Canada Rail (canadarail.ca) · Independent Tour

Eastern Canada by Rail

Eleven-day independent rail tour across Eastern Canada by VIA Rail

Eastern Canada by Rail, a rail journey with Canada Rail (canadarail.ca)

Canada Rail runs Eastern Canada by Rail, an 11-day, 10-night independent tour connecting Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, Québec City, and Halifax. After three nights in Toronto, including a CN Tower visit and a Niagara Falls day tour with a Niagara City Cruises boat ride, VIA Rail's Corridor service in Business Class carries travelers to Ottawa for a look at Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal, then on to Montréal for two nights, and to the historic, fortified city of Québec on the Saint Lawrence River. From there, an overnight aboard 'The Ocean' train in a Sleeper Plus Cabin crosses New Brunswick into Nova Scotia, arriving in Halifax for two nights that include a day trip to Peggy's Cove. Three hotel grades are available. This suits independent travelers who want a fixed rail route between Canada's eastern cities with city tours included at each stop, but who prefer to explore on their own once there.

What to know before you look closer

  • Three hotel grades, Base (Popular Hotels, 3-star), Superior, and Deluxe, are offered, but the specific hotels used in each city are not named in the evidence.
  • The Peggy's Cove sightseeing tour runs mid-June through October only, per the inclusions list.
  • Airport transfers and rail station-to-hotel transfers in Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, and Halifax are not included, though the operator says these can be arranged on request.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Toronto

    Arrival in Toronto

    Arrive in Toronto, Canada's largest city and the capital of Ontario. Once you've checked into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours! We've included passes to the CN Tower and a two-day Hop-On, Hop-Off pass for you to use at your leisure.

  2. Day 2overnight: Toronto

    Toronto Sightseeing

    Build your own Toronto experience with the freedom of our Hop-On, Hop-Off City Tour aboard a double decker bus, with stops including Chinatown, the CN Tower, the Distillery District and the Royal Ontario Museum. The ticket also includes a free boat tour (available seasonally) of the Toronto Harbour and Islands.

  3. Day 3overnight: Toronto

    Niagara Falls Sightseeing Tour

    A full day tour to Niagara Falls through wine country. Board the Niagara City Cruises vessel and cruise along the base of Horseshoe Falls, then visit Niagara on the Lake before returning to Toronto in the early evening.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Ottawa

    VIA Rail in Business Class from Toronto to Ottawa

    Board VIA Rail's Corridor train to Ottawa, home to the Prime Minister and Parliament Hill. Tour Parliament Hill, visit national museums, or walk the Rideau Canal World Heritage Site.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Montréal

    VIA Rail in Business Class from Ottawa to Montréal

    Spend the morning and early afternoon in Ottawa, then travel in Business Class along VIA Rail's Corridor into Montréal, the second largest French-speaking city in the world.

  6. Day 6overnight: Montréal

    Montréal Day Tour

    A tour of Montréal's most famous attractions, including Old Montréal, the Notre Dame Basilica, and Olympic Park.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Québec City

    VIA Rail from Montréal to Québec City

    A morning departure on VIA Rail's Corridor gives a full day in the historic, fortified city of Québec, on the Saint Lawrence River.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Aboard "The Ocean" train

    Free time in Québec City; overnight aboard "The Ocean" train to Halifax

    A free day to explore Québec City, whether by guided tour, rental car or bicycle. Later, board "The Ocean" train and head out for the Maritimes overnight.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Halifax

    "The Ocean" train to Halifax

    Travel eastwards through New Brunswick and on towards Nova Scotia, passing rural villages en route to the east coast. Breakfast and lunch are included aboard the train before a late-afternoon arrival in Halifax.

  10. Day 10overnight: Halifax

    Peggy's Cove

    Depart from Halifax for Peggy's Cove on the Atlantic Ocean, with free time to explore the rocks, walking trails, village and boutiques.

  11. Day 11

    Halifax Departure

    Tour ends when you check out of your hotel.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3A full-day tour to Niagara Falls through wine country includes a Niagara City Cruises boat ride to the base of Horseshoe Falls and a visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake.
  • Day 4VIA Rail's Corridor service in Business Class reaches Ottawa, home to Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal World Heritage Site.
  • Day 7VIA Rail's Corridor service brings a full day in the historic, fortified city of Québec, on the Saint Lawrence River.
  • Day 9'The Ocean' train travels through New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, with breakfast and lunch served on board before a late-afternoon arrival in Halifax.
  • Day 10A day trip from Halifax to Peggy's Cove on the Atlantic coast, with free time to explore the rocks, walking trails, and village.

Included

  • VIA Rail from Toronto to Ottawa
  • VIA Rail from Ottawa to Montréal
  • VIA Rail from Montréal to Québec City
  • VIA Rail from Québec City to Halifax
  • 9 nights hotel accommodation
  • Toronto City Tour
  • Niagara Falls Sightseeing Day Tour
  • Ottawa City Tour
  • Montréal City Tour
  • Québec City Tour
  • Peggy's Cove Sightseeing day tour (mid-June through October)

Not included

  • Transportation from the Toronto airport (available, please ask for details)
  • Transportation to the Halifax airport (available, please ask for details)
  • Rail station transfers between Toronto VIA Rail Station and Toronto Hotel
  • Rail station transfers between Ottawa VIA Rail Station and Ottawa Hotel
  • Rail station transfers between Montréal VIA Rail Station and Montréal Hotel
  • Rail station transfers between Halifax VIA Rail Station and Halifax Hotel
  • Meals, other than onboard train
  • Gratuities for rail, hotel and transfer staff
  • Canadian 5% sales tax

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 train travel included?
Yes: VIA Rail's Corridor service in Business Class from Toronto to Ottawa to Montréal to Québec City, then an overnight aboard 'The Ocean' train in a Sleeper Plus Cabin from Québec City to Halifax.
Is it escorted or independent?
This is listed as an Independent Tour; city tours are included at each stop but travel between them is on your own via the included rail tickets.
Which trains are used?
VIA Rail's Corridor service in Business Class, and 'The Ocean' overnight train in a Sleeper Plus Cabin.
What hotels are included?
9 nights of hotel accommodation, offered in Base (Popular Hotels, 3-star), Superior, or Deluxe grades; specific hotel names are not given in the evidence.
What is not included?
Airport transfers, rail station-to-hotel transfers, meals other than onboard the trains, gratuities, and Canadian 5% sales tax.
How much does it cost?
From CAD $5,490 per person in the Base tier, rising to CAD $6,154 in peak season (about USD $3,866 to start).

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