Eastern Rail Classic 9 days / 8 nights

Trip Overview

Imagine experiencing the big city of Toronto, bilingual Montreal, historic Quebec City and coastal Halifax – all in just over a week. Travel between each city by train, sitting in comfort as you watch the changing scenery. An overnight train journey – complete with onboard guide (available in peak season) – is a highlight of your trip. You’re rocked to sleep in a private cabin, awakening to the sun glinting off the Atlantic Ocean. This is your chance to explore Canada’s east coast like never before.

Trip Images

Map

Arrive Toronto
2 nights Toronto
2 nights Montreal
1 night Quebec City
1 night VIA Rail
2 nights Halifax
Depart Halifax

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Your Canadian Train Vacation Begins – Arrive in Toronto Upon arrival by private transfer at your hotel in downtown Toronto, you will hear the sounds of the bustling city. Couples hurry along the sidewalk, rushing to one of Toronto’s big stage productions. A woman quickly shifts all her shopping bags to one arm as she raises a hand to hail a cab, and the smell of Chinese food makes you salivate as a delivery boy bikes along the street in front of you. Toronto beckons and you’re anxious to get out and explore the city.

Day 2 – Urban Exploration – Discover Toronto Take a step back in Canadian history, see the legislative buildings, witness the pace of life in bustling Chinatown as your onboard guide gives a feel for the history of Toronto.

Heading south, you see the famous harbour and your guide doesn’t stop your bus – you go right into the water! Your amphibious bus bobs around Lake Ontario as you turn to look at the harbour front from an unexpected viewpoint.

Day 3 – A new Culture Awaits – Toronto to Montreal on VIA Rail’s Corridor Leaving Toronto behind, relax on the Corridor train today as you travel north to Montreal on your Canadian train trip.

Traveling by train is the most scenic option in Canada, relax next to a big picture window as your train passes along the shore of Lake Ontario, through the open farmland of rural Quebec, and beside the St. Lawrence River. The French Canadians of Montreal will happily speak English, but try a little French and the effort is always appreciated in this bilingual city.

Day 4 – French Canada’s Hub - Tour Montreal The lively residential and financial districts of Montreal are exciting to explore and give you a sense of life in modern Montreal. A visit to the gorgeous Notre Dame Basilica gives a sense of life from the 17th Century.

The view from the top of Mont. Royal may be of a typical North American skyline but this disguises the European feel of this buzzing city.

Montreal is a city with a mix of historic stone architecture and skyscrapers - a modern city with old world charm.

Day 5 – From Metropolis to History – Montreal to Quebec City on VIA Rail’s Corridor Travel through some of French Canada’s most picturesque countryside as your Canadian train vacation heads toward Quebec City. Step off the train and into a little bit of Europe - right in Canada!

The historic city walls, cobble stone streets, and centuries old buildings give Quebec City its old world air - which can’t be found anywhere else in North America.

Day 6 – Explore Quebec City – Quebec City to Halifax on the Ocean Visit Place Royale, where the Chateau Frontenac sits grandly on the plateau above, drawing all eyes toward it. Three centuries of Quebec’s military past are on display at the Fortifications, and you can almost see the last battle take place on the Plains of Abraham.

Feel as though you’re stepping into Quebec City’s colourful history as you visit authentic Quebecois shops, sample mouthwatering Tourtiere, and discover the pride that the residents feel for their city. After a full day in Quebec City you’re rocked to sleep on the Ocean train as you leave French Canada and the train heads for Halifax.

Day 7 – Enter the Maritimes – Arrive in Halifax Wake to views of the Atlantic Ocean, rolling hills, and quaint coastal villages that appear frozen in time.

An onboard guide makes the most of your morning - recounting the history of the Maritimes and describing the region’s unique traditions. Traveling in Easterly class is the best sightseeing tour you’ve ever been on (note - only available in peak season).

Sit in the panoramic dome car and count the colourful sails out on the water before stepping off the train into the upbeat, Celtic atmosphere of the Maritimes’ largest city.

Day 8 – The Coastal Spirit – Tour Halifax Halifax has a rich Celtic culture a guided tour takes you to the heart of downtown Halifax – the Historic Properties. The district harkens back to Halifax’s early settlers, and stories of these colorful historical characters illustrate their lives.

At the Pier 21 Centre stories are told of the 1.5 million immigrants, war brides, and servicemen who passed through the facility, highlighting the beginnings of modern Canada.

Or perhaps you choose to enjoy a day tour to Peggy’s Cove. Peggy's Cove is a "must-see" when visiting Nova Scotia. Spend the afternoon taking in the spectacular scenery of this picture-postcard fishing village perched on the Atlantic Ocean. Famous for its iconic lighthouse and the crashing surf on the glacier rock formations – be sure to bring your camera.

This is the last night of your Canadian train trip - the perfect excuse to treat yourself to fresh seafood – the ultimate regional specialty.

Day 9 – With Fond Memories Made – Depart Halifax Much too soon, you bid farewell to the scent of salt water in the air and depart from the Halifax Airport.

Accommodations

Options & Upgrades

This trip can be customized for your perfect vacation - call us for friendly local advice
• Upgrade to Business Class for access to the Panorama Lounge at the train station, priority boarding, and meals and bar service, including alcoholic drinks served by an attendant on board the
train
• Add extra nights in of the Eastern Canada cities as well as day-trips and tours for great additions to this trip

Dates & Prices

2010 Package Start Dates
• Package is available to start daily except Thursdays
• This package is not available for arrivals in Montreal during the Grand Prix (June dates TBA)

STANDARD	USD $		Business Class Upgrade
	Double	Single	USD $
May 25 - Jun 12 2010	1,822	2,936	243
Jun 13 - Oct 6 2010	2,025	3,238	243

SUPERIOR	USD $		Business Class Upgrade
	Double	Single	USD $
May 25 - Jun 12 2010	2,232	3,612	243
Jun 13 - Aug 24 2010	2,406	3,940	243
Aug 25 - Oct 6 2010	2,640	4,338	243

DELUXE	USD $		Business Class Upgrade
	Double	Single	USD $
May 25 - Jun 12 2010	2,391	4,012	243
Jun 13 - Aug 31 2010	2,647	4,381	243
Sep 1 - Oct 6 2010	2,854	4,766	243

Price Notes
• Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
• Triple, quad and child rates are available

Includes • 8 nights accommodation (including 1 night on board The Ocean)
• Private luxury transfers between airports, hotels and rail stations, including meet & greet on day 1
• 2-hour sightseeing tour of Toronto
• Toronto to Montreal rail transfer on VIA Rail’s Corridor (economy class)
• 3-hour sightseeing tour of Montreal
• Montreal to Quebec City on VIA Rail (economy class)
• Quebec City to Charny bus shuttle to board Ocean train
•Charny to Halifax rail transfer on VIA Rail’s The Ocean (Cabin for 1 or 2)
• Easterly Class on Ocean train which includes guide, breakfast and lunch(available June 18-October 11, 2010)
• Choice of a 3-hour sightseeing tour of Halifax or Peggy’s Cove tour
• Documentation package

Not Included • Meals and attractions, unless otherwise specified
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• Canadian sales taxes (pre-rebated by 50% for visitors to Canada)

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