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Quebec to Toronto along the St. Lawrence Seaway

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4.7 stars(3 reviews)
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Connect two of Canada’s greatest cities by rail and cruise. Beginning in Quebec, cruise along the St. Lawrence River to Kingston where you will meet your VIA Rail train for the continued journey to Toronto.

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20212022
9 days From $3,458 per person
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2021 Tour code: CC-QTSS-21

About the tour

Traverse Quebec and Ontario along the St. Lawrence River, visiting delightful towns and along your route on this scenic Canada rail-cruise vacation. Your adventure begins in Quebec City with a day to admire the historic architecture, stroll along the cobblestone streets, and soak in the European atmosphere. Board your ship, the Canadian Empress, for your 6-night cruise west to Kingston. Highlights of the journey include a visit to the river town of Trois Riviéres and the beautiful Cap de la Madeleine; sightseeing in Montreal; Upper Canada Village, a living history museum; and, a visit to Brockville, "the City of 1000 Islands." Upon arrival in Kingston, your travels continue aboard VIA Rail to Toronto for a stay in this cosmopolitan city.

Highlights

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What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Quebec City

Welcome to Quebec City, a city known for its deep history and beautiful 17th-century architecture. Check into your hotel with the remainder of the day free to stroll along the cobblestone walkways and admire the city's European flair. Overnight Quebec City.

Day 2 - Quebec City at Leisure

The better part of the day is at leisure to explore the city. Visit famous attractions like the Place Royale, the Plains of Abraham, the Fortifications, and the Basilica. Late this afternoon, transfer on your own to the cruise terminal and board your ship for your 6-night cruise. During dinner this evening, the ship cruises along the harbor front, offering sparkling nighttime views of Montmorency Falls and Quebec City. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 3 - Trios Rivieres / Shrine at Cap de la Madeleine

Set sail this morning for Trois Riviéres, situated at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Saint-Maurice Rivers. Upon arrival this afternoon, disembark the ship for an excursion to the Shrine at Cap de la Madeleine, Built in 1714, this historic chapel is one of Canada's oldest churches. Admire the stained glass windows and lovely interior including the 5,425-pipe organ. Return to the ship for dinner and evening entertainment. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Montreal

Depart Trois Riviéres this morning bound for Montreal. Upon arrival, disembark the ship for a 2-hour guided city sightseeing tour. Points of interest include Notre Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory, the Old Port, and the French Quarter. Depart Montreal this evening and enter the Seaway Lock system with an overnight at Lachine. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Upper Canada Village

Depart Lachine this morning and pass through the Beauharnois Locks. Enjoy shipboard activities as you sail along the St. Lawrence River, relaxing aboard the ship. This afternoon, the ship passes through the Eisenhower & Snell Locks into Lake St. Lawrence, arriving in Upper Canada Village early this evening. This evening you may wish to stroll the marina and explore the grounds. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Upper Canada Village / Fort Wellington / Brockville

This morning board a miniature train to meet horse-drawn wagons and tour Upper Canada Village, a living museum community that offers a glimpse at the life, work, and development of the early settlements along the Upper St. Lawrence River Valley. Depart the marina mid-day bound for Prescott and a tour of Fort Wellington, a National Historic Site and an excellent example of the French style of military engineering. Depart Prescott this evening bound for Brockville, "The City of the 1000 Islands." Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Fulford Mansion / 1000 Islands Tower

This morning's excursion takes you to Fulford Mansion, home to Senator George T. Fulford and his family from 1900 to 1987. Admire the diverse and elegant collection of original furnishings in the 35-room mansion. Depart Brockville late this morning for sailings past Millionaires' Row and Ivy Lea, where you transfer to 1000 Islands Tower, where panoramic vistas from 400 feet above the St. Lawrence River await you. Return to the ship at Ivy Lea for dinner and onboard entertainment. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - 1000 Islands Heritage Center

Depart Ivy Lea for Gananoque, Ontario, where you disembark for a tour of the 1000 Islands Heritage Center. The grand Victorian building located on the waterfront is the Arthur Child Heritage Museum of the Thousand Islands, the centerpiece of the historic 1000 Islands Village, constructed on the site of the original main station for the Thousand Islands Railway. Exhibits include antique boats, dioramas, and interactive displays showcasing the history, lives and times of the 1000 Islands region. Return to the ship and set off for Kingston, arriving at the city's waterfront in the early afternoon. Disembark the ship and transfer to the VIA Rail station for your late afternoon train to Toronto. Upon arrival, the remainder of the evening is at leisure to explore this cosmopolitan city. Overnight Toronto.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 - Toronto

Your vacation concludes this morning. Consider extending your stay with additional nights in Toronto, or transfer to the airport (included) for your return trip home.

Additional information

Pricing Plans

Moderate Accommodation
Hotels are the Hotel Chateau Laurier and the Chelsea Hotel Toronto. Cruise accommodations are on the St. Lawrence Deck. Each stateroom is above water with windows that open to the fresh river air. VIA Rail train travel is in Economy class.

Superior Accommodations
Hotels are the Hotel Manoir Victoria and the Hotel Le Germain Toronto. Cruise accommodations are on the St. Lawrence Deck. Each stateroom is above water with windows that open to the fresh river air. VIA Rail train travel is in Business class.

Deluxe Accommodations
Hotels are the Fairmont le Chateau Frontenac and Fairmont Royal York. Cruise accommodations are on the St. Lawrence Deck. Each stateroom is above water with windows that open to the fresh river air. VIA Rail train travel is in Business class.

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

Canadian Empress

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Reviews

4.7 stars4.7 / 5 · 3 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (2)
  2. 4 stars
    (1)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

MILES

5 stars

Submitted 19 Jul 2019

Excellent service; professional crew who paid attention to detail.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Margaret K., Keene, NH

5 stars

Submitted 18 Nov 2018

The boat was small and the people were friendly. Everything worked just as we had planned and hoped for!

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Miles N, West Dundee, IL

4 stars

Submitted 17 Feb 2017

Good value for money spent; professional, attentive crew; good food; good activities.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

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