Toronto & Montréal by Train - 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Toronto, Visit Ripley's Aquarium & Dine at the CN Tower

Welcome to Canada! Touchdown in Toronto, where your driver will take you to your hotel. Settle in and then head out to explore Canada's largest city. This modern metropolis lies on the shore of Lake Ontario, its skyline punctuated by the iconic CN Tower. Wander the streets to discover everything from world-class museums to chic restaurants and historical landmarks. Art fans will love Gardiner Museum for its ceramic pieces and the Royal Ontario Museum, which has an acclaimed collection of Chinese and First Nations art.

For some history, visit the British-colonial Fort York and Casa Loma, a Gothic-Revival mansion. Queen Street West is where to go shopping and dining, while the Distillery District has many bars, boutiques, and eateries set in 19th-century brick whiskey factories. Other Toronto highlights include Chinatown and the adjacent, open-air Kensington Market, established by the European Jewish community at the start of the 20th century.

Enter an underwater wonderland at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, a 135,000-square-foot (12,500 sq m) exhibit with interactive displays and galleries where you can encounter over 16,000 marine creatures. Make your way through North America's longest underwater viewing tunnel, spot sharks at Dangerous Lagoon and rays at Ray Bay. The Canadian Waters gallery is a must-see and features 80 native species from around the country, from octopus to lobster and paddlefish.

End the day with a lavish three-course dinner at the 1,815-foot tall (553 m) CN Tower, once the tallest freestanding structure in the world until the Burj Khalifa was built. Ride a glass elevator to the revolving 360 Restaurant to dine on regional Canadian dishes with stunning city views. The dinner includes access to spectacular viewing galleries overlooking the city and Lake Ontario and the nerve-shredding glass floor.

Day 2: Niagara Falls Day Trip

Today you'll visit Niagara Falls, one of North America's most famous natural wonders. Watch a cascade of water crash 170 feet (52 m) over the cliffs at a rate of 6,000,000 cubic feet (170,000 cubic m) every minute, sending vast clouds of mist into the sky. You'll take a 20-minute Hornblower Boat Ride to see the spectacle from the water, sailing past the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls and into the spray of the (Canadian) Horseshoe Falls.

Enjoy a meal overlooking Niagara Falls and some free time to soak up the views before moving on. You'll drive through the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, which lies at the mouth of the Niagara River on the Lake Ontario shore. Admire the 19th-century clapboard houses and pretty flower-filled streets on your way to a nearby winery, where you'll experience a tour and tasting session.

Day 3: Train to Montréal, Ride the Montréal Observation Wheel & Ghost Tour

Say goodbye to Toronto this morning and make the five-hour scenic train journey east to Montréal. Canada's second-largest city offers French-soaked history, a famous food scene, and cultural attractions. Stroll through the lively downtown, stopping for poutine (fries smothered in cheese curds and gravy), and head down to the St. Lawrence River, where you'll find market stalls, the Old Port, and ride La Grande Roue de Montréal, Canada's largest observation wheel for 200-foot high (60 m) city views.

You could also take a horse-drawn carriage among 18th and 19th-century residences in Old Montréal, passing the imposing Notre-Dame Basilica and museums that tell the city's fascinating story, including the Pointe-à-Callière Museum and the Center of History of Montréal.

This evening, you'll see Old Montréal in a different light on an atmospheric ghost tour. Whether you opt for a Traditional Ghost Walk or a Ghost Hunt, you'll learn about the spirits that haunt the city's streets, from witches to charlatans and former criminals. Your guide will delve into the legends, mysteries, and secrets that make up the darker side of Montréal's history.

Day 4: Old Montréal Walking Tour, Mount Royal & Food Tour

Get to know the birthplace of Montréal this morning on a guided walk through the historic district, which sprawls over several blocks near the St. Lawrence River. Traverse cobblestone streets lined with 17th-century landmarks, markets, and bustling streets like Saint Paul. Highlights include the City Hall, Place Royal, and the Gothic-Revival Notre-Dame Basilica, the first architectural style in Canada and lies in the Place d'Armes square.

Next, head up Mount Royal, known as "The Mountain" by Montréalers. Rising from the middle of the city, this 500-acre (200 ha) wooded haven was laid out in 1876 by Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect of Central Park. Amble through forested parks where locals jog and dog walk, do some bird-watching or enjoy a picnic. Skaters flock to the lake in winter while skiers and tobogganers traverse the park's snow-covered slopes.

There's plenty to explore, including striking hillside cemeteries and city viewpoints like Belvedere Kondiaronk at the grand Chalet du Mont-Royal, a popular wedding proposal spot. Visit the Beaver Lake Pavillion and pause for a drink at the Café des Amis. A stop at Smith House is a must, with a permanent exhibition that tells the history of this unique natural landmark declared a heritage site in 2012.

End the afternoon with a food tour of Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy. As one of the largest outdoor markets in North America, there's plenty to discover, from seasonal produce to fine meats and cheeses, fresh flowers, and gourmet cookbooks. After the market tour, you'll continue into the heart of Little Italy to learn about the area's vibrant community and taste some local specialties.

Day 5: Depart Montréal

Your Canadian adventure ends today, and you'll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!