This exciting 10-day rail-drive adventure takes you through three Canadian provinces, each with its own unique flair. Your travels begin in Quebec City, where you’ll envelop yourself in the French culture. From there, travel to the Maritimes and enjoy Canada’s Atlantic coastal towns. At every turn, you’re met with unique activities and unrivaled scenery. With ample time at your leisure, you set the pace for what will surely be an incredible trip of a lifetime.

View Dates and Prices Images & Route Map Tour Highlights and Inclusions View Itinerary Hotel and Train Accommodations

• Hotel accommodations for 8 nights
• Quebec City sightseeing tour
• Transfer from your hotel to the rail station in Charny
• One night aboard VIA Rails Ocean in Sleeper Plus* (seasonal operation) in a cabin for 2, access to the domed viewing car, services of an on-board learning coordinator and some meal service, as you travel from Quebec City to Halifax (offered June 13-Octobe r8, 2012 and June 19-October 16, 2013. If traveling outside of these dates, there is no Learning Coordinator and meals are for purchase on the train)
• Grayline sightseeing excursion from Halifax to Peggys Cove OR Lunenberg & Mahone Bay (depending on day of week) Tour begins June 1 and ends Sep. 30 (June 1 - Oct 15, 2013).
• Compact rental car - 5 day rental with LDW and unlimited mileage
• Ferry fares between Wood Island and Caribou
• National Historic Sites Pass
• Taxes, GST and service charges on applicable items

Day 1 - Arrive Quebec City
Quebec City is one of the oldest European settlements in North America and the starting point for your 10-day rail-drive adventure. Upon arrival today, check into your hotel and then hit the town. Stroll the streets and visit the city’s many shops and boutiques, all just steps away from your hotel. Overnight Quebec City.

Day 2 - Quebec City Sightseeing
This morning, embark on a city sightseeing tour that takes you to some of the most important landmarks including the Plaines of Abraham, the Place d’Armes, the Fortifications, the Parliament Building and Place Royal.

This evening transfer from your hotel to the Charny rail station to board VIA Rail’s Ocean train to Halifax. Settle into your first class accommodations and prepare for your night aboard the train. Your onboard accommodations include comfortable upper and lower sleeping berths. Overnight train.

Day 3 - VIA Rail's Ocean to Halifax
Awake this morning and enjoy breakfast in the Dining Car. Take the remainder of the day to relax aboard the train. Your first class status gives you exclusive access to the domed lounge car where you can enjoy unparalleled views of the passing scenery. You can also learn about the area from Learning Coordinators who will share their knowledge through entertaining presentations. The Ocean arrives in Halifax late this afternoon.

Transfer to your hotel (not included), located in the Historic Properties harbor area. Drop off your bags and head to downtown Halifax. Here you’ll find art galleries, museums, historic sites, sidewalk cafes, spirited pubs, and lively entertainment. Everything you were looking for tonight and then some! Overnight Halifax.  (B, L)

Day 4 - Excursion to Peggy's Cove OR Lunenburg
Today embark on a sightseeing tour to visit one of the Maritimes sightseeing treasures. Depending on the day of week you are in Halifax will depend on the destination yuo visit. You may be joining your guide for a morning tour of Halifax, followed by a visit to Peggy's Cove, Canada's most photographed fishing village. Or join a kilted guide in "New Scotland" for an enchanting tour of Lunenburg and Mahone Bay. Lunenburg is home to Nova Scotia's largest fishing fleet, Lunenburg Academy, extraordinary architecture, supreme shops and more. From Lunenburg, continue with a drive to Mahone Bay, famous for its churches along the shore and its picturesque beauty. There will be plenty of time for exploring these remarkable seaside towns. Overnight Halifax.

Day 5 - Drive to Cape Breton
Pick up your rental car this morning and enjoy the scenic leisurely drive to Cape Breton. Upon arrival, plan a stop at Alexander Graham Park in Baddeck. The complex houses the largest collection of Bell’s artifacts and inventions including replicas of the first telephone. Climb to the rooftop gardens to get a glimpse of Bell’s Canadian estate, Beinn Breagh. As you walk back to the car, admire the beautiful views overlooking the Bras d’Or Lakes. Keep an eye out for bald eagles! Overnight Baddeck.

Day 6 - Cape Breton at Leisure
Take the day to explore Cape Breton Island. Your hotel is centrally located to many of the island’s popular attractions. You may wish to travel the Cabot Trail, a breathtakingly beautiful roadway carved into the island’s northern highlands; visit the Fortress of Louisbourg, a National Historic Site where you can relive history in 1744-era New France; the Miner’s Museum, which gives underground tours of the Ocean Deeps Colliery; or, St. Peter’s Canal, a highlight of the Bras d’Or Lakes scenic drive and the only national historic canal in Atlantic Canada. Overnight Baddeck.

Day 7 - Drive to Prince Edward Island
This morning set off for Prince Edward Island, the location that inspired Anne of Green Gables and the place where Canada’s confederacy was solidified. Take the ferry over to shorten the drive and enjoy stunning views of the area. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and set off to explore Charlottetown. The harbor area offers several boutiques worth browsing, and the downtown area includes beautiful Victorian homes and buildings. Overnight Charlottetown.

Day 8 - Prince Edward Island at Leisure
Take the day to explore the Island’s offerings. Visit amazing beaches—the north shore boasts 60-foot dunes and the south shore has red sand and calm waters—or popular attractions including Province House, which hosted the Charlottetown Confederation in 1864, and the Confederation Centre of the Arts, which is home to live theater, an art gallery, and the Charlottetown Festival during summer months. Overnight Charlottetown.

Day 9 - Prince Edward Island to Halifax
Today return to Halifax by ferry. The day is at your leisure so you can determine your schedule and any stops you make along your route. Upon arrival in Halifax, you may wish to take a short sightseeing excursion or visit some of the town’s unique shops and pubs. Overnight Halifax.

Day 10 - Halifax to Home
Your tour comes to a close this morning. You may wish to extend your stay, or return your rental car to the Halifax International Airport and prepare for your return trip home.

Accommodations
Hotels include the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, Marriott Harbourfront Halifax, Inverary Resort, and The Great George. VIA Rail accommodations are in Sleeper Plus (seasonal operation) in a private cabin. Meals are included aboard the train along with access to the domed viewing car and services of an onboard Learning Coordinator.

 Hotel accommodations are based on availability; substitutes will be of similar quality and amenities.