Vacations By Rail · Independent rail and cruise vacation

Eastern Canada Rail & Cruise

Eastern Canada Rail & Cruise, a rail journey with Vacations By Rail

Beauty and heritage, land and sea: Capture the best of the East on a rail and cruise vacation along the Atlantic and through Eastern Canada.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Ship (Boston departure)

    Arriving in Boston, where you board your ship

    Arrive in Boston and make your own way to the cruise terminal to board the ship this afternoon, departing at 4 p.m. northbound toward Canada. Dinner onboard.

  2. Day 2overnight: Ship

    Your first port of call: Portland, ME

    Dock in Portland, Maine, with free time to explore the Old Port Town, its 18th-century lighthouse and Old Harbor. (September 19th departure docks in Eastport instead.)

  3. Day 3overnight: Ship

    Crossing the border into Canada

    Dock in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with a free day to explore Citadel Hill, the South End's Victorian houses, and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

  4. Day 4overnight: Ship

    The charms of Cape Breton Island

    Dock in Sydney, Cape Breton Island (founded 1785). Optional shore excursions to Baddeck (start of the Cabot Trail), the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, or the Fortress of Louisbourg.

  5. Day 5overnight: Ship

    Canada's smallest province: Prince Edward Island

    Dock in Charlottetown, PEI, where Canada's confederacy was founded. Visit Province House, the Confederation Centre of the Arts, St. Dunstan's Basilica, or Prince Edward Island National Park.

  6. Day 6overnight: Ship

    Scenic Cruising along the St. Lawrence River

    A full day of scenic cruising inland along the St. Lawrence River, with onboard activities including the Culinary Arts Center and the Greenhouse Salon and Spa.

  7. Day 7overnight: Ship

    A day in Quebec City

    Free day exploring Quebec City's cobblestone streets, 17th-century architecture, the Plains of Abraham, and the UNESCO World Heritage Ramparts of Old Quebec. (May 23rd and August 22nd departures have a day of cruising on the St. Lawrence this day instead.)

  8. Day 8railovernight: Montreal

    Exploring French Canada in Montreal

    Disembark in Montreal and make your own way to the downtown hotel. Free time to explore. (May 23rd and August 22nd travelers instead disembark in Quebec City, with an optional shore excursion, then travel by VIA Rail's Corridor Services to Montreal.)

  9. Day 9overnight: Montreal

    The landmarks and culture of Montreal

    Included Hop-on/Hop-off city tour (valid 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) taking in Notre Dame Basilica, the Old Port of Montreal, the Montreal Science Center, St. Joseph's Oratory, Mount Royal Park and Dorchester Square.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Ottawa

    To Ottawa aboard VIA Rail

    Make your own way to Montreal's station to join VIA Rail's Corridor Services to Ottawa (just under two hours). Check in to a centrally located hotel for two nights and explore Parliament Hill and the Byward Market.

  11. Day 11overnight: Ottawa

    Discovering Ottawa's attractions

    Included Hop-on/Hop-off city tour with more than 75 points of interest, including the National Archives, Rideau Hall, the Royal Canadian Mint and Byward Market.

  12. Day 12railovernight: Toronto

    Traveling inland by train to Toronto

    Join VIA Rail's Corridor Services to Toronto (under five hours). Check in to your hotel and explore the waterfront or the Distillery Historic District.

  13. Day 13overnight: Toronto

    Sightseeing in Toronto

    Included Hop-on/Hop-off tour with more than 20 stops, including the CN Tower, Toronto's Harbourfront, St. Lawrence Market, the Royal Ontario Museum, Maple Leaf Gardens and Eaton Centre. Optional ferry to the Toronto Islands.

  14. Day 14

    Tour conclusion

    Check out of your hotel this morning. A transfer is available to Toronto Pearson Airport for select flights, or make your own way home. Option to extend the stay in Toronto.

Included

  • 6 nights' hotel accommodation
  • 7-night cruise onboard MS Zuiderdam or MS Volendam
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Business & Standard Class rail options available
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of the cruise
  • A superb choice of excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance (not included but can be arranged)
  • Flights and airport transfers
  • Port taxes (subject to change)

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