Is train travel included?

Yes, VIA Rail's Corridor train in Business Class connects Toronto/Niagara, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City, all as daytime journeys.

Is it escorted or independent?

Independent travel with local 'Canadian Insiders' planning and supporting the trip; there is no fixed tour group or rigid itinerary.

VIA Rail's Corridor train, Business Class.

What hotels are used?

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; the exact hotel depends on the comfort tier booked.

How much walking is involved?

Guests choose from bus tours, walking tours, and food tours; the walking tours in the historic parts of Montreal and Quebec City involve hills, cobblestone streets, and uneven surfaces.

What is not included?

The Ottawa River Cruise and the Countryside Gourmet Tasting Tour in Quebec City are suggested add-ons at extra cost.

Fresh Tracks Canada · Independent rail vacation

Canadian History and Culture by Train

Independent VIA Rail trip through Niagara, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City

Fresh Tracks Canada arranges this 10-day, 9-night independent rail trip through eastern Canada, from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Quebec City by way of Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, with local 'Canadian Insiders' planning and supporting the trip rather than a fixed tour group. Two days in Niagara-on-the-Lake, surrounded by vineyards and framed by Lake Ontario, are followed by a free day in Toronto before VIA Rail's Corridor train, a daytime service in Business Class, links Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City. Ottawa's sightseeing choices include the Museum of Civilization and the Canadian War Museum, Montreal offers small-group and food walking tours, and the trip ends with two days exploring 17th-century Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hotels include the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto and the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, though the exact property depends on the comfort tier booked. This suits travelers who want a history- and food-focused rail trip through eastern Canada's cities at their own pace.

What to know before you look closer

Several days list multiple activity options, such as winery tours, historical walking tours, and food tours; the evidence does not specify which are included in the base 'choice of unique guided activities' versus paid add-ons like the Ottawa River Cruise or the Countryside Gourmet Tasting Tour.
The final hotel depends on the tier booked, from 3 to 3.5 star (Comfort) up to 5 star (Deluxe), though the named hotels for this itinerary, including the Fairmont Royal York and the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, are upscale properties above the base Comfort level.
The VIA Rail Corridor train used throughout is a daylight service; there are no overnight train legs on this itinerary.

Day by day

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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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).
Day 10
Depart Quebec City
Say farewell to Canada as you depart from Quebec City.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2Optional tours explore the Niagara Gorge and the wine country of the Niagara region, including a winery tour with lunch.
Day 5Ottawa sightseeing options include the Museum of Civilization, the Canadian War Museum, and the National Art Gallery.
Day 8The train follows the St. Lawrence River into Quebec City, arriving among old stone buildings, cobbled streets, and distant mountains.
Day 9Explore 17th-century Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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.

Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada)from $4,549

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?: Yes, VIA Rail's Corridor train in Business Class connects Toronto/Niagara, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City, all as daytime journeys.
Is it escorted or independent?: Independent travel with local 'Canadian Insiders' planning and supporting the trip; there is no fixed tour group or rigid itinerary.
Which train is used?: VIA Rail's Corridor train, Business Class.
What hotels are used?: 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; the exact hotel depends on the comfort tier booked.
How much walking is involved?: Guests choose from bus tours, walking tours, and food tours; the walking tours in the historic parts of Montreal and Quebec City involve hills, cobblestone streets, and uneven surfaces.
What is not included?: The Ottawa River Cruise and the Countryside Gourmet Tasting Tour in Quebec City are suggested add-ons at extra cost.