Montreal and Quebec City Getaway by Train
5 days • May – October
Places visited: Montreal, Quebec City
Loading...
What is VIA Rail's Corridor?
VIA Rail’s "The Corridor" is a popular intercity rail route spanning around 1,150 kilometres (715 miles) between Québec City and Windsor. It connects some of Eastern Canada’s most vibrant cities, including Montréal, Ottawa and Toronto.
The Corridor train at a glance
5 major cities
The Corridor route connects major cities including Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and Windsor.
2 service levels
Choose Economy or Business class — private cabins aren't available on The Corridor since the train runs during the day.
2 provinces
The Corridor train travels through Ontario and Québec.
Nearly half of Canadians live in the Corridor
Over 18 million people live within 200 kilometres (124 miles) of the Québec City Windsor Corridor, making it one of the country’s most densely populated regions.
Bestselling VIA Rail Corridor train trips
Our Canadian Insiders at Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada have extensive knowledge of VIA Rail and the Corridor, and can help you plan your train vacation. Browse our bestselling Canadian train trips that include travel on VIA Rail’s the Corridor — each can be personalized to your needs, interests and travel style.
Canadian History and Culture by Train
10 days • April – October
Places visited: Toronto, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City
Loading...
Classic Eastern Canada by Train
8 days • April – October
Places visited: Halifax, Quebec City, Montreal
Loading...
Find your perfect trip
Take our quiz to receive personalized trip recommendations
No sign up required
Which cities does the Corridor connect?
The Québec City–Windsor Corridor connects some of the largest cities in Ontario and Québec. The train runs through one of Canada’s most populated regions, with over 18 million people living within the Corridor region.
Listed below are the major cities along the Corridor route.
Situated on the US-Canada border, Windsor is known for its automotive history and scenic waterfront.
The country’s largest city, offering world-class attractions like the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, and trendy neighbourhoods like the Distillery District, Chinatown and Kensington Market.
As Canada’s capital, Ottawa offers attractions such as Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and numerous national museums.
A historic city on the shores of Lake Ontario. Key attractions nearby include Fort Henry National Historic Site, and the Thousand Islands National Park.
Located north of Lake Erie and the US-Canada border, London is known for its parks, arts scene, and cultural events.
One of Ontario’s oldest communities, Cornwall has river views, waterfront trails, and historic sites.
A vibrant metropolis famous for its festivals, diverse cuisine, and landmarks like Mount Royal and the Notre-Dame Basilica.
Known for its European charm, cobblestone streets, and UNESCO-designated Old Town, it’s the perfect starting point for exploring Canada’s French heritage.
The full end-to-end journey from Québec City to Windsor takes approximately 12 hours, though most guests travel shorter segments for example, three to five hours from Toronto to Montréal, or around 3 and a half hours from Montréal to Québec City. The pace is relaxed, the scenery is beautiful, and the trains are comfortable for travellers of all ages.
Additional Routes:
There are some destinations that are off of the main Corridor services, including Niagara Falls, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Sarnia, which you can easily connect to if you’d like.
Explore more: Eastern Canada Train Tours
Continue your journey after the Corridor train
You can combine the Corridor train with other VIA Rail services. My favourite options include connecting to The Ocean train in Quebec City, or The Canadian train in Toronto.
Shannon BrandVacation Advisor at Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada
What train classes run on the Corridor?
VIA Rail, the Crown corporation that operates the Corridor, offers two main classes of travel on The Corridor: Economy class and Business class. Both provide a comfortable way to enjoy scenic rail travel across Eastern Canada. VIA Rail trains are wheelchair accessible and equipped with mobility lifts, accessible washrooms, and braille signage.
Note: We do not offer Economy class on our Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada itineraries.
1 of 4
2-1 seating in Business Class on the Corridor train
Most Business Class cars have one seat on one side of the aisle and two on the other, with some seats arranged across from each other around a shared table.
2 of 4
Complimentary meals in Business Class on the Corridor
Hot meals, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included in Business Class and served at passengers’ seats on the Corridor train.
