Explore Canada's Eastern Cities by Train - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Toronto, Self-Guided City Tour, Dinner Cruise

Welcome to Toronto, Canada's largest city! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel. After refreshing, venture out to explore the area on your own. A good place to start is the CN Tower, where you can get a bird's-eye view of the city from the main observation level located 1,136 feet (346 m) above the ground. Visit the revolving restaurant to grab a bite to eat or head to Kensington Market, an eclectic neighborhood with a multicultural mix of supermarkets, street food, hole-in-the-wall boutiques, and vintage clothing stores.

In the evening, head to the Queens Quay Terminal at the harborfront to board a dinner cruise on Lake Ontario. After finding your reserved seat, stroll along the outer decks for panoramic views of Toronto's iconic skyline, passing landmarks like the illuminated CN Tower and Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays. When the buffet is open, browse the array of salads, side dishes, entrees, and desserts and sit down to enjoy your food under the starry skies. If you're visiting on a Friday or Saturday night, a dance floor with a live DJ will open up, closing out your first night in Canada.

Day 2: Day Trip to Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake

Trade the city for one of North America's most famous natural wonders today, Niagara Falls. After the 1.5-2 hour transfer, disembark at the falls and watch the water crash over the precipice. Then, head down to the dock to board a 20-minute boat cruise into the heart of the falls, where you'll immediately be enveloped by the mist and thundering roar of the cascading water. As you cruise, you'll be treated to unparalleled views of Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and American Falls. Enjoy a few hours of free time to explore the area and grab a bite to eat, then transfer 30 minutes to Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Drive through the postcard-perfect town full of 19th-century architecture, tree-lined streets, and lush floral displays to get to a nearby winery. Tour the vineyard, learn about the winemaking process and the varietals produced in the region's cool climate, and sample an array of wines to please every palate. Don't leave without trying ice wine, which is made from grapes that have been left to freeze on the vines, concentrating their sugars and flavors. After the tasting session, browse the gift shop to choose a wine to take home with you, then transfer 1.5 hours back to your hotel in Toronto.

Day 3: Train to Ottawa, Cruise Down the Rideau Canal

Bid farewell to Toronto this morning as you make your way to Union Station to catch a scenic five-hour train to Ottawa, Canada's capital city. When you arrive, refresh at your hotel, then transfer to the 125-mile-long (202 km) Rideau Canal for a tranquil boat cruise. Listen as the friendly crew teaches you about the canal and its historic locks and bridges while you pass landmarks like Parliament Hill, Fairmont Château Laurier, and Dows Lake. Back on land, spend the rest of the day exploring the capital at your own pace.

Get a closer look at Parliament Hill, where you can join a guided tour of the Gothic Revival-style buildings and learn about Canada's democratic process and government, including visits to the Senate, House of Commons, and Library of Parliament. Grab a bite to eat at ByWard Market, then continue your self-guided educational tour at the Canadian Museum of History, which overlooks the Ottawa River. Explore the captivating galleries that chronicle key events and milestones in the country's development to end the tour.

Day 4: Train to Québec City, Old Québec Walking Tour, Evening Cruise

Get ready for another scenic train journey as you make your way six hours east to Québec City, the capital of Canada's eponymous French-speaking province. Try to snag a window seat so you can look out at the Ottawa River and lush countryside of eastern Ontario transitioning into the rolling hills and charming villages of rural Québec. Freshen up at your hotel, then set off on a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Québec, the only walled city still left north of Mexico. Follow the narrow cobblestone streets past centuries-old architecture and learn about the city's history as a French colony.

Marvel at iconic landmarks such as the towering Château Frontenac, the historic Place Royale, and the picturesque Petit-Champlain district. In the evening, head to the pier and board a boat for a relaxing cruise along the St. Lawrence River to get a different perspective of Old Québec, this time illuminated with a warm glow. Grab a drink at the onboard bar to enjoy while you look for the city's key landmarks, like the historic Old Port. After 3.5 hours on the water, return to the pier and transfer back to your hotel. 

Day 5: Explore Jacques-Cartier National Park at Your Own Pace

Leave the city behind for the day as you make your way to Jacques-Cartier National Park to explore the pristine forests, meandering rivers, and rugged mountain peaks at your own pace. Follow one of the many hiking trails or partake in activities like canoeing, kayaking, or wildlife watching to spot moose, black bears, and beavers. Those who want to hike will find a route suited for every skill level and interest, but if you're overwhelmed by the choices, you could book a guided tour that will take you to scenic viewpoints, revealing panoramic views of the park's natural beauty.

If you visit during winter, there are plenty of seasonal activities on offer, such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, or sledding. After a day in the park, return to the city and head to Saint-Roch, a vibrant neighborhood known for its hip and eclectic dining scene. With a mix of trendy cafés, gastropubs, and innovative eateries, it shouldn't be hard to find somewhere to grab a bite to eat and have a drink here. 

Day 6: Visit the Huron-Wendat Museum, Train to Montréal

Spend your last morning in Québec City at the Huron-Wendat Museum, located 30 minutes outside of the city. Browse the collection of artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that highlight the traditions, customs, and way of life of this First Nations group indigenous to North America. The museum aims to teach and popularize the history, culture, and arts of the Huron-Wendat people, so you can immerse yourself in the experience with workshops covering a wide range of topics, like traditional crafts, storytelling, and music and dance classes. 

In the afternoon, head to the station and jump on a three-hour train to Montréal, Québec's largest city. If you're hungry, make your way to the trendy Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood full of cozy bistros, trendy cafés, and intimate eateries. Then, end your night with a ride on La Grande Roue de Montréal, Canada's largest observation wheel, set on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Enjoy panoramic views of the Old Port and tranquil water below from your climate-controlled pod before settling in at your hotel for the night. 

Day 7: Old Montréal Walking Tour, Discover Mount Royal

Start your penultimate day in Canada with a 1.5-hour walking tour of Old Montréal, the city's historic district. Wander down the cobblestone road lined with Victorian-era buildings, bustling squares, and picturesque row houses to see landmarks like City Hall, Place Royale, and the Gothic-Revival Notre-Dame Basilica. After the tour, discover Mount Royal on your own, a sprawling hilltop park full of lush greenery, winding trails, and scenic lookout points that provide panoramic views of the city. 

There's plenty to do here, from strolling along the tranquil paths, picnicking on the grass, or going on a hike to traverse one of the many trails. You could also stop at Smith House to learn about the park's history, ecology, and recreational activities if you're not sure what to do. End the day at the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts to browse the array of masterpieces spanning centuries and continents. Discover each exhibit, from classical sculptures to contemporary installations, to appreciate the work of renowned artists and emerging talents. 

Day 8: Mile End Food Tour, Depart Montréal 

Although your journey comes to a close today, you can spend your last few hours in Canada on a food tour in Mile End, a laid-back neighborhood with an artsy vibe full of delicious food, both Canadian and international. Start with a Montréal-style bagel, renowned for its distinctive chewy texture and slightly sweet flavor, at St-Viateur Bagel. Then, your next stop might be Schwartz's Deli to indulge in a classic smoked meat sandwich piled high with thinly sliced beef brisket.

You can't leave without trying poutine, the beloved Canadian dish that originated in Québec and is made with crispy fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. Head to La Banquise to try the classic version or add toppings like bacon, onions, hot dogs, or peppers. End the food tour at one of the area's top breweries to wash everything down with a craft beer. Then, return to the hotel to grab your bags and meet your driver to transfer to the airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels!