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14 days

Eastern Canada by train: iconic cities & Niagara Falls

Is Niagara Falls on your bucket list? Embark on an unforgettable adventure, experiencing Canada’s spectacular waterfalls alongside the gems of this vast country on a train journey to four of its most iconic cities: Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Québec.

Eastern Canada by train: iconic cities & Niagara Falls
Eastern Canada by train: iconic cities & Niagara Falls
14 days
HomeNorth AmericaCanadaEastern Canada by train: iconic cities & Niagara Falls

Eastern Canada by train: iconic cities & Niagara Falls

Is Niagara Falls on your bucket list? Embark on an unforgettable adventure, experiencing Canada’s spectacular waterfalls alongside the gems of this vast country on a train journey to four of its most iconic cities: Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Québec.

HomeNorth AmericaCanadaEastern Canada by train: iconic cities & Niagara Falls
What is included in the price?
This package includes the following
  • Flights from selected airport to Toronto and return from Québec, including luggage
  • 12 nights in centrally located 3- and 4-star hotels
  • 1 x lunch (Niagara Falls)
  • 3 x train tickets (Economy Class, including 1 piece of luggage):
    – Toronto – Ottawa
    – Ottawa – Montreal
    – Montreal – Québec
  • Individual tour, where excursions take place in small, international groups with English-speaking guides
  • ATOL certificate
  • Emergency hotline staffed 24/7 throughout your tour
  • Departure guarantee – the tour will take place regardless of the number of participants
  • Option to extend your tour

The following package of excursions:

  • Day trip by minivan with air conditioning, round trip: Toronto to Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake, including a boat tour up close to Niagara Falls
  • Head to the top of Toronto: entry to the observation deck at the CN Tower, Toronto
  • Guided city walk in Québec City
  • Admission fees and charges to the mentioned attractions
  • Option to purchase additional excursions

THE TOUR IN SHORT

Join us on an exciting train journey through some of eastern Canada’s most atmospheric and culturally significant cities: Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Québec – all topped off with a guided tour to the world-famous Niagara Falls.

Your adventure begins in Canada’s largest city, Toronto. Prepare for breathtaking panoramic views and a real sense of exhilaration as you soar to the top of the iconic CN Tower. You’ll have plenty of contrasts to discover here – explore everything from trendy Kensington Market to the historic Distillery District, birthplace of world-renowned whisky. 

Balance the buzz of Toronto’s city life with a memorable day trip to the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls. Experience the thunderous waterfalls both at your own pace and up close on a thrilling boat ride, before moving on to the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, famed for its ice wine production. 

From Toronto, the train whisks you to Canada’s political heart, Ottawa. Here, you can marvel at the neo-Gothic Parliament buildings, wander along the Rideau Canal, and savour Canadian classics at ByWard Market. With plenty of time to explore at your leisure, delve into the country’s past at the Canadian Museum of History, where an impressive collection of artefacts offers fascinating insights into Canada’s cultural heritage and identity. 

Next up is the French-Canadian metropolis of Montreal. Discover the delights of the old city, admire historic churches and colourful murals, cycle along charming canals, and venture into the city’s subterranean RESO, an underground network linking districts with shops and galleries.

Round off your journey in the historic city of Québec with a guided walking tour through the UNESCO-listed old quarter, Vieux-Québec, offering you a deeper understanding of the region’s rich French-Canadian heritage. There’s also ample time to meander through its picturesque streets or take a trip out to the nearby Montmorency Falls. 

Why choose this tour

  • Experience the immense power of the thundering waters up close with a boat trip to Niagara Falls, and visit the nearby wine region. While you’re there, why not sample the local specialty – ice wine?
  • Look forward to discovering French Canada in Montreal, the world’s second-largest French-speaking city.
  • Take in breathtaking views of Toronto’s skyline and Lake Ontario from above on a trip up the iconic CN Tower.
  • Sit back and relax on your train journey, with stops conveniently located in city centres near your accommodation—perfect for making the most of your time.

Our tours always include

  • All international and domestic flights
  • All accommodations
  • All specified excursions and activities
  • 24/7 telephone – We’re with you all the way
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Flights from selected airport – Arrival in Toronto

Today marks the beginning of your tour to Canada. You’ll depart from your selected airport with connecting flights along the way, arriving later today in Canada’s largest city, Toronto, situated in the province of Ontario.

