Day 1 - Welcome to Montréal
Your exciting tour of Quebec and Canada's Maritimes begins in the cosmopolitan city of Montreal, the second largest city in Canada. Check into your hotel and spend the remainder of your day soaking in the history and culture of this engaging city, visiting the fashionable shops, and indulging in the city’s fine dining and entertainment. Overnight Montreal.
Day 2 - Discovering Montreal
This morning’s sightseeing excursion shows you more than 200 points of interest as you travel throughout the city. Highlights include Notre Dame Basilica, Mount Royal Park, Olympic Park, Old Montreal, and St. Joseph’s Oratory. The afternoon is yours to explore the city’s colorful neighborhoods, marveling at historic architecture dating back to the 17th century. Be sure to shop Montreal’s “underground.” This evening board your VIA Rail train for the 3-hour journey along the St. Lawrence River to Quebec City. Enjoy a delicious dinner, chat with your fellow travelers and admire the passing scenery as you’re whisked to your next destination. Overnight Quebec City. (D)
Day 3 - Quebec City Sightseeing and VIA Rail's Ocean
This morning’s sightseeing tour of Quebec City shows you both the modern and historic sides of the city. Highlights of your excursion include the Plains of Abraham, the Latin Quarter, the Citadel, the Fortifications, the National Assembly, and Place Royal among many other sights. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the city on your own. Soak in the French Canadian culture, relax at a sidewalk café, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, or collect souvenirs as you visit the unique shops. Make sure to enjoy a delicious French meal this evening before transferring to the rail station for your overnight rail journey to Halifax aboard VIA Rail's Ocean. Settle into your first-class accommodations and bid adieu to Quebec as the train leaves the St. Lawrence River behind and speeds toward the Maritimes. Overnight train
Day 4 - Arrival in Halifax
Your relaxing day aboard the Ocean includes delicious meals, access to a comfortable lounge car offering panoramic views of the passing scenery, and ample time to meet your fellow travelers. You can even become a bit of an expert on the Maritimes—from Acadian tradition to regional lore—through presentations on the area from the onboard Learning Coordinator. At 12:30 pm, the Ocean pulls into Moncton for a short stop, signaling the last leg of your train journey. You’ll arrive in Halifax late this afternoon. Overnight Halifax. (B, L)
Day 5 - Exploring Halifax
The historic city of Halifax was founded in 1749 as a British garrison town. Embark on a 1.5-hour sightseeing excursion for an excellent overview of the city. This history and anecdote-filled ride through the streets of Halifax will introduce you to one of North America's most unique and captivating cities. Hear of Halifax's war years and of the exploits and heroism of the citizens who lived through the devastating Halifax Explosion. View Historic Properties, the Spring Garden Road area, Province House, Old Town Clock, St. Paul's Church, City Hall, Gramd Parade, Government House, the busy port, Victorian Halifax Public Gardens, residential areas, and much more. This evening you may wish to visit one of the town’s lively pubs. Overnight Halifax.
Day 6 - Departing Halifax
Your tour comes to a close today. You may elect to extend your stay in Halifax to relax in this seaside town and explore its many sights including Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, and Mahone Bay. Or, transfer to the airport (not included) for your return flight home.
Superior Accommodations
Hotels include Montreal Marriott, Hotel Manior Victoria, and Delta Halifax. VIA Rail accommodations are Sleeper Plus class (seasonal) in a private cabin. Meals are included aboard the train along with exclusive access to lounge cars.
Hotel Accommodations
Train Accommodations
Superior Accommodations
Hotels include Montreal Marriott, Hotel Manior Victoria, and Delta Halifax. VIA Rail accommodations are Sleeper Plus class (seasonal) in a private cabin. Meals are included aboard the train along with exclusive access to lounge cars.
Deluxe Accommodations
Hotels include Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, Fairmont Chateau Frontenac and Delta Halifax. VIA Rail accommodations are Sleeper Plus class (seasonal) in a private cabin. Meals are included aboard the train along with exclusive access to lounge cars.
Hotel Accommodations
Train Accommodations
Deluxe Accommodations
Hotels include Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, Fairmont Chateau Frontenac and Delta Halifax. VIA Rail accommodations are Sleeper Plus class (seasonal) in a private cabin. Meals are included aboard the train along with exclusive access to lounge cars.
Hotel accommodations are based on availability; substitutes will be of similar quality and amenities.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Child prices are available upon request. Travel from May 1 - June 8 is in VIA Rail's Sleeper class and does not include meals or access to the dome car. All other departures are in Sleeper Plus Class.
Sightseeing tour of Halifax is not available prior to June 1. 3-night minimum stay in Montreal during the Gran Prix (June 6-10, 2013). Ask your rail specialist for details.
All prices are in USD and are subject to change.
