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

Trip outline

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

Trip highlights

  • 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 

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 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
Sightseeing Tour of Niagara Falls
Feature Dinner in 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
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
Private Historical Walking Tour of Ottawa
ByWard Market Courtyards Tour
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
Suggested Evening Activity – Aura Lightshow at Notre-Dame Basilica
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
Private Food Walking Tour
Private Walking Tour of Old Montreal
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
Transfer from Train Station
Explore Quebec City
Day 09

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:
Gourmet Food Walking Tour
Old Quebec City Walking Tour
Suggested Upgrade: Countryside Gourmet Tasting Tour (Extra Cost)
Depart Quebec City
Day 10

Depart Quebec City

Say farewell to Canada as you depart from Quebec City.

Private Transfer to Quebec City 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.

Limited-time offers

Smooth rocks on ocean shoreline of Peggy's Cove with Peggy’s Point Lighthouse in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada

Across Canada in 2027 at 2026 prices — last chance to unlock up to $600 for upgrades & extras

Limited time offer 

expires Sep 30, 2026

View offer
The Rocky Mountaineer train rolling by a green river in the mountains.

2027 in the spectacular Rockies at 2026 prices — plus up to $400 for luxury upgrades

Limited time offer 

expires Sep 30, 2026

View offer
VIA Rail train, The Canadian, en route during winter as trees and mountains are powdered with white snow

Experience Canada at its most magical — save up to $1,000 on Winter rail trips

Limited time offer 

expires Sep 30, 2026

View offer
A man looks through the window at Glacier View Lodge.

Two new ways to experience the Rockies — book now for up to $400 in upgrades

Limited time offer 

expires Sep 30, 2026

View offer

© 2026 Fresh Tracks Canada