Montreal & Quebec City by Rail | Splendors of Eastern Canada

Day 1 Toronto to Montreal | VIA Rail Business Class Enjoy the amenities of the Business Class Lounge before boarding the train, including complimentary newspapers and non-alcoholic beverages. Once underway, the train travels along the shores of Lake Ontario, one of North America’s five Great Lakes, to Trenton Junction, where the St. Lawrence River flows from the lake. Passing the village of Napanee, look south as you cross the river for views of beautiful waterfalls. The city of Kingston, an historic Canadian city, served as the early capital of the “Province of Canada” (1841-1867) and is the birthplace of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. Here, you’ll cross the Rideau Canal, built in 1832 to connect Kingston with Ottawa and originally designed after the War of 1812 to ensure a supply route north of the U.S. border in the event of future conflicts. Past Cornwall, the line enters the Province of Quebec. Approaching Montreal, you’ll cross the Ottawa River at Dorval before arriving at Central Station in Montreal, conveniently located below the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel in the heart of downtown. (lunch is included today)

Day 2 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 3 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 see 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. Arrive into Quebec at Gare du Palais. Steeped in history, Quebec is the most charming city in Canada, 400 years old and most of the original architecture and buildings have been lovingly preserved. (lunch is included today)

Day 4 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 5 Quebec City | Departure Upon check-out of your hotel your package ends.