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Capitals of Canada by Rail
Travel by train and unwind between urban explorations in Canada’s captivating eastern cities


Sit back and relax as you make your way to the best of Canada’s glittering cities the old-fashioned way, travelling in daylight to see the best of the scenery and disembarking to stay in beautiful hotels. Take in Toronto’s cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, Ottawa's charms, Montreal’s multitude of museums, and Quebec City’s World Heritage-listed old town. None of the railway journeys exceed five hours, giving you ample time to explore the cities.
Upgrade to our Capitals of Canada by Rail Deluxe Itinerary, staying at Fairmont hotels and travelling business class service on VIA Rail.
Taking a relaxing northbound journey through East Canada
Itinerary overview
Highlights of trip
Days 1-3
Toronto
Toronto is an instantly recognisable city with a skyline dominated by the CN Tower. But there's much more to Toronto than vertiginous architecture. The to-do list is endless: food markets, art galleries, world-class museums, great shopping, theatre shows and sports games are just the tip of the iceberg. The natural wonder of Niagara Falls is just on the opposite side of Lake Ontario and within easy reach of the city; we’ve included a day trip here, perfect if you’ve always wanted to tick it off your bucket list.
Things to do
Recommended Hotels
The Fairmont Royal York
The Fairmont Royal York has hosted royalty and dignitaries since it opened in 1929. Today, it aspires to make every guest feel as pampered as its VIPs.
Chelsea Hotel
A big and busy hotel in Downtown Toronto, the Chelsea Hotel has excellent facilities to enjoy after sightseeing.
Days 4-5
Ottawa
Head to the train station and catch the VIA Rail service to Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. Its sweeping beds of colourful tulips and urban art make perfect city-strolling fodder. A visit in spring reveals the flowers in all their glory. But whatever the season, check out the Gothic-style buildings that grace Parliament Hill, the home of Canada's federal government. Take a stroll along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Visit the National Gallery of Canada or explore the Canadian Museum of History and learn about the country's rich heritage. For a cultural experience, head to the ByWard Market, a bustling outdoor market filled with artisanal food, crafts, and souvenirs.
Things to do
Recommended Hotels
Le Germain Hotel Ottawa
Its shared home with Ottawa’s art gallery makes Le Germain Hotel Ottawa something of a hidden gem. Expect uber-modern design, artistic flair, and carefully thought-out spac...
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Fairmont Chateau Laurier appears more castle than hotel. Its stately appearance continues inside with tinkling grand pianos and sparkling chandeliers.
Days 6-7
Montreal
After exploring Ottawa, you’ll board the VIA train to Montreal, just two hours away. This French-speaking city reaches across the Atlantic to steal Paris’ top culinary ranking and brings joy to foodies who come to taste Montreal’s flavours. But there’s plenty more than food in this riverside city. An explorable and majestic park, Mount Royal, overlooks proceedings from its lofty elevations. You could add on the narrated hop-on, hop-off bus that explores all aspects of bustling downtown Montréal. Discover the intriguing blend of Old-World charm and North American modernism as you pass many of Montréal’s fascinating landmarks. Enjoy the freedom of leaving the bus, exploring the attractions of your choice at leisure, and boarding another bus later.
Things to do
Recommended Hotels
Best Western Ville-Marie Montreal Hotel & Suites
A convenient location and comfortable crash pad in Montreal if you plan to spend most of your time out and about. Mount Royal Park, galleries and museums, and Montreal’s un...
Hotel Renaissance Centre-ville Montreal
With an unbeatable location in the centre of Montreal and a lively social scene, the Renaissance has a lot going for it. In town in the summer? The rooftop plunge pool is a...
Days 8-10
Quebec City
French-speaking Quebec City has a lot going for it. Weathered stone buildings complement a blissfully scenic situation. The history here is like no other in North America, dating back to 1608. Spend time understanding the heritage in the forts and museums, each telling their part of the story before joining the here and now in the city’s excellent bars and restaurants. Join a walking tour of historic and modern Quebec City to the Latin Quarter, the Plains of Abraham, the Citadel, the Fortifications, the National Assembly, Place Royale, the Basilica and other points of interest within Quebec City. Or follow a similar route on a bike tour and pedal your way around the neighbourhoods.
Things to do
Recommended Hotels
Hotel Manoir Victoria
The sleekly designed spaces of Hotel Manoir Victoria deceive its 1830s beginnings. The final brushstroke on a top-to-bottom renovation was in 2016, and while it’s worn the ...
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
Striking a pose above Quebec City’s fortified Old Town, the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac is one of Quebec’s best-loved landmarks. A stay here could be one of the most memorab...
Auberge Saint Antoine
With an impressive Clefs d’Or concierge team eager to help you discover Old Quebec in the best way possible, Auberge Saint-Antoine is all about attentive service and luxury...
Hotel Manoir Victoria
The sleekly designed spaces of Hotel Manoir Victoria deceive its 1830s beginnings. The final brushstroke on a top-to-bottom renovation was in 2016, and while it’s worn the ...
Extend your holiday
New York
Delay your journey home and take a bite of the Big Apple. It’s an easy hop down from Quebec City so you can be stateside in about two hours. Spend your days ticking of Manhattan’s iconic sights or wandering Brooklyn’s brownstone-lined streets, dipping into bakeries and brew-pubs.
Things to do
Recommended Hotels
The New Yorker Hotel by Lotte Hotels
The New Yorker is an instantly recognisable city landmark. The iconic red lettering that adorns the top of this 43-story Art Deco skyscraper is immortalised in movies and c...
The Westin New York at Times Square
This is urban New York and a perfect location for first-time visitors to easily reach all the must-see attractions.
Moxy NYC Times Square
Moxy NYC Times Square has earned itself plaudits as one of the city’s buzziest locales. But not at the expense of location, location, location.
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