Marvellous Eastern Canada rail tour with overnight train & more

All aboard a sensational voyage from Halifax and Quebec to Montreal and Toronto, with flights, optional tours, Niagara Falls highlight & more

Day 1-2: Halifax

It all begins in the prettily placed, Atlantic port city of Halifax. This prime jewel of Nova Scotia’s ruggedly beautiful, beachy coastline is home to an intriguing mix of maritime history, timeless market trade and lively cultural hubs. Stroll along the buzzy waterfront boardwalk lined with artisanal cafés, seafood stops, wine bars and boutique stores. The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 tells a riveting story of the nation’s inherited cultures, while art enthusiasts won’t want to miss the classically-housed, contemporary collections on display at Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.

Squeeze every drop of discovery from Canada’s easterly coastal province by opting for a scenic tour, from the picturesque fishing village Peggy’s Cove with its famed lighthouse, through to a narrated tour of downtown Halifax.

With the ten and twelve-night itinerary, you will stay three nights in Halifax.

Day 3: Via Rail Train Journey (Halifax - Quebec City)

Wave goodbye as you board your magical sleeper train, rolling you across Canada’s wild natural beauty en route to Quebec City. Cosy up in your cabin as the scenes roll by, bathed in the balmy warmth and autumnal colours of Canada’s Indian Summer in the months of September and October. Soon after the train sets off, lunch will be served in the dining car. Taste the flavours of the region as the scenes of the region flash before you, all washed down with a glass of Canadian wine. After dinner, drift off to a peaceful sleep as you course across the land. Switch over at Sainte-Foy for an early-morning, quick train ride on to Quebec City, and descend into the charms of North America’s oldest francophone city.

Day 4-5: Quebec City

Freshen up at your hotel before breakfasting at a classically French café or boulangerie, and prepare to soak up the wonders of this cliff-top city with its faintly Parisian atmosphere and decadent charm. Wander the cobblestone streets as you discover history-rich monuments of the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town: not to miss is the impressive Citadelle de Québec, as well as the Château Frontenac, the abode of choice when Elizabeth II came to town.

Sample Canada’s national dish, poutine (chips loaded with cheese curds and gravy), and hit the live music bars come evening. Opt for a guided tour to see the best of Quebec, old and modern alike, and learn more about this city’s poignant history.

Day 6-7: Montreal

Hop on the train and prepare to depart for Quebec’s metropolis: after about three hours, alight in Montreal, the largest city in Canada’s predominantly-French Quebec province. From a fabulous food scene to buckets of historic charm, there’s plenty to enjoy here. Get your hands on a classic Montreal-style bagel, as you wander past colourful houses, indie shops and street art. Historic, Old Montréal is a gander back into old-world France. Place Jacques Cartier is lined with ice cream shops and plenty of swish restaurants, and you must see the Basilique Notre-Dame, a magnificent Gothic-revival church.

To ensure nothing is missed from your bucket-list, opt to join a fully-narrated tour including a glimpse into the campus of McGill University and a panoramic view from an observation point on top of Mont Royal, the hill which gave the city its name.

With the twelve-night itinerary, you will stay three nights in Montreal.

Day 8-10: Toronto

Sit back and relax on a train ride of about five hours to Toronto, with Lake Ontario views rushing by. The iconic CN Tower defines the skyline here, whilst below, plenty of green spaces complement the peppering of sparkling skyscrapers. The city itself is a haven for food and drink enthusiasts, thanks to its bevy of breweries and lively fusion food scene. Culture buffs might like to visit the Royal Ontario Museum (which makes for an impressive architectural sight too) and the stately Casa Loma. Whilst offshore, Toronto's islands are home to both beaches and further leisure opportunities.

If you’re at a loose end for where to start, opt for the hop-on-hop-off city tour featuring a fun double-decker bus and guides with buckets of knowledge. For the ultimate bucket-list moment, choose the full-day tour to Niagara falls, including a cruise, a buffet lunch with views over the mighty falls, a visit to the botanical gardens and more.

When your cup is overflowing with the wonders of Toronto, it’ll be time to head to the airport for your flight back home.

With the twelve-night itinerary, you will stay three nights in Toronto.