Day 1 Toronto to Ottawa | VIA Rail Business Class
Enjoy the facilities of the Business Class Lounge before boarding the train. Complimentary newspapers and non-alcoholic beverages are available in the lounge. Once on your way, the train follows the shores of Lake Ontario, one of the five Great Lakes of North America, to Trenton Junction, where the St. Lawrence River flows from the lake. From Trenton Junction to Ottawa, the landscape is dotted with small villages, surrounded by maple forests and rich pastureland. The journey is approximately four hours. Ottawa was named as the capital of Canada in 1867 with the signing of Confederation by the then Canadian Provinces, establishing an independent Canada. The VIA Rail station in Ottawa is a short taxi ride (not included) to downtown Ottawa hotels. (lunch is included today)
Day 2 Ottawa | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions
Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions.
Option 1. Best of Ottawa Walking Tour with Rideau Canal Cruise
Uncover the charms of Ottawa, Canada's capital, with our knowledgeable local guides. Discover Parliament Hill's grandeur, relax on a scenic Rideau Canal Cruise, and enjoy a narrated drive by countless captivating landmarks in this culturally rich, historical city.
Option 2. Ottawa Express Bike Tour
Discover Ottawa on a guided bike tour, perfect for those looking to experience the city’s highlights quickly and actively. This ride takes you through iconic landmarks, scenic waterways, and vibrant neighborhoods, all while learning about Ottawa’s rich history and culture from an expert guide. Enjoy a relaxed pace, safe bike paths, and a unique perspective of Canada’s capital. Ideal for travelers seeking a fun, eco-friendly way to explore Ottawa.
Option 3. Byward Market Foodie Tour
Explore Ottawa's iconic ByWard Market on this guided culinary tour with C’est Bon Cooking. Discover a vibrant mix of flavors, cultures, and local delicacies as you visit unique eateries and specialty shops. Savor handcrafted treats, regional ingredients, and artisanal creations while learning about the market's history and the area's local food scene.
Option 4. Personalised Tailor-made Excursion
Talk with one of our local Canada specialists to tailor your day in Ottawa to your preferences. Choose from a variety of experiences, including guided walking or bike tours, river cruises, or an upgrade to a selection of private tours of the region. Alternatively, spend the day relaxing or exploring Ottawa’s vibrant neighborhoods on your own, and we’ll credit the cost of your excursion
Day 3 Ottawa to Montreal | VIA Rail Business Class
Your rail journey to Montreal this morning is under four hours, and takes you into rural Ontario, with maple forests and pasturelands, crossing into Quebec at Coteau where the rail line joins the Toronto-Montreal line. Cross the Ottawa River to Dorval Station where a short stop is made before proceeding to Central Station in downtown Montreal. Central Station is located underneath the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel lobby. (breakfast is included today)
Day 4 Montreal | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions
Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions
Option 1. Montreal Half Day Sightseeing Tour
Enjoy a fully guided driving tour to all the "must see" areas of Montréal such as Mont Royal, Old Montréal, and the city's picturesque riverfront.
Option 2 Walking Tour of Old Montreal
Explore the winding cobblestone streets of Old Montréal on a guided walking tour.
Option 3 Beyond the Market Food Walking Tour
The city’s best food tour takes you to at least 6 of your local guide’s favourite eateries and watering holes.
Option 4. Personalised Tailor-made Excursion
Talk with one of our local Canada specialists to tailor your day in Montreal to your preferences. Choose from a variety of experiences, including special interest guided walking tours, guided bike tours, river cruises, or upgrade to a selection of private tours of the region. Alternatively, you can spend the day relaxing or exploring Montreal's vibrant neighborhoods, such as Old Montreal with its historic architecture, or the Plateau for local cafes and boutiques. You could also visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts or take a stroll through Mount Royal Park for panoramic city views, and we'll credit the cost of your excursion.
Day 5 Montreal to Quebec | VIA Rail Business Class
Following the St. Lawrence River, pass from city suburbs to the rural landscapes of forests and rich pastures, dotted with tiny villages that extend to Quebec City. For the first hour, you will note the rugged Monteregian Hills that seem to loom up from nowhere. These huge volcanic mounds were formed over 120 million years ago. There are seven of these hills in a row, including Mont Royal in Montreal, ending with Monte Rouge near the tiny village of Boloeil. Many of the trees you view are maple trees, producing the great Canadian staple, maple syrup. Your rail journey is just over two hours to Quebec, the oldest walled city in North America and heart of the French Canadian culture of Canada. In Quebec, arrive at Gare du Palais, located near the harbour in old town, Quebec. Steeped in history, Quebec is the most charming city in Canada, almost 400 years old and most of the original architecture and buildings have been lovingly preserved. (lunch is included today).
Day 6 Quebec | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions
Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions
Option 1. Rendezvous with History Quebec City Tour
This is your chance to visit history firsthand. The Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, Ramparts, world famous Château Frontenac, National Assembly, Basilica, City Hall, Place-Royale, Citadelle and a glimpse of modern Quebec City are the perfect introduction to the city.
Option 2. A Fabulous Country Tour
Travel back in time to rural Quebec along the Chemin du Roy to SainteAnne-de-Beaupré, pass through the many traditional villages of rural Québec. In Sainte-Annede- Beaupré, you will be given time to visit the world-famous Shrine and a stop at the Montmorency Falls. Just as you think your day is over, you will be treated to a short visit on the Island of Orléans, discovered by Jacques Cartier in 1535, where the picturesque village of Sainte-Pétronille, with its 19th century rural atmosphere, waits to be rediscovered again.
Option 3. Historic Food Tour in Old Quebec
Join Louis Hébert or Marie Rollet, renowned as the first farmers of New France, on this tour that combines the history of the old city with the evolution of local agricultural knowledge. These notable characters will share how they established homes in the heart of Old Quebec and persevered through harsh winters and scarce food supplies. This tour offers an authentic experience of Old Quebec and its local flavors, including four tastings at local establishments.
Option 4. Pedicab Tour of Old Quebec Lower Town and Old Port
Discover the charm of Old Quebec’s Lower Town and Old Port on an engaging pedicab tour. This guided experience offers a unique perspective of the city’s historic streets, with stops at key landmarks and hidden gems. Learn about Quebec’s rich history, architecture, and vibrant culture as your guide shares captivating stories. The leisurely pace allows for photos and memorable moments, making it a perfect way to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Option 5. Personalised Tailor-made Excursion
Speak with one of our local Canada specialists to customize your day in Quebec City to your preferences. Choose from a variety of experiences, including private walking tours focused on special interests, guided tours of Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, gourmet food tours at the Grande Marche, or a day trip to the Charlevoix Region with a whale-watching cruise. Alternatively, spend the day at your own pace, relaxing or exploring Quebec City’s charming streets, historic neighborhoods, unique shops, and local cuisine—and we'll credit the cost of your excursion.
Day 7 Quebec City | Departure
Upon check-out of your hotel your package ends.
