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Montreal & Quebec City by Rail

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4.7 stars(39 reviews)
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Visit two of Canada's most popular cities, Montreal and Quebec City, on this enchanting vacation by rail.

You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Select your departure year
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7 days From $1,022 per person
Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary

2023 Tour code: CC-MQRN-23

About the tour

A fascinating showcase of culture and history captures your attention and heart on this 7-day tour of two prominent cities within French Canada: Montreal and Quebec City. With each passing season, the views and experiences in these cities change, finding new ways to satisfy your inner voyager. Festivals, outdoor escapades, and busy streets filled with life note the warmer months. As summer fades and the cooler seasons set in, views of changing leaves against beautiful architecture, Christmas markets, and even hotels made entirely of ice take their place to provide ample opportunity to get out and experience Eastern Canada.

Begin your adventure in Montreal, the second-largest city in Canada, with three full days to sightsee and discover. Montreal is an interesting mix of old and new; a cosmopolitan city with chic shopping, outstanding restaurants, and exciting nightlife, yet rich history lurks around every bend. Canada's Cultural Capital is home to legendary sites like the gorgeous Notre Dame Basilica, the famous Olympic Complex, and Mount Royal, where stunning views abound perennially. It is also in Montreal that you join VIA Rail's Corridor Service train to venture to your next destination: charming Quebec City. Spend three days surrounded by 17th-century architecture and uncovering hints of the past, which can be found down every cobblestone walkway. Visit famed sites like the Latin Quarter, the Place Royale, and the Basilica, or visit the quaint shops and excellent restaurants throughout the city. Quebec's European flair will make you forget you are even in Canada.

This vacation is also available from Quebec to Montreal based on your travel preference.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Montreal

Welcome to Montreal! Canada's Cultural Capital is bursting with historical architecture, impressive landmarks, fashionable shops, gastronomic delights, and endless entertainment options. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the day exploring the city. Overnight Montreal.

Day 2 - Montreal Sightseeing

Embark on your Montreal sightseeing tour to more than 200 points of interest throughout the city. Highlights include Notre Dame Basilica, historic Old Montreal, the Olympic Complex, McGill University, and a breathtaking view from the top of Mont Royal. Spend the remainder of the day exploring Montreal's colorful neighborhoods on your own. Overnight Montreal.

Day 3 - Montreal at Leisure

The day is yours to explore the city at your leisure. You may elect to revisit some of the sights you saw on yesterday's sightseeing tour or take out your map and set out for uncharted territory. Spend time in Old Montreal to visit the Bonsecours Market, the Old Port, City Hall, and the Montreal Science Centre. You won't want to miss underground Montreal with its fabulous shopping. Overnight Montreal.

Day 4 - Montreal to Quebec City

Bid adieu to Montreal and prepare to say bonjour to Quebec City! Board your comfortable VIA Rail train for the 3-hour journey along the St. Lawrence River to this charming city steeped in history. Transfer to your centrally-located hotel and spend the remainder of the day getting acquainted with the city on your own. Stroll the cobblestone streets, visit the unique shops, and delight in the city's sidewalk cafes and street entertainers. Overnight Quebec City.

Day 5 - Quebec City Sightseeing

Today embark on a sightseeing tour of Quebec City. Look upon both the historic and modern sides of this enchanting city during visits to the Latin Quarter, the Plains of Abraham, the Citadel, the Fortifications, the National Assembly, Place Royale, and the Basilica, among many other points of interest. This city is charming at any time of the year; however, a certain heart-warming ambiance fills the air during the winter. Festive decorations adorn the historic buildings, and the powdery snow lends a completely different look to the landscape.

During winter, you may wish to forgo guided sightseeing in the city and instead visit the amazing spectacle that is the Hotel De Glace. This hotel is made entirely of ice and snow, with carved arches, ice sculptures, and detailed wall art creating a one-of-a-kind environment. Best of all, the hotel changes with each passing year, so your experience is always unique. Following your chosen excursion, spend the remainder of the day exploring the city at your leisure. Overnight Quebec City.

