Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada) · Tailor-made rail vacation

Canadian History and Culture by Train

10-day VIA Rail trip from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Quebec City

Canadian History and Culture by Train, a rail journey with Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada)

Canadian Train Vacations, part of Fresh Tracks Canada, runs this 10-day, 9-night trip through five cities in eastern Canada, from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Quebec City. It moves at a settled pace: two nights each in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City, connected by VIA Rail's Corridor train in Business Class. The trip opens among the vineyards around Niagara-on-the-Lake, continues to Toronto for a free day, then rides the rail to Ottawa for the national museums, to Montreal for its food and architecture, and finally along the St. Lawrence River to the 17th-century streets of Old Quebec. Local experts plan the route and offer a choice of small-group sightseeing and food tours at each stop rather than a fixed schedule. This suits travellers drawn to history, food, and culture in a handful of cities rather than wilderness scenery, moving at a pace that allows two full days in most places.

What to know before you look closer

  • The lead price of 6,460 CAD (about 4,549 USD) is the Comfort Level tier with 3 to 3.5 star hotels; the Deluxe Level tier (8,240 CAD) uses 5 star hotels. All tiers ride VIA Rail's Corridor train in Business Class.
  • The Ottawa River Cruise and the Countryside Gourmet Tasting Tour in Quebec City are noted as extra cost, not part of the base price.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Niagara-on-the-Lake

    Welcome to Niagara-on-the-Lake

    Arrive in Canada's largest city, Toronto, and be whisked away to the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Rolling vineyards and blooming flowers surround you, and frame Lake Ontario.

  2. Day 2overnight: Niagara-on-the-Lake

    Discover the Niagara Region

    Discover the splendor of the Niagara Gorge and the serene woodlands of wine country. Options: Niagara Region Winery Tour and Lunch, Sightseeing Tour of Niagara Falls. Feature dinner in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

  3. Day 3overnight: Toronto

    Onward to Toronto

    Get ready to explore Toronto's colourful neighborhoods as you travel back to the 'big city' this morning. Spend the day at your leisure and discover what lies behind the city's famous skyline.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Ottawa

    Onward to Ottawa

    Board the VIA Rail Corridor train for a relaxing train journey along the shores of Lake Ontario, passing small farms and villages before you reach Canada's capital, Ottawa.

  5. Day 5overnight: Ottawa

    Explore the Capital - Ottawa

    Ottawa is a beautiful city with countless attractions and hidden gems, including the Museum of Civilization, the Canadian War Museum, and the National Art Gallery. Options: Private Sightseeing Tour of Ottawa, Private Historical Walking Tour of Ottawa, ByWard Market Courtyards Tour. Suggested add-on: Ottawa River Cruise (extra cost).

  6. Day 6railovernight: Montreal

    VIA Rail - Ottawa to Montreal

    As the train rocks and sways out of Ottawa, you'll journey towards the open farmland of eastern Quebec. Dinner in Montreal; suggested evening activity - Aura Lightshow at Notre-Dame Basilica.

  7. Day 7overnight: Montreal

    Discover the culture of Montreal

    Rich in culture and beautiful architecture, Montreal is a fabulous city to explore. Options: Small Group Sightseeing Tour of Montreal, Private Food Walking Tour, Private Walking Tour of Old Montreal.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Quebec City

    VIA Rail - Montreal to Quebec City

    Travel by train along the St. Lawrence River to Quebec City, where your surroundings are full of old stone buildings, cobbled streets, distant mountains, and a wealth of history and culture.

  9. Day 9overnight: Quebec City

    Explore Quebec City

    Journey back in time as you explore 17th-century Old Quebec, a UNESCO world heritage site. Options: Gourmet Food Walking Tour, Old Quebec City Walking Tour. Suggested upgrade: Countryside Gourmet Tasting Tour (extra cost).

  10. Day 10

    Depart Quebec City

    Say farewell to Canada as you depart from Quebec City.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A Niagara Region Winery Tour or a sightseeing tour of Niagara Falls explores the wine country around Niagara-on-the-Lake.
  • Day 5In Ottawa, options include the Museum of Civilization, the Canadian War Museum, and the National Art Gallery.
  • Day 8The train travels along the St. Lawrence River from Montreal to Quebec City.
  • Day 9You explore 17th-century Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on foot.

Included

  • Hotel accommodation
  • Train journey onboard the daylight Corridor train
  • Choice of unique guided activities
  • Feature dining experience at one of our favorite local restaurants
  • Airport and train station transfers
  • Electronic travel documentation package
  • Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, VIA Rail Corridor train journeys in Business Class between Toronto/Ottawa, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City are included.
Is it escorted or independent?
It's independent travel with no fixed group; local experts plan the route and offer a choice of small-group sightseeing and food tours in each city.
Which train do I take?
The VIA Rail Corridor train, in Business Class.
What hotels are used?
Named hotels include the Prince of Wales Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, Le Place D'Armes Hotel & Suites in Montreal, and the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City.
What costs extra?
The Ottawa River Cruise and the Countryside Gourmet Tasting Tour in Quebec City are called out as extra cost.

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