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Eastern Canada Rail & Cruise

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14 days From $3,045 $2,845 per person
4.4 stars(35 reviews)
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You'll fall in love with the Eastern Seaboard as you cruise up the Atlantic shores from Boston and down the St. Lawrence River, then travel by train to visit the most popular cities of the area.

Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary
Save up to $300

Offer Ends March 31st: Save up to $300 per person on Independent Canada vacations. 

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2025 Tour code: CC-ECCW-25

About the tour

A marriage of classic travel options, this perfectly planned rail and cruise voyage presents the highlights of the United States and Canada's Eastern Seaboards. Each port of call infuses your travels with sightseeing opportunities and elements of cultural heritage unique to the region through which you are traveling. Join the ship in Boston, MA, hugging the Atlantic coast as the ship travels north to Portland, Maine. From here, the journey continues to Canada, stopping in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney on Cape Breton Island; and Charlottetown on charming Prince Edward Island. After exploring these delightful Maritime locales, your ship ventures inland, following the course of the St. Lawrence River to Quebec City. The journey continues to Montreal by Train.

The rail portion of this journey is just as impressive and gives you access to Eastern Canada's most illustrious cities. Sightsee in Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto to discover the distinctions of each destination, from Montreal's impressive cultural elements to Toronto's powerful presence. Beauty and heritage, land and sea: This Eastern Canadian adventure captures the best of it all.

Pre-Cruise Option: Many guests choose to arrive in Boston a day prior to cruise embarkation. Vacations By Rail would happily make hotel and transfer arrangements for you. Contact a Rail Specialist for details.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Boston, MA

Arrive in Boston and make your way to the cruise terminal before setting sail at 4:00 pm today. Once on board, settle into your accommodations and begin to explore the ship's many amenities as your relaxing getaway at sea begins. Overnight ship. 

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - Portland, ME

Dock in the scenic town of Portland, Maine. This destination is further south on Maine's coast and includes a delightful Old Port Town ambiance. It is a city where cobbled streets lead to boutique stores and charming Victorian buildings, yet there is a modern undertone that fosters a world-class culinary scene and a wonderful art community. Venture to its 18th-century lighthouse - the oldest in Maine - or along its Old Harbor. Portland is home to a cemetery that dates to the mid-1600s and many historical points of interest to pique your curiosity. Gastronomes appreciate the variety of restaurants and breweries within the town. If you haven't had your fill of the water, you could even cruise out to one of the surrounding islands. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Halifax

Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia and today's port of call. It is recognized as the largest urban area in Atlantic Canada, a major cultural center for the region, and has the largest population east of Quebec City. The city has a number of art galleries, boutiques, museums, sidewalk cafes, and lively pubs. Seek out its historical landmarks including Citadel Hill and its Town Clock and Victorian houses along the South End. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Sydney

Your port of call today is Sydney, the largest urban area on Cape Breton Island. The town is a showcase for many historic buildings dating back to its founding in 1785. You won't want to miss the recently constructed oceanfront boardwalk and marina - or the world's largest fiddle, which is out on display. Nearby attractions include the scenic Cabot Trail and the Fortress of Louisbourg, which looks just as it did in 1744. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Charlottetown

Today finds you in Canada's smallest province, Prince Edward Island. Despite its size, it's big in history. This is, after all, the location where Canada's confederacy was created. The island also inspired the story of Anne of Green Gables, which was set in Prince Edward Island. The harbor area offers several boutiques worth browsing, and the downtown area includes beautiful Victorian houses and buildings. Popular attractions include Province House, which hosted the Charlottetown Confederation in 1864, and the Confederation Centre of the Arts, which is not only home to live theater and an art gallery but also the Charlottetown Festival during the summer months. Overnight ship. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Cruising the Gulf of St. Lawrence

Fed by the Great Lakes around 750 miles away, the Gulf of St. Lawrence is the world's largest estuary. Enjoy a day cruising this vast body of water and its scenic sights. Passing through the Cabot Strait between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, look out for the historic lighthouse on St. Paul's Island. As you follow the route taken by Jacques Cartier in 1854 - the first European to sail these waters - you are traveling back in time to explore maritime Canada. Today, visitors are drawn to this area to view its colorful towns and islands around which whales can be spotted. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Along the St. Lawrence River

You're surrounded by beautiful scenery as you enter the St. Lawrence River and have all day to enjoy it from the comfort of the ship. Bask in shore views of New Brunswick and Quebec or take advantage of onboard activities. Enjoy gourmet cooking demonstrations at the Culinary Arts Center, along with tasting events, and cooking classes. Alternatively, indulge in massage and spa treatments in Greenhouse Salon and Spa. Relax on deck but keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife including whales! Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Disembarking in Quebec City

Your final port of call is historic Quebec City, where you disembark your ship. You can book an optional shore excursion to explore one of the oldest European settlements in North America. Alternatively, discover the city's cobblestone streets at leisure, admiring the 17th-century architecture, and browsing the unique shops. Take time to seek out some of the city's most impressive landmarks including the Plains of Abraham, a historic area famous as the site of an important battle between the British and French during the Seven Years' War and now a park often used for festivals, outdoor concerts, and pure relaxation; and the ramparts surrounding Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site significant as the only remaining fortified city walls that still exist in the Americas north of Mexico. Later, make your own way to the Gare du Palais and board the Corridor service to Montreal. Overnight Montreal.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 9 - Montreal Sightseeing

Montreal is bursting with activities. The best way to get the lay of the land and visit the city's most popular attractions is through your Hop On/Hop Off city tour. Don't waste any time! Start early as there are so many impressive landmarks on this tour including Notre Dame Basilica, the Old Port of Montreal, Montreal Science Center, St. Joseph's Oratory, Mount Royal Park, and Dorchester Square. Overnight Montreal.

