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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Canada's Eastern Highlights

Eastern Canada by rail from Toronto to Halifax, 11 days via VIA Rail

Illustration of Canada's Eastern Highlights

Marvellous Escapes' Canada's Eastern Highlights is an 11-day independent tailor-made journey that combines VIA Rail's most celebrated routes with guided exploration of Canada's eastern cultural heartland and coast. You depart the UK by overnight flight to Toronto, then travel by rail through Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City before boarding VIA Rail The Ocean, a sleeper train that carries you overnight along the maritime landscapes to Halifax. The itinerary balances your own discoveries, wandering Montreal's Old Port, exploring Toronto's waterfront, strolling Quebec City's cobblestone streets, with four guided excursions: a full day at Niagara Falls, Montreal's historic tour, and a day trip to the fishing village of Peggy's Cove and Halifax's waterfront. Hotels span three nights in Toronto, two each in Montreal and Halifax, and single nights in Ottawa and Quebec City. Marvellous Escapes provides 24-hour on-trip support throughout this journey, which suits first-time rail travellers, couples seeking cultural immersion, and anyone drawn to North American history and coastal charm.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 11 involves an overnight flight home from Halifax, arriving the following morning in the UK.
  • The itinerary blends independent days with guided excursions; unguided time is spent exploring cities at leisure.
  • Rail journey from Toronto to Quebec City is split across three separate VIA Rail trains (Toronto-Ottawa, Ottawa-Montreal, Montreal-Quebec City) rather than one continuous service.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Toronto

    Toronto

    Fly from the UK to Toronto and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Relax after your journey or explore the city's bustling waterfront at leisure.

  2. Day 2overnight: Toronto

    Toronto

    Enjoy a full-day excursion to the world-famous Niagara Falls. Witness the thundering cascades up close and take time to explore the surrounding area before returning to Toronto.

  3. Day 3overnight: Toronto

    Toronto

    Visit Toronto's iconic CN Tower for panoramic views across the city and Lake Ontario. Spend the rest of the day discovering the vibrant neighbourhoods and dining scene.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Ottawa

    Ottawa

    Board VIA Rail for a relaxing journey northeast to Canada's capital city, Ottawa. Enjoy the blend of modern government buildings and historic charm.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Montreal

    Montreal

    Travel by rail to the cosmopolitan city of Montreal, where French-Canadian culture thrives. Enjoy a walk through the Old Port or savour local cuisine.

  6. Day 6overnight: Montreal

    Montreal

    Discover Montreal's highlights on a guided city tour, including Mount Royal, Old Montreal, and the grand Notre-Dame Basilica.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Quebec City

    Quebec City

    Journey by rail to the charming and historic Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its cobblestone streets, fortified walls, and European flair.

  8. Day 8railovernight: onboard VIA Rail

    Quebec to Halifax

    Board VIA Rail's The Ocean sleeper train for a scenic overnight journey along Canada's east coast, passing through charming towns and maritime landscapes.

  9. Day 9overnight: Halifax

    Halifax

    Arrive in Halifax, Nova Scotia's coastal gem. Check into your hotel and take a stroll along the lively waterfront.

  10. Day 10overnight: Halifax

    Halifax

    Embark on a full-day guided tour of Halifax, including the picturesque fishing village of Peggy's Cove, famous for its lighthouse and rocky shoreline.

  11. Day 11rail

    Return home

    Transfer to Halifax Airport for your overnight flight home, marking the end of your unforgettable Eastern Canada rail journey.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Full-day excursion to Niagara Falls to witness the thundering cascades up close.
  • Day 6Guided tour of Montreal includes Mount Royal, Old Montreal, and the grand Notre-Dame Basilica.
  • Day 8Overnight sleeper aboard VIA Rail The Ocean from Quebec City to Halifax, passing maritime landscapes along Canada's east coast.
  • Day 10Full-day guided tour to Peggy's Cove, a picturesque fishing village renowned for its lighthouse and rocky shoreline.

Included

  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Toronto
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Montreal and Halifax
  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Ottawa and Quebec City
  • Overnight accommodation aboard VIA Rail
  • Flights from UK to Toronto and return from Halifax
  • VIA Rail The Ocean from Montreal to Quebec and Quebec to Halifax
  • Daytrip to Niagara Falls
  • CN Tower visit
  • Heart of Montreal tour
  • Best of Halifax and Peggy's Cove

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes VIA Rail journeys from Toronto to Ottawa to Montreal to Quebec City, plus VIA Rail The Ocean sleeper train from Quebec City to Halifax. Flights from the UK to Toronto and return from Halifax are also included.
Is this tour guided or independent?
It is an independent tailor-made journey with guided excursions. You have free time to explore cities at leisure, but guided day trips to Niagara Falls, Montreal's highlights, and Halifax with Peggy's Cove are included. Marvellous Escapes provides 24-hour on-trip support throughout.
Do I sleep on the train?
Yes. On Day 8, you board VIA Rail The Ocean, a sleeper train, for an overnight journey from Quebec City to Halifax.
What is included in the price from £2,799?
Included are round-trip flights from the UK, 10 nights of hotel accommodation, all listed VIA Rail journeys, guided day trips to Niagara Falls, Montreal, and Halifax/Peggy's Cove, the CN Tower visit, and overnight accommodation aboard The Ocean.
How much walking is involved?
Expect moderate walking during city tours in Montreal, Halifax, and Peggy's Cove, plus stairs at attractions like the CN Tower. Standard walking at hotels and train stations is required.

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