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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail and cruise vacation

Eastern Canada Rail & Cruise

14-day cruise and rail loop from Boston through Eastern Canada to Toronto

Illustration of Eastern Canada Rail & Cruise

Vacations By Rail's Eastern Canada Rail and Cruise is a 14-day independent vacation that pairs a 7-night ocean cruise with rail and hotel stays across Eastern Canada. You depart from Boston aboard MS Zuiderdam or MS Volendam, cruise along the Atlantic coastline and through the St. Lawrence River, visiting ports including Portland, Halifax, Sydney (Cape Breton Island), Charlottetown, and Quebec City. After disembarking in Montreal, you travel by VIA Rail's Corridor Services to Ottawa and Toronto, with hotel stays and included Hop-on/Hop-off city tours in each city. The itinerary leaves significant free time for self-directed exploration; you navigate between ship and hotels on your own, and each city day allows unstructured wandering. This suits independent travellers and repeat rail passengers who want the ease of pre-arranged transport and accommodation without a full-time guide. The cruise provides all meals and evening entertainment, while the rail legs showcase the working routes that connect Canada's major eastern cities.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights to Boston and airport transfers to the cruise terminal are not included in the from-price; confirm these costs before booking.
  • The itinerary varies by departure date: the May 23rd and August 22nd departures include an extra day of St. Lawrence River cruising rather than a Quebec City port day, and travel to Montreal by VIA Rail instead of disembarking directly.
  • Port taxes are not included and are subject to change.
  • The activityLevel note states the trip is generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility; confirm accessibility details with Vacations By Rail.

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.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4The ship docks in Sydney, Cape Breton Island, with optional shore excursions to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site and Fortress of Louisbourg.
  • Day 7A full day exploring Quebec City's cobblestone streets, 17th-century architecture, and UNESCO World Heritage Ramparts.
  • Day 10VIA Rail's Corridor Services carries you from Montreal to Ottawa in just under two hours.
  • Day 12Travel by train to Toronto aboard VIA Rail's Corridor Services, a journey under five hours, then explore the Distillery Historic District or waterfront.

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)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. VIA Rail's Corridor Services between Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto are included. Business and Standard Class options are available. The cruise is also included.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
This is a self-guided independent vacation. You make your own way between the ship and hotels. Included Hop-on/Hop-off city tours are available in Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto, but you are not assigned a guide for the entire trip.
What is included in the from-price of USD 3,195?
The price includes a 7-night cruise on MS Zuiderdam or MS Volendam, six nights' hotel accommodation, all rail and coach travel, Business or Standard Class rail options, and all cruise meals. Flights, airport transfers, and port taxes are not included.
What hotels are included?
The itinerary includes centrally located hotels in Montreal, Ottawa (two nights), and Toronto (two nights). Upgrade options are available; check with Vacations By Rail for specific property names and tiers.
How much walking and physical activity is involved?
The operator states the trip is generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. City exploration includes walking tours and self-guided navigation of ports and urban centers.
When does this trip depart?
Vacations By Rail publishes no complete departure calendar in the available information. Confirm current departures directly with the operator, as dates and itinerary details vary (for example, May 23rd and August 22nd departures follow a different routing).

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