This is one of our perennial favourite Canadian rail vacation packages. Imagine experiencing tours of bilingual Montréal, historic Québec City, and coastal Halifax – all in just over a week. Travel between each destination by train, sitting in comfort as you watch the scenery pass by. An overnight Canadian train journey is a highlight of your trip. You are rocked to sleep in a private cabin, awakening to the scent of salt-infused air and the sound of seagulls. You are now on the Atlantic coast of Canada and this is your chance to explore.
In Québec City learn about the history of France in Canada. In Montréal, enjoy a cosmopolitan melting pot of French-speaking people from around the world. And in Halifax explore a fascinating history of the sea and immigration from Europe.
There’s nothing quite like being lulled to sleep by the gentle roll of a train moving through the night… And in the morning enjoying breakfast as you glide towards the Atlantic Ocean....
Eastern Canada has a beauty and charm all its own and many people from south of the border come back here year after year….
Think of this itinerary as just a starting point. Our experienced Canadian Insiders will create a personalized experience for you that matches your schedule, travel style and budget.
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth in winter
Arrive in Montreal – rich in culture and beautiful architecture. Join Montréalers on one of the Old City's terraces or stroll Mount Royal and listen to local musicians work their craft.
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A private driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you by private vehicle to your Montréal accommodation.
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Staying in such a food-centric city, we wanted to give you a chance to sample some of the best cuisine. We've included a dinner tonight at one of our favourite Montréal restaurants.
Overnight in a Deluxe level hotel, such as the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth. In Deluxe hotels, you'll be staying in some of Canada's most iconic hotels and resorts. Enjoy outstanding locations, attentive service, and world-class amenities.
AURA Notre-Dame-Basilica
©Susan MossExplore diverse Montréal on your choice of activity. Discover musems and galleries, eateries, and historic hidden gems.
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If you have time this evening, we recommend the Aura lightshow at the Notre-Dame Basilica. Discover the artwork of the Basilica through multimedia installations then sit down and a combination of light, orchestral music and stunning architecture provides an unforgettable experience.
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Led by a passionate local foodie, sample local delicacies as you tour Old Montréal's restaurants, patisseries and food boutiques. Savour pâtés, smoked meat, and more.
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Explore the winding cobblestone streets of Old Montréal on a guided walking tour. Travel back in time to Fort Ville-Marie in 1642, to today’s modern city and find out more about all the eras that shaped Montréal.
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Enjoy a fully guided driving tour to all the "must see" areas of Montréal such as Mont Royal, Old Montréal, and the city's picturesque riverfront. Highlights of the tour include a visit to the Notre-Dame Basillica, taking in the 360 degree views from the Observatoire Place Ville Marie, and a scenic river cruise (seasonal) along the beautiful St. Lawrence River.
Travel through some of French Canada’s most picturesque countryside as your Canadian vacation heads toward Québec City. Step off the train and into a little bit of Europe – right here in Canada!
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Travel by train to historic Québec City. Relax as you pass through little towns and farmland along the St. Lawrence River. You will be seated in a spacious business class seat, which includes exclusive access to the in-station business class lounge and food and beverage service.
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You'll be picked up by a private driver, and transferred to Montréal's Gare Centrale train station.
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A private driver will pick you up at the train station and take you in comfort to your hotel.
Overnight in a Deluxe level hotel, such as the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. In Deluxe hotels, you'll be staying in some of Canada's most iconic hotels and resorts. Enjoy outstanding locations, attentive service, and world-class amenities.
Travel back in time as you explore Old Québec's 17th century fortifications and winding cobblestone streets.
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Explore the cobblestone streets of fortified Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your guide will take you through 400 years of history and give suggestions on what to do next in Québec City.
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Get an overview of Québec City's history on a guided sightseeing bus tour. Visit places like the Plains of Abraham, the world famous Château Frontenac, Notre-Dame Basilica, City Hall, Place-Royale, Citadelle and more.
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On a guided walking tour, treat yourself to a behind the scenes experience of Old Québec City and discover its gastronomy and culinary history. Let the aromas and flavours transport you through the historic walled city!
Cabin on Renaissance Car, train cars vary by departure
Enjoy Québec City and its countryside today before boarding VIA Rail's vintage Ocean train late this evening. You'll travel towards Canada's Maritime province of Nova Scotia.
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A private driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Sainte-Foy train station.
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Board the train in Québec City (Sainte-Foy) late this evening and start your journey east towards Halifax. Settle into your cabin as you travel along the St. Lawrence River.
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Today you are free to explore the city on your own. This evening, dinner is in the historic Maison Jacquet, built in 1675. Feel the history of the home as you dine on traditional Québecois cuisine!
