High Tides and Scenic Trains

Welcome to Montreal! Canada's Cultural Capital is brimming with style and sophistication. Gourmet restaurants, haute couture, and endless entertainment options await you. Spend the day browsing the fashionable shops and sampling culinary treats. Overnight Montreal.

This morning embark on your Montreal sightseeing tour, which takes you to more than 200 points of interest throughout the city. Highlights include the beautiful Notre Dame Basilica, historic Old Montreal, Olympic Park, and Mount Royal, where you will have unrivaled views of the city and the St. Lawrence River. Spend the remainder of the day exploring Montreal's historic neighborhoods and beautiful homes; its Old Port, one of the largest redeveloped old ports in the world; and the Bonsecours Market where you will enjoy some shopping served up with a bit of Canadian history.

This evening, transfer to the train station for your evening departure aboard VIA Rail's Ocean for your overnight journey to Moncton. Settle into your first-class accommodations and bid adieu to Montreal as the Ocean travels along the St. Lawrence River east to the Bay of Fundy. Make a point of visiting the Ocean's domed viewing car (seasonal) as the sun sets over the St. Lawrence River. Overnight train.

This morning, enjoy the passing scenery en route to Moncton. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore this lovely city. Moncton offers a unique combination of urban sophistication and coastal serenity. Pick up your rental car and begin to discover the town and its distinct attractions. You may wish to visit Magnetic Hill, where you can put your car in neutral and travel uphill! This evening, opt to visit the town of Shediac, the Lobster Capital of the World. Overnight Moncton.

Today's driving adventure takes you to the Bay of Fundy. On your way to Hopewell Rocks and Fundy National Park, you may wish to stop at the Salem & Hillsborough Railroad Museum to see an extensive collection of railway artifacts including an operating 1912 steam engine. Continue along the jagged Atlantic coastline to the Bay of Fundy, a unique ecosystem known for its high tides-some of the largest in the world! There are 15 species of whales that visit the Bay. The area also draws 34 species of shorebirds.

During low tide, explore the ocean bottom or follow the Caribou Plain trail and boardwalk to the upland forest and bogs. Keep an eye and ear out for some of the Park's stunning waterfalls! Hike up the shore at Hopewell Cape for striking views of the Flowerpot Rocks, rock formations created by tidal erosion. Because of the Bay's amazing tidal range, the base of the Rocks are covered in water twice a day, dramatically changing the view of the Rocks and surrounding scenery with each tide level. Spend the day uncovering the natural history of the area, millions of years in the making, before enjoying the leisurely drive back to your hotel. Overnight Moncton.

Today's scenic coastal drive takes you to Saint John, the largest city in New Brunswick. Not only is it Canada's oldest incorporated city, but it's home to the country's oldest museum and farmer's market. Spend the day getting acquainted with the city and its many attractions. In addition to a bustling downtown, Saint John is brimming with attractions. Unearth 350 million years of natural history at the New Brunswick Museum where you can see a life-sized Right whale, learn about the area's lumber and shipbuilding heritage and view historic artifacts. Walk through the Irving Nature Park, a scenic coastal path on the Bay of Fundy that provides the opportunity to see harbor seals and porpoises. Overnight Saint John.

Spend the day visiting the city's many historic sites including the Saint John City Market, which opened in 1876 and whose roof is shaped like an inverted hull; Carleton Martello Tower, dating back to the War of 1812 and now a national historic site with restored barracks, exhibits in the tower, and amazing views of the city and its harbor; and, Loyalist House, constructed in 1811 and the oldest building in the city. Overnight Saint John.

Today make the scenic drive to St. Andrews, the epitome of a classic coastal town. The city has numerous historic sites and exciting attractions including the Kingsbrae Horticultural Garden, where you can see more than 50,000 different plants, the St. Andrews Biological Station, the Huntsman Aquarium, and the Ross Memorial Museum. Overnight St. Andrews.

The day is yours to discover more of St. Andrews many attractions. You may wish to visit Minister's Island, a 5-minute ride from downtown St. Andrews and famous as the summer home of Sir William Van Horne, builder of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Perhaps Sheriff Andrews House, a museum showcasing life in 1820's St. Andrews complete with costumed guides, authentic furniture, and open-hearth cooking demonstrations; and, St. Andrews Blockhouse, a coastal defense structure in the War of 1812. Overnight St. Andrews.

Embark on a leisurely drive along the coast back to Moncton, where you'll return your rental car and make your way to the train station for your late afternoon train to Montreal. Situate yourself in your private accommodations and prepare for your overnight journey aboard the Ocean. As with your trip to Moncton days earlier, you will have access to the private domed viewing car, where you will be able to enjoy panoramic views of the passing scenery and discuss your journey with your fellow travelers. Overnight train.

Your train arrives in Montreal just after 9:00 am this morning. You may wish to spend some time at a sidewalk café or shopping in some of the city's shops before transferring to the airport for your return flight home. Or, elect to extend your stay in Montreal for additional sightseeing.