Canadian History & Culture By Train
10 days
Sit back and relax and enjoy this meandering journey through eastern Canada by train. On board, the spectacular countryside of Ontario and Quebec rolls past your train window - lakes and forests; quaint villages and bustling small towns; rolling farmland dotted with picturesque farmhouses and tumbledown red barns...
At the end of each day on the train you’ll arrive at a fascinating new city to explore, for this is a journey between Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec City - with a wonderful side-tour to Niagara Falls.
Dine out, go to the theater, visit a museum or just stroll the busy streets and rest in an outdoor cafe in the sunshine.
This is the perfect getaway for those interested in history, culture, cosmopolitan cities and spectacular scenery.
At the end of each day on the train you’ll arrive at a fascinating new city to explore, for this is a journey between Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec City - with a wonderful side-tour to Niagara Falls.
Dine out, go to the theater, visit a museum or just stroll the busy streets and rest in an outdoor cafe in the sunshine.
This is the perfect getaway for those interested in history, culture, cosmopolitan cities and spectacular scenery.
Outline
Arrive in Toronto
3 nights in Toronto
2 nights in Ottawa
2 nights in Quebec City
2 nights in Montreal
Depart from Toronto
Arrive in Toronto
3 nights in Toronto
2 nights in Ottawa
2 nights in Quebec City
2 nights in Montreal
Depart from Toronto
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrive in Toronto – your Canadian train trip begins
Settle into your downtown hotel and then stroll outside to be greeted by the urban buzz, passing commuters are homeward bound as the Financial markets close in Canada’s largest city.
Take in a Broadway show at a bargain price or, to uncover a rare find in a stylish boutique - Bloor-Yorkville, is the district to explore. Toronto’s a multicultural city with culinary delights served by immigrant restaurant owners from every corner of the globe. Overnight in Toronto.
Day 2 – Discover Toronto
This morning take a short guided tour of the city to get your bearings: the CN Tower, Casa Loma, Bay Street, the Eaton Centre, Yorkville and more. In the afternoon and evening explore the city on your own.
Canadians take their food seriously and choosing from the myriad of cuisines is a highlight of travel in Canada. Overnight in Toronto.
Day 3 – Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls were once surrounded by wilderness. Cities now rest on both banks of the river - but still the Falls themselves are an unforgettable experience and a ‘must see’ on any Canadian Train trip. The sheer power and beauty of Nature is apparent, especially when you see the Falls from a small boat - the famous ‘Maid of the Mist’.
This day trip also visits the Niagara Peninsula wine region, stroll through the quaint rural town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and pick up a couple of bottles to tuck in your bag. Return to Toronto for the evening.
Day 4 – Train to Ottawa
Settle into your carriage for a relaxing train journey. Travel along the shores of Lake Ontario - past the typically Canadian thick forest and over rivers; the train will travel through villages and farms, with grain towers gleaming in the sunlight, and red barns in various states of repair... Overnight in Ottawa.
Day 5 – In Ottawa – the capital of Canada
Ottawa is a beautiful Canadian city, with so much to see and do. This is the federal capital of Canada so museums abound - the Museum of Civilization, the Canadian War Museum and the National Art Gallery.
On a gentle city tour travel through the historic districts and get your bearings so you can further explore on your own. Overnight in Ottawa.
Day 6 – Ottawa to Quebec City – aboard by Canadian train
As the train rocks and sways out of Ottawa your trip heads towards the open farmland of eastern Quebec province, chat with old friends and new, dip into a book, or do the crossword... This is what train travel in Canada and being on vacation is all about!
In the evening you step off the train into a little bit of Europe in North America - Quebec City. Old stone buildings and city walls, cobbled streets - and a wealth of history and culture. Overnight in Quebec City.
Day 7 – In Quebec City – experience French Canadian culture
Learn about the significance of the city’s landmarks in the history of Canada, on a guided tour. Visit The Plains of Abraham - the scene of a mighty and decisive battle between the French and English in 1759.
Later, explore the cobbled streets and sample uniquely French-Canadian delicacies such as Tortiere (a kind of meat pie). As you travel through Quebec try a few words of French - the locals will like it and respond with characteristic bonhomie! Overnight in Quebec City.
