Is train travel included?

Yes. VIA Rail's Ocean train from Halifax to Quebec City in a private sleeper cabin, and the Corridor train from Quebec City to Montreal in Business Class, are included.

Is this trip escorted or independent?

It is independent travel with no fixed group schedule. Local experts from Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada) plan and coordinate the trip and offer support.

Which trains are used?

VIA Rail's Ocean Train and VIA Rail's Corridor Train.

What hotels are included?

Named hotels include Auberge Saint-Antoine and Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City and Hotel Bonaparte in Montreal, with standard rising from 3 to 3.5 star at Comfort Level to 5 star at Deluxe Level.

A feature dining experience at a local restaurant is included; the pack's included list does not separately mention meals onboard the train for this itinerary.

What is not included?

Most sightseeing options, such as Peggy's Cove tours, an Annapolis Valley Winery Tour, and food walking tours, cost extra, as do extensions like Prince Edward Island or Cape Breton Island.

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

Classic Eastern Canada by Train

8-day overnight rail journey linking Halifax, Quebec City, and Montreal

Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada) runs this 8-day independent rail vacation from Halifax to Montreal. There is no fixed group schedule; local experts plan the trip and offer support, with a choice of guided activities in each city. Two nights in Halifax leave time to explore Nova Scotia's coastline and fishing villages before boarding VIA Rail's Ocean train overnight to Quebec City, following the St. Lawrence River. Two nights in Quebec City allow time in the cobblestone streets and fortifications of Old Quebec, and a short Corridor train ride through Quebec's countryside then reaches Montreal for two more nights. Named hotels include the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac and Auberge Saint-Antoine in Quebec City and Hotel Bonaparte in Montreal. The trip suits travelers who want an overnight rail journey between two historic cities without the longer commitment of a full coast-to-coast crossing, with steady two-night stays rather than a fast-moving schedule.

What to know before you look closer

The price tiers describe VIA Rail service as 'Business Class' at every level, but the itinerary and train list separately state the Halifax to Quebec City leg is Sleeper Plus Class (private cabin) and the Quebec City to Montreal leg is Corridor Train Business Class; confirm the exact cabin type for the overnight leg with the operator.
Unlike some other Fresh Tracks itineraries, this package's included list does not mention meals onboard the train; confirm meal inclusions for the Ocean train leg before booking.
Most named sightseeing, such as Peggy's Cove tours, winery tours, and food walking tours, is offered as an option rather than included in the base price.
The evidence pack does not list current departure dates; confirm availability and exact pricing with the operator before booking.

Day by day

Day 1overnight: Halifax
Arrive in Halifax
Welcome to Halifax, the Canadian Maritimes' largest city. Dinner in Halifax.
Day 2overnight: Halifax
Discover the charm of the Maritimes
Discover the charm of Nova Scotia today, rich in Celtic heritage with picturesque coastlines and fishing villages. Options: Private Peggy's Cove and Halifax Sightseeing Tour, Private Lunenburg, Mahone Bay and Aspotogan Peninsula Tour, Annapolis Valley Winery Tour.
Day 3railovernight: Onboard train
VIA Rail - Depart Halifax
Board The Ocean train in Halifax and travel through the rural landscapes of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, on the Ocean Train, Sleeper Plus Class.
Day 4railovernight: Quebec City
VIA Rail - Arrive in Quebec City
After following the shores of the St. Lawrence River, arrive in Quebec City early this morning. Step back in time exploring ancient cobblestone streets and fortifications. Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus (1-day pass).
Day 5overnight: Quebec City
Explore Quebec City
Spend a full day discovering Quebec City's history and culture. Options: Gourmet Food Walking Tour, Old Quebec City Walking Tour. Suggested upgrade: Countryside Gourmet Tasting Tour (extra cost).
Day 6railovernight: Montreal
VIA Rail - Quebec City to Montreal
Travel a short distance by train through Quebec's picturesque countryside on the Corridor Train, Business Class. Arrive in Montreal, the largest French-speaking city in North America. Dinner in Montreal.
Day 7overnight: Montreal
Discover Montreal
Explore diverse Montreal with your choice of activity. Options: Small Group Sightseeing Tour of Montreal, Private Walking Tour of Old Montreal, Private Food Walking Tour.
Day 8
Depart Montreal
Your trip ends with departure from Montreal.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2Optional touring of Nova Scotia's coastline, including Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg, and Mahone Bay.
Day 3Boarding The Ocean train, Sleeper Plus Class, in Halifax for an overnight journey through rural Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
Day 4Arriving in Quebec City after following the shores of the St. Lawrence River, to explore its ancient cobblestone streets and fortifications.
Day 6A short Corridor train trip through Quebec's picturesque countryside to Montreal.
Day 7Exploring Old Montreal, the largest French-speaking city in North America.

Included

Hotel accommodation
Sleeper train experience in a private cabin
Train journey onboard the daylight Corridor train
Choice of unique guided activities
Airport and train station transfers
Feature dining experience at one of our favorite local restaurants
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.

Fresh Tracks Canadafrom $4,133

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?: Yes. VIA Rail's Ocean train from Halifax to Quebec City in a private sleeper cabin, and the Corridor train from Quebec City to Montreal in Business Class, are included.
Is this trip escorted or independent?: It is independent travel with no fixed group schedule. Local experts from Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada) plan and coordinate the trip and offer support.
Which trains are used?: VIA Rail's Ocean Train and VIA Rail's Corridor Train.
What hotels are included?: Named hotels include Auberge Saint-Antoine and Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City and Hotel Bonaparte in Montreal, with standard rising from 3 to 3.5 star at Comfort Level to 5 star at Deluxe Level.
Are meals included?: A feature dining experience at a local restaurant is included; the pack's included list does not separately mention meals onboard the train for this itinerary.
What is not included?: Most sightseeing options, such as Peggy's Cove tours, an Annapolis Valley Winery Tour, and food walking tours, cost extra, as do extensions like Prince Edward Island or Cape Breton Island.