Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Adirondack Mountains and Eastern Canada

Independent rail journey from New York City to Quebec City via Montreal

Adirondack Mountains and Eastern Canada, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 6-day, 5-night independent rail vacation between New York City and Quebec City, with a stop in Montreal along the way. The trip opens with a night in New York City that travellers explore on their own before boarding Amtrak's Adirondack train for a daytime ride across the Adirondack Mountains into Montreal. Two nights there include a guided motorcoach tour past Old Montreal, the Notre Dame Basilica, and Mount Royal Park. VIA Rail's Corridor Service then covers the shorter run to Quebec City, where the two-night stay covers Old Quebec, the Plains of Abraham, the Citadelle, and continues beyond the city to the Beaupre Coast and Montmorency Falls. Hotels are chosen from a list of 17 options spanning New York City and Montreal, so the exact property depends on the tier selected. The trip suits travellers who want a mostly independent pace bookended by two guided city tours, and who are comfortable managing their own luggage and connections between train stations and hotels.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package lists 17 hotel options across price tiers in New York City and Montreal; which specific hotel you get depends on the tier chosen at booking.
  • Only one meal is included, a dinner in Quebec City; other meals are on your own.
  • The rail segments are booked in standard Coach (Adirondack) and Economy (Corridor Service) class, not a premium or scenic-class service.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: New York City

    Your Journey Begins in New York City

    Arrive in New York City and check into your hotel for a one-night stay. Explore the city at your own pace, and why not ascend to the top of the Empire State Building for sweeping views, visit renowned museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or take a stroll through the iconic neighborhoods of Manhattan?

  2. Day 2railovernight: Montreal

    Adirondack Train to Montreal

    Today embark on a scenic train journey on Amtrak's Adirondack train from New York City to Montreal. Travel through the mesmerizing landscapes of New York, Canada, and the Adirondack Mountains, witnessing nature's breathtaking display of colors and landscapes. Arrive in Montreal in the evening and check into your hotel for a two-night stay.

  3. Day 3overnight: Montreal

    Montreal, QC

    Discover the highlights of Montreal on a guided city motorcoach tour. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history, cultural heritage, and architectural beauty as you visit iconic sites such as Old Montreal, the Notre Dame Basilica, and Mount Royal Park. Explore the city's charming neighbourhoods and indulge in its vibrant culinary scene, known for its delicious French-inspired cuisine.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Quebec City

    Quebec City, QC

    Travel from Montreal to Quebec onboard VIA Rail's Corridor service, arriving in the heart of the city in just a few hours. Check in to your hotel for a two-night stay and set out to explore the medieval walls and quaint shops along the cobblestone streets. Enjoy an authentic French-Canadian dinner at one of the oldest buildings in the city this evening.

  5. Day 5overnight: Quebec City

    Quebec City, QC

    Explore all that Quebec has to offer today, starting with a tour of Old Quebec, the Plains of Abraham, and the Citadelle. Your tour also takes you beyond the city along the Beaupre Coast, visiting the Island of Orleans and the Montmorency Falls.

  6. Day 6

    Your Journey Ends in Quebec City

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Amtrak's Adirondack train crosses the Adirondack Mountains on the ride from New York City to Montreal.
  • Day 3A guided motorcoach tour of Montreal visits Old Montreal, the Notre Dame Basilica, and Mount Royal Park.
  • Day 4VIA Rail's Corridor Service carries the tour to Quebec City, followed by a French-Canadian dinner in one of the city's oldest buildings.
  • Day 5The tour continues beyond Quebec City along the Beaupre Coast to the Island of Orleans and Montmorency Falls.

Included

  • 5 nights' hotel accommodations
  • One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from New York City to Montreal on the Adirondack®
  • One-way VIA Rail® in Economy from Montreal to Quebec City on the Corridor Service®
  • 1 meal included (1 dinner)

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The package includes one-way travel on Amtrak's Adirondack train in Coach class from New York City to Montreal, and one-way travel on VIA Rail's Corridor Service in Economy class from Montreal to Quebec City.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation. Day 1 in New York City is unguided ('explore the city at your own pace'), while Montreal and Quebec City each include a guided sightseeing tour.
Which hotels are used?
The package offers 17 accommodation options across tiers and cities, with sample choices including the Waldorf Astoria New York, Conrad New York Downtown, DoubleTree by Hilton Montreal, and Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile.
How many meals are included?
One meal is included, a dinner at one of the oldest buildings in Quebec City.
What is not included?
The listed inclusions cover 5 nights of hotels, the two rail segments, and one dinner; other meals and activities beyond the listed sightseeing tours are not mentioned as included.

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