Day 8 – Quebec City to Montreal – the most cosmopolitan French Canadian city
Travel by train through Canada’s picturesque countryside as your Canadian train trip heads toward Montreal. Watch as the waters of the St. Lawrence River glistens in the sunlight and the charming town of Cap-de-la-Madeleine passes outside your window. Arriving in Montreal, you settle into your hotel and go for a walk - perhaps enjoying the shopping, or the cobbled streets of the Old Town, or the entertainers outside a sidewalk cafe. Overnight in Montreal.
Day 9 – In Montreal – Canadian cultural melting pot
Montreal is North America’s only French-speaking major city - but these days it is really a cosmopolitan melting pot of people from all over the French-speaking world. A morning tour helps you find your bearings and learn about the landmarks such as Notre Dame and St. Catherine’s Street. Afterwards, explore on your own, do a bit of shopping or just chill out at a sidewalk café and nibble on Pain au Chocolate. Whatever you do, the city shows you its special ‘joie de vivre’. Overnight in Montreal.
Day 10 – To Toronto & Home
Your Canada train trip comes to an end in Toronto today. One last jaunt by train on Canada’s railway completes the trip back through rural Quebec and Ontario in time for a late afternoon flight to travel home.
Day 1 – Arrive in Toronto – your Canadian train trip begins
Settle into your downtown hotel and then stroll outside to be greeted by the urban buzz, passing commuters are homeward bound as the Financial markets close in Canada’s largest city.
Take in a Broadway show at a bargain price or, to uncover a rare find in a stylish boutique - Bloor-Yorkville, is the district to explore. Toronto’s a multicultural city with culinary delights served by immigrant restaurant owners from every corner of the globe. Overnight in Toronto.
Day 2 – Discover Toronto
This morning take a short guided tour of the city to get your bearings: the CN Tower, Casa Loma, Bay Street, the Eaton Centre, Yorkville and more. In the afternoon and evening explore the city on your own.
Canadians take their food seriously and choosing from the myriad of cuisines is a highlight of travel in Canada. Overnight in Toronto.
Day 3 – Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls were once surrounded by wilderness. Cities now rest on both banks of the river - but still the Falls themselves are an unforgettable experience and a ‘must see’ on any Canadian Train trip. The sheer power and beauty of Nature is apparent, especially when you see the Falls from a small boat - the famous ‘Maid of the Mist’.
This day trip also visits the Niagara Peninsula wine region, stroll through the quaint rural town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and pick up a couple of bottles to tuck in your bag. Return to Toronto for the evening.
Day 4 – Train to Ottawa
Settle into your carriage for a relaxing train journey. Travel along the shores of Lake Ontario - past the typically Canadian thick forest and over rivers; the train will travel through villages and farms, with grain towers gleaming in the sunlight, and red barns in various states of repair... Overnight in Ottawa.
Day 5 – In Ottawa – the capital of Canada
Ottawa is a beautiful Canadian city, with so much to see and do. This is the federal capital of Canada so museums abound - the Museum of Civilization, the Canadian War Museum and the National Art Gallery.
On a gentle city tour travel through the historic districts and get your bearings so you can further explore on your own. Overnight in Ottawa.
Day 6 – Ottawa to Quebec City – aboard by Canadian train
As the train rocks and sways out of Ottawa your trip heads towards the open farmland of eastern Quebec province, chat with old friends and new, dip into a book, or do the crossword... This is what train travel in Canada and being on vacation is all about!
In the evening you step off the train into a little bit of Europe in North America - Quebec City. Old stone buildings and city walls, cobbled streets - and a wealth of history and culture. Overnight in Quebec City.
Day 7 – In Quebec City – experience French Canadian culture
Learn about the significance of the city’s landmarks in the history of Canada, on a guided tour. Visit The Plains of Abraham - the scene of a mighty and decisive battle between the French and English in 1759.
Later, explore the cobbled streets and sample uniquely French-Canadian delicacies such as Tortiere (a kind of meat pie). As you travel through Quebec try a few words of French - the locals will like it and respond with characteristic bonhomie! Overnight in Quebec City.
Day 8 – Quebec City to Montreal – the most cosmopolitan French Canadian city
Travel by train through Canada’s picturesque countryside as your Canadian train trip heads toward Montreal. Watch as the waters of the St. Lawrence River glistens in the sunlight and the charming town of Cap-de-la-Madeleine passes outside your window. Arriving in Montreal, you settle into your hotel and go for a walk - perhaps enjoying the shopping, or the cobbled streets of the Old Town, or the entertainers outside a sidewalk cafe. Overnight in Montreal.