3 of 4
Comfortable seating in Economy Class on the Corridor train
Travellers enjoy comfortable reclining seats with ample legroom, power outlets and complimentary Wi-Fi on the Corridor train.
4 of 4
Baggage allowance on the Corridor train
Economy Class tickets include one medium carry-on item and one personal item, while Business Class includes two large carry-on items and one personal item.
Is there a high-speed train on the Corridor?
There is currently no high-speed train service on the Québec City–Windsor Corridor, despite the high population density and travel demand along the route. Existing passenger trains operate on shared rail infrastructure in much of the Corridor, which limits the speeds and frequency of service.
The Government of Canada is advancing plans for Alto, formerly known as VIA HFR (High Frequency Rail). The project would create a high-frequency passenger rail network between Toronto and Québec City.
As of 2026, Alto is still in development. The Government of Canada has announced that construction of the first segment, between Ottawa and Montréal, is planned to begin in 2029. Since this is a future development, guesrs are unable to book the service today.
For now, VIA Rail’s existing Corridor service remains the only option for guests travelling between major cities in Ontario and Quebec.
Historical context of the VIA Rail's Corridor train
Canada’s railways have played a pivotal role in the country’s development, and VIA Rail's Corridor is no exception. The Corridor has 19th century origins, tracing back to when the first railways, including the Grand Trunk Railway, began connecting Eastern Canadian cities. By the early 20th century, passenger trains operated by the Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway became the primary means of transportation.
Established in 1977 and becoming an independent Crown corporation in 1978, VIA Rail Canada unified the country’s passenger rail services, modernizing operations while preserving Canada’s railway heritage. The Corridor emerged as one of VIA Rail’s flagship routes, adapting to the needs of modern travellers while continuing to honour its historical significance.
Today, the Corridor remains a critical transportation link between major cities in Eastern Canada. It continues to connect communities across Québec and Ontario, providing an important passenger rail service for both business and leisure travellers.
How does the Corridor fit into an Eastern Canada rail vacation?
The Corridor is a natural spine for many Eastern Canada rail itineraries. A classic journey runs through the Toronto–Ottawa–Montréal triangle before continuing east to Québec City, with each city offering its own distinct character and opportunities to extend your stay with additional experiences.
Guests who extend their Quebec City stay can add experiences such as Montmorency Falls, which are 30 metres (98 feet) taller than Niagara Falls, or venture into the Charlevoix region along the St. Lawrence River, known for its dramatic landscapes, local flavours and thriving arts and artisan culture. Both can be added to your Corridor itinerary.
For guests who want to see more of Canada by rail, the Corridor can be combined with VIA Rail’s longer-distance routes. You can continue west from Toronto aboard The Canadian, VIA Rail’s transcontinental train to Vancouver, travelling through Northern Ontario, across the Prairies and into the Rocky Mountains. Or, travel east from Montréal aboard The Ocean to Halifax, crossing Québec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia along the way. From Québec City, a shuttle connects with The Ocean at Sainte-Foy.
Our local travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada can help you plan a personalized rail vacation featuring the Corridor, The Ocean, The Canadian, or a combination of all three. Explore our Eastern Canada rail vacations for sample itineraries that bring together the region’s cities, landscapes and experiences, or speak with a Canadian Insider about personalizing a journey around your interests.
Feature trip
Coastlines and Culture from Quebec to the Maritimes
Experience the best of French Canada and the Maritimes on this immersive journey through historic lighthouses, colorful heritage buildings and rugged coastlines. Explore iconic cities, wander charming coastal towns, and travel in comfort aboard VIA Rail's Corridor and Ocean trains.
Available:
June - SeptemberLength:
12 daysTime on train:
1 day / 1 nightPrice from:
Loading price... ppTrain type:
VIA Rail
Planning your itinerary: tailoring the Corridor experience
Adding the Corridor train to your itinerary is a great way to experience Ontario and Québec. The local travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada can plan a personalized itinerary for you that highlights culture, history, food, or family-friendly activities.
