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Great Rail Journeys · Independent

Maple Leaf Explorer

10-day Canada rail journey from Toronto through Niagara Falls to Quebec City

Illustration of Maple Leaf Explorer

Great Rail Journeys' Maple Leaf Explorer is a ten-day independent tour of eastern Canada, combining major cities and natural attractions from Toronto through to Quebec City. You depart London and return via transatlantic flights, using VIA Rail business class for three scenic rail journeys between Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City. The itinerary balances escorted activities with free time: guided walking tours explore Parliament and the Prime Minister's residence in Ottawa, Old Montreal and Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, and the walled streets of Old Quebec. On day two, you take a Hornblower boat tour to Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls and visit the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Most evenings and afternoons are yours to discover local food, parks, harbours, and museums. You stay in established 4-star and 5-star hotels, including Fairmont properties. This package suits first-time rail travellers seeking a comfortable mix of city culture, guided insights, and independent exploration.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is an independent tour, not fully escorted; your participation in guided city tours is structured, but you have significant free time each afternoon to explore on your own.
  • The itinerary includes a transatlantic overnight flight (London to Toronto outbound, Quebec to London return); jet lag and flight fatigue should be factored into your first and last days.
  • Only three meals are included across ten days; most dinners and breakfasts are at your own expense.

Day by day

  1. Day 0

    Outbound Travel – Getting to Toronto

    Your journey begins today when you take your flight from London to Toronto.

  2. Day 1overnight: Toronto

    Arrival in Toronto

    On arrival in Toronto, you'll be transferred to your hotel, after which you can spend some free time getting to know the city. Check out the city's markets, including Kensington Market and St. Lawrence Market, and try some of the diverse street food on offer. Or, visit Royal Ontario Museum, and simply take a walk around town, soaking up the atmosphere.

  3. Day 2overnight: Toronto

    Niagara Falls

    This morning you'll set off for a thrilling tour of Niagara Falls. This once-in-a-lifetime tour takes you on the famous Hornblower to Horseshoe Falls. You'll enjoy lunch overlooking the falls and you'll take a trip to the quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. You'll arrive back in Toronto this evening to explore the many quality restaurants in town, before spending your second night in the city.

    Meals: Lunch

  4. Day 3railovernight: Ottawa

    Toronto to Ottawa

    This morning it's time to head to the train station to board VIA Rail's train to Ottawa. You'll be travelling business class today as you make your way to Canada's capital city. Sit back and relax and watch the scenery drift by your window, and enjoy the journey. On arrival in Ottawa you'll make your way to your hotel for the night.

  5. Day 4overnight: Ottawa

    Ottawa Guided Tour

    This morning you'll take a guided tour of Ottawa. You'll discover the Parliament Buildings, the embassies, the Prime Minister's residence, and Rideau Falls and Canal. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you like. Get to know Ottawa better by taking a walk around town, visit one of the parks and green spaces in the city, or take a look at the National Arts Centre. Then discover the city through its food by visiting one of the many fine restaurants.

  6. Day 5railovernight: Montreal

    Ottawa to Montreal

    This morning head back to the train station to once again board VIA Rail's train, this time to Montreal. You'll travel business class and you'll enjoy the comfort of the train while the landscapes roll by your window. On arrival in Montreal, you'll be transferred to your hotel for the night, and you'll have time to explore the city a little in your own time.

  7. Day 6overnight: Montreal

    Montreal Guided Tour

    Relax this morning before setting off on a morning tour of the city. Montreal is the second largest French speaking city in the world and has some inspiring sights, including Old Montreal, Notre Dame Basilica, Olympic Park, and Mount Royal Park. You'll have the afternoon free to explore as you like. Take a stroll along the stunning harbour and see the magnificent St Lawrence River. Go shopping in some of Montreal's unique boutiques, and simply sit with a coffee and watch local life go by.

  8. Day 7railovernight: Quebec City

    Montreal to Quebec

    This morning you'll make your way to the train station to board VIA Rail's train to Quebec. Your journey follows the St Lawrence River and provides you with ever-changing, inspiring scenery as you relax onboard in business class. On arrival in Quebec, you'll make your way to your hotel for the night.

  9. Day 8overnight: Quebec City

    Guided Tour of Quebec

    Spend today exploring Quebec, the 'ancient capital'. You'll take a small group guided walking tour of Old Quebec and you'll explore this charming city, the only walled city in North America. You'll discover the history of the walled city and you'll also see the more modern areas of Quebec City and the startling contrasts between the two. You'll have some free time to explore anything a little further as you like, or you can go shopping or relax with a drink at one of the city's bars or cafes.

  10. Day 9overnight: In flight

    Quebec to the UK (Overnight Flight)

    Your adventure comes to its close today when you're transferred from your hotel to the airport for your overnight flight back to London.

  11. Day 10

    Arrival in the UK

    You'll arrive back in the UK today, filled with long lasting memories of your incredible journey.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Hornblower boat tour to Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls, followed by a visit to the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
  • Day 3Day 3: Board VIA Rail business class for the journey from Toronto to Ottawa, watching the landscape unfold from your seat.
  • Day 4Day 4: Guided tour of Canada's capital covering Parliament Buildings, embassies, the Prime Minister's residence, Rideau Falls and Canal.
  • Day 7Day 7: VIA Rail business class journey from Montreal to Quebec along the St Lawrence River with scenic views throughout.
  • Day 8Day 8: Small group guided walking tour of Old Quebec, the only walled city in North America, exploring its charming streets and history.

Included

  • Hotel accommodations for 8 nights
  • Rail travel in VIA Rail Canada (business class)
  • Return flights to Canada from the UK
  • Airport transfers in Canada
  • 3 meals
  • Niagara Falls tour including Hornblower boat trip to Horseshoe Falls
  • Guided tour of Ottawa
  • Guided tour of Montreal
  • Small group guided walking tour of Old Quebec

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys includes all VIA Rail Canada business class travel between Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
It is an independent tour with guided city tours. You have a guide for Ottawa, Montreal, and Old Quebec, but you arrange your own activities during free afternoons.
What hotels are included?
Accommodation options vary by city and preference. In Toronto you may choose the Sheraton Centre or Fairmont Royal York; in Ottawa the Lord Elgin Hotel or Fairmont Château Laurier; in Montreal the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth; and in Quebec City the Chateau Laurier Quebec or Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.
What is included in the price?
Eight nights of hotel accommodation, return flights from London to Canada, VIA Rail business class travel, airport transfers, a Niagara Falls Hornblower boat tour with lunch, three guided city tours, and three meals.
How much walking is involved?
The tours include walking in city centres and Old Quebec; you are part of a small group guided walking tour. Free time allows you to walk as much or as little as you choose.

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