Sambro Island

Canada Eastern Rail Classic

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The best overnight Eastern Canada train tour

Explore Montreal, Quebec City and Halifax! Spend just over a week traveling between Quebec and the Maritimes on an overnight train, exploring each destination with an insider guide.

Travel onboard VIA Rail's Corridor and Ocean trains

Journey through the rolling Quebec countryside

Explore Nova Scotia's coastline and villages

Enjoy unique tours in Montreal, Quebec City and Nova Scotia with local guides

The best accommodation selections

Suggested length

8 days / 7 nights

Price

From Loading... per person

When to go

May - October 2021 June 2022

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The insider
Experience

  • Guard watching the setting sun at Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

    Discover Halifax

    Explore the attractions of Halifax. The historic Citadel was built in 1749 by the British Army.

  • The Via Rail Ocean Train rounds a bend in the track, in a rural area.

    VIA Rail's Ocean Train

    Travel onboard VIA Rail's sleeper train, 'The Ocean,' between Quebec City and Halifax.

  • Quebec City skyline along the St Lawrence River, evening

    Explore Quebec City

    Considered the crown jewel of French Canada, Quebec City is one of North America’s oldest settlements. The Château Frontenac towers above the narrow cobblestone streets and soaring church spires.

  • A VIA Rail Train rolls through a grassy field at sunset

    VIA Rail's Corridor Train

    Travel onboard VIA Rail's Corridor train during the day. Choose from economy or business class.

  • Train tracks running through rural farm land covered in lush grass and wildflowers.

    Quebec's Countryside

    Travel through Quebec's picturesque countryside onboard the train.

  • Small group of people sharing a platter of oysters with lemon

    Foodie Experiences

    Quebec City, Montreal, and Halifax are all world-class foodie destinations. Join a culinary tour at the location of your choice.

  • View from the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth in downtown Montreal

    Explore Montreal

    Montrealers embody joie de vivre. They eat well, throw great parties, and are excited to share their city with the world. Renowned for its European feel, rich history, architecture, Montreal is best explored on foot.

  • Waves around Peggy's Cove Lighthouse
  • Guard watching the setting sun at Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
  • The Via Rail Ocean Train rounds a bend in the track, in a rural area.
  • Quebec City skyline along the St Lawrence River, evening
  • A VIA Rail Train rolls through a grassy field at sunset
  • Train tracks running through rural farm land covered in lush grass and wildflowers.
  • Small group of people sharing a platter of oysters with lemon
  • View from the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth in downtown Montreal
Trip

Itinerary

Below is a day by day overview of this trip. Complete details are available for download.
Indicates featured activities
Day
  • Arrive in Montreal
  • 1

    Arrive in Montreal

    Arrive in Montreal — rich in culture and beautiful architecture. Join Montrealers on one of the Old City's lively terraces, or stroll around Mount Royal and listen to local musicians work their craft. 

  • 2

    Explore Montreal

    Explore diverse Montreal with your choice of activity. Discover museums, galleries, eateries, and historic hidden gems. 

    • Private Food Tour in Old Montreal
    • Walking Tour of Old Montreal
    • Small Group Sightseeing Tour of Montreal
  • Explore Montreal
  • VIA Rail – Montreal to Quebec City
  • 3

    VIA Rail – Montreal to Quebec City

    Travel through some of French Canada’s most picturesque countryside as you head towards Quebec City. Step off the train and into a little bit of Europe — right here in Canada! 

  • 4

    Discover Quebec City

    Travel back in time as you explore Old Quebec's 17th-century fortifications and winding cobblestone streets.

    • Private Walking Tour of Old Quebec
    • Quebec City Sightseeing Bus Tour
    • Old Quebec Culinary Walking Tour
  • Discover Quebec City
  • VIA Rail - Depart Quebec City
  • 5

    VIA Rail - Depart Quebec City

    Spend a full day discovering Quebec City and the surrounding countryside. Late this evening, board The Ocean train and begin your journey east to Halifax.

    • Day at Leisure, with Traditional Québecois Dinner
    • Montmorency Falls Bike Tour
  • 6

    VIA Rail – Arrive in Halifax

    After traveling through rural New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, your journey onboard The Ocean train ends as you arrive in Halifax. Enjoy the welcoming Celtic atmosphere of the Canadian Maritimes’ largest city.    

  • VIA Rail – Arrive in Halifax
  • Discover the Charm of the Maritimes
  • 7

    Discover the Charm of the Maritimes

    Head out and discover the charm of Nova Scotia. Rich in Celtic heritage and bursting with historical significance, this seafaring region offers some of Canada's most picturesque coastlines, with fishing villages perched above the Atlantic Ocean.

    • Private Peggy's Cove and Halifax Sightseeing
    • Lunenburg and South Shore Tour
  • 8

    Depart Halifax

    Bid farewell to the Canadian Maritimes as your trip ends with departure from Halifax.

  • Depart Halifax
Trip PDF Download

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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Prices

This trip is available on multiple dates. Please download the full itinerary or get in touch with us to explore what suits you best.

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
'From' prices are per person, based on double occupancy and exclude taxes. Prices vary by departure date, the choice of activities, hotel selection and availability at time of booking.
Note: This trip can also be taken in reverse directions.
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Personalize this

Itinerary

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

02
04
Visit the Charlevoix region

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.
Stay

IN STYLE

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

  • Exterior of Hotel Bonaparte in Old Montreal
    01
    03
    Exterior of Hotel Bonaparte

    Hotel Bonaparte

    Example of a Boutique hotel

    Built in 1886, Hotel Bonaparte is a historic gem in the centre of Old Montréal. The city’s bustling shops, restaurants, and museums are close by. Gaze out over cobblestone streets, church spires, and pretty gardens from one of the beautifully appointed guestrooms.

  • Chandeliers shine across the marble floor in the lobby of the Lord Nelson Hotel in Halifax.
    01
    03
    Lobby of Lord Nelson Hotel

    Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites

    Example of a Comfort hotel in Halifax

    The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites offers an unparalleled downtown location, just across the street from the Halifax Public Gardens. Originally built in 1928, the hotel is an iconic maritime landmark that combines historic charm with contemporary style.

Insider's tip

Quebec is an extraordinary place. Deep-rooted culture and history, mixed with the love of good food make it the perfect destination. While most people visit Montreal and Quebec City, this province has so much more to offer! From small charming towns with quirky histories to popping fall colours and breath-taking natural beauty and biodiversity, mixed with a pride of place unique to the region, this is a province worth exploring in much more depth.

Anjuli B

Anjuli

Canadian Insider

Maple Leaf

your questions answered

What's included

Hotel accommodation
Sleeper train experience in a private cabin
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.
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.
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.
We define a boutique hotel as being a smaller, more intimate property with an extra emphasis on service. They usually have some of the best restaurants and lounges in town.
The weather depends on the season. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures averaging -5°C (23°F). Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures averaging 25°C (77°F).
Aerial view of the town of Banff in the Rockies
Limited Time Offer

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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