. Sit in the panoramic dome car and count the colorful sails out on the water before stepping off the train into the upbeat, Celtic atmosphere of the Maritimes’ largest city.

 Day 8 Tour Halifax Halifax has a rich Celtic culture; a guided tour takes you to the heart of downtown Halifax – the Historic Properties. At the Pier 21 stories are told of the 1.5 million immigrants, war brides, and servicemen who passed through the facility - this was the beginning of modern Canada.

Or perhaps you choose to enjoy a day tour to Peggy’s Cove. Peggy's Cove is a "must-see" when visiting Nova Scotia. Spend the afternoon taking in the spectacular scenery of this picture-postcard fishing village perched on the Atlantic Ocean. Famous for its iconic lighthouse and the crashing surf on the glacier rock formations – be sure to bring your camera.

This is the last night of your Canadian train trip and the perfect excuse to treat yourself to fresh seafood – the ultimate regional specialty.

 Day 9 With Fond Memories Made – Depart Halifax Much too soon, you bid farewell to the sights and sounds of eastern Canada and depart from the Halifax Airport.

Which part is most beautiful during the season I want to go?

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Accommodations

Delta Chelsea Hotel Toronto

Superior

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.

Le Saint Sulpice

Deluxe

Enjoy a luxury boutique hotel set in the heart of old Montreal for convenient access to all the great sights. French style windows open on the courtyard or the historic streets of Vieux-Montreal. Bathrooms are luxurious and well-appointed (including an Eco-Spa line by Fruits and Passion).

Lord Nelson Hotel And Suites Halifax

Standard

The Lord Nelson hotel is a standard property overlooking the Public Gardens in central Halifax. Facilities include a restaurant, lounge and fitness center.

Options & Upgrades

All our trips can be customized for your ideal vacation
 • 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

Dates & Prices

2010 Package Start Dates
 • Package is available to start daily except Thursdays
• This package is not available for arrivals in Montreal during the Grand Prix (June dates TBA)
STANDARD USD $ CAD $ Business Class Upgrade
Double Single Double Single USD $ CAD $
May 25 - Jun 12 2010 1,786 2,877 1,786 2,877 238 238
Jun 13 - Oct 6 2010 1,985 3,174 1,985 3,174 238 238
SUPERIOR USD $ CAD $ Business Class Upgrade
Double Single Double Single USD $ CAD $
May 25 - Jun 12 2010 2,188 3,540 2,188 3,540 238 238
Jun 13 - Aug 24 2010 2,358 3,861 2,358 3,861 238 238
Aug 25 - Oct 6 2010 2,587 4,252 2,587 4,252 238 238
DELUXE USD $ CAD $ Business Class Upgrade
Double Single Double Single USD $ CAD $
May 25 - Jun 12 2010 2,343 3,932 2,343 3,932 238 238
Jun 13 - Aug 31 2010 2,594 4,294 2,594 4,294 238 238
Sep 1 - Oct 6 2010 2,797 4,671 2,797 4,671 238 238
Price Notes
 • Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
• Triple, quad and child rates are available

Includes • 8 nights accommodation (including 1 night on board The Ocean)
• Private luxury transfers between airports, hotels and rail stations, including meet & greet on day 1
• 2-hour sightseeing tour of Toronto
• Toronto to Montreal rail transfer on VIA Rail’s Corridor (economy class)
• 3-hour sightseeing tour of Montreal
• Montreal to Quebec City on VIA Rail (economy class)
• Quebec City to Charny bus shuttle to board Ocean train
•Charny to Halifax rail transfer on VIA Rail’s The Ocean (Cabin for 1 or 2)
• Easterly Class on Ocean train which includes guide, breakfast and lunch(available June 18-October 11, 2010)
• Choice of a 3-hour sightseeing tour of Halifax (available daily) or Peggy’s Cove tour (available on trip start days of Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays)
• Provincial taxes
• Documentation package

 Not Included • Meals and attractions, unless otherwise specified
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST (Goods & Services Tax)

HAVE A CHAT  

From UK toll-free: 0-800-917-5924
From Australia toll-free: 1-800-992-872
Other countries: (int.l prefix +) 1-604-737-8743

Your vacation is important and to make the most of it, we strongly advise talking to a local expert first.