Eastern Canada by Rail & Enchanting Islands

Day 1 - Arrive Ottawa

Arrive into Ottawa and transfer to your hotel. Spending the remainder of your day at leisure. 

Day 2 - Explore Ottawa

We have included the Hop on Hop off bus, to allow you to see Ottawa's highlights. 

Explore the capital region aboard a London style double decker bus on this full day hop on hop off tour. The tour departs from the Gray Line kiosk at Sparks and Elgin Street and takes in over 75 landmarks across Ottawa and Gatineau, with bilingual commentary throughout.

Highlights include Parliament Hill, Rideau Hall, the Prime Minister's official residence, the Byward Market, and the National Gallery of Canada. With the freedom to hop on and off as you please, you can take your time exploring museums, parks, and embassies along the way. Riding on an open top bus adds a fun and memorable touch, making this a great option for visitors of all ages.

Highlights: Parliament Hill, Rideau Hall, Byward Market, National Gallery of Canada, Canadian War Museum

Day 3 - Ottawa Byward Market Food Tour

Get to know one of Ottawa's most iconic districts on a guided walking tour of the ByWard Market. As you wander through the bustling streets, your guide brings the area's history to life, from Colonel John By's role in planning the Rideau Canal to the market's beginnings as the city's first commercial hub. Along the way, you will stop at local favourite eateries to sample a mix of local and international flavours, taking in all the sights, sounds and smells that give this neighbourhood its character.

Highlights: Walking tour of ByWard Market, Food tasting with local flavour, Ottawa history and stories

Day 4 - Ottawa to Quebec City

Today take the VIA Rail train from Ottawa to Quebec City. 

Setting off from Ottawa Station, just east of the downtown core, you head northeast towards Quebec City aboard VIA Rail Canada. Onboard, settle in for a comfortable journey with complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and a power outlet at your seat.

The route traces the Ottawa River before giving way to the rolling farmland, forests and small towns of western and central Quebec. As you near the St Lawrence River valley, the scenery takes on a more historic feel, shaped by centuries of settlement and trade along this important waterway.

You arrive into Quebec City, a UNESCO listed destination famed for its fortified old town, cobbled streets and French Canadian heritage. Onboard food and beverage service is included.

Day 5 - Quebec CityWalking Tour & Cruise

Today we have included a walking tour and St Lawrence River cruise.

Quebec City Walking Tour

Wander through the enchanting streets of Old Quebec, a UNESCO world heritage site, and uncover more than 400 years of history along the way. Period characters help bring the past to life as your guide leads you to landmarks such as the Chateau Frontenac, Dufferin Terrace and the Notre Dame de Quebec Basilica Cathedral. From there, the tour continues into the picturesque Petit Champlain neighbourhood before finishing at Place Royale, home to some remarkable 17th and 18th century buildings.

St Lawrence River Cruise 

See Canada’s oldest city from the deck of a cruise boat on the St. Lawrence River. As you cruise along the shoreline, a guide relates the story of “New France” and tells you about the origins of Québec’s most famous landmarks. Relax and take in the spectacular views of the Chateau Frontenac, Cap Diamant, Ile d’Orleans and Montmorency Falls. The tour is in English and French only.

Day 6 - Quebec City

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Quebec City. Speak to our Canada Experts if you wish to add on one of our Quebec City experiences. 

Day 7 - Quebec City to Montreal

Leaving Quebec City today, you continue southwest towards Montreal aboard VIA Rail Canada. Sit back and enjoy a comfortable ride, with complimentary non-alcoholic drinks, newspapers and a power outlet at your seat.

The journey follows the St Lawrence River valley through the heart of the province, passing fertile farmland, historic villages and charming riverside communities that have shaped Quebec's history and culture for centuries.

On arrival in Montreal, you will find a vibrant city known for its blend of European inspired architecture, diverse neighbourhoods and lively cultural scene. Onboard food and beverage service is included.

Day 8 - Explore Montreal

Spend today exploring Montreal's highlights. We have included the Hop on Hop off bus to help you explore the city. 

Day 9 - Montreal to Halifax (Overnight)

Board VIA Rail's Ocean Train for an epic overnight journey across the Maritimes, taking in Riviere du Loup, Bathurst, Moncton and more along the way. Before departure, relax in the Business Class Lounge in Montreal, then enjoy priority boarding as you settle into your cosy cabin for two in Sleeper Plus class.

