Travel Kuoni

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.

Rail journey
9 nights
Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City
Multi Centre

Taking a relaxing northbound journey through East Canada

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Capitals of Canada

From £2,175 per person

  • tick9 nights
  • tickBoard Basis - Room Only
  • tick3 nights Chelsea Hotel - Toronto
  • tick2 nights Lord Elgin Hotel - Ottawa
  • tick2 nights Best Western Ville-Marie Montreal Hotel & Suites - Montreal
  • tick2 nights Hotel Manoir Victoria - Quebec City
  • tickVIA Rail economy train tickets between each city
  • tickIncludes Toronto Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing tour - Niagara Falls Day Tour - Historical Highlights of Ottawa Guided Walking Tour - Above and Beneath Downtown Montreal Guided Walking Tour - Guided Walking Tour of Old Quebec - Quebec City Tour (complimentary)
  • tickFly with Air Canada from London Heathrow
  • tickFlights available from other UK airports - contacts us for details
  • tickBased on selected May 2026 departures

Itinerary overview

Days 1-3

Toronto

Toronto is an instantly recognisable city with a skyline dominated by the CN Tower. But there's m...

Days 4-5

Ottawa

Head to the train station and catch the VIA Rail service to Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. I...

Days 6-7

Montreal

After exploring Ottawa, you’ll board the VIA train to Montreal, just two hours away. This French-...

Days 8-10

Quebec City

French-speaking Quebec City has a lot going for it. Weathered stone buildings complement a blissf...

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 ...

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.

City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing tour - Incl. cruise (24-hrs)

Toronto

Build your own Toronto experience with the freedom of a hop-on-hop-off city tour aboard a double decker bus. Let the friendly and knowledgeable tour guides educate you on the fun facts and history of Toronto as they take you through the city with stops at/near all major hotels in the downtown area. The ticket also includes a free boat tour (available seasonally) of the Toronto Harbour and Islands. Let the tour company with over 24 years of experience introduce you the history and excitement that is Toronto.

Hop-on-hop-off bus A flexible way to take in the sights of Toronto Includes boat tour of the Toronto Harbour and islands

Sightseeing Tour of Niagara Falls from Toronto

Toronto

Experience one of Canada’s most spectacular sights on this full day guided tour of Niagara Falls. There will be plenty of photo opportunities as you experience the Upper Rapids, Horseshoe Falls (on the Canadian side) and the American Falls. Included is a thrilling boat cruise with Niagara City Cruises. Enjoy a buffet lunch at Fallsview Restaurant. As its name suggests, you can enjoy spectacular views of Niagara Falls as you dine. After lunch, explore the Niagara Parkway which winds along the Niagara Gorge. Stop at the Floral Clock and Queenston Heights. Often voted Canada’s prettiest town, you will also visit the charming 19th century Niagara on the Lake.

• Duration: full day
• Start time: 8.30am
• Daily departures from Downtown Toronto hotel
• Group experience

Good to know
On days the cruise is not operating, it will be substituted with the Journey Behind the Falls.

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.

Historical Highlights Walking tour, Ottawa

Ottawa

Take a leisurely stroll around Canada’s capital on this introductory walking tour, and discovering its colourful history and witnessing its beautiful architecture. As you make your way through the heart of the city with your local guide, you’ll stop off at some of Ottawa’s most famous sights including Parliament Hill, The National War Memorial, the Rideau Canal and the Sparks Street.

• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Hop-on Hop-Off City Tour Ottawa - 1-Day Ticket

Ottawa

Join a sightseeing tour of Ottawa, Canada's national capital, on a double-decker bus. Your ticket gives you the freedom and flexibility to hop on and off as many times as you like. Attractions included during this tour are Parliament Buildings, embassies, universities and museums. See the Canadian Mint, National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, the residence of the Prime Minister, the National Arts Centre and many more. You will drive through scenic gardens and parklands and along the Rideau Canal, one of Ottawa's picturesque waterways. Please note this tour runs from May to October.

Hop-on-hop-off bus Explore Ottawa at your own pace Attractions on route include Byward Market, the Notre Dame Basilica and the History Museum

Ottawa Express Cycle Tour

Ottawa

This small group tour travels on beautiful bike trails around the Rideau Canal, expansive parks, and through picturesque neighbourhoods. Starting downtown, you'll begin by visiting the National War Memorial before riding to the Rideau Canal pathway, continuing to the Ottawa River Pathway and bridge, and making a stop at the Museum of History lookout. Then it's on to Parliament Hill, and back to Ottawa across the impressive Alexandria Bridge where you'll pass through the popular Byward market neighbourhood. You'll continue through the New Edinburgh neighbourhood until you reach Rideau Hall, the Official Residence of the Governor-General, and the beautiful Rideau Falls. Cycle back on Sussex drive (Ottawa's political hub), and pass by the National Art Gallery, the famous Ottawa spider, and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica. Then it's back along the Rideau Canal Pathway where you'll take in magic views of Ottawa's downtown, culminating your cycling tor includes a guide, bicycle, helmet, and water bottle. Please note, this is a seasonal tour running from April to November.

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.

Above & Beneath Downtown Montreal & Old Montreal

Montréal

In the company of a professional guide, this 3-hour tour explores bustling downtown Montreal from above and beneath and makes a brief visit into Old Montreal, a tasting of a local delicacy, and a commentary on the architectural and social history of the city. Starting from Dorchester Square, this urban trek journeys through the streets of downtown Montreal and beneath through the RESO (Underground Pedestrian Network), known by Montrealers as the Underground City. Measuring 33 km in length, this network of interior galleries is one of the largest in the world.

The tour will visit the other sites including Quartier International, Place Ville-Marie, Victoria Square, Montreal World Trade Center, St-Jacques Street and its banks, Place d’Armes and ends in Old Montreal. Please note, there must be a minimum of two people on this tour.

Guided walking tour
Explore Montreal's underground pedestrian network.
Learn interesting stories, facts and history

Montreal Double-Decker Merry-go-round - Red Loop 2-Day Ticket

Montréal

This narrated tour explores all aspects of bustling downtown Montreal. Discover the intriguing blend of Old World charm and North American modernism as you pass many of Montreal's fascinating landmarks. Enjoy the freedom of leaving the bus, exploring the attractions of your choice at leisure and boarding another bus later on. Photo stops are enjoyed at the Old Port, Mont Royal (from which you receive a prime view of the city), Olympic Park, and St. Josep's Oratory. Tours are bilingual (English and French). Operates May-October.

Hop-on-hop-off bus A flexible way to take in the sights of Montr��al Valid for 2

Montreal Plus Cycling Tour

Montréal

Discover Montreal's top sights on two wheels with the help of a local guide. Tour the City and discover its history, architecture, and urban vitality by visiting its different neighbourhoods, must-see attractions, and most secret places. During the tour you'll visit the Old-Port, Latin Quarter, La Fontaine Park, Plateau, the entrance of Mont-Royal Park, McGill University campus, the Business district, and Old Montreal. At the end of your tour, you can relax and enjoy a beer or glass of wine. After your tour's finished, continue to explore the city on your own on two wheels and return your bike at closing time. Please note this is a seasonal tour, not available all year round.

Bicycle sightseeing tour See more of Montreal by cycling around the city. Let a local guide lead the way and show you the top sights as well as lesser-visited spots. Wrap up your tour with a glass of beer or wine in a local pub.

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.

Walking Tour in Old Quebec City

Québec City

Embark on historical walking tour of Old Québec and learn about its colourful past beginning in 1608 and continuing into the present day. Tours are designed to give visitors a general sense of the history of the fortress and hub that is Québec City, as well as an understanding of the lives of the people that have inhabited it through out the centuries. You’ll also have the advantage of being in a small group led by guides who are always open to questions, favouring a more relaxed and personal sightseeing excursion.