Day 6 - Quebec City at Leisure

Make lasting memories in Quebec City during your full day at leisure. Visit Parliament Hill, with its impressive Parliament Building and the Fontaine de Tourny; Montmorency Falls Park; the Beaupre Coast; or Île d'Orleans. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, which, weather permitting, operates throughout the year, or collect souvenirs as you walk through the unique shops. Quebec City is home to a booming culinary scene that hosts a wide range of restaurants, from homegrown Canadian fare to gourmet European cuisine. If you visit in the wintertime, this day is your chance to join in a highly anticipated annual event, Quebec City's Winter Carnival. Each year since 1894, the Plains of Abraham is transformed into a playground on which to celebrate the season. Ice sculpting, ice skating, sleigh rides, ice canoe races, dog sledding, human foosball and bowling, and authentic Quebecois snacks and drinks are just some of the things you can enjoy at this massive festival. Overnight Quebec City.

Day 7 - Quebec City

Your French Canadian vacation ends today. You may elect to spend additional time in Quebec City, visit another town along your train route, or transfer on your own to the airport for your trip home.

Additional information

Pricing Plans

Moderate Accommodations
Hotels include Delta Montreal and Hotel Chateau Laurier Quebec. VIA Rail accommodations are in economy class and include a seat with picture window. Light meals, snacks, and beverages are available for purchase.

Superior Accommodations
Hotels include Marriott Chateau Champlain and Hotel Manoir Victoria. VIA Rail accommodations are in business class and include a seat with picture window, access to the in-station Panorama Lounge (where available), priority boarding and complimentary newspapers, and a delicious meal including wine.

Deluxe Accommodations
Hotels include Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth and Fairmont le Chateau Frontenac. VIA Rail accommodations are in business class and include a seat with picture window, access to the in-station Panorama Lounge (where available), priority boarding and complimentary newspapers, and a delicious meal including wine.

Please Note

Taxes are not included on rail portions and are subject to change.

Child rates are available for travelers age 2-11. Triple rates available upon request. Ask your rail specialist for details.

A 3 night stay minimum is required during the Grand Prix in Montreal.

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.

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Reviews

4.7 stars4.7 / 5 · 39 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (29)
  2. 4 stars
    (10)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
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  5. 1 star
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JULIE NAKAGAWA FIRTH

5 stars

Submitted 30 Dec 2022

This was my first time travelling by Rail and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The ease of getting on and off the train with my luggage was simple, the cabin was spacious and I could spread out with my personal items and enjoy the ride. I look forward to scheduling another trip by Rail.

Collected by Trustpilot

NANCY BEARDSLEY

5 stars

Submitted 22 Oct 2022

Very comfortable and manageable for solo traveler.

Collected by Trustpilot

Spain traveler

5 stars

Submitted 03 Sep 2022

This is a very nice mostly independent tour. Train, hotels and city tours are provided but all other activities are on your own. This is the kind of tour I like. The hotels we stayed in were well-located to easily walk to most attractions. Our hotel in Montreal had access to the Metro right in the hotel. A 3 day pass took us everywhere we wanted to go. Business class train travel is well worth the upgrade. Vacations by Rail are easy to contact and very helpful in personalizing the tour.

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MAUREEN FRANEY

4 stars

Submitted 27 Aug 2022

Everything that was included in our tour - hotel reservations, train tickets and one booked bus tour in each city, could have been easily booked by yourself. I thought the tour package might have included an optional itinerary for the two days that we were on our own. We did figure it out by going to different websites about each city so really there was not much that this tour added other than the convenience of not making the bookings yourself. If that’s important to you than it might be worth it to you.

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SALLY HENNINGER SNYDER

5 stars

Submitted 08 Aug 2022

The hotels were wonderful, and the tours were fun and informative. Thank you!

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NANCY SMITH

5 stars

Submitted 28 Jul 2022

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