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Intrepid Travel · Escorted small group tour

Eastern Canada by Rail

Eastern Canada rail loop from Toronto to Montreal with train, e-bike, boat

Illustration of Eastern Canada by Rail

Eastern Canada by Rail is a 10-day escorted tour operated by Intrepid Travel that follows the VIA Rail line from Toronto to Montreal, with overnight stops in small towns and major cities. The journey opens in Toronto, Canada's largest city on Lake Ontario, with a welcome meeting and day trip to Niagara Falls and a winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. From there, the group travels by train to Gananoque for a Thousand Islands boat cruise, then to Ottawa for an e-bike tour of downtown and the sprawling Gatineau Park. The route continues by rail to Quebec City, where you spend three nights exploring the Old Town's narrow streets, riding the historic funicular, and taking a day trip to Ile d'Orleans and Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier for a hike through a glacial valley. The tour ends in Montreal after a final train journey. A local leader accompanies the group throughout, and most days include a mix of guided activities and free time to explore independently. The pace is moderate, with some active days (e-biking, hiking, walking tours) balanced by travel days and leisure afternoons.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only 1 breakfast and 1 lunch are included; you will need to budget and arrange most meals yourself.
  • The single supplement is available on request but priced separately; the priceSingleFrom of AUD 1705 is roughly 28 percent of the double rate.
  • The high-altitude hike on Day 7 and the 4-hour e-bike tour on Day 5 require a reasonable fitness level.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Toronto

    Toronto

    Welcome to Canada! Your adventure begins in Toronto – the capital of Ontario along the lake's northwestern shore. With soaring skyscrapers, this metropolis is known for the free-standing CN Tower, its green spaces and its sports culture. You'll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After, maybe head out for dinner with your group and get to know each other.

  2. Day 2overnight: Toronto

    Niagara Falls / Toronto

    Today you'll take a day trip to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Part of the UNESCO-listed Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve, the falls are also one of the honorary Natural Wonders of the World. You'll take an orientation tour with your leader, then have free time to take on one of the optional cruises. This afternoon, head to a wine tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Later, return to Toronto for the night.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Gananoque

    Toronto / Gananoque

    This morning, head out for an orientation walk of Toronto with your local leader. Then, hop on the train to the small town of Gananoque – home to the Thousand Islands, known as the 'Garden of the Great Spirit' by the Iroquois Nation. On arrival you have a free afternoon to relax or explore – maybe visit the 1000 Islands History Museum or head to a theatre show at the Thousand Islands Playhouse. Travel time approximately 3 hours.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Ottawa

    Thousand Islands / Ottawa

    Set out on a cruise through the Thousand Islands this morning and learn about this area's history, wars and rebellions. See 5th and 6th-generation family cottages as you cruise through the narrow channels to the Admiralty and Navy groups of islands. This afternoon, transfer by taxi to Brockville station and take the train to Ottawa, Canada's capital. Travel time approximately 2 hours.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5overnight: Ottawa

    Ottawa

    Set out on an e-bike tour of Ottawa. Spend half the day exploring downtown, both on foot and by electric bike. Visit Gatineau Park – the largest green space in the region, occupying over 362 sq km, home to bats, frogs, raccoons, squirrels and even black bears. After, you have a free afternoon to relax or visit one of the city's 29 museums. Cycling time approximately 4 hours.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Quebec City

    Quebec City

    Today you'll take a train to Quebec City – the largest province in Canada known for its French-speakers, European architecture, narrow streets and the Saint Lawrence River. This is a long travel day (approximately 6 hours), so soak up the views along the way. When you arrive, you're free to explore the city at your own pace.

  7. Day 7overnight: Quebec City

    Ile d'Orleans / Jacques Cartier National Park / Quebec City

    This morning you'll take a private vehicle to Ile d'Orleans for a daytrip – this island and heritage site in the Saint Lawrence River was one of the first places in the province to be colonised by the French. Explore with your leader, then head to a local spot for classic poutine. Then head to the gorgeous Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier for a hike through the Vallee de la Jacques-Cartier glacial valley. Look out for moose and beavers.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Quebec City

    Quebec City

    Head out on a walking tour of Quebec City with a local guide. Visit BeaverTails for a delicious local pastry, then hop on The Old Quebec Funicular – a historic railway connecting the Upper and Lower Town, offering views across the city. The main entrance is the House Louis Jolliet, built in 1683. This afternoon is free to explore the charming city.

    Meals: Lunch

  9. Day 9railovernight: Montreal

    Montreal

    Take the train to Montreal – the largest city in the province of Quebec, named after Mt. Royal, the triple-peaked hill at its centre. Travel time approximately 3.5 hours. When you arrive, take the subway to your hotel before heading out for an orientation walk. Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner and toast to an excellent Canadian exploration.

  10. Day 10

    Montreal

    With no further activities planned after breakfast today, your trip comes to an end and you're free to leave at any time after check-out.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: orientation tour of Niagara Falls on the Canadian side, with optional boat cruise and wine tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
  • Day 4Day 4: cruise through the Thousand Islands to see 5th and 6th-generation family cottages and the Admiralty and Navy island groups.
  • Day 5Day 5: e-bike tour of Ottawa downtown and Gatineau Park, a 362 square kilometre green space with wildlife including black bears.
  • Day 7Day 7: day trip to Ile d'Orleans with lunch and a hike through Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier glacial valley.
  • Day 8Day 8: walking tour of Quebec City's Old Town, historic funicular ride from House Louis Jolliet built in 1683, and BeaverTails pastry.

Included

  • 9 nights hotel accommodation
  • 1 breakfast (Day 4)
  • 1 lunch (Day 8)
  • Niagara Falls full day trip from Toronto
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake winery visit and wine tasting
  • Gananoque Thousand Islands cruise
  • Ottawa visit to the Canadian Parliament (subject to opening times)
  • Ottawa e-bike tour of Ottawa and Gatineau Park
  • Quebec City day trip to Ile d'Orleans and Jacques Cartier National Park
  • Quebec City walking tour with local guide
  • Local leader throughout
  • Train travel between cities

Not included

  • Most meals (only 1 breakfast and 1 lunch included)
  • Optional Niagara Falls boat cruise
  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas (where required)
  • Personal expenses
  • Single supplement (available on request)

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Questions travellers ask

Which trains are used?
Intrepid Travel uses VIA Rail for connections between Toronto to Gananoque (via Brockville), Brockville to Ottawa, Ottawa to Quebec City, and Quebec City to Montreal.
Is train travel included in the price?
Yes, train travel between cities is included in the tour price.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes, Intrepid Travel provides a local leader throughout the 10 days.
What meals are included?
Only 1 breakfast (Day 4) and 1 lunch (Day 8) are included. You will arrange and pay for other meals.
What hotels are used?
The pack names the Chelsea Hotel in Toronto (2 nights) and hotel guideline accommodations in Gananoque (1 night), Ottawa (2 nights), Quebec City (3 nights), and Montreal (1 night). Confirm final hotel names with Intrepid Travel.
When does it depart?
Departures run May through October in 2026, 2027, and 2028. From-price is AUD 6026.50 (approximately USD 4181).

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