Suggested Attractions:
- For food enthusiasts: Savour Quebec’s poutine, enjoy fresh bagels in Montreal, and explore Toronto’s diverse culinary scene. You can go on guided food tours to discover some of the best restaurants in each city and taste more delicious Canadian cuisine.
- For history buffs: Walk the fortified walls of Old Quebec, visit the Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal, or tour the Distillery District in Toronto.
- For families: Visit the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa and the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto.
Stay overnight to explore cities
We recommend breaking up your journey by staying overnight in key cities to fully immerse yourself in their attractions. You could spend a few days in Toronto, Quebec City, and Montreal.
Deborah ScottVacation Advisor at Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada
Packing and travel tips
Maximize your VIA Rail Corridor experience by preparing for your journey. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned train traveller, a little planning goes a long way.
Packing Tips:
- Comfortable clothing for extended travel.
- A small bag with snacks, water, and entertainment.
- A travel pillow and blanket for added comfort.
Travel Tips:
- Travel during non-peak hours for a quieter ride.
- Check your route to see if you need to change trains. For example, if you are travelling between Toronto and Montreal, there are direct routes and routes with a connection.
- Bring a book or download movies using onboard Wi-Fi.
- Bring a major credit card for any onboard purchases or gratuities. Cash is not accepted on these trains.
- Be courteous to fellow passengers by keeping your space tidy and noise levels low.
See our Canadian History and Culture by Train trip
If you’re looking to experience Eastern Canada and the Toronto–Ottawa–Montreal triangle aboard VIA Rail’s Corridor train, consider our Canadian History and Culture by Train trip.
This 10-day journey takes you from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and ends in Quebec City. You get to travel through the countryside of Ontario and Quebec aboard VIA Rail’s Corridor train, and enjoy overnight stays in each stop. All our journeys include train tickets, hotels, transfers, tours and activities.
Our local travel experts — also known as Canadian Insiders — at Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada can personalize this journey for you. Add extra nights in the places you love, adjust the route or destinations, and choose from our selection of exclusive sightseeing tours and unique local experiences. Simply share your travel goals with our local Vacation Advisors, and they’ll help shape your trip around your preferences and budget.
VIA Rail The Corridor FAQs
Useful Links
Canadian Train Trip FinderCanadian Train Tours for SeniorsWhere to go in CanadaJourneys Across CanadaCanadian Rockies and West CoastEastern Canada and The MaritimesCanadian North and ArcticEastern Canada Train ToursWestern Canada Train ToursTrain Trips from VancouverRoad Trips and Self DrivesFamily AdventuresVacations for Active SeniorsCanadian History and Culture TripsWildlife Viewing Train VacationsCanadian Pacific RailwayExplore Canada
VIA Rail Train Across CanadaRocky Mountaineer Train TripsThe Canadian TrainRocky Mountaineer Train CostCanadian Rockies Train TripsBest Train Trip in CanadaLuxury Train CanadaCanadian Sleeper TrainVancouver to Banff TrainToronto to Vancouver TrainTrain from Calgary to VancouverBanff to Jasper TrainWinter Train CanadaVIA Rail Prestige ClassBest Alaska Cruise and Train PackageVIA Rail PricesPopular Train Trips
Trans Canada TrainCanada Coast to Coast TrainCanada Cross Country TrainVancouver to Toronto Train TripCanadian Rockies Train TripToronto to Quebec City TrainLuxury Train Trip from Montreal to Quebec CityWinter Train WonderlandCalgary to Toronto Train TripRocky Mountaineer and Alaska CruiseBanff and Jasper Tours from CalgaryLords of the Wilderness Bear ViewingRockies Winter Wonderland by TrainCanadian Cross-Country Journey in WinterEssential Rockies by TrainThe Canadian Train Prestige Class CostCanadian Train Vacations
About Us© 2026 Fresh Tracks Canada
| |