After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and head to the arrivals hall. Follow signs to your preferred transport into central Toronto, where you’ll be staying. The choice is yours—getting to your hotel is straightforward, with plenty of options. You might take the train directly from the terminal, or opt for an Uber or a traditional taxi.

Once you’ve checked in at your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Perhaps tonight you’ll get your first taste of the local neighbourhood, heading out for a bite to eat or sampling Canada’s classic dessert, the Butter Tart.

Day 2: CN Tower & exploring Toronto independently

Today is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant, multicultural gem that is Toronto. You’ll be discovering the city on your own, but with Toronto’s excellent and efficient metro system, getting around is a breeze.

To kick off your city adventure, we’ve arranged for you to enjoy a visit to the iconic CN Tower, which rises an impressive 553 metres above almost every corner of Toronto’s skyline. While the observation deck sits at 346 metres (so not quite all the way to the top!), the views are unforgettable. Step up to the vast wall-to-wall windows and take in the city rooftops, Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands stretching before you. While the panoramic outlook leaves most visitors speechless, the thrill of standing on the glass floor one level below offers the ultimate cityscape—if you dare! Whether you brave the glass or not, the CN Tower really is a must when visiting Toronto and a fantastic start to your explorations.

Back at street level, the rest of the day and evening are yours to enjoy at your own pace. Among the highlights is the Royal Ontario Museum, where you’ll find a fascinating collection of dinosaurs. Take time to wander through Toronto’s distinctive districts to experience the city’s rich contrasts, found both in its architecture and its wonderfully diverse people. Pop into the colourful and trendy Kensington Market neighbourhood with its art galleries, vintage shops, and cosy eateries, and then follow the delicious scent of dumplings next door to Chinatown.
If you fancy a change of perspective, head out on the water for a boat trip to take in Toronto’s striking skyline and nearby islands.
End your day in the atmospheric Distillery District, birthplace of the legendary Gooderham and Worts whisky in the 1860s. The beautifully preserved Victorian industrial buildings today house everything from independent boutiques to excellent restaurants, with a vibrant atmosphere that lasts all year round.

*Included excursion to CN Tower: details on meeting time and point will be provided in your voucher.

Day 3: Day trip to Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake

Today, you’ll enjoy a day trip to the Niagara Falls – one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. You’ll be collected from a designated meeting point in Toronto, conveniently located within easy reach of your hotel*. Together with your fellow travellers and guide, you’ll travel by minivan to the celebrated falls – a journey of just under 1.5 hours.  
As you arrive, it won’t be long before you’re met by a deep, ever-present roar – the sound of nearly 2.8 million litres of water plunging over the edge every second from the three mighty waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Horseshoe Falls is the largest of the trio, responsible for around 90% of the entire water flow. The torrents tumble 57 metres down, creating a mesmerising mist, and when the sun catches the spray, you’ll often spot rainbows dancing in the falls.

It’s one thing to admire the falls from above – but quite another to get up close by boat. Today, we’ve arranged for you to embark on the unforgettable ‘Voyage to the Falls’ cruise*. Don your complimentary rain poncho and enjoy a thrilling 20-minute journey right up to the foot of American and Horseshoe Falls, where the raw power of the water thunders before you.

You’ll have around three hours to explore the area at your own pace, and a lunch is included as part of your excursion. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also opt for our optional tour that takes you down into the series of tunnels carved behind Horseshoe Falls.

Later in the day, the tour continues to the endlessly charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, just a half-hour’s drive away. This delightful town is renowned as one of Ontario’s leading wine regions, and you’ll likely spot several award-winning vineyards along the way. In the heart of town, you can wander down cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings, galleries, and small, independent shops.

After a fantastic day surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, you’ll be driven back to your meeting point in Toronto, arriving late in the day.

*Included excursion: complete details about meeting times and places will be found on your voucher. 

Day 4: Toronto – Ottawa

Today, you’ll leave Toronto behind and head north on the Canadian VIA Rail train. Take either an Uber or the metro to Toronto Union Station, which sits just under 3 km from your hotel*. 
Settle in and enjoy the relaxing journey from Toronto, which takes just under 4½ hours. This is the perfect opportunity to sit back with a good book or some music, letting the ever-changing scenery pass you by.  

Later today, you’ll arrive in the heart of Ottawa – Canada’s lively capital. Upon arrival at Ottawa Train Station, you’ll need to make your own way to your centrally located hotel, which is roughly a 15-minute drive from the station. If your room isn’t quite ready for check-in, you can leave your luggage at the hotel and head straight out to explore Ottawa’s charming streets. Perhaps stroll along the bustling Ottawa River, buzzing with activity from both locals and fellow travellers.  

*Be sure to arrive in plenty of time before departure – for Toronto Union Station, you should arrive at least 45 minutes before departure. (You’ll find details on meeting time, location, and departure on your voucher.)

Days 5-6: Exploring Ottawa at your own pace

On these days, you’ll have plenty of time to discover the charms of Ottawa at your own pace. Begin your day with a pleasant stroll to Canada’s political heart, Parliament Hill – a lively area home to several government buildings. Prepare to be impressed by the magnificent neo-Gothic Parliament building, which looks as though it has stepped straight out of a fairy tale. You can join a free guided tour inside the Parliament building, but do note that you’ll need to book your ticket in advance.

If you visit during the summer months, don’t miss the daily Changing of the Guard. This colourful, ceremonial event takes place to the stirring sounds of bagpipes and drums from around 9:45am. Take in the uplifting atmosphere that surrounds this iconic Ottawa tradition.

Right next to Parliament, you’ll find the beautiful Rideau Canal as it meets the Ottawa River. In the summer, why not consider a guided boat tour along the canal? When winter arrives, the canal freezes over, transforming into a giant open-air skating rink.

Not far from your hotel is one of Canada’s most popular museums, the Canadian Museum of History. Here, you can delve into the country’s heritage, exploring the stories, identities, and artifacts of both indigenous peoples and later Canadian history, including a captivating collection of totem poles.

If you fancy sampling some of Canada’s culinary specialities, make your way to the renowned ByWard Market. Here, the city’s European and Canadian influences merge in a wonderful variety of dishes. Try the iconic Canadian treat “BeaverTails” – a deep-fried pastry with sugar, shaped like a beaver’s tail – or spoil yourself with sweets made from locally produced maple syrup. And if you’re in the mood for fish & chips, schnitzel, or a freshly baked croissant, you’ll find those on offer here as well.

Day 7: Ottawa - Montreal

You’ll be departing Ottawa from the very same train station where you arrived*.  

Settle in and enjoy the stunning views of Canada’s forests, fields, and small towns during your journey – today’s train ride to Montreal takes just under two hours.  

Upon arrival in Montreal, make your way to your hotel, which is conveniently located close to the train station. If your room isn’t yet ready for check-in, the hotel will be happy to assist you with luggage storage.  

You may already have noticed you’ve arrived in the French-speaking part of Canada. After Paris, Montreal is the world’s largest French-speaking city. If the idea of a conversation in French is a little daunting, there’s no need to worry. While the locals might greet you with a cheerful “Bonjour”, it’s absolutely fine to respond in English – you’ll be understood. 

Montreal was founded in 1642 under the name Ville Marie, later renamed after its prominent mountain, Mount Royal – the regal peak that offers superb views of the city from the Kondiaronk Lookout. We highly recommend heading up there for a panoramic vista over the rooftops of Montreal. You can reach most of the way by metro or bus, and then walk the final stretch, or hire a bicycle if you fancy. Alternatively, save the experience for dusk, when the city’s lights start to shimmer on the horizon as night falls. 

*Once again, please be sure to arrive well ahead of departure time – at least 30 minutes before your scheduled train from Ottawa Train Station. (Full details of your check-in time, location, and departure can be found on your voucher.)

Accommodation:
Days 8-9: Montreal at your own pace

Spend the next couple of days discovering Montreal at your own pace. Step outside your hotel and dive straight into the lively city streets; thanks to your accommodation’s central location, you’ll be perfectly placed to make the most of your time here.

Consider a visit to the awe-inspiring Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, with its detailed stained-glass windows that tell the story of the city. The church sits at the heart of Old Montreal—a neighbourhood brimming with local character, where sleek modern architecture contrasts beautifully with cobblestone streets. 

