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Cox & Kings · Tailor-Made Journey

Maritimes to Montreal Rail Journey

Nine-day rail journey from Halifax through Prince Edward Island to Montreal by VIA Rail

Illustration of Maritimes to Montreal Rail Journey

Cox & Kings' 9-day Maritimes to Montreal Rail Journey blends Atlantic coastal exploration with an overnight sleeper train crossing. Travellers begin in Halifax, exploring the Maritime Museum and the windswept Harbourwalk, then cross the Confederation Bridge to Prince Edward Island for two nights in Charlottetown. A highlight is boarding a working lobster boat alongside a fourth-generation fishing family. From Moncton, the journey continues overnight on VIA Rail The Ocean in Sleeper Plus class, with dining onboard as the train carries you through Quebec's rural landscape toward Montreal. The final three nights unfold in Montreal with guided tours of Old Montreal, Quebec City's UNESCO-listed Old Town, and Montmorency Falls, plus free time to climb Mount Royal or explore at your own pace. The package suits repeat rail travellers, couples, history enthusiasts, and food-focused explorers seeking a leisurely, well-guided experience across Canada's maritime heritage.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price (£3,545) is for May and September departures; June to August costs £3,775
  • The itinerary includes a transatlantic flight component; confirm whether the quoted price covers flights or if they are additional

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Halifax (The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax)

    Arrive Halifax

    Arrive in Halifax, capital of Nova Scotia and gateway to Canada's east coast. After checking into your downtown hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore. You might stroll the lively Harbourwalk, take a look inside the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, or simply savour a plate of fresh Atlantic lobster.

  2. Day 2overnight: Halifax (The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax)

    Halifax

    Today, set out on the included Best of Halifax & Peggy's Cove tour. Travel to Peggy's Cove, a working fishing village, and return to Halifax to stand atop historic Citadel Hill, where costumed Highlanders bring the 19th century to life.

  3. Day 3overnight: Charlottetown (The Great George)

    Arrive Charlottetown

    Set out from Halifax on a private transfer bound for Prince Edward Island, crossing the remarkable 13-kilometre Confederation Bridge. The journey ends in Charlottetown, but the day continues with an included Island Drives & Anne of Green Gables excursion.

  4. Day 4overnight: Charlottetown (The Great George)

    Charlottetown

    Breathe in the briny air as you step aboard a working lobster boat for an authentic glimpse into Prince Edward Island's seafaring life. With a fourth-generation fishing family as your tour guide, learn the age-old rhythms of the trade.

  5. Day 5railovernight: VIA Rail, The Ocean

    Moncton to Montreal VIA Rail

    The morning is yours to spend at leisure in Charlottetown. Come afternoon, take a private transfer back over the Confederation Bridge as you return to New Brunswick. In Moncton, board your VIA Rail carriage and settle into the refined comfort of Easterly Class. Dine onboard as the train carries you overnight through Quebec's quiet rural heartlands toward Montreal.

  6. Day 6overnight: Montreal (Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth)

    Montreal

    Today, join an included guided Walking Tour of Old Montréal. Your guide leads you through the district's eastern and western quarters, weaving together landmarks such as the magnificent Notre-Dame Basilica and the Old Port.

  7. Day 7overnight: Montreal (Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth)

    Montreal

    A full-day included Quebec City & Montmorency Falls tour awaits today as you journey from Montreal to Quebec City. You'll enjoy a guided exploration of the city and its Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – as well as stopping off at Montmorency Falls.

  8. Day 8overnight: Montreal (Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth)

    Montreal

    Your final full day unfolds at your own rhythm. You might choose to trace the cobblestones of Old Montreal, or ascend Mount Royal for sweeping views of the skyline and river beyond.

  9. Day 9

    Fly home

    Today your Canadian adventure comes to a close. Check out of your hotel and take a taxi to Montréal Airport to prepare for your overnight flight home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Stand atop Citadel Hill in Halifax where costumed Highlanders bring 19th-century military history to life
  • Day 3Day 3: Cross the 13-kilometre Confederation Bridge into Prince Edward Island on a private transfer
  • Day 4Day 4: Board a working lobster boat and haul traps alongside a fourth-generation fishing family
  • Day 5Day 5: Board VIA Rail The Ocean in Easterly Class and travel overnight through Quebec's rural heartlands to Montreal
  • Day 7Day 7: Tour Quebec City's UNESCO-listed Old Town and visit Montmorency Falls

Included

  • Scheduled international flights
  • Superior accommodation
  • Best of Halifax & Peggy's Cove Tour from Halifax
  • Private Transfers between Halifax & Charlottetown
  • Island Drives & Anne of Green Gables Tour
  • Lobster Cruise in Charlottetown
  • Private Transfers between Charlottetown & Moncton
  • Rail travel on VIA Rail in Sleeper Touring service
  • Walking Tour of Old Montreal
  • Quebec City & Montmorency Falls Tour from Montreal

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes scheduled international flights, private transfers by coach, and overnight rail travel on VIA Rail The Ocean from Moncton to Montreal in Sleeper Plus/Easterly Class with dinner service onboard.
What is the itinerary outline?
The 9-day journey spends 2 nights in Halifax (with the Best of Halifax & Peggy's Cove tour), 2 nights in Charlottetown with an Island Drives & Anne of Green Gables tour and a lobster boat experience, 1 night on the VIA Rail train, and 3 nights in Montreal (with a walking tour of Old Montreal and a full-day Quebec City and Montmorency Falls tour).
What standard are the hotels?
The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax, The Great George in Charlottetown, and the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth in Montreal are included.
When does this trip run?
Departures operate in May, June, July, August, and September, with varying prices: £3,545 in May and September; £3,775 June to August.
How much walking is involved?
Cox & Kings rates the activity level as leisurely. The itinerary includes guided walking tours of Halifax, Montreal, and Quebec City, plus climbing Mount Royal for views; the lobster boat experience requires boarding a working vessel.
What is not included?
The evidence does not specify what costs are not covered; check with Cox & Kings whether gratuities, personal expenses, and any meals not mentioned are extra.

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