Canada’s Fall Colors By Rail
10 days
Enjoyable for all
Comfortable transport & accommodations. Any physical activities are optional. Temperate environment. Mostly guided. E.g. a train-bus tour
Trip Overview |
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Accommodation |
Sit and back and relax and be amazed as the spectacular Fall colors of Ontario and Quebec roll past your train window - brilliant reds, oranges and golds, set against a deep-blue sky and a countryside of rolling fields, red barns and picturesque villages.
At the end of each day on the train you’ll arrive at a fascinating new city to explore, for this is a journey between Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec City - with a wonderful side-tour to Niagara Falls.
Dine out, go to the theater, visit a museum or just stroll the busy streets and rest in an outdoor cafe in the warm Fall sunshine.
This is the perfect autumn getaway for those interested in history, culture, cosmopolitan cities and spectacular scenery.
At the end of each day on the train you’ll arrive at a fascinating new city to explore, for this is a journey between Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec City - with a wonderful side-tour to Niagara Falls.
Dine out, go to the theater, visit a museum or just stroll the busy streets and rest in an outdoor cafe in the warm Fall sunshine.
This is the perfect autumn getaway for those interested in history, culture, cosmopolitan cities and spectacular scenery.
Outline
Arrive in Toronto
3 nights in Toronto
2 nights in Ottawa
2 nights in Quebec City
2 nights in Montreal
Depart from Toronto
Arrive in Toronto
3 nights in Toronto
2 nights in Ottawa
2 nights in Quebec City
2 nights in Montreal
Depart from Toronto
Day 1 – Arrive in Toronto
Settle into your downtown hotel and relax. Later, perhaps, you take stroll - stepping outside to be greeted by the exciting sights and sounds of early evening in Canada’s largest city: couples hurrying arm-in-arm to a Broadway show; a well-dressed woman with an armful of expensive shopping hailing a cab; business people milling around a sophisticated cocktail bar; the mouthwatering aroma of some of Toronto’s wonderful restaurants wafting across the street.... Overnight in Toronto.
Day 2 – Discover Toronto
This morning take a short guided tour of the city to get your bearings: the CN Tower, Casa Loma, Bay Street, the Eaton Centre, Yorkville and more. In the afternoon and evening explore the city on your own - perhaps taking in a show, visiting a museum or having a wonderful dinner. Overnight in Toronto.
Day 3 – Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls were once in a vast wilderness. Not anymore - cities are built on both banks of the river - but still the Falls themselves are an unforgettable experience and a ‘must see’ on any visit to this part of Canada. The sheer power and beauty of Nature is undiminished, especially when you see the Falls from a small boat, as you do on the famous ‘Maid of the Mist’. And on this day-trip from Toronto you also visit the wine-growing area on the Niagara Peninsula and stroll through the quaint rural town of Niagara-on-the-Lake in its Fall colors. Return to Toronto for the evening.
Day 4 – Train to Ottawa
Settle into your carriage for a relaxing half-day journey along the shores of Lake Ontario and through farms, villages and fields dressed in the colors of Fall - maples, orange, red and crimson; fields of gold-tinged corn, grain towers gleaming in the sunlight; and red barns in various states of repair...Overnight in Ottawa.
Day 5 – In Ottawa
Ottawa is a beautiful city, with so much to see and do. This is the federal capital so museums abound - the Museum of Civilization, the Canadian War Museum, the National Art Gallery - and many more. A gentle city tour helps you get your bearings so you can explore more on your own. Overnight in Ottawa.
Day 6 – Ottawa to Quebec City
As the train rocks and sways out of Ottawa and you head towards the open farmland of eastern Quebec province, you chat with old friends and new, dip into a book, or do the crossword... This is what being on vacation is all about! And at the end of the day you step off the train into a little bit of Europe in North America - Quebec City. Old stone buildings and city walls, cobbled streets - and a wealth of history and culture. Overnight in Quebec City.
