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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Ultimate Quebec City and Halifax from Montreal

8-day independent rail trip from Montreal to Halifax via Quebec City

Illustration of Ultimate Quebec City and Halifax from Montreal

Railbookers runs this 8-day independent rail trip across northeastern Canada, starting in Montreal and ending in Halifax. The trip is self-guided, with a Railbookers Rail Expert available for arrangements. After traveling to Quebec City, three nights there include a self-guided walk around Old Quebec and a guided city tour past the Plains of Abraham, the Ramparts, and the Citadelle, plus an included dinner at a Quebecoise restaurant. In the evening of day four, the trip boards VIA Rail's The Ocean for an overnight journey east, descending along the coast of the Baie-des-Chaleurs through New Brunswick and into Nova Scotia before arriving in Halifax for a three-night stay. Halifax days include a guided city tour of the Citadel and Public Gardens, and a detour to Peggy's Cove to see its lighthouse above the surf. It suits independent travelers who want a short, self-guided rail trip built around two historic maritime cities rather than a long, multi-stop itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • Accommodation is chosen from 17 hotel options across tiers and cities (for example the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac or Hotel Manoir Victoria in Quebec City), so your actual hotel depends on the tier and city option you select.
  • Only 1 meal (a dinner in Quebec City) is included across the 8-day trip, so plan to cover the rest of your meals yourself.
  • The overnight VIA Rail journey to Halifax is booked in Economy class; the evidence does not describe a sleeper cabin or berth.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Quebec City

    Your Journey Begins in Montreal

    Depart Montreal and make your way to Quebec City! Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and begin exploring the city. Walk around Old Quebec, appreciating its distinctive European ambience and delve a bit into the area's French-Canadian history.

  2. Day 2overnight: Quebec City

    Quebec City, QC

    Continue to explore Quebec today. Included is a guided tour of Quebec City and the surrounding countryside, riding past popular and historic points of interest such as the Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, the Ramparts, Place-Royale, and the Citadelle.

  3. Day 3overnight: Quebec City

    Quebec City, QC

    Today, Quebec City is still yours to discover! You have another full day to explore this fascinating destination, from its centuries old defensive walls to its historic waterfront. Dinner tonight is included at a classic Quebecoise restaurant.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail

    Overnight Onboard VIA Rail

    In the evening, travel on your own to the VIA Rail station and hop aboard your train for a relaxing overnight journey to Halifax!

  5. Day 5railovernight: Halifax

    Halifax, NS

    Enjoy a relaxing day on the train. The scenery will be breathtaking as you enter rustic New Brunswick and then Nova Scotia. Descend along the coast of the Baie-des-Chaleurs, and later this afternoon pass Moncton and arrive into maritime Halifax for a three-night stay.

  6. Day 6overnight: Halifax

    Halifax, NS

    Today, enjoy an interesting and fact-filled tour of Halifax itself. Learn about its Maritime history, visit the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, check out the famous Public Gardens, and more!

  7. Day 7overnight: Halifax

    Halifax, NS

    Today, take a special detour out to Peggy's Cove, the picture postcard village famous for Peggy's Point Lighthouse. Perched on solid rock above the crashing surf, Peggy's Cove has been an artists' and explorers' paradise for well over 150 years.

  8. Day 8

    Your Journey Ends in Halifax

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A guided tour of Quebec City passes the Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, the Ramparts, Place-Royale, and the Citadelle.
  • Day 4In the evening, the trip boards VIA Rail's The Ocean at the Quebec City station for the overnight journey to Halifax.
  • Day 5The train descends along the coast of the Baie-des-Chaleurs through New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, passing Moncton before arriving in Halifax.
  • Day 6A guided tour of Halifax covers its Maritime history, the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, and the Public Gardens.
  • Day 7A detour to Peggy's Cove visits Peggy's Point Lighthouse, perched on rock above the surf.

Included

  • One-way VIA Rail® in Economy from Montreal to Quebec City; Quebec City to Halifax on The Ocean®
  • 6 nights' hotel accommodations
  • 1 meal included (1 dinner)

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Railbookers includes one-way VIA Rail travel in Economy class from Montreal to Quebec City and on to Halifax aboard The Ocean.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is independent (self-guided), with a Railbookers Rail Expert available for arrangements. Guided sightseeing tours are included in Quebec City and Halifax, plus a tour to Peggy's Cove.
Which train does the trip use?
VIA Rail's The Ocean, in Economy class, for the Quebec City to Halifax leg.
Is the overnight train a sleeper?
The evidence lists this leg as Economy class and does not describe a sleeper cabin or berth.
What is not included?
Only 1 meal (a dinner in Quebec City) is included across the trip; other meals are on your own.

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