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Quebec and the Maritimes Holiday by Rail
This 8-night tailor-made rail adventure takes you through some of Eastern Canada’s most scenic and historic regions, combining the French-Canadian charm of Montreal and Quebec City with the relaxed coastal culture of Halifax in Nova Scotia. You begin with time to explore both the modern and old quarters of Montreal, then travel by VIA Rail to Quebec City where you can enjoy its UNESCO-listed old town and a whale-watching excursion in the Saguenay Fjord. The journey continues overnight on VIA Rail’s Ocean train through rural New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, arriving in Halifax for a few days of sightseeing – from waterfront boardwalks and maritime museums to optional excursions like whale watching or a visit to Peggy’s Cove lighthouse.
This itinerary is flexible and can be tailor-made to suit you; if you want to add extra days in one area, extend the holiday or maybe change the direction of travel. Talk to one of our experts about how to make this holiday the perfect one for you.
Frontier’s Personal Experience
More About This Expert“Combining Montreal, Quebec City and Halifax is so easy when you travel by train. This is a great, relaxed way of exploring Eastern Canada. You could even extend the holiday and take time to visit Ottawa, Toronto and even Kingston. Exploring by train is the way to go!”
Jeremy Timms,
Frontier Canada
Itinerary (8 Nights)
Here’s a day-by-day guide to your itinerary. Feel free to ask us to add other days or ideas and excursions by contacting us directly, so we can give you the best price.
Day 2
Today you can explore both old and new Montreal. Old Montreal, with its cobblestone streets...
Day 2
Montreal
Today you can explore both old and new Montreal. Old Montreal, with its cobblestone streets and quaint shops, is best explored on foot. A walking tour includes lots of information on history and architecture, and many anecdotes revealing the secrets of Old Montreal. You can visit Place d’Armes, Place Jacques Cartier, Notre Dame Basicia, the Champ de Mars and the Old Bonsecours Market.
You can also enjoy some shopping and some of Montreal’s fine cafes and restaurants.
Day 3
Today you will take the VIA Rail train from Montreal to Quebec City; with several...
Day 3
Montreal
to
Quebec City
Today you will take the VIA Rail train from Montreal to Quebec City; with several trains available, you can choose a time to catch the train to give you some free time in both cities. An earlier arrival in Quebec City will give you more time to explore the old city or even to take an organised sightseeing tour.
2 nights in Quebec City.
Day 4
Today take a full day tour to Baie St Catherine to enjoy a whale-watching excursion....
Day 4
Quebec City
Today take a full day tour to Baie St Catherine to enjoy a whale-watching excursion. Your scenic transfer will take you through the Charlevoix region before you board your 3-hour whale watching cruise in the Saguenay Fjord.
You will return to the city later that evening for another night at your chosen hotel.
Day 5
Quebec City to VIA Rail
You have a free full day to explore the city’s “old world” charm. Enjoy sidewalk cafes, outdoor...
Day 5
Quebec City
to VIA Rail
You have a free full day to explore the city’s “old world” charm. Enjoy sidewalk cafes, outdoor displays by Quebec artists, and the unique French Canadian culture before taking the overnight Ocean train to Halifax from Sainte Foy station; a shuttle service to the station takes about 30 minutes from downtown with the Ocean train departing around 10-11pm.
Overnight onboard VIA Rail.
Day 6
VIA rail to Halifax
Your rail journey to Halifax continues on board. VIA Rail’s ‘Ocean’ is the finest way...
Day 6
VIA rail
to
Halifax
Your rail journey to Halifax continues on board. VIA Rail’s ‘Ocean’ is the finest way to appreciate the splendid scenery of Canada’s Maritime provinces as you pass through the rural communities of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
A late afternoon arrival in to Halifax gives you time to transfer to your chosen hotel before you start exploring the gateway to Atlantic Canada.
3 nights in Halifax.
Day 7
Today can be spent exploring the boardwalks and attractions of Halifax, making sure to visit...
Day 7
Halifax
Today can be spent exploring the boardwalks and attractions of Halifax, making sure to visit the Citadel National Historic Site, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and Pier 21. You could also take a city sightseeing tour that includes the Titanic graveyard.
Of course, also make sure you enjoy some of the region’s seafood, in particular lobster which is plentiful and available in many guises for lunch or dinner!
Day 8
Today we would suggest you take either a whale-watching excursion or take a trip to...
Day 8
Halifax
Today we would suggest you take either a whale-watching excursion or take a trip to Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia’s most famous and most photographed lighthouse. This lovely fishing village is perfect for a stroll to the lighthouse, rocks and small, quaint gift shops.
Day 9
Today you will either be taking your return flight to the UK or enjoying more...
Day 9
Halifax
Today you will either be taking your return flight to the UK or enjoying more of Atlantic Canada, but with an evening departure, you still have time for last minute sightseeing or shopping before heading to the airport for your homeward flight.
Frontier’s Personal Experience
More About This Expert