Group walking tour Get a local's point of view on the history and heritage of Quebec City.

Quebec City Tour

Québec City

This guided city tour by bus provides a comprehensive orientation of historic and modern Quebec City. You will see 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.

Group walking tour Take in the best sights of the city with a guide's insight See the Fortifications, the Citadel, Place Royale and more

Quebec City Gourmet Tour

Québec City

Discover Quebec City aboard an electric pedicab. First, meet your guide in front of the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, located on Place Royale. Proceed on to the Basse-Ville district and the Vieux-Loimoilou district where you'll make several stops. You'll then head to the Grand Marché of Quebec City where you'll have an hour of free time to discover a multitude of local products and meet with local producers and artisans. Climbing back aboard the pedicab, continue onto the trendy Nouvo-Saint-Roch district, before returning to Place Royale. Please note, this is a seasonal tour.

Sightseeing tour See the sights of Quebec City aboard an electric pedicab Learn about Quebec City with the expertise of a local guide Visit the Grand March��, filled with over 100 producers and arti

Private Guided Bicycle Tour of Quebec - Lower Town & Old Port

Québec City

Discover hidden charms of the Lower Town and the Old Port of Quebec City on this enjoyable, eco-friendly bike tour. Ride through the narrow and secret streets where the city will unveil its well-preserved 17th and 18th century architecture. A stop in the Royal Square is made before continuing along the waterfront next to the majestic St. Lawrence River. Reach the Cap Diamant district nestled at the foot of great promontory called Cap Diamant. Discover the historical site of a monastery built during the French regime. A unique blend of past and present. Included are bike, helmet and water bottle.

Private guided eco-friendly bicycle tour Visiting the Lower Town & the Old Port Ride through narrow & secret streets

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.

Big yellow taxi in NYC
Big yellow taxi in NYC

Taste the American Dream - A Lower East Side Food Tour

New York

If you love nothing more than treating your tastebuds to a fusion of great flavours, then this delightful trip is right up your alley. Taking you from the Asian-inspired streets of lively ChinaTown to the thriving alleyways of Little Italy, this experience welcomes you to tuck into a heavenly slice of New York heritage. Indulge in a tantalising medley of moreish bites as you chomp on a mouthwatering menu of oven-fresh baked goods, hearty Italian dishes and irresistible New American comfort food, all served with a satisfying side order of history and culture. Curb every craving and learn all that there is to know about the immigrants responsible for transforming New York’s world-famous food scene. 

• Duration: Three hours 
• Departs: Friday - Tuesday
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Good to know
Timings will be available upon request. Refreshments are not included but can be purchased on the day. Please bring ID with you.

Neighbourhood Eats: Brownstone Brooklyn Experience

New York

World famous for its food scene, this experience beckons flavour cravers near and far to indulge in each and every one of Brooklyn’s delicious delicacies right in their native home. From the small but vibrant mix of locally-owned, artisanal food shops of Smith Street and Court Street to the boroughs most impressive bakeries, we’ll guide you through a mouthwatering menu of eateries, catering to each and every one of your culinary cravings. Old haunts lend a historical glimpse into Brooklyn’s foodie history, while new emerging entrepreneurs and esteemed chefs serve up a bevy of wow-worthy dishes derived from all four corners of the globe.  A treat for the tastebuds, you’ll also savour an educational insight into the neighbourhood’s rich history. So, whether you’re here for the food, the culture or a fusion of the two, this unmissable tour offers just the ticket.

• Duration: Three hours
• Departs: Wednesday to Sunday
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Good to know
Tour begins at 11AM. Food is not included in the price but can be purchased on the day. Please bring ID with you.

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Other Itineraries

Call our North America experts on

01306 744 988

Available until 5pm

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