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.