Day 9 – In Montreal – Canadian cultural melting pot
Montreal is North America’s only French-speaking major city - but these days it is really a cosmopolitan melting pot of people from all over the French-speaking world. A morning tour helps you find your bearings and learn about the landmarks such as Notre Dame and St. Catherine’s Street. Afterwards, explore on your own, do a bit of shopping or just chill out at a sidewalk café and nibble on Pain au Chocolate. Whatever you do, the city shows you its special ‘joie de vivre’. Overnight in Montreal.
Day 10 – To Toronto & Home
Your Canada train trip comes to an end in Toronto today. One last jaunt by train on Canada’s railway completes the trip back through rural Quebec and Ontario in time for a late afternoon flight to travel home.
- Extra nights/tours may be added to or taken away from this trip (just ask us when you book.)
- Upgrade to a cycle tour of the city in Montreal
Upgrade to VIA-1 Rail Service
VIA-1 Rail Service includes the Panorama Lounge, a lounge located at the train stations where you will pick up your tickets, then relax in a roomy armchair until departure. Soft drinks and the day's newspapers are available - all free of charge, naturally.
You will be notified when the time comes to board the train (you are entitled to priority boarding). On board the train, meals and bar service are all included.
You also have exclusive access to the VIA-1 lounge, where you can stroll around and meet other VIA-1 guests. While there you can simply help yourself to fruit juice or soft drinks. Alcoholic drinks, also free to VIA 1 class passengers, are served by the attendant at the service counter.
Quebec Winter Carnival
The Quebec City Winter Carnival is also a great time to do this journey - but there is a small surcharge as follows:
(In CAD$ per person)
Twin Single Triple Quad
Standard 134 266 89 67
Jan 28-28, Feb 2-4, Feb 9-11
Superior* 103 206 69 n/a
Jan 26-28, Feb 2-4, Feb 9-10
Deluxe 236 473 157 n/a
Jan 26-27, Feb 2-3, Feb 9-10
*No arrival Jan 28, Feb 4 & 11
Accommodation
Standard, Superior or Deluxe
Standard, Superior or Deluxe
Trip Highlights
- Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal & Quebec City
- Travel onboard VIA Rail
- Includes Niagara Falls day excursion
- Daily departures!
Testimonials
We were initially unsure how well our holiday would be, booking over the internet is always tricky, but Fresh Tracks were superb. Louise called us (in the UK) prior to the holiday to confirm arrangements and everything was as planned when we arrived in Toronto. The excursions were great and the hotels amazing. Upgrading the hotels and train travel was definitely worth it. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip and will be using Fresh Tracks again in the future
Request A Booking
Reserving Your Trip Is Easy
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Call us toll free
1 800 667 4744 (US/Can)
0 800 917 5924 (UK)
1 800 992 872 (Aus.)
Office hours:
M-F, 6am - 6pm Pacific Time.
Sat 10am - 4pm.
A personal trip advisor will help you book your perfect trip.
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Reserve Online using the form at left.
We will contact you as quickly as we can and you will not be under any obligation until after we have confirmed all details with you.
At that time a US$500 per person deposit is payable and you will be subject to our usual terms and conditions.
Reserve your spot without obligation for 48 hours. Our consultants will contact you to confirm details before you pay a deposit.
Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).
2008 - 2010 Package Start Dates
Daily Departures
Please note this trip does not operate during Montreal F1 Grand Prix , Jun 27 or Dec 23
Supplements apply during the Winter carnival
Included
- 9 nights accommodation
- 2-hour sightseeing tour of Toronto
- Full-day excursion to Niagara Falls including lunch and Maid of the Mist (substituted with Journey Behind the Falls in the off-season)
- Toronto to Ottawa rail transfer on VIA Rail Canada’s The Corridor (economy class)
- 2-hour sightseeing tour of Ottawa (substituted with Museum of Civilization in the off-season)
- Ottawa to Quebec City rail transfer on VIA Rail Canada’s The Corridor (economy class)
- 2-hour sightseeing tour of Quebec City
- Quebec City to Montreal rail transfer on VIA Rail Canada’s The Corridor (economy class)
- 3-hour sightseeing tour of Montreal
- Montreal to Toronto rail transfer on VIA Rail Canada’s The Corridor (economy class)
- Documentation package
- Provincial taxes
Not Included
- Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
- Airport and rail station transfers
- Trip Cancellation Insurance
- GST
Please Note
This trip does not operate during the F1 Grand Prix and The 1st Out games. A late afternoon departure flight is recommended as passengers will require sufficient time to transfer to the airport on Day 10.
