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Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Highlights of French Canada and Nova Scotia

Eight-day escorted rail tour from Montreal through Quebec to Halifax and Nova Scotia

Illustration of Highlights of French Canada and Nova Scotia

Vacations By Rail operates this 8-day escorted tour linking the cultural heritage of French Canada with the coastal charm of Nova Scotia. Departing from Montreal, the journey moves through Quebec City and then aboard VIA Rail's Ocean overnight train to Halifax, concluding in the fishing villages of Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg. A professional Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, organizing guided sightseeing in Montreal and Quebec City, a visit to a traditional sugar shack to learn maple syrup production, and excursions to Montmorency Falls and the Huron-Wendat Nation reserve at Wendake. The overnight sleeper train journey itself becomes a highlight; passengers travel in a private cabin through the provinces. Days balance structured group activities with free time to explore at leisure. Six hotels plus one night on the train provide the overnight stops. Thirteen meals are included, from French Canadian cuisine to a farewell dinner featuring fresh Nova Scotia lobster. The tour suits travelers seeking guided comfort, history, and regional food experiences, particularly those new to rail travel or wanting a fully organized escape to Canada's East.

What to know before you look closer

  • Arrival airport transfer to Montreal is not included; flights are also separate
  • Hotels in Montreal and Halifax are listed as options (Omni Mont-Royal or Marriott Chateau Champlain in Montreal; Sutton Place or Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax); the final choice depends on availability and package tier
  • National Park entrance fees are not included in the from-price

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Montreal

    Arrive in Montreal

    Montreal is the beginning point for your tour of French Canada. Make your way to the centrally located hotel on arrival, and meet your group of fellow travelers and Tour Manager. Spend time getting settled in or sightseeing locally before meeting the group at a local French restaurant this evening for a proper welcome to the rail vacation.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Montreal

    Discovering Montreal

    A guided sightseeing tour admiring the highlights of Old Montreal, including the Notre-Dame Basilica, followed by a relaxing cruise on the Saint Lawrence River with a three-course lunch on board. The rest of the day is free to continue exploring at leisure.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  3. Day 3railovernight: Quebec City

    Montreal at Leisure/To Quebec City by Rail

    A leisurely morning in Montreal before checking out and transferring together to the railway station to board VIA Rail's Corridor Service to Quebec City, about three hours. After checking in at the hotel, the afternoon is free to get acquainted with the surroundings.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4overnight: Quebec City

    Discovering Quebec City

    A group sightseeing tour exploring the Plains of Abraham, the Latin Quarter and the National Assembly Building, followed by a visit to a local sugar shack to learn about maple syrup history and production with a lunch featuring Quebecois music. Remainder of the day at leisure in Quebec City.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  5. Day 5railovernight: Train

    Montmorency Falls/VIA Rail's Ocean

    A slow start to the day before visiting Montmorency Falls, nearly 100 feet taller than Niagara Falls, with free time on the walking trails or the zip line. Continue to Wendake, an urban reserve of the Huron-Wendat Nation, for a guided tour of First Nations culture and heritage concluding with a dinner of indigenous dishes. In the evening, transfer to Quebec's rail station to join VIA Rail's Ocean on its overnight route toward Maritime Canada.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Halifax

    Crossing Eastern Canada

    Overnight the Ocean follows its eastbound course through Quebec and into New Brunswick, approaching Moncton and continuing toward Nova Scotia. Arrive in Halifax early this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  7. Day 7overnight: Halifax

    Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg

    A morning excursion to Peggy's Cove, with time to photograph the iconic lighthouse and fishing village, and on to historic Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore independently. Return for an afternoon of leisure in Halifax, then join the group for a farewell dinner featuring fresh Nova Scotia lobster.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8

    Tour Conclusion

    The journey through French Canada and Nova Scotia concludes this morning with a group transfer to Halifax Stanfield International Airport for flights departing after 12:00 p.m.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A three-course lunch cruise on the Saint Lawrence River follows guided sightseeing of Old Montreal and Notre-Dame Basilica
  • Day 4Visit a traditional sugar shack near Quebec City to learn about maple syrup production with lunch and Quebecois music
  • Day 5Montmorency Falls, nearly 100 feet taller than Niagara Falls, offers walking trails and zip-line options before the overnight Ocean train departs
  • Day 5Wendake, an urban reserve of the Huron-Wendat Nation, includes a guided cultural tour and dinner of indigenous dishes
  • Day 7Morning excursion to Peggy's Cove lighthouse and fishing village, then independent exploration of historic Lunenburg before a farewell dinner with fresh Nova Scotia lobster

Included

  • The services of a professional Tour Manager from start to finish
  • Hotel Accommodation for 6 nights, plus one overnight on VIA's Ocean
  • Rail travel on VIA Rail's Ocean in a private cabin (1 night on train)
  • Rail travel on VIA Rail's Corridor Service in Economy
  • Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
  • 13 Meals, including a food tour, traditional sugar shack lunch, and lobster dinner

Not included

  • National Park Entrance Fees
  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Arrival Airport Transfer is not included
  • Flights

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included?
Yes. The package includes VIA Rail's Corridor Service from Montreal to Quebec City in Economy class and VIA Rail's Ocean from Quebec City to Halifax in a private cabin for one overnight. Coach transport is also provided for excursions.
Is this tour guided or independent?
It is fully escorted. A professional Tour Manager leads the group from start to finish, and most days include group sightseeing tours and organized meals.
Which meals are included?
Thirteen meals are included: arrival dinner in Montreal, meals during the Montreal river cruise, sugar shack lunch, dinners at Wendake and Halifax, and breakfasts throughout. Breakfast and lunch are included on the overnight Ocean train.
How much walking is involved?
The tour carries a Mobility Rating 4. Days include guided city walking in Montreal and Quebec City, optional walking trails or zip-line at Montmorency Falls, and independent exploration of Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg.
What is not included in the price?
Flights, airport transfers on arrival, National Park entrance fees, and cancellation or travel insurance are not included.
When does the tour run?
The operator has not published a departure calendar in the available information. Contact Vacations By Rail directly to confirm dates.

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