Your journey includes a three course dinner with hot and cold drinks, or full bar service if you prefer, along with a shower kit, checked baggage and priority boarding at the station. Cabins with a private washroom may or may not include a shower.

As dusk falls, the train winds through the Monteregie Hills, and by the time dawn breaks the next morning you will be following the coast along the Baie des Chaleurs. You arrive at VIA Rail's station in Halifax, Nova Scotia, right next to the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market.

Inclusions: All meals and non-alcoholic beverages included in the dining car.

Day 10 - Arrive in Halifax

Arrive into Halifax after your overnight rail journey. Transfer to your hotel spending the remainder of your day exploring Halifax. 

Day 11 - Start of Escorted Tour

Your escorted tour of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Meet your tour director and fellow travellers this evening at a welcome reception.

Hotel: Cambridge Suites Halifax or similar

Overnight in Halifax.

Day 12 - Halifax

A day of local touring awaits! Discover the rustic charm of the renowned fishing village of Peggy’s Cove where we will enjoy breakfast. Afterwards we journey along Nova Scotia’s South Shore to the UNESCO World Heritage Town of Lunenburg, home to fleets of Grand Banks fishing schooners. Take a walking tour to fully experience one of the most remarkably preserved colonial settlements in the New World, and visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic to learn about the town’s famous seafaring heritage.

Hotel: Cambridge Suites Halifax or similar

Overnight in Halifax. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 13 - Halifax to Charlottetown

En route to the bridge crossing to Prince Edward Island, we learn about Mi’kmaq culture at the Glooscap Heritage Centre & Mi’kmaq Museum. Once only accessible by ferry, we cross over to Prince Edward Island via the Confederation Bridge - the world’s longest continuous multi-span bridge. We are treated to true Maritime hospitality this evening at a traditional hall-style lobster supper before checking into our hotel for the evening.

Hotel: Rodd Charlottetown or similar

Overnight in Charlottetown. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 14 - Charlottetown/Prince Edward Island

Enjoy a free morning in Charlottetown or join a complimentary walking tour of the city. This afternoon, our tour of the island drives by red cliffs, white beaches, gently sloping sand dunes and green fields as we make our way to Prince Edward Island National Park. Before returning to Charlottetown, we visit Green Gables Heritage Site, the alluring inspiration of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic Anne of Green Gables books. We take in a theatre performance this evening by local entertainers at the Confederation Centre of the Arts (a substitution activity may be necessary due to the theatre schedule.)

Hotel: Rodd Charlottetown

Overnight in Charlottetown. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 15 - Charlottetown to Baddeck

After breakfast we board a ferry to cross over the Northumberland Strait back to Nova Scotia and proceed to ‘the Scotland of North America’, Cape Breton Island via the Canso Causeway. We visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck to learn about the many accomplishments of this genius who made his home on the island. Afterwards, we arrive at the Bras d’Or Lake and check into our hotel for the evening.

Hotel: Inverary Resort or similar

Overnight in Baddeck. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 16 - Baddeck/Cabot Trail

Today’s journey takes us along one of the most stunningly picturesque drives in North America. The Cabot Trail winds around the rocky splendour of Cape Breton’s northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Look-outs offer unforgettable vistas of Cape Breton’s rugged coastline, creating perfect photo opportunities. Afterwards, we travel to the coast where we enjoy a Baddeck Boat Sightseeing Tour (weather permitting) before returning to Baddeck for the evening.

Hotel: Inverary Resort or similar

Overnight in Baddeck. Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included.

Day 17 - Baddeck to Halifax

We get a look into the early days of colonial life with a visit to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. The vivid history of the region comes alive in this accurate reconstruction of one of the major settlements of circa 1744 New France. Roam the streets and chat with authentically costumed guides. After our visit we proceed along the shore of the Bras d’Or Lake to the mainland before continuing on to Halifax for one last night in the Maritimes.

Hotel: Cambridge Suites Halifax or similar

Overnight in Halifax. Breakfast included.

Day 18 - Halifax Return

A time for last minute shopping and farewells. Independent transfer to Halifax International Airport in time to check in for your flight home.