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Leave the busy city behind and explore the Canadian countryside on a leisurely half-day bike tour to Montmorency Falls from Québec City. Pedal along the St. Lawrence River and gain insight into the region’s rich history and diverse geography.
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For an additional cost, choose a helicopter tour to soar over Québec City. You'll fly over the St. Lawrence river to Montmorency Falls and Île d'Orléans, and over the iconic Château Frontenac and historic Old Québec.
Included is a private cabin onboard The Ocean Train, in Sleeper Plus Class. Relax in a comfortable armchair next to a large picture window during the day. The cabin features a private washroom. Watch the scenery from the train's viewing areas.
The Prince George Hotel - Lobby
The Prince George Hotel - Lobby Bar
Travel through rural New Brunswick and Nova Scotia on The Ocean train. Your journey ends as you arrive in Halifax late this afternoon. Explore the welcoming Celtic atmosphere of the Canadian Maritimes’ largest city.
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Keep an eye out for the Bay of Fundy's tidal flats as you travel through New Brunswick. Soon you'll see Nova Scotia's picturesque rolling farmland, before arriving in the historic coastal city of Halifax.
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A driver will pick you up at the train station, and take you to your hotel.
Overnight in a Deluxe level hotel, such as the Prince George Hotel. In Deluxe hotels, you'll be staying in some of Canada's most iconic hotels and resorts. Enjoy outstanding locations, attentive service, and world-class amenities.
Head out and discover the charm of Nova Scotia. Rich in Celtic heritage and bursting with historical significance, this sea faring region offers some of Canada's most picturesque coastlines, with fishing villages perched on the Atlantic Ocean.
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Discover Halifax at your own pace with a private driver-guide. Next, sit back and enjoy the scenery as you make your way to Peggy's Cove along Nova Scotia’s unique coastline - full of history and culture. The picture postcard village stands on granite rock, high above the crashing Atlantic surf.
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With a local guide discover the highlights and hidden gems of Halifax through photography. See historic images of the neighborhoods you'll visit, while learning to take great photos from the best vantage points. Cameras, smart phones, and tablets are all great for this tour.
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Engage the senses with a food tour of Halifax! Visit historic landmarks, stroll along the waterfront, and taste the best local food in Halifax. Tour locations and food tastings will vary depending on which day of the week you are exploring Halifax's culinary scene.
Much too soon, you bid farewell to the Canadian east and the scent of salt water in the air as your Canada travel experience ends with departure from the Halifax airport.
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A private driver will take you from your downtown hotel to the Halifax Airport.
Below you'll find examples of this trip's accommodation options.
Please call us for the full list or advice on how to customize your experience.
To make sure that your holiday is full of only good surprises, here's a comprehensive list of what is (and isn't) included in your package.
Choose 1 of 4:
Day 1 – Choose 1 of 3:
Day 2 – Choose 1 of 2:
Choose 1 of 3:
This trip is available for departures between April and October.
based on double occupancy, April 2020 departure and our base class.
We offer a range of packages across all four seasons. Please speak with one of our travel advisors about personalizing your trip and getting a comprehensive quote.
![Susan & Dan]( "Susan & Dan")
Susan & Dan
ME, USA
20 Jul 2018
The scenery was fantastic
The scenery was fantastic. Our limousines were prompt; the driver’s courteous and helpful. The food at the restaurants that were included on our tour was delicious and wonderful. The guided tours during the day were very enjoyable.
![Virginia & Jim]( "Virginia & Jim")
Virginia & Jim
TX, USA
22 Oct 2017
The organization and planning for our trip was very good
Our trip was absolutely wonderful. The accommodations were very good. The timing and scheduling was just right for us and our schedule. The walking food tour and the walking history tour of Old Québec City were especially fun and interesting. Our tour guides were very knowledgeable and made the tours lots of fun. I was very pleased with knowledge and… Read More
![Bob, Karen & family]( "Bob, Karen & family")
Bob, Karen & family
VA, USA
05 Oct 2017
The trip was educational and entertaining
The trip was educational and entertaining. The level of physical exertion was totally within our capacity. We were an older demographic. The train experience was delightful and enjoyable.
![Kathy & Ginger]( "Kathy & Ginger")
Kathy & Ginger
CO, USA
25 Sep 2017
Our trip was as wonderful as we anticipated
Our trip was as wonderful as we anticipated. We enjoyed the variety of the places we visited and appreciated the kindness of people we met. We were well informed and able to make a few decisions and changes along the way that enhanced our experience. The best parts included: the countryside tour of Québec with guide; Lunenburg and walking tour;… Read More
![Steve & Marilyn]( "Steve & Marilyn")
Steve & Marilyn
OH, USA
22 Sep 2017
It was an outstanding trip
It was an outstanding trip. Everything that was supposed to happen did happen. We liked the balance between planned activity and free time. Everything you selected or recommended was absolutely first rate.
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