If you’re looking for a short yet customized Eastern Canada rail tour, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of flexibility and curated experiences to suit every traveler. Journey through the cultural heart of Montreal and Quebec City on this 5-day rail adventure, exploring the best of Eastern Canada. With guided sightseeing in both cities, you’ll immerse yourself in the province’s rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant heritage, all of which have shaped its unique identity.
4 Days
25
Toronto
Quebec
Tour Code: JV-CA-TV-14
Day 1: Toronto to Montreal | VIA Rail Business Class
Relax with lounge access and gourmet lunch onboard while enjoying views of the lake, canals, and historic towns. Arrive in downtown Montreal and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Montreal | Freedom of Choice
Select from four experiences: Montreal Sightseeing Tour, Old Montreal Walking Tour, Market Food Tour, or a personalized private excursion. Enjoy time at your leisure.
Day 3: Montreal to Quebec City | VIA Rail Business Class
Scenic two-hour journey through maple forests and charming villages to Quebec City. Arrive and check in to your hotel. (Lunch included)
Day 4: Quebec City | Freedom of Choice
Choose between a private historical walking tour, a food tour, a pedicab ride through Old Quebec, a country tour to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, or a customized tour.
Day 5: Quebec City | Departure
Check out and continue your onward journey with incredible memories of Eastern Canada.
Start your journey in style with exclusive access to the VIA Rail Business Class Lounge, where you can enjoy complimentary newspapers and non-alcoholic beverages before boarding your train. As you travel along the shores of Lake Ontario, passing Trenton Junction where the St. Lawrence River meets the lake, take in the scenic beauty of the region. Look out for stunning waterfalls near Napanee before reaching Kingston, a historic city that once served as the capital of the Province of Canada (1841-1867) and the birthplace of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister.
Your journey continues over the Rideau Canal, an 1832-built waterway designed after the War of 1812 for strategic defense. Beyond Cornwall, the train crosses into the province of Quebec, offering breathtaking views of the Ottawa River at Dorval before arriving at Montreal’s Central Station, conveniently located beneath the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel in the heart of downtown. (Lunch included today.)
Tailor your experience in Montreal by choosing from the following activities:
Option 1: Montreal Half-Day Sightseeing Tour
Join a guided driving tour showcasing the city's highlights, including Mont Royal, Old Montreal, and the scenic riverfront.
Option 2: Walking Tour of Old Montreal
Stroll through Old Montreal’s charming cobblestone streets with a knowledgeable guide, uncovering its rich history and European-inspired architecture.
Option 3: Beyond the Market Food Walking Tour
Discover Montreal’s culinary scene on a food tour featuring six handpicked local eateries, offering a taste of the city’s vibrant flavors.
Option 4: Personalized Tailor-Made Excursion
Work with our Canada travel specialists to craft a day suited to your interests. Options include guided bike tours, river cruises, or upgrading to a private tour. Alternatively, explore at your own pace—wander through Old Montreal, visit the Plateau’s eclectic cafes and boutiques, or admire art at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. If you prefer a relaxing day, a leisurely stroll through Mount Royal Park offers stunning city views. (Excursion credit available for this option.)
Depart Montreal and follow the picturesque St. Lawrence River as your train transitions from urban landscapes to serene countryside. Pass through quaint villages and verdant pastures, framed by the Monteregian Hills—seven ancient volcanic formations, including Mont Royal in Montreal.
As you journey toward Quebec City, admire the region’s maple trees, which produce Canada’s iconic maple syrup. After a two-hour scenic ride, arrive at Quebec City’s historic Gare du Palais station. As North America’s oldest walled city, Quebec City exudes European charm, boasting well-preserved architecture dating back over 400 years. (Lunch included today.)
Customize your Quebec City experience with one of these immersive tours:
Option 1: Rendezvous with History – Quebec City Tour
Dive into the city’s past with visits to key landmarks, including the Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, Ramparts, Château Frontenac, National Assembly, Basilica, City Hall, Place-Royale, and the Citadelle.
Option 2: A Fabulous Country Tour
Venture beyond Quebec City along the scenic Chemin du Roy to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, where you'll explore traditional rural villages and visit the famous Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine. Stop at Montmorency Falls before concluding the day with a visit to Île d’Orléans, a historic island discovered by Jacques Cartier in 1535.
Option 3: Historic Food Tour in Old Quebec
Join historical figures Louis Hébert or Marie Rollet on a culinary journey through Old Quebec. Learn about early New France settlers while sampling four local delicacies at charming neighborhood spots.
Option 4: Pedicab Tour of Old Quebec Lower Town & Old Port
Relax on a guided pedicab ride through the historic Lower Town and Old Port, soaking in Quebec’s unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. This leisurely tour offers photo opportunities and fascinating insights into the city’s past.
Option 5: Personalized Tailor-Made Excursion
Let our specialists design your perfect day in Quebec City. Options include private walking tours, exclusive Château Frontenac experiences, gourmet market tours, or a day trip to the Charlevoix Region with a whale-watching cruise. Alternatively, spend the day at your leisure, wandering through Quebec’s charming streets, shopping in historic districts, and savoring local cuisine. (Excursion credit available for this option.)
After checking out of your hotel, your Eastern Canada rail adventure comes to an end.
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