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Eastern Canada Coastal Explorer

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10 days From $2,578 $2,478 per person
4.7 stars(3 reviews)
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A full sensory experience, take on the sights, smells and tastes of Eastern Canada on this 10-day journey.

Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary

2024 Tour code: AR-ECEE-24

About the tour

From the excitement and culture of Montreal to the scenic, easy-going nature of Nova Scotia's seaside villages, Eastern Canada is full of contrasts. This tour offers an in-depth look at these distinctions through visits to landmark sites and diverse destinations, as well as through the best indicator of local culture: the food. Your journey begins as you arrive in the beautiful city of Montreal. You will have two full days to enjoy the lively city before you move into Canada's Maritimes via overnight train, VIA Rail's Ocean. Your first stop on the Eastern Seaboard is Halifax, and from here, you will continue at your own pace, as you connect destinations by rental car. You will be enchanted by the beauty of the Annapolis Valley and the many sights and activities that surround the luxurious Fox Harb'r resort in Nova Scotia. Additionally, you will have a chance to observe the highest tides in the world at the Bay of Fundy and enjoy the magnificent sights that come with traveling along the rocky coastline of the Bay. Come - the delights of Eastern Canada await.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Montreal

As you arrive in Montreal, a private car will take you from the airport to your centrally located hotel. The remainder of the day will be yours to begin your explorations of this diverse city. Perhaps check out the local dining scene or take a step back in time with a visit to Old Montreal. Overnight Montreal.

Day 2 - Montreal

Set your own pace this morning as you tour through Montreal independently. Make your way to some of the famed landmarks throughout the city, such as Olympic Park, or get in touch with nature by climbing Mount Royal. The options are as plentiful as they are diverse. This afternoon, get a better view of the city as you embark on a guided cruise along the St. Lawrence River. Your knowledgeable guide will provide interesting tidbits of information about Montreal while you cruise through the waters, looking over the city center and the surrounding attractions. Following the boat tour, the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Montreal.

Day 3 - Old Montreal Walking Tour

This morning, discover the East or West Side of Old Montreal. Accompanied by a dynamic professional guide, these walking tours include abundant information about the history, architecture and secrets of Old Montreal. The East side tour includes visits to the following attractions: Cours Le Royer, St-Paul Street, Place Jacques-Cartier, City Hall, Champ de mars, Bonsecours street and its chapel and the Bonsecours Market. The West Side tour includes visits to the following attractions: Place d'Arnes, St-Jacques Street and its banks, McGill Street, Place d'Youville and Place Royale. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to continue your explorations of the city. Overnight Montreal.

Day 4 - Montreal/ VIA Rail’s Ocean to Halifax

Make the most of your last day in the city by revisiting favorite sites and restaurants or set out for new adventures. Montreal has a wonderful Museum of Fine Arts, as well as a fascinating Biodome. Other options include the Botanical Garden, Parc Jean-Drapeau and La Fontaine Park. This evening, make your way Downtown to Montreal Central Station to board VIA Rail's overnight train, the Ocean. Settle into your onboard accommodations, and watch the city lights fade into the distance as your trip towards the Maritimes begins. Overnight train. 

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 5 - Halifax

As you wake this morning, your train will be heading down the coast of the Baie-des-Chaleurs. Enjoy the sights that come with this beautiful stretch of Canada as you enjoy the amenities of the train, including access to the Park Car sightseeing lounge, where domed windows provide panoramic views over the changing landscape. Upon arrival in Halifax, drop your bags at your hotel and venture out for dinner this evening. Argyle Street, located in the heart of downtown Halifax, will have an array of options to choose from. You may also opt for a meal by the water along the boardwalk. Enjoy the fresh Nova Scotian seafood the local cuisine has to offer and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight Halifax.   Overnight Halifax.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 - Annapolis Valley Wine Tour

Travel through the first wine-producing region in North America today with a tour through the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia. Your half-day tour will take you to three local estates producing wine or cider, where you will taste the incredible varietals only produced in Nova Scotia. Two stops are included before sitting down to a lovely lunch, which is served alongside thoughtfully paired wines or ciders as you overlook the Minas Basin. After your meal, your tour guide takes you to one more winery before returning to Halifax. Spend the remainder of the evening exploring Halifax on your own. Opt to stroll through the Public Gardens and shop along Spring Garden Road or relax and enjoy the view from the top floor of the award-winning Halifax Central Library. Overnight Halifax.

