Day 1 Toronto to Ottawa | VIA Rail Business ClassEnjoy 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 pasture land. 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 | Free DayOttawa is not just the capital of the Canadian government, it is also one of the most diverse cities in the world, offering everything from worldclass sporting events and shopping adventures, to museum and family activities. Ottawa has it all. Situated on the Ottawa River about 200 km (125 miles) west of Montreal, Ottawa is a unique mix of old and new, history and technology, excitement and relaxation. Among the many historic sites in Ottawa are the Canadian War Museum, Parliament Hill, Canadian Museum of History, Rideau Hall, RCMP Museum and Stables, National Aviation Museum, Royal Canadian Mint, National Gallery, Byward Market, Rideau Canal, Dow’s Lake, Experimental Farm and the Museum of Nature. Today is a free day to explore on your own.
Day 3 Ottawa to Montreal | VIA Rail Business ClassYour 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 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Montreal Half Day Sightseeing TourEnjoy 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. Highlights of the tour include a visit to the Notre-Dame Basillica, taking in the 360 degree views from the Observatoire Place Ville Marie, and a scenic river cruise along the beautiful St. Lawrence River.Option 2. Walking Tour of Old MontrealExplore the winding cobblestone streets of Old Montréal on a guided walking tour. Travel back in time to Fort Ville-Marie in 1642, to today’s modern city and find out more about all the eras that shaped MontréalOption 3. Beyond the Market Food Walking TourThe city’s best food tour takes you to at least 6 of your local guide’s favourite eateries and watering holes. From artisanal charcuteries to thirst quenching craft beers, discover the surrounding areas of JeanTalon, our largest food market on our walking tour!
Day 5 Montreal to Quebec | VIA Rail Business ClassFollowing 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 3 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Rendezvous with History Quebec City TourThis is your chance to visit history first hand. 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 TourTravel 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. Foodie Walking Tour of Quebec CityThroughout the years, the food of Quebec has been influenced by Amerindian, British and French cuisines. The Food Tours offer the opportunity to discover these different culinary and cultural traditions. Treat yourself to a behind the scene experience of Quebec City, discovering its gastronomy and culinary history by taking part in five exclusive tasting presentations.
Day 7 Quebec City | DepartureUpon check-out of your hotel your package ends.
