Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Fall Colors of the Northeast

Boston to Quebec City fall foliage rail trip through 4 cities

Fall Colors of the Northeast, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 9-day independent rail vacation through four cities known for their fall foliage, connected by three named trains. The trip opens with two nights in Boston, walking the Freedom Trail and visiting Paul Revere's House and the Old State House, before the Northeast Regional carries travelers to New York City for a guided walking tour of Central Park's fall colors. From New York, the Adirondack train runs north to Montreal, passing fall colors along the way, for two nights that include a city tour of Olympic Stadium and the Golden Square Mile. VIA Rail's Corridor train then makes the short trip to Quebec City, where a city and countryside tour visits Old Québec, the Plains of Abraham, and the Beaupré Coast, including Montmorency Falls. This suits travelers who want a slower, two-night-per-city pace built specifically around the region's autumn color rather than a fast multi-stop itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotel is chosen from 23 listed options split across Boston, New York City, Montreal and Quebec City and across different quality tiers, so the standard of accommodation depends on what's picked at booking.
  • Only 1 meal, a single dinner, is listed as included across the 9 days; other meals are on your own.
  • The second half of this itinerary crosses into Canada, with stops in Montreal and Quebec City, so a valid passport is needed for the border crossing; the evidence does not specify any further entry requirements.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Boston

    Boston

    Welcome to Boston! This historic coastal city is full of sights you won't want to miss. Begin to explore "Beantown" today on your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of the city. Visit historic sites, like Paul Revere's House, the Boston Common, and the Old State House. Take a leisurely stroll through the gorgeous Public Garden and enjoy a swan boat ride. You'll also have the chance to see Boston's modern marvels, including Copley Square and the Boston Christian Science Center's magnificent reflecting pool.

  2. Day 2overnight: Boston

    Boston

    Today is all about experiencing the best of Boston. Stroll through the historic streets of this iconic city, where every corner tells a story, from the cobblestones of Beacon Hill to the bustling energy of Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Enjoy time to explore landmarks like the Freedom Trail, the Boston Common, or world-class museums at your own pace. Cap off your day with dinner at one of Boston's legendary restaurants, known for its classic New England cuisine and welcoming atmosphere.

  3. Day 3railovernight: New York City

    Boston to New York City

    Depart Boston today and take Amtrak's Northeast Regional train to New York City. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and begin using your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour to discover the city's top attractions, including the Empire State Building and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

  4. Day 4overnight: New York City

    New York City

    Enjoy your excursion today through the rich foliage, exquisite gardens and interesting cultural history of Central Park, made even more spectacular bursting with fall colors. Your experienced guide will inform you of the many interesting details and anecdotes of one of the most famous parks in the world.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Montreal

    New York City to Montreal

    Board Amtrak's Adirondack train this morning for the scenic journey to Montreal. Enjoy the fall colors outside as you sit back and relax onboard. Arrive in Montreal in the evening and settle in at your hotel for a two-night stay. If you are feeling adventurous, perhaps visit Montreal's Underground City for a unique shopping experience or stroll down historic Rue St. Paul as you take in the European charm of Old Montreal.

  6. Day 6overnight: Montreal

    Montreal

    Today you will tour Quebec's largest city on your Heart of Montreal City tour. Your guided sightseeing tour will take you to Olympic Stadium, Montreal Harbor, the historic Hotel de Ville, Mary Queen of the World Cathedral, Golden Square Mile, and many more popular hot spots. Fall colors combine with old-world elegance all over the city, offering an impressive autumnal experience with a distinctly European flair.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Quebec City

    Montreal to Quebec City

    Today you will board VIA Rail and depart for Quebec City! Enjoy the short and scenic journey. After you check into your hotel you are free to explore all there is to offer in the capital city of the Quebec province. You may want to stroll down the bustling streets and take in some of the Old Quebec charm, visit the iconic and picturesque Chateau Frontenac, or even visit the View-Port de Quebec markets!

  8. Day 8overnight: Quebec City

    Quebec City

    Discover Quebec City's brilliant fall colors today on your city and countryside tour. Start with a complete visit through Old Québec, the Plains of Abraham, the fortified city, the Place-Royale and more. After a short break, continue the tour with a trip along the Beaupré Coast, where you can visit the Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine, see the Montmorency Falls and the Island of Orléans. After a full day touring the city, return to your hotel for a final night's stay.

  9. Day 9

    Your Journey Ends in Quebec City

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4A guided excursion through Central Park takes in its fall foliage, gardens and cultural history.
  • Day 5The Adirondack train carries travelers from New York City to Montreal past fall colors along the route.
  • Day 6The Heart of Montreal city tour visits Olympic Stadium, Montreal Harbor and the Golden Square Mile, with fall colors and old-world elegance combined.
  • Day 8A city and countryside tour of Quebec City reaches the Beaupré Coast, including the Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine and Montmorency Falls.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Boston to New York City; and New York City to Montreal onboard the Northeast Regional® and the Adirondack®
  • VIA Rail® from Montreal to Quebec City on the Corridor®
  • 8 nights' hotel accommodations
  • 1 meal (1 dinner)

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. One-way Amtrak Coach travel from Boston to New York City and New York City to Montreal on the Northeast Regional and the Adirondack is included, along with VIA Rail's Corridor service from Montreal to Quebec City.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is sold as an independent rail vacation, with a hop-on, hop-off or guided city tour included at each stop: Boston, New York City, Montreal and Quebec City.
What hotels are included?
The hotel is chosen from 23 options across Boston, New York City, Montreal and Quebec City, including the Fairmont Copley Plaza, the InterContinental Boston, and the WOW InterContinental New York Times Square.
When is the best time to see the fall colors?
The trip is built around autumn foliage in the Northeast and Quebec; the evidence does not give exact departure dates, so confirm current timing with Amtrak Vacations.
Are meals included?
Only one dinner is included across the 9 days; all other meals are on your own.
Does this trip cross into Canada?
Yes, the second half of the trip, in Montreal and Quebec City, is in Canada, so a valid passport is required.

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