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 7 - Drive to Fox Harbor

You will get an intimate look at Nova Scotia as you drive to Fox Harb'r luxury resort today. Pick up your rental car this morning, and begin your drive. The resort community is located just 90 minutes from Halifax, but there are many small towns and historic sites to visit along the way. Detouring south to Peggy's Cove offers a look at one of the most charming seaside destinations in all the Maritime region, along with a great photo opportunity with the picturesque lighthouse.  Moving north, there is an expansive wilderness preserve you can explore, as well as many interesting towns and quaint communities. Along the way, stop for a pint at one of the many local breweries or enjoy a meal in a vintage train car at Train Station Inn. As you arrive at Fox Harb'r in Wallace, Nova Scotia, check into your luxurious accommodations and discover the plethora of onsite amenities available to you during your stay. Overnight Fox Harb'r.

Day 8 - Fox Harbor

Fox Harb'r is a true oasis, with its vast offerings and idyllic coastal scenery. The day is yours to treat yourself to everything the resort has to offer. Pamper yourself in the onsite spa or visit the wellness center. There are two golf courses on the premises: a champion-level course and a par-3 short course. Nature lovers are thrilled by the variety of activities, which range from clay pigeon shooting to horseback riding and mountain biking. If you wish to get out on the water, Fox Harb'r offers fishing and sea kayaking excursions. There is no shortage of opportunities within the resort. Overnight Fox Harb'r.

Day 9 - Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy is a must-see while in Nova Scotia. Just a two hour drive from Wallace, this unique area is one of the seven natural wonders of North America, as it boasts the highest tides in the world, fossils and more. During your time at the Bay, look over the waters to try and spot the many species of whales and seabirds that call this region home. There are wonderful hiking trails that look over the water. One of the most unique sites within the Bay of Fundy is the Joggins Fossil Cliffs - a site that has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage designation, thanks to its fossils and aid in understanding Earth's evolution. A visit to the cliffs is sure to delight, as will a trip to Cape d'Or Lighthouse which was built in the late 1800s right on the Bay of Fundy. Call ahead to the Lightkeeper's Kitchen to enjoy a fresh, locally sourced meal at this picture-perfect destination. Overnight Fox Harb'r.

Day 10 - End of Tour

Your coastal vacation comes to an end as you make your way to Halifax Stanfield International Airport from Fox Harb'r. Drop off your rental car, and board your plane for your return flight home.

Additional information

Pricing Plans

Hotels include Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Westin Nova Scotian, Fox Harb'r Resort or similar; subject to availability at the time of confirmation. VIA Rail Accommodations are in Sleeper Plus Class in a private cabin featuring a large sofa during the day that folds out to an upper and lower bed with ensuite washroom. Meals are included onboard in the dining car.

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

The Westin Nova Scotian, Halifax

The Westin Nova Scotian, Halifax

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Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Montreal

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Montreal

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Fox Harb'r Resort, Wallace

Fox Harb'r Resort, Wallace

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Trains

The Ocean Train
VIA Rail's Ocean

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Reviews

4.7 stars4.7 / 5 · 3 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (2)
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  5. 1 star
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NANCY HADFIELD

4 stars

Submitted 15 Oct 2023

Excellent trip in Almost every respect: hotels, guided activities ( especially Terri at Grape Escapes and Rodrigo from our food walking tour in Montreal), car rental. But the sleeping cabin on the train was cramped and needed updating. It was also NOT the one we were promised on our itinerary—we saw that one. The train arrived in Halifax at midnight instead of 6 pm. That is not the fault of Vacations by Rail, but it made our accommodations even more unpleasant, especially with the intermittent WIFI on the train.

Collected by Trustpilot

Marie W, Seattle, WA

5 stars

Submitted 08 Dec 2018

Accommodations were lovely and so convenient to activities and to transportation. I can't say enough how thoughtful Vacations by Rail was in booking us in lovely hotels, right next to the rail station. Made things sooooo much easier both in Montreal and Halifax. Our grd transportation in Montreal waited over an hour with us as we waited for our luggage from Air Canada. He could not have been nicer and more accommodating.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Ann S, Bogart, GA

5 stars

Submitted 07 Oct 2018

Montreal was fantastic! The accommodations were perfectly situated in a great part of town and just a few steps from the train station.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

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