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First Class Holidays · Rail tour

Eastern Rail Experience

Ten-day rail journey through eastern Canada from Halifax to Toronto

Illustration of Eastern Rail Experience

First Class Holidays operates the Eastern Rail Experience, a 10-day independent rail tour across eastern Canada beginning in Halifax and concluding in Toronto. The journey blends independent city exploration with included rail travel on three VIA Rail services and two guided city tours. You arrive at Halifax International Airport and spend two days discovering the maritime heritage, galleries and historic sites of Nova Scotia's capital before boarding The Ocean on Day 3. This overnight sleeper train carries you eastward across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, skirting the Baie des Chaleurs before following the St. Lawrence River into Quebec City on Day 4. From Quebec City you travel south via The Corridor to Montreal, where a 3.5-hour guided tour showcases Notre Dame Basilica, McGill University, the Olympic Complex and views from Mont Royal. The final rail leg takes you west to Toronto, where a hop-on-hop-off city tour introduces Canada's largest city before your return flight. The package suits first-time rail travellers seeking an accessible introduction to Canadian rail journeys and independent explorers who value free time to wander each city at their own pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • Most meals, sightseeing excursions and airport transfers are not included in the package price; confirm these costs separately with First Class Holidays
  • The independent travel segments on Days 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7 require you to arrange your own transfers between the airport, hotels and rail stations
  • Days 9 and 10 are flight return days with no itinerary detail; the operator publishes no information on activity or arrival timing during these days

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Halifax

    UK-Halifax

    Arrive at Halifax International Airport and transfer independently to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to perhaps sample some of the local delicacies at one of the many portside restaurants and eateries.

  2. Day 2overnight: Halifax

    Halifax

    A full day is yours to independently explore Halifax's proud maritime heritage. The city is a centre for East Coast arts and culture, boasting galleries and local artists. You may decide to visit the restored Historic Properties, the Citadel that has guarded the city since the 18th-century, the Public Gardens or perhaps arrange a day cruise around the harbour.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail (The Ocean)

    VIA Rail (The Ocean) - Halifax to Sainte-Foy

    Transferring independently to the Halifax rail station, board VIA Rail's The Ocean and depart early afternoon on your rail passage to Sainte-Foy. Enjoy lunch. Wind across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick before passing by the rolling hills of the Baie des Chaleurs. The evening offers long shadows over the landscape to accompany your delicious on-board dinner, and the rock and sway of the train ensures a restful sleep on your overnight journey.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Quebec City

    VIA Rail (The Ocean) - Quebec City (Sainte Foy)

    The sun rises as you follow the shores of the mighty St. Lawrence River into Quebec City where you debark to begin the next chapter of your holiday. Proceeding independently to your hotel and checking in, the rest of the day is yours to discover why this historic city draws thousands of visitors each year - the Latin Quarter, the Plains of Abraham, the Fortifications, the National Assembly, Place Royale or the Basilica.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Montreal

    VIA Rail (The Corridor) - Quebec City to Montreal

    Departing on VIA Rail's Corridor service to Montreal, follow the shoreline of Canada's busiest waterway along the St. Lawrence River to arrive in the bustling metropolis of Montreal. Walk down lively St. Catherine Street with its numerous shops and cafes, or once the sun sets, sample the fine cuisine at one of hundreds of restaurants and perhaps take in a session at a lively jazz club.

  6. Day 6overnight: Montreal

    Montreal

    Today, you will be going on a 3.5-hours sightseeing tour of Montreal. You will see numerous highlights, such as the Notre Dame Basilica, the financial and residential districts, historic Old Montreal, the charming Latin Quarter and much more. You will visit the Olympic Complex, travel through the campus of McGill University and savour the panoramic views from an observation point on top of Mont Royal.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Toronto

    VIA Rail (The Corridor) - Montreal to Toronto

    Depart on the last rail journey of your package, travelling through the small townships and communities of Quebec and Ontario en route to Canada's largest city, Toronto. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take the rest of the evening to either enjoy the amenities of your hotel, or search out one of the city's hundreds of restaurants and nightspots.

  8. Day 8overnight: Toronto

    Toronto

    Enjoy the freedom of a hop-on-hop-off city tour conducted by a friendly and knowledgeable tour guide, educating you on the fun facts and history of Toronto with stops at/near all major hotels in the downtown area. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration, shopping or simple relaxation.

  9. Day 9

    Toronto - UK

    Make your way to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

  10. Day 10

    Toronto - UK

    Make your way to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Board VIA Rail's The Ocean in Halifax early afternoon and travel overnight across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, dinner and sleeper cabin included
  • Day 4Wake aboard The Ocean following the St. Lawrence River shoreline as you arrive in Quebec City
  • Day 5Travel via The Corridor along the St. Lawrence River into Montreal, Canada's second-largest city
  • Day 6Guided 3.5-hour Montreal city tour includes Notre Dame Basilica, McGill University campus, the Olympic Complex and panoramic views from Mont Royal

Included

  • Return flights from the UK
  • 7 nights hotel accommodation
  • 1 night onboard VIA Rail's The Ocean train with dinner
  • Standard class VIA Rail Quebec to Montreal and Montreal to Toronto
  • Montreal city tour
  • Toronto Hop on, Hop off city tour

Not included

  • Meals, sightseeing, excursions and transfers not shown as included

Questions travellers ask

Which trains does this trip use?
Three VIA Rail services: The Ocean (Halifax to Quebec City, overnight with sleeper cabin and dinner), The Corridor (Quebec City to Montreal), and The Corridor (Montreal to Toronto). All standard class.
Is the rail travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes one night aboard The Ocean with dinner, plus standard class rail tickets Quebec City to Montreal and Montreal to Toronto. The Halifax arrival is independent.
Is this tour guided or independent?
Mostly independent between cities. First Class Holidays includes a guided 3.5-hour city tour in Montreal and a hosted hop-on-hop-off bus tour in Toronto. Other days are free for self-guided exploration.
What hotels are included?
Seven nights across four cities: Halifax (2 nights), Quebec City (1 night), Montreal (2 nights) and Toronto (2 nights). Hotel names and star ratings are not detailed in the package information.
When does this trip run?
First Class Holidays does not publish specific departure dates in their package details. Contact the operator to confirm availability.
What is not included?
Most meals (except dinner on The Ocean), sightseeing excursions beyond the two city tours, airport transfers and activity costs are not included. Confirm all costs before booking.

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