Day 10 - Montreal to Ottawa by Train

Depart Montreal today for the capital of Canada's government, Ottawa. The trip is just under 2 hours--the perfect amount of time for a quick nap, a bit of reading, or a light bite to eat. Upon arrival, drop off your luggage, grab a map, and set off to discover the city's unique shops and delicious restaurants. Overnight Ottawa.

Day 11 - Ottawa City Sightseeing

Located near the border of Ontario and Quebec, Canada's capital city is brimming with things to see and do. Take advantage of today's Hop On/Hop Off city tour to orient yourself with the city and visit its popular attractions and prominent landmarks. Highlights along your route include the National Archives, Rideau Hall, the Royal Canadian Mint, and Byward Market. Enjoy dinner tonight at one of the outstanding restaurants on Elgin Street. Overnight Ottawa.

Day 12 - Ottawa to Toronto by Train

Today embark on the 4 ½ hour journey by train to Toronto. Settle into your seat with a good book, grab a snack or light meal, and get to know your fellow travelers. Overnight Toronto.

Day 13 - Toronto Sightseeing

Take the day to explore Toronto at your leisure. The city's famed attractions are yours to explore on your Hop On/ Hop Off tour. Popular stops include CN Tower, Toronto's Harborfront, St. Lawrence Market, the Royal Ontario Museum, Maple Leaf Gardens, and Eaton Centre among other stops. Overnight Toronto.

Day 14 - Toronto

Your vacation through Eastern Canada and Ontario comes to a close this morning. A transfer is available to Toronto Pearson Airport. 

Additional information

Pricing Plans

Moderate
• Hotels include Delta Hotels by Marriott Montreal, Lord Elgin Hotel, Chelsea Hotel, or similar; subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
• VIA Rail accommodations are in economy class.
• Holland America accommodations are in an inside stateroom including two lower beds convertible to one Queen-size bed and shower.
• Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on the Corridor service. Meals are included onboard the ship.

Superior
• Hotels include the Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain, Westin Hotel Ottawa, Le Germain Toronto Mercer or similar; subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
• VIA Rail accommodations are in business class.
• Holland America accommodations are in an Oceanview stateroom including two lower beds convertible to one Queen-size bed, bathtub, and shower.
• Meals are included onboard the Corridor service at your seat and onboard the Holland America Cruise.

Deluxe
• Hotels include Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Fairmont Royal York or similar; subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
• VIA Rail accommodations are in business class.
• Holland America accommodations are in a Vista Suite including two beds convertible to one Queen-size bed, shower, sitting area, private verandah, mini-bar, refrigerator, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
• Meals are included onboard the Corridor service at your seat and onboard the Holland America Cruise.

Please Note

Port taxes are not included in the price. These fees are subject to change.
Pricing is based on standard level cabin category on Holland America Ship and may be subject to change at time of booking.

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.

Train

VIA Rail's Corridor Services

Ship

MS Zuiderdam

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Reviews

4.4 stars4.4 / 5 · 35 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (21)
  2. 4 stars
    (9)
  3. 3 stars
    (3)
  4. 2 stars
    (1)
  5. 1 star
    (1)

DAVID MICHAEL CARPENTER

5 stars

Submitted 26 Oct 2024

We enjoyed the whole trip. The planning by VBR covered all aspects and all we had to do was enjoy ourselves.

from Vacations By Rail
Hi David - We're so glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour! Thank you for the review. We'd welcome a chance to hear more about your trip - if you’d like to share more, please drop us a line at XXX@XXX. or call our Chicago office at 877-929-7245. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am CST to 7:00 pm CST. and Saturdays from 9:00 am CST to 3:00 pm CST. We certainly hope to travel with you again soon!
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

ROBERT KURT FRISK

5 stars

Submitted 27 Jul 2024

The Trip was taken care of from start to finish. The stops were all wonderful, the ship was top notch and once ashore our motel accommodations were amazing. The Business Class seats are the train were perfect. Excellent food and drink as well.

Collected by Trustpilot

Debbie Bonadies

5 stars

Submitted 25 Jun 2024

We absolutely loved this trip!! We are sold on Vacations By Rail and are now planning our next trip with them! Excellent value..good communication..no issues at all!!

Collected by Trustpilot

WILLIAM STREMKE

5 stars

Submitted 15 Jun 2024

Trip was well organized,and very enjoyable.

Collected by Trustpilot

LISA FINLEY RAPPLE

5 stars

Submitted 11 Jun 2024

We had the best time on this cruise/rail combination. All the amenities, hotels, meals, activities were top notch. We would highly recommend this trip.

Collected by Trustpilot

Marlene Lee

5 stars

Submitted 21 Aug 2023

Holland American always has an excellent cruise. Our surprise was our cruise was 11 days and our Rail trips, two of them didn’t last 11 hours. We would like more Rail.

Collected by Trustpilot

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