Eastern Canada by Rail

Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Take a rail journey through Eastern Canada and uncover the cultural highlights, historic landmarks, French influence and scenic beauty of the region over 10 days.

Highlights

Travel between Toronto and Montreal like the locals do – by train! See this gorgeous part of Canada from a train window, soaking up the scenery along the way and enjoying a slower pace.
Visit the iconic Niagara Falls and tour the Canadian side with your local leader before taking on an optional boat ride to feel the mist of the thundering cascades on your face. Then, visit a winery in Niagra on the Lake for a tasting.
Stroll through the heritage-listed Old Town of Quebec City, try a classic snack at BeaverTails and take the historic funicular up the hill for excellent views across the city.
Daytrip to Ile d'Orleans – this scenic island is known as ‘the microcosm of traditional Quebec.’ Have a classic lunch of poutine, then take a hike through the beautiful Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier.
Explore the cities of Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa and get to know Canada’s famous landmarks, culture, history and people by bike, rail and on foot – all with a local leader by your side.

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Train,Private vehicle,Boat,E-bike

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Toronto, Canada

Finishes

Montreal, Canada

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer, Rail & Cruises

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Toronto

Welcome to Canada! Your adventure begins in Toronto – the capital of Ontario along the lake’s northwestern shore. With soaring skyscrapers, this metropolis is known for the free-standing CN Tower, its green spaces and its sports culture. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After, maybe head out for dinner with your group and get to know each other.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Niagara Falls / Toronto

Today you’ll take a day trip to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Part of the UNESCO-listed Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve, the falls are also one of the honorary Natural Wonders of the World, straddling both Canada and the United States across three massive cascades. You’ll take an orientation tour with your leader, then you have free time to take on one of the optional cruises on offer. Feel the mist of the falls on your face, then this afternoon, head to a wine tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake – this town on the Niagara Peninsula is home to some excellent wineries. Later, return to Toronto for the night.

Included Activities:

Niagara-on-the-Lake - Winery Visit & Wine Tasting
Niagara Falls - Full day trip from Toronto

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Toronto / Gananoque

This morning, head out for an orientation walk of Toronto with your local leader, seeing some of the sites you may not have seen yet. Then, you’ll hop on the train to the small town of Gananoque – home to the Thousand Islands, known as the ‘Garden of the Great Spirit’ by the Iroquois Nation. Straddling the border, this archipelago sits at the outlet of Lake Ontario at the head of Saint Lawrence River. When you arrive, you have a free afternoon to relax or explore at your own pace. Maybe explore the parkway, visit the 1000 Islands History Museum or head to a theatre show at the Thousand Islands Playhouse.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Thousand Islands / Ottawa

Set out on a cruise through the Thousand Islands this morning and learn about this area’s history, wars and rebellions. Referred to by the Iroquois Nation as the Garden of the Great Spirit, see the 5th and 6th-generation family cottages as you cruise through the narrow channels to the Admiralty and Navy groups of islands, soaking up the scenery. This afternoon, take the train to Ottawa, Canada’s capital. When you arrive, you’re free to explore the city’s restaurant and bar scene – your leader will always have some great recommendations!

Included Activities:

Gananoque - Thousand Islands Cruise

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Ottawa

Set out on an e-bike tour of Ottawa. This city is a great spot to explore on two wheels, home to many bike paths through both the city centre and through nature, so you’ll spend half the day exploring downtown, both on foot and by electric bike. Visit Gatineau Park – this park focuses on conservation and is the largest green space in the region, occupying an area of over 362 sq km. A favourite for nature-lovers, this huge space celebrates its biodiversity, and you can look out for bats, frogs, raccoons, squirrels and even black bears (when the season’s right). After, you have a free afternoon to relax or visit one of the city’s 29 museums.

Included Activities:

Ottawa - Visit to the Canadia Parliament (subject to opening times)
Ottawa - E-bike tour of Ottawa & Gatineau Park

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Quebec City

Today you’ll take a train to Quebec City – the largest province in Canada known for its French-speakers, European architecture, narrow streets and the Saint Lawrence River on which it sits. This is a bit of a long travel day, so soak up the views along the way, get stuck into a good book or play card games with your fellow travellers. When you arrive, you’re free to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe walk the cobblestone streets in the evening and find a warmly lit bistro for dinner or head to a comedy show.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Quebec City

Head out on a walking tour of Quebec City this morning with a local guide and get to know more about the city and its culture. Head to the popular chain BeaverTails and tuck into a delicious local pastry, then hop on The Old Quebec Funicular – a historic railway connecting the Upper and Lower Town, offering views across the city. The main entrance of the funicular is the House Louis Jolliet, in the heart of Old Quebec, which was built in 1683! This afternoon is free to explore this charming city however you like.

Included Activities:

Quebec City - Walking Tour with Local Guide

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Ile d'Orleans / Jacques Cartier National Park / Quebec City

This morning you’ll take a private vehicle to Ile d’Orleans for a daytrip – this island and heritage site in the Saint Lawrence River was one of the first places in the province to be colonised by the French and has been described as ‘the microcosm of traditional Quebec.’ When you arrive, you’ll explore with your leader, then head to a local spot for some classic poutine (fries and cheese curds covered in brown gravy). When you’re justifiably full of carbs, you’ll head to the gorgeous Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier for a hike. This park is home to one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Quebec, the Vallee de la Jacques-Cartier. Look out for moose and beavers as you walk through the scenic landscape, then later, return to Quebec City.

Included Activities:

Quebec City - Day Trip to Ile d’Orleans & Jacques Cartier National Park

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Montreal

Take the train to Montreal – the largest city in the province of Quebec named after Mt. Royal, the triple-peaked hill at its centre. The neighbourhoods here all offer unique draw cards, with French cobblestone streets and bohemian vibes. When you arrive, you’ll head out for an orientation walk to get your bearings. Known for its rich cultural history, art, theatre and music, there is plenty to explore here with your free afternoon and evening. If in doubt – just ask your handy local leader! Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner and toast to an excellent Canadian exploration.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Montreal

With no further activities planned after breakfast today, your trip comes to an end and you’re free to leave at any time after check-out.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $6,995

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Take a rail journey through Eastern Canada and uncover the cultural highlights, historic landmarks, French influence and scenic beauty of the region over 10 days.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 24 May 2026

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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