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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Eastern Canada Discovery

Eastern Canada by rail from Toronto to Halifax with sleeper train

Illustration of Eastern Canada Discovery

Eastern Canada Discovery, operated by Marvellous Escapes, is an 11-day tailor-made rail journey from Toronto to Halifax via Montreal and Quebec City. The trip combines hotel stays in four cities with three VIA Rail segments, including an overnight sleeper cabin aboard The Ocean from Quebec to Nova Scotia. Days 1 through 3 centre on Toronto, with a full-day coach excursion to Niagara Falls and a visit to the CN Tower. Days 4 and 5 split between Toronto and Montreal, where a guided motorcoach tour covers Old Montreal, Mount Royal, and the Notre-Dame Basilica. Day 6 brings a train journey to Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, followed by a St. Lawrence River cruise. Day 8 features the signature overnight sleeper, and Days 9 and 10 explore Halifax's waterfront and the maritime village of Peggy's Cove by coach. The package includes UK flights, all hotels, rail tickets, and guided sightseeing. It suits first-time rail travellers seeking guided comfort and couples wanting a mix of independent exploration and structured excursions.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package includes flights and accommodation but priced from GBP 2,799; confirm the rail fares are included in the total before booking.
  • Day 1 includes a UK-to-Toronto flight (arrival details depend on flight times); Day 11 is an overnight flight home, reducing the final full day in Halifax.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Toronto

    Toronto

    Fly from the UK to Toronto and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Relax or explore the city's bustling waterfront at leisure.

  2. Day 2overnight: Toronto

    Toronto

    Full-day excursion to Niagara Falls, witnessing the thundering cascades up close before returning to Toronto.

  3. Day 3overnight: Toronto

    Toronto

    Visit the iconic CN Tower for panoramic views across the city and Lake Ontario. Spend the rest of the day discovering the neighbourhoods and dining scene.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Montreal

    Montreal

    Board VIA Rail for a comfortable journey to Montreal, a cosmopolitan city blending French flair with modern Canadian culture.

  5. Day 5overnight: Montreal

    Montreal

    Explore the 'Heart of Montreal' on a guided motorcoach tour, taking in Old Montreal, Mount Royal, and the Notre-Dame Basilica.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Quebec City

    Montreal to Quebec

    Travel by train to the enchanting city of Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its cobbled streets, historic architecture and European atmosphere.

  7. Day 7overnight: Quebec City

    Quebec City

    See Quebec from a new perspective with a 1.5-hour guided cruise along the St. Lawrence River, showcasing the city's skyline, Château Frontenac, and Montmorency Falls.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail

    Quebec to Halifax

    Board VIA Rail's 'The Ocean' sleeper train for a scenic overnight journey along Canada's east coast, passing charming towns and maritime landscapes.

  9. Day 9overnight: Halifax

    Halifax

    Arrive in Halifax, Nova Scotia's coastal gem. Check into your hotel and stroll along the lively waterfront.

  10. Day 10overnight: Halifax

    Halifax

    Full-day guided tour of Halifax, including the picturesque fishing village of Peggy's Cove, famous for its lighthouse and rocky shoreline.

  11. Day 11rail

    Return home

    Transfer to Halifax Airport for your overnight flight home, marking the end of your Eastern Canada rail journey.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Full-day excursion to Niagara Falls, witnessing the thundering cascades up close.
  • Day 71.5-hour guided cruise along the St. Lawrence River, showcasing Quebec City's skyline and Montmorency Falls.
  • Day 8Board VIA Rail's The Ocean sleeper train for an overnight journey along Canada's east coast.
  • Day 10Full-day guided tour including the picturesque fishing village of Peggy's Cove and its lighthouse.

Included

  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Toronto
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Montreal, Quebec & Halifax
  • Overnight accommodation aboard VIA Rail
  • Flights from UK to Toronto and return from Halifax
  • VIA Rail Toronto to Montreal and The Ocean from Montreal to Quebec and Quebec to Halifax
  • Daytrip to Niagara Falls
  • Heart of Montreal tour
  • Quebec guided tour
  • Best of Halifax and Peggy's Cove

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 in the price?
The itinerary lists VIA Rail journeys from Toronto to Montreal, Montreal to Quebec City, and The Ocean sleeper from Quebec to Halifax. Confirm with Marvellous Escapes whether these fares are bundled in the from-price or booked separately.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
Marvellous Escapes describes it as a tailor-made rail holiday. The itinerary includes guided motorcoach tours of Montreal, a St. Lawrence River cruise, and a guided tour of Halifax with Peggy's Cove; other days allow leisure exploration.
Do I sleep on the train?
Yes. Day 8 includes an overnight cabin aboard VIA Rail's The Ocean from Quebec City to Halifax.
Which trains are used?
VIA Rail operates all rail segments: Toronto to Montreal, Montreal to Quebec City, and The Ocean (sleeper class) from Quebec City to Halifax.
What is the total walking and activity level?
Days involve guided motorcoach tours, city walking in Montreal and Quebec, a 1.5-hour river cruise, and full-day coach excursions to Niagara Falls and Peggy's Cove. Standard fitness and ability to handle stairs and luggage expected.
When does this trip run?
The operator has not published departure dates. Contact Marvellous Escapes directly to confirm available dates and book.

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