Canadian History and Culture by Rail

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.

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

Suggested length

10 days / 9 nights

Price

From Loading... per person

When to go

April - October 2021

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The insider
Experience

Discover Niagara-On-The-Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake is an undeniably gorgeous place, with tree-lined streets, lush parks and impeccably restored houses.
Visit the CN Tower
Standing 553 metres (1,815 feet) tall, this symbol of Toronto offers sweeping panoramic views.
Visit Ottawa
As Canada’s capital, Ottawa is the perfect place to experience some of the country’s best attractions, celebrations and flavours.
Culinary Tours
Indulge your curiosity for culture and food on a tasting tour in your location of choice.
Corridor Train - Between Toronto and Quebec City
Travel between Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City onboard the daytime Corridor train. Choose from Business or Economy class.
Experience Quebec City's Rich History
Considered the crown jewel of French Canada, Quebec City is one of North America’s oldest settlements. Walk the cobblestone streets, see soaring church spires, 17th and 18th century houses, and the Château Frontenac.

Below is a day by day overview of this trip. Complete details are available for download.

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Day-by-day Itinerary
Photo Itinerary

Day

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.

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.

Niagara Region Winery Tour
Sightseeing Tour of Niagara Falls

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.

VIA Rail – Toronto to Ottawa

Settle into your seat for a relaxing train journey in the company of fellow travelers. Travel along the shores of Lake Ontario, passing small farms and villages before you reach Canada's capital — Ottawa.

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.

Private Sightseeing Tour of Ottawa
Private Historical Walking Tour of Ottawa
Ottawa Bicycle Tour

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!

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.

Private Food Tour in Old Montreal
Walking Tour of Old Montreal
Small Group Sightseeing Tour of Montreal

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.

Like this trip?

Download the full itinerary including your options to personalize this trip.

Have a question?

We can answer any questions or make suggestions to create your ideal trip plan.

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Comfort Level

Hotel Accommodation

3 to 3.5 Star

VIA Rail Service

Economy Class

From Loading... pp

Boutique

Hotel Accommodation

4 to 4.5 Star

VIA Rail Service

Business Class

From Loading... pp

Deluxe Level

Hotel Accommodation

5 Star

VIA Rail Service

Business Class

From Loading... pp

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Travel in your own 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.

Visit the Charlevoix region

Just a short drive from Quebec City is the Charlevoix region - a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. See rivers, mountains, and fjords, and rolling countryside dotted with charming French Canadian towns. The region boasts an array of exciting experiences: farm-to-table cuisine, art galleries, whale watching, hiking, biking, and more. We can arrange a day tour or a multi-day excursion depending on your timeframe.

Celebrate a special occasion in style

Our team loves to hear when there is a special event behind your trip. Honeymoons, anniversaries, birthdays, proposals, graduations, or just the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, our team is ready to make yours a celebration to remember. From arranging a bottle of champagne to putting together a helicopter picnic for two on top of a mountain at sunset, we are ready to make your dreams a reality.

These are examples of the places you can stay on this trip. Please get in touch to discuss your options and to check availability.

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Exterior of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
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.
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Exterior of Le Place D'Armes Hotel
Le Place D'Armes Hotel & Suites
Example of a Boutique hotel in Montreal
Le Place D’Armes Hotel & Suites sits opposite the Notre-Dame Basilica, just steps away from Montreal's Old Port. Housed across four heritage buildings, this elegant hotel features century-old architectural details and a rooftop patio with sweeping city views.
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Exterior of the Fairmont Royal York hotel
Fairmont Royal York
Example of a Deluxe hotel in Toronto
Situated directly across from Union Station, the Fairmont Royal York is steps away from Toronto's iconic sights and attractions. After a day of exploring, head to the hotel’s health club and spa which features an indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, and steam room.
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Exterior of the Prince of Wales hotel
Prince of Wales Hotel
Example of a Deluxe hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake
The Prince of Wales Hotel is a treasured Victorian landmark in the heart of historic Niagara-on-the-Lake. Rooms feature luxury furnishings and antique decorations. Take advantage of the on-site dining options, award-winning spa, cedar sauna and indoor pool.

Insider's tip

Eastern Canada has always been my home. From bustling cities to quaint towns and breathtaking 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

Canadian Insider

your questions answered

What's included

Hotel accommodation

Train journey onboard the daylight Corridor train

Choice of unique guided activities

Airport and train station transfers with a private driver

Feature dining experience at one of our favorite local restaurants

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 Canadian Insiders 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.

All of our overnight train journeys feature a private cabin on board the train. In addition, you'll typically enjoy the train's viewing areas, common lounges, and dining cars where you can socialize with fellow travelers.

Rocky Mountaineer operates daylight touring trains, which travel along three of the most spectacular routes in Western Canada. You’ll enjoy onboard commentary, award winning service, and incredible food.

VIA Rail is Canada’s national train provider, with routes running Coast to Coast and through remote parts of northern Canada. The type of train depends on your journey, and can vary from the classic trans-continental sleeper trains to daylight trains with overnight stops.

Aerial view of the town of Banff in the Rockies

Expires May 31

Spring Savings for Your Canadian Adventure

Book a qualifying 2022 Canadian train trip and receive up to $1,000 per couple in FREE travel credits.

You can use your credits for extra hotel nights, upgrades, or dining experiences – don’t miss this opportunity to make the most of that train vacation you’ve been dreaming about.

Learn more about this special offer from a Canadian Insider by scheduling a call or call us at undefined.

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Explore the best of Ontario and Quebec by rail

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