Canadian History and Culture by Train

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.

Length

10 days / 9 nights

When to go

April – October

Time on train

3 days

Your itinerary, personalized to you:

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

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Trip outline

Arrive Quebec City → 2 Nights in Quebec City → 2 Nights in Montreal → 2 Nights in Ottawa → 1 Night in Toronto → 2 Nights in Niagara-on-the-Lake → Depart Niagara-on-the-Lake

Trip highlights

  • Ride VIA Rail’s Corridor train and enjoy scenic daylight train journeys between vibrant cities in Ontario and Quebec
  • Discover the history of Eastern Canada on your choice of private or small-group guided tours
  • Visit Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, and explore world-class museums and attractions
  • Stay in the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and explore beautiful landscapes, wineries, and Niagara Falls 

Essential Info

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

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 Quebec City
Day 01

Welcome to Quebec City

Arrive in Quebec City, where your surroundings are full of old stone buildings, cobbled streets, distant mountains, and a wealth of history and culture.

Private Transfer from Quebec City Airport
Explore Quebec City
Day 02

Explore Quebec City

Journey back in time as you explore 17th-century Old Quebec — a UNESCO world heritage site.

You have 3 options to choose from today:
Countryside and Gourmet Tasting Tour
Gourmet Food Walking Tour
Old Quebec City Walking Tour
VIA Rail - Quebec City to Montreal
Day 03

VIA Rail - Quebec City to Montreal

Board the train and follow the St. Lawrence River as you head to Montreal. 

Transfer to Train Station
The Corridor Train, Business Class
Transfer from Train Station
Dinner in Montreal
Suggested Evening Activity – Aura Lightshow at Notre-Dame Basilica
Discover Montreal
Day 04

Discover Montreal

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

You have 4 options to choose from today:
Small Group Sightseeing Tour of Montreal
Private Food Walking Tour
Private Walking Tour of Old Montreal
Montreal Bicycle Tour
VIA Rail - Montreal to Ottawa
Day 05

VIA Rail - Montreal to Ottawa

Wind your way through Eastern Quebec's open farmland before arriving in Ottawa, Canada's capital city. Chat with old and new friends, dip into a book, or do a crossword. This is what train travel is all about!

Transfer to Train Station
The Corridor Train, Business Class
Private Transfer from Train Station
Explore the Capital, Ottawa
Day 06

Explore the Capital, Ottawa

Ottawa is a captivating city with countless attractions. 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
Private Historical Walking Tour of Ottawa
ByWard Market Food Tour
Suggested Add-On: Ottawa River Cruise (Extra Cost)
VIA Rail - Ottawa to Toronto
Day 07

VIA Rail - Ottawa to Toronto

Board the VIA Rail Corridor train and travel along the shores of Lake Ontario, passing small farms and villages, before arriving in Toronto.

Private Transfer from Hotel to Train Station
The Corridor Train, Business Class
Onward to Niagara Region
Day 08

Onward to Niagara Region

Leave the 'big city' behind as you travel to the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Rolling vineyards and blooming flowers frame Lake Ontario.

Private Transfer to Niagara Region
Feature Dinner in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Discover the Niagara Region
Day 09

Discover the Niagara Region

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

You have 2 options to choose from today:
Niagara Region Winery Tour and Lunch
Sightseeing Tour of Niagara Falls
Depart Niagara-on-the-Lake
Day 10

Depart Niagara-on-the-Lake

Leave Niagara-on-the-Lake and return to Toronto for your flight home. 

Private Transfer to Toronto Airport

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.

Trip Add-Ons

Here are some of the most popular add-on experiences and upgrades that work with this itinerary.

Ways to personalize your trip

Add or remove days

Want more time somewhere? Our Canadian Insiders can tailor your itinerary around the train schedule.

Change and add activities

Swap, add, or skip activities in any destination to match your interests and desired pace.

Upgrade your hotels

Mix hotel categories between destinations to match your budget and travel style.

Train service

This trip already has the best class of service on the included train journeys.

Reverse your route

Depending on the train schedule, this itinerary may be available in either direction.

Add other experiences

Ask our Insiders about adding other destinations or a Northern Lights adventure.