Continue to the bustling waterfront, a vibrant area alive with energy. In the warm summer months, it’s especially popular to unwind in a deckchair at Clock Tower Beach or relax in one of the city’s many green parks. We highly recommend hiring a bike and exploring Montreal just as the locals do. One excellent route follows the Lachine Canal, which begins at the St. Lawrence River and leads all the way to Old Montreal. 

Around the fashionable Boulevard Saint-Laurent, you’ll find an abundance of shops and restaurants set against a backdrop of vivid colours. The street is renowned for its striking murals, celebrated each year during the MURAL Festival, which draws art lovers from around the globe. 

Just outside the city, you can also visit the Montreal Olympic Park, home to the city’s Olympic Stadium, the botanical gardens, and the popular Montreal Biodome, which houses an impressive collection of plants from a variety of climates and ecosystems. 

If you happen to experience rainy weather in Montreal, don’t worry. Beneath the city streets lies an entire underground world of shops, eateries, galleries, and cinemas—welcome to RESO, the Underground City. You can wander through more than 32 kilometres of walkways, effortlessly connecting you to different parts of Montreal above ground.  

If you haven’t yet tasted the Canadian delicacy poutine, now’s your chance. This indulgent dish, made from chips, gravy, and cheese curds, is a local favourite in the province of Quebec. 

Accommodation:
Day 10: Montreal – Québec City

Today marks the final stop on your tour: Québec City – one of North America’s oldest cities. 

From Montreal Central Station, you’ll once again board the train*, embarking on the final stretch of your tour at just over 3.5 hours. Make the most of the journey by relaxing with a good cup of coffee as you reflect on the memorable experiences you’ve had so far.

Disembark in the heart of Québec City at Quebec City Train Station, also known as Gare du Palais. From here, you can either take an Uber or taxi, or enjoy a stroll to your hotel. 

You’ll arrive later in the afternoon and, since your hotel is set right in the centre, you can start soaking up the city’s historic streets as soon as you step out this evening. 

*Once again, be sure to arrive with enough time before departure – no later than 30 minutes prior at Montreal Central Station. (Full details for your meeting point and departure are available on your voucher.) 

Day 11: Walking tour and your own time in Québec

This morning, you’re in for a fascinating insight into the city’s French-Canadian history as you set off with your guide on an almost two-hour walking tour of the historic district, Vieux-Québec*.

This fortified old town is unique north of Mexico, with its intact ramparts encircling streets and historic buildings that date back more than 400 years. It is thanks to this unique character that the district was added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 1985.

Your route begins at Place Royale, the city’s birthplace in 1608, and passes Canada’s oldest church, Notre-Dame-de-Québec Basilica-Cathedral, before reaching the grand Château Frontenac hotel, towering above many a street corner. From Dufferin Terrace, you can enjoy sweeping views over the St. Lawrence River, a reminder of Québec’s military past. It was here in 1759 that British forces sailed in, launching – and winning – the decisive battle on the Plains of Abraham. French Canada was officially ceded to Britain in 1763.
From colonial battlefields to the lively heart of the city, steeped in French-Canadian culture, you’ll wind your way to the buzzing Petit-Champlain quarter, renowned for its charming boutiques, cafés, and art galleries. Your walking tour finishes here and it’s the perfect spot to linger over lunch before you continue exploring Québec’s delightful streets at your own pace.

The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish.

*Walking tour in Québec: You’ll find details of your meeting point and time printed on your voucher.

Day 12: Québec at your own pace

There are no scheduled activities today, leaving you free to spend your final full day in Québec as you wish. No doubt there are still charming little corners waiting to be discovered, or perhaps you’re longing for one last nature experience?

If so, a visit to the nearby Montmorency Falls comes highly recommended. It’s easily accessible by bus or Uber, and you can admire the falls on foot or soar above the landscape by taking a ride on the local cable car.

Day 13: Departure day

The time has come to say goodbye to Canada after an exciting tour.

The airport is just 18 km from the city centre, so you can easily take an Uber or use public transport, taking you straight from the centre to the airport.

If you’d like to extend your stay in Canada or combine your tour with a visit to a vibrant US city, you’ll continue on to your chosen destination.

Day 14: Arrival back home

You will arrive at your selected airport, carrying with you all the wonderful memories and experiences from an unforgettable tour.

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Emily Roper

Emily loves to travel and is extremely passionate about helping others achieve their travel dreams.

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