Day 7 – In Quebec City
This morning a guided city tour helps you find your bearings as you relax - and teaches you about the significance of the city’s landmarks in the history of Canada. You’ll visit all the major places, including The Plains of Abraham - the scene of a mighty and decisive battle between the French and English in 1759. Later, explore on your own, strolling the cobbled streets and sampling uniquely French-Canadian delicacies such as Tortiere (a kind of meat pie). (Incidentally, don’t worry about speaking French - most people will speak English, if you do. But if you can give it a go with even a few words the locals will like it and respond with characteristic bonhomie!) Overnight in Quebec City.
Day 8 – Quebec City to Montreal
Travel through some of Quebec’s most picturesque countryside today as your Canadian train vacation heads toward Montreal. Watch as the waters of the St. Lawrence River glistens in the sunlight and the charming town of Cap-de-la-Madeleine passes outside your window. Arriving in Montreal, you settle into your hotel and go for a walk - perhaps enjoying the shopping, or the cobbled streets of the Old Town, or the entertainers outside a sidewalk cafe. Overnight in Montreal.
Day 9 – In Montreal
Montreal is North America’s only French-speaking major city - but these days it is really a cosmopolitan melting pot of people from all over the French-speaking world. A morning tour helps you find your bearings and learn about the landmarks such as Notre Dame and St. Catherine’s Street. Afterwards, explore on your own, do a bit of shopping or just chill out at a sidewalk café and nibble on Pain au Chocolate. Whatever you do, in Fall particularly the city seems to have a special ‘joie de vivre’. Overnight in Montreal.
Day 10 – To Toronto & Home
Your Canada train trip comes to an end in Toronto today. One last jaunt on Canada’s railway shuttles you back through rural Quebec and Ontario in time for a late afternoon flight home.
Settle into your downtown hotel and relax. Later, perhaps, you take stroll - stepping outside to be greeted by the exciting sights and sounds of early evening in Canada’s largest city: couples hurrying arm-in-arm to a Broadway show; a well-dressed woman with an armful of expensive shopping hailing a cab; business people milling around a sophisticated cocktail bar; the mouthwatering aroma of some of Toronto’s wonderful restaurants wafting across the street.... Overnight in Toronto.
Day 2 – Discover Toronto
This morning take a short guided tour of the city to get your bearings: the CN Tower, Casa Loma, Bay Street, the Eaton Centre, Yorkville and more. In the afternoon and evening explore the city on your own - perhaps taking in a show, visiting a museum or having a wonderful dinner. Overnight in Toronto.
Day 3 – Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls were once in a vast wilderness. Not anymore - cities are built on both banks of the river - but still the Falls themselves are an unforgettable experience and a ‘must see’ on any visit to this part of Canada. The sheer power and beauty of Nature is undiminished, especially when you see the Falls from a small boat, as you do on the famous ‘Maid of the Mist’. And on this day-trip from Toronto you also visit the wine-growing area on the Niagara Peninsula and stroll through the quaint rural town of Niagara-on-the-Lake in its Fall colors. Return to Toronto for the evening.
Day 4 – Train to Ottawa
Settle into your carriage for a relaxing half-day journey along the shores of Lake Ontario and through farms, villages and fields dressed in the colors of Fall - maples, orange, red and crimson; fields of gold-tinged corn, grain towers gleaming in the sunlight; and red barns in various states of repair...Overnight in Ottawa.
Day 5 – In Ottawa
Ottawa is a beautiful city, with so much to see and do. This is the federal capital so museums abound - the Museum of Civilization, the Canadian War Museum, the National Art Gallery - and many more. A gentle city tour helps you get your bearings so you can explore more on your own. Overnight in Ottawa.
Day 6 – Ottawa to Quebec City
As the train rocks and sways out of Ottawa and you head towards the open farmland of eastern Quebec province, you chat with old friends and new, dip into a book, or do the crossword... This is what being on vacation is all about! And at the end of the day you step off the train into a little bit of Europe in North America - Quebec City. Old stone buildings and city walls, cobbled streets - and a wealth of history and culture. Overnight in Quebec City.
Day 7 – In Quebec City
This morning a guided city tour helps you find your bearings as you relax - and teaches you about the significance of the city’s landmarks in the history of Canada. You’ll visit all the major places, including The Plains of Abraham - the scene of a mighty and decisive battle between the French and English in 1759. Later, explore on your own, strolling the cobbled streets and sampling uniquely French-Canadian delicacies such as Tortiere (a kind of meat pie). (Incidentally, don’t worry about speaking French - most people will speak English, if you do. But if you can give it a go with even a few words the locals will like it and respond with characteristic bonhomie!) Overnight in Quebec City.
Day 8 – Quebec City to Montreal
Travel through some of Quebec’s most picturesque countryside today as your Canadian train vacation heads toward Montreal. Watch as the waters of the St. Lawrence River glistens in the sunlight and the charming town of Cap-de-la-Madeleine passes outside your window. Arriving in Montreal, you settle into your hotel and go for a walk - perhaps enjoying the shopping, or the cobbled streets of the Old Town, or the entertainers outside a sidewalk cafe. Overnight in Montreal.
Day 9 – In Montreal
Montreal is North America’s only French-speaking major city - but these days it is really a cosmopolitan melting pot of people from all over the French-speaking world. A morning tour helps you find your bearings and learn about the landmarks such as Notre Dame and St. Catherine’s Street. Afterwards, explore on your own, do a bit of shopping or just chill out at a sidewalk café and nibble on Pain au Chocolate. Whatever you do, in Fall particularly the city seems to have a special ‘joie de vivre’. Overnight in Montreal.
Day 10 – To Toronto & Home
Your Canada train trip comes to an end in Toronto today. One last jaunt on Canada’s railway shuttles you back through rural Quebec and Ontario in time for a late afternoon flight home.
- Extra nights/tours may be added to or taken away from this trip (just ask us when you book.)
- Upgrade to a cycle tour of the city in Montreal
Upgrade to VIA-1 Rail Service
VIA-1 Rail Service includes the Panorama Lounge, a lounge located at the train stations where you will pick up your tickets, then relax in a roomy armchair until departure. Soft drinks and the day's newspapers are available - all free of charge, naturally.
You will be notified when the time comes to board the train (you are entitled to priority boarding). On board the train, meals and bar service are all included.
You also have exclusive access to the VIA-1 lounge, where you can stroll around and meet other VIA-1 guests. While there you can simply help yourself to fruit juice or soft drinks. Alcoholic drinks, also free to VIA 1 class passengers, are served by the attendant at the service counter.
Quebec Winter Carnival
The Quebec City Winter Carnival is also a great time to do this journey - but there is a small surcharge as follows:
(In CAD$ per person)
Twin Single Triple Quad
Standard 134 266 89 67
Jan 28-28, Feb 2-4, Feb 9-11
Superior* 103 206 69 n/a
Jan 26-28, Feb 2-4, Feb 9-10
Deluxe 236 473 157 n/a
Jan 26-27, Feb 2-3, Feb 9-10
*No arrival Jan 28, Feb 4 & 11
Standard, Superior or Deluxe
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Dates + Prices |
HIGHLIGHTS
- Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal & Quebec City
- Travel onboard VIA Rail
- Includes Niagara Falls day excursion
- Daily departures!
Request A Booking
Reserving Your Trip Is Easy
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Call us toll free
1 800 667 4744 (US/Can)
0 800 917 5924 (UK)
1 800 992 872 (Aus.)
Office hours:
M-F, 6am - 6pm Pacific Time.
Sat 10am - 4pm.
A personal trip advisor will help you book your perfect trip.
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Reserve Online using the form at left.
We will contact you as quickly as we can and you will not be under any obligation until after we have confirmed all details with you.
At that time a US$500 per person deposit is payable and you will be subject to our usual terms and conditions.
Reserve your spot without obligation for 48 hours. Our consultants will contact you to confirm details before you pay a deposit.
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2008 Package Start Dates
Daily Departures except Thursday. Please note this trip does not depart on Dec 23, 08
Included
- 9 nights accommodation
- 2-hour sightseeing tour of Toronto
- Full-day excursion to Niagara Falls including lunch and Maid of the Mist (substituted with Journey Behind the Falls in the off-season)
- Toronto to Ottawa rail transfer on VIA Rail Canada’s The Corridor (economy class)
- 2-hour sightseeing tour of Ottawa (substituted with Museum of Civilization in the off-season)
- Ottawa to Quebec City rail transfer on VIA Rail Canