Explore Eastern Canada's Food & Culture by Train: Toronto, Ottawa, Québec City & Montréal - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Toronto, Visit the CN Tower, Distillery District & St Lawrence Market

Welcome to Canada! Touchdown in Toronto, where your driver will take you to your hotel. Settle in and then head out to explore Canada's largest city. This modern metropolis lies on the shore of Lake Ontario, its skyline punctuated by the iconic CN Tower. Wander the streets to discover everything from world-class museums to chic restaurants and historical landmarks. Art fans will love Gardiner Museum for its ceramic pieces and the Royal Ontario Museum, which has an acclaimed collection of Chinese and First Nations art.

For some history, visit the British-colonial Fort York and Casa Loma, a Gothic-Revival mansion. Queen Street West is the place to go shopping and dining, while the Distillery District has many bars, boutiques, and eateries set in 19th-century brick whisky factories. Other Toronto highlights include Chinatown and the adjacent, open-air Kensington Market, established by the European Jewish community at the start of the 20th century.

You'll also get the chance to visit the famous1,815 feet-tall (553 m) CN Tower, which was once the tallest freestanding structure in the world until the Burj Khalifa was built. Ride a glass elevator to the spectacular viewing galleries overlooking the city and Lake Ontario. If there's time, visit the revolving 360 Restaurant and the nerve-shredding glass floor.

Day 2: Niagara Falls Day Trip

Today you'll visit Niagara Falls, one of North America's most famous natural wonders. Watch a cascade of water crash 170 feet (52 m) over the cliffs at a rate of 6,000,000 cubic feet (170,000 cubic m) every minute, sending vast clouds of mist into the sky. You'll take a 20-minute Hornblower Boat Ride to see the spectacle from the water, sailing past American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls and into the spray of (Canadian) Horseshoe Falls.

Enjoy a meal overlooking Niagara Falls and some free time to soak up the views before moving on. You'll drive through the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, which lies at the mouth of the Niagara River on the Lake Ontario shore. Admire the 19th-century clapboard houses and pretty flower-filled streets on your way to a nearby winery, where you'll experience a tour and tasting session.

Day 3: Train to Ottawa, Cruise on the Rideau Canal & Canadian Museum of History

Start the day with a scenic five-hour train journey to Ottawa, Canada's vibrant capital. The city is loved for its impressive parliament buildings, exceptional museums, UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal, and acres of parks and bike paths. Start exploring Parliament Hill, which sits above the Ottawa River and features a collection of Neo-Gothic, British-colonial buildings, including a clock tower and the ornate house of commons and senate buildings.

Don't miss Byward Market, a bustling district that was a farmer's market in the 1920s. Explore the shops and street stalls, sampling Canadian favorites such as BeaverTails (deep-fried tail-shaped dough with sweet toppings). You'll also spend time at the Canadian Museum of History to learn about the country's fascinating war history.

End with a cruise on Ottawa's Rideau Canal, protected by UNESCO for its history and beauty. In the winter, the 125-mile (202 km) canal becomes the world's longest skating rink and is lined with paths where you can stroll along the 19th-century waterway. Take a cruise on the canal, referred to by the Iroquois Nation as the "Garden of the Great Spirit," passing historic cottages and the 1,000, Admiralty, and Navy Islands.

Day 4: Train to Québec City, Visit Montmorency Falls & Evening Cruise

Today you'll take a six-hour train journey east to Québec City. Settle in and then head out to wander the narrow, cobblestone alleys of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is the only walled city north of Mexico. Absorb the 17th and 18th-century architecture, which features European-style church spires, hilltop citadels, and stone buildings that now house French-style bistros. City highlights include the grand Château Frontenac, walking along the city's ancient walls, and photographing the St. Lawrence River from Dufferin Terrace.

You'll visit Montmorency Falls, just 15 minutes from Old Québec. At 272 feet tall (83 m), the falls are 100 feet (30 m) higher than Niagara and are accessible from a range of viewpoints. Take the cable car to the clifftop or cross a dramatic suspension bridge with the roar of the water beneath you. The via ferrata, a collection of three climbing and hiking routes, takes you on a challenging adventure to viewpoints, while the double zipline offers an extra dose of adrenaline.

After admiring the falls, learn about their history at the interpretation center and then relax with a meal or drinks at the Manoir Restaurant and Terrace, which has photo-worthy views of the falls. While the falls are accessible all year-round, they're particularly spectacular in the winter, when the spray freezes and creates a giant sledding hill. The area becomes a magnet for ice climbers who tackle the challenging pain de sucre ("sugar loaf").

Spend the evening taking in views of Québec City from the water. Board a boat for a relaxing cruise along the St. Lawrence River, watching the city's lights pass by. Look out for key landmarks like the Château Frontenac, illuminated by night.

Day 5: Train to Montréal, Food Tour & Ride the Montréal Observation Wheel

This morning, head to the train station for the beautiful three-hour journey to Montréal. Start exploring with a food tour of Montréal's famous Mile End, a thriving community of musicians, artists, and young entrepreneurs. You'll explore the area's back alleys and trendy shops with a local guide to uncover some of Montréal's best cuisine. Sample everything from famous St-Viateur bagels to poutine (fries smothered in cheese curds and gravy) and gourmet patisseries. End with a drink at one of Mile End's top breweries.

Next, head down to the St. Lawrence riverfront to ride on La Grande Roue de Montréal ("Montréal's Big Wheel"), Canada's largest observation wheel at 200 feet (60 m) high. Set on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, the wheel offers views of Old Montréal and beyond; step into a climate-controlled pod to soar above the city and savor panoramic views.

Day 6: Discover Mount Royal & Montréal Museum of Fine Arts

Take a break from city sightseeing today and head up Mount Royal, known as "The Mountain" by Montréalers. Rising from the middle of the city, this 500-acre (200 ha) wooded haven was laid out in 1876 by Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect of Central Park. Amble through forested parks where locals jog and dog walk, do some bird-watching or enjoy a picnic. Skaters flock to the lake in winter while skiers and tobogganers traverse the park's snow-covered slopes.

There's plenty to explore, including striking hillside cemeteries and city viewpoints like Belvedere Kondiaronk at the grand Chalet du Mont-Royal, a popular wedding proposal spot. Visit the Beaver Lake Pavillion and pause for a drink at the Café des Amis. A stop at Smith House is a must, with a permanent exhibition that tells the history of this unique natural landmark declared a heritage site in 2012.

In the afternoon, you'll spend some time exploring the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA), which features exhibitions combining various disciplines, from film and music to fashion and design. You'll also find collections of international art with a focus on local Québec pieces. Make time for the two new pavilions: the Claire and Marc Bourgie Pavilion and the Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion for Peace.

Day 7: Depart Montréal

Your Canadian adventure ends today, and you'll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!