Daily Departures
Please note this trip does not operate during Montreal F1 Grand Prix , Jun 27 or Dec 23
Supplements apply during the Winter carnival
| Standard Hotels | USD$ | CAD$ | ||
| Double | Single | Double | Single | |
| Oct 8 2008 - Oct 31 2008 | 1,529 | 2,425 | 1,743 | 2,764 |
| Nov 1 2008 - Dec 21 2008 | 1,284 | 1,930 | 1,464 | 2,200 |
| Dec 22 2008 - Dec 25 2008 | 1,466 | 2,206 | 1,671 | 2,514 |
| Dec 26 2008 - Apr 23 2009 | 1,284 | 1,930 | 1,464 | 2,200 |
| Apr 24 2009 - Oct 31 2009 | 1,797 | 2,767 | 2,049 | 3,154 |
| Nov 1 2009 - Jan 21 2010 | 1,356 | 1,962 | 1,546 | 2,237 |
| Jan 22 2010 - Feb 6 2010 | 1,480 | 2,211 | 1,687 | 2,520 |
| Feb 7 2010 - Apr 23 2010 | 1,356 | 1,962 | 1,546 | 2,237 |
| Superior Hotels | USD$ | CAD$ | ||
| Double | Single | Double | Single | |
| Sep 2 2008 - Oct 31 2008 | 1,867 | 3,065 | 2,129 | 3,494 |
| Nov 1 2008 - Apr 23 2009 | 1,555 | 2,441 | 1,773 | 2,783 |
| Apr 24 2009 - Oct 31 2009 | 1,734 | 2,721 | 1,977 | 3,101 |
| Nov 1 2009 - Jan 21 2010 | 1,487 | 2,226 | 1,696 | 2,537 |
| Jan 22 2010 - Feb 6 2010 | 1,540 | 2,330 | 1,756 | 2,656 |
| Feb 7 2010 - Apr 23 2010 | 1,449 | 2,149 | 1,651 | 2,450 |
| Deluxe Hotels | USD$ | CAD$ | ||
| Double | Single | Double | Single | |
| Oct 12 2008 - Oct 31 2008 | 1,873 | 3,127 | 2,136 | 3,564 |
| Nov 1 2008 - Dec 17 2008 | 1,723 | 2,820 | 1,964 | 3,214 |
| Dec 18 2008 - Dec 30 2008 | 1,773 | 2,920 | 2,021 | 3,329 |
| Dec 31 2008 - Apr 23 2009 | 1,723 | 2,820 | 1,964 | 3,214 |
| Apr 24 2009 - Oct 31 2010 | 2,617 | 4,503 | 2,983 | 5,133 |
| Nov 1 2009 - Jan 1 2010 | 2,185 | 3,624 | 2,491 | 4,131 |
| Jan 2 2010 - Feb 6 2010 | 2,326 | 3,905 | 2,651 | 4,451 |
| Feb 7 2010 - Apr 23 2010 | 2,133 | 3,519 | 2,431 | 4,011 |
- 9 nights accommodation
- 2-hour sightseeing tour of Toronto
- Full-day excursion to Niagara Falls including lunch and Maid of the Mist (substituted with Journey Behind the Falls in the off-season)
- Toronto to Ottawa rail transfer on VIA Rail Canada’s The Corridor (economy class)
- 2-hour sightseeing tour of Ottawa (substituted with Museum of Civilization in the off-season)
- Ottawa to Quebec City rail transfer on VIA Rail Canada’s The Corridor (economy class)
- 2-hour sightseeing tour of Quebec City
- Quebec City to Montreal rail transfer on VIA Rail Canada’s The Corridor (economy class)
- 3-hour sightseeing tour of Montreal
- Montreal to Toronto rail transfer on VIA Rail Canada’s The Corridor (economy class)
- Documentation package
- Provincial taxes
Not Included
- Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
- Airport and rail station transfers
- Trip Cancellation Insurance
- GST
Please Note
This trip does not operate during the F1 Grand Prix and The 1st Out games. A late afternoon departure flight is recommended as passengers will require sufficient time to transfer to the airport on Day 10.
