Eastern Canada by Rail
Overview
Explore the highlights of Eastern Canada on this 10-day rail journey. From Toronto and Niagara Falls to the Thousand Islands, Ottawa, Quebec City and Montreal, discover historic landmarks, French-Canadian culture, scenic landscapes and local flavours along the way.
Format
Trip Highlights
Destinations that include planned activities and/or overnight stays.
- Canada
- Toronto
- Niagara Falls
- Ottawa
- Gatineau
- Quebec City
- Montreal
Inclusions
- Flight to Toronto, return from Montreal
- 9 nights of accommodation
- 1 breakfast, 1 lunch
- Professional English-speaking tour director, starting from Day 2
- Transportation by van during day trips to Niagara Falls and Île d'Orléans
- Transportation by train
- City taxes
- More Moments activities included:
- Niagara-on-the-Lake - Winery visit and wine tasting
- Niagara Falls - Full-day trip from Toronto
- Gananoque - Thousand Islands Cruise
- Ottawa - E-bike tour of Ottawa and Gatineau Park
- Quebec City - Walking tour with local guide
- Quebec City - Day-trip to Île d'Orléans and Jacques Cartier National Park
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart for Toronto
Upon your arrival in Toronto, you’ll make your own way to the hotel where you’ll . meet your group and local leader at 6 PM for a welcome meeting.
Day 2
Toronto: Visit
Today, you’ll travel to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, one of the world's most iconic natural attractions.
More Moments Activities Included
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Niagara Falls - Full-day trip from Toronto
After an orientation tour with your leader, you can enjoy free time to explore the falls at your own pace or join an optional boat cruise ($) for a closer view of the thundering cascades.
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Niagara-on-the-Lake - Winery visit and wine tasting
In the afternoon, you’ll continue to Niagara-on-the-Lake for a wine tasting in one of the region’s renowned wineries before returning to Toronto for the evening.
Meal(s): Tasting
Day 3
Toronto - Gananoque
This morning, you’ll enjoy an orientation walk of Toronto with your local leader, discovering key sights you may not have seen yet. Afterwards, you’ll board the train to the small town of Gananoque, gateway to the Thousand Islands, an archipelago straddling the Canada–U.S. border at the head of the Saint Lawrence River.
Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a free afternoon at leisure to relax or explore, perhaps along the waterfront parkway, at the Thousand Islands History Museum, or with a performance at the Thousand Islands Playhouse ($).
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Day 4
Gananoque - Ottawa: Visit
After breakfast, you’ll begin with a scenic Thousand Islands cruise before continuing your journey to Ottawa. After a taxi transfer to Brockville station, you’ll board the train to Canada’s capital. Upon arrival, you can enjoy free time to explore the city and discover local restaurants recommended by your leader.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
More Moments Activities Included
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Gananoque - Thousand Islands Cruise
Set out on a cruise through the Thousand Islands this morning and learn about this area’s history, wars and rebellions. Referred to by the Iroquois Nation as the Garden of the Great Spirit, see the 5th and 6th-generation family cottages as you cruise through the narrow channels to the Admiralty and Navy groups of islands, soaking up the scenery.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
Ottawa: Visit
Set out on an e-bike tour of Ottawa, then enjoy a free afternoon to relax or explore one of the city’s museums.
Your cycling time today will be approximately 4 hours.
More Moments Activities Included
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Ottawa - E-bike tour of Ottawa and Gatineau Park
This city is a great spot to explore on two wheels, home to many bike paths through both the city centre and through nature. You’ll spend half the day exploring downtown, both on foot and by electric bike. You’ll then visit Gatineau Park, the region’s largest green space and a haven for wildlife and biodiversity.
Day 6
Ottawa - Quebec City
Board the train to Quebec City, the largest province in Canada known for its French-speakers, European architecture, narrow streets and the Saint Lawrence River on which it sits.
Enjoy the journey by taking in the views along the way, diving into a good book, or playing cards with fellow travellers. Upon arrival, you can enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace.
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Day 7
Quebec City: Sightseeing
Join the walking tour of Quebec City this morning with a local guide and get to know more about the city and its culture. The afternoon is free to explore this charming city at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Quebec City - Walking tour with local guide
Discover the popular chain BeaverTails and tuck into a delicious local pastry, then hop on The Old Quebec Funicular, a historic railway connecting the Upper and Lower Town, offering views across the city. The main entrance of the funicular is the House Louis Jolliet, in the heart of Old Quebec, which was built in 1683!
Day 8
Quebec City: Visit
Board the van and head for your full-day trip to Île d'Orléans and Jacques Cartier National Park.
More Moments Activities Included
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Quebec City - Day trip to Île d'Orléans and Jacques Cartier National Park
This island and heritage site in the Saint Lawrence River was among the first areas in the province to be settled by the French and is often described as a “microcosm of traditional Quebec.” Upon arrival, you’ll explore with your leader before stopping at a local eatery to try classic poutine.
Afterwards, you’ll continue to Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier for a hike through the stunning glacial valley of the Jacques-Cartier River, where you may spot moose and beavers along the way, before returning to Quebec City in the evening.
Meal(s): Lunch
Day 9
Quebec City - Montreal
Today, you’ll board your train to Montreal, the largest city in the province of Quebec, named after Mount Royal, the triple-peaked hill at its centre.
Each neighbourhood offers its own charm, from French-inspired cobblestone streets to a vibrant bohemian atmosphere. On arrival, enjoy an orientation walk to get your bearings. With its rich cultural scene of art, theatre, and music, the city is yours to explore during a free afternoon and evening.
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Day 10
Montreal - Return home
Make your own way to the airport and board your flight home.
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Comfort Accommodation
Location
Hotel
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a Standard Room at all hotels during the trip.
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 people
Ideal for
Guided tours
Let us show you around. Tour packages include (varies by tour):
- Round-trip flight with Air Canada
- Private airport transfers
- Hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Train transportation
- Motorcoach transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel luggage service
- Experienced guide throughout
- Aeroplan® points
Important Information
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- May 23, 2027
- June 06, 20 & 27, 2027
- July 11, 18 & 25, 2027
- August 08 & 22, 2027
- September 05, 12 & 19, 2027
- October 03, 2027
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Not Included
- Airport transfers
- Tips
- Meals & drinks, unless noted
- Additional activities and excursions
- Personal expenses
- Travel and medical insurance
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- The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day or replaced with an alternate option depending on availability, weather, seasonality and operational reasons beyond the supplier’s control.
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- Trains are comfortable and often decked out with air-conditioning, toilets, a snack bar or vending machine and power points.
- You'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, as well as some short distances to the hotel (no longer than 30 minutes), so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations.
- Car/Van: Ford Transit E350 - 15-seater van or similar
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- The sequence of the itinerary may be altered for reasons beyond the supplier’s control, such as accommodation availability, weather and national events.
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Maximum group of 12 people
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15 years old and up