Amtrak Vacations · Independent vacation

Montreal and Halifax from New York City

Independent rail journey from New York to Montreal and Halifax, Nova Scotia

Montreal and Halifax from New York City, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 6-day, 5-night independent rail vacation that begins in New York City and ends in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with a stop in Montreal along the way. Day 1 covers the Adirondack train ride from New York into Montreal, where the days settle into two nights of exploring, including a Heart of Montreal city tour that takes in Olympic Stadium and the Hotel de Ville. On day 3, the trip boards VIA Rail's the Ocean for an overnight ride of 836 miles through the Lower Saint Lawrence and the Matapedia Valley into the Canadian Maritimes, arriving in Halifax for a two-night stay by the harbor. The pace is unhurried, with two full days in each main city and a relaxing overnight on the train in between. It suits independent travelers who like choosing their own hotel tier and deciding, as day 5 offers, between a Halifax city tour or a side trip to Peggy's Cove.

What to know before you look closer

  • Final hotel choice depends on the tier and city option you pick; Amtrak Vacations lists 12 accommodation options across Montreal and Halifax.
  • The included rail travel covers New York to Montreal and Montreal to Halifax only; the itinerary does not describe a return trip to New York, so getting home is arranged separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Montreal

    New York City to Montreal

    Board Amtrak's Adirondack train in New York City and make your way up through New York state to Montreal. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay and explore all that this sophisticated French-Canadian city has to offer! Perhaps tonight you will want to visit Montreal's Underground City for a unique shopping experience. Take a stroll down Montreal's historic Rue St. Paul as you take in the European charm of Old Montreal. The possibilities are endless!

  2. Day 2overnight: Montreal

    Montreal, QC

    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.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Onboard the Ocean

    Overnight Onboard VIA Rail

    Spend another day enjoying the sights of Montreal before boarding VIA Rail's the Ocean route to Halifax. The train travels 836 miles through rural communities of the Lower Saint Lawrence, down the Matapedia Valley, across New Brunswick and on to Nova Scotia. Enjoy relaxing overnight accommodations and scenic views as you head toward Halifax.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Halifax

    Halifax, NS

    Enjoy a relaxing day on the train traveling through the Canadian Maritimes and enjoying the coastal views. Later this afternoon, arrive into Halifax and check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Enjoy the culture and history of this seaside town, perhaps strolling along the waterfront boardwalk and enjoying a meal of fresh seafood by the water before settling in to your hotel for the night.

  5. Day 5overnight: Halifax

    Halifax, NS

    Spend your second day in Halifax choosing between a remarkable tour of Halifax itself and getting to know the provincial capital of Nova Scotia; or take a special detour out to Peggy's Cove, famous for Peggy's Point Lighthouse. As you make your way along the shoreline to Peggy's Cove, you'll find an amazing view of Nova Scotia's unique coastline, full of history and culture. Peggy's Cove has been an artist's and explorer's paradise for well over 150 years. This picture postcard village, on the rugged Atlantic shoreline, stands on solid rock above the crashing surf.

  6. Day 6rail

    Your Journey Ends in Halifax

    Check out of your hotel this morning and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your journey, or spend additional time in a particular city, one of our Rail Specialists can help you with all the details.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board Amtrak's Adirondack train in New York City for the ride up through New York state to Montreal.
  • Day 2The Heart of Montreal City tour visits Olympic Stadium, Montreal Harbor, the Hotel de Ville, and Mary Queen of the World Cathedral.
  • Day 3Board VIA Rail's the Ocean for an overnight journey that covers 836 miles through the Lower Saint Lawrence and the Matapedia Valley.
  • Day 5Choose a detour to Peggy's Cove, home to Peggy's Point Lighthouse, along Nova Scotia's coastline.

Included

  • 4 nights' hotel accommodations
  • Standard class Amtrak® from New York City to Montreal on the Adirondack®
  • Economy class on VIA Rail® from Montreal to Halifax on the Ocean®

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Standard class Amtrak on the Adirondack from New York City to Montreal, and Economy class on VIA Rail's the Ocean from Montreal to Halifax, are both included.
Do I spend a night on the train?
Yes, day 3 is an overnight journey aboard VIA Rail's the Ocean between Montreal and Halifax.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It's an independent vacation. It includes a Montreal city tour and a Halifax city tour, but you travel and explore on your own between those.
Which hotels are used?
Amtrak Vacations offers 12 accommodation options across Montreal and Halifax; the final choice depends on the tier and city you pick.
Does the price include the trip home to New York City?
The itinerary and inclusions only cover the outbound rail from New York to Montreal and Montreal to Halifax; getting home is not described in the package.
What happens on day 5 in Halifax?
You choose between a tour of Halifax or a detour to Peggy's Cove, home of Peggy's Point Lighthouse.

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