Explore Canada's Eastern Cities by Train - 6 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Toronto, Explore Canada's Largest City at Your Own Pace

Welcome to Toronto, Canada's largest city! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel. After settling in, venture out to explore the area on your own. A good place to start is the CN Tower, where you can get a bird's-eye view of the city from the main observation level located 1,136 feet (346 m) above the ground. Visit the revolving restaurant to grab a bite to eat, or head to St. Lawrence Market to browse the array of fresh produce, artisanal food, and international delicacies spread across three buildings. 

After refueling, make your way to the Distillery District, a pedestrian-only neighborhood full of Victorian-era buildings that now house art galleries, boutiques, breweries, and restaurants. Wander down the cobblestone streets and stop for a craft beer before visiting your last landmark, Casa Loma, the only castle in North America. Admire the Gothic Revival architecture, then step inside to discover the opulent rooms adorned with intricate woodwork, stained glass windows, and luxurious furnishings. For dinner, head to Kensington Market, where you'll find an array of eateries serving food from around the world.

Day 2: Day Trip to Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake

Leave the city behind for the day as you set off on a guided day trip, starting with a 1.5-hour transfer to Niagara Falls, one of North America's most famous natural wonders. When you arrive, watch the water crash over the precipice, then head down to the dock to board a 20-minute boat cruise into the heart of the falls, where you'll immediately be enveloped by the mist and thundering roar of the cascading water. As you cruise, you'll be treated to unparalleled views of Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and American Falls.

Enjoy a few hours of free time to explore the area and grab a bite to eat, then transfer 30 minutes to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Drive through the postcard-perfect town full of 19th-century architecture, tree-lined streets, and lush floral displays to get to one of the region's renowned wineries. Tour the vineyard, learn about the winemaking process and the varietals produced in the region's cool climate, and sample an array of wines that can please every palate. After the tasting session, browse the gift shop to choose a wine to take home with you, then transfer 1.5 hours back to your hotel in Toronto.

Day 3: Train to Ottawa, Cruise Down the Rideau Canal

Say goodbye to Toronto this morning as you head to Union Station to catch a scenic five-hour train to Ottawa, Canada's stately capital. Try to snag a window seat so you can admire the picturesque countryside. When you arrive, refresh at your hotel, then transfer to the 125-mile-long (202 km) Rideau Canal for a tranquil boat cruise. Listen as the friendly crew teaches you about the canal and its historic locks and bridges while you pass landmarks like Parliament Hill, Fairmont Château Laurier, and Dows Lake. 

Back on land, spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your own pace. Get a closer look at Parliament Hill, where you can join a guided tour of the Gothic Revival-style buildings and learn about Canada's democratic process and government, including visits to the Senate, House of Commons, and Library of Parliament. Continue your educational tour at the Canadian Museum of History, which overlooks the Ottawa River. Explore the captivating galleries that chronicle key events and milestones in the country's development to end the tour.

Day 4: Train to Québec City, Scenic Countryside Tour

After a restful night in Ottawa, head to the station for a six-hour train journey east to Québec City, the capital of Canada's French-speaking province, Québec. Pass through charming towns, rolling farmland, and dense forests. When you arrive, freshen up at your hotel, then join your guide for a one-hour drive along the scenic Route 138 from Chemin du Roy to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. Along the way, pass through traditional villages and enjoy views of the winding St. Lawrence River. 

At the end of the road, the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré awaits your visit. Admire the grand facade adorned with intricate sculptures and ornate details, then step inside to see the stained glass windows, towering columns, and elaborate artwork. Back in the car, head to Montmorency Falls, which is over 270 feet (83 m) taller than Niagara Falls. Just as you think the day is over, you'll be treated to a short visit to Sainte-Pétronille on the Île d'Orléans (Island of Orleans). Wander through the narrow streets lined with historic homes and quaint gardens overlooking the river before returning to your hotel.

Day 5: Train to Montréal, Mile End Food Tour

Your penultimate day in Canada takes you three hours away to Montréal, Québec's largest city. Check into your hotel and leave your bags behind as you set off on a food tour through Mile End, a laid-back neighborhood with an artsy vibe full of delicious food, both Canadian and international. Start with a Montreal-style bagel, renowned for its distinctive chewy texture and slightly sweet flavor, at St-Viateur Bagel. Choose from an array of flavors, like rosemary and sea salt, blueberry, or pumpernickel paired with cream cheese or butter.

Indulge in a classic smoked meat sandwich next, piled high with thinly sliced beef brisket, at Schwartz's Deli. You can't leave Canada without trying poutine, so your next stop is La Banquise, where you can try a classic poutine made with crispy fries topped with cheese curds and gravy or add toppings like hot dogs, bacon, onions, or hot peppers. Then, end the tour with a drink at one of the area's top breweries. Although the tour is only available on weekends, exploring Mile End on your own is easy, and you can still sample all the same great food at your own pace.

Day 6: Discover Mount Royal, Depart Montréal

Spend your last few hours in Canada exploring Montréal at your own pace, starting with a visit to Mount Royal. Admire panoramic views of the city on a leisurely stroll through the 500-acre (200 ha) wooded haven. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the top, or head back to the base of the mountain for one last poutine. If you still have time before your flight, wander through Old Montréal, the city's historic district. 

Stroll down the narrow alleys lined with charming boutiques, galleries, and cafés housed in centuries-old buildings. Stop at landmarks like Notre-Dame Basilica, a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, and Place Jacques-Cartier, a bustling square filled with street performers and outdoor terraces. When it's time, return to the hotel to grab your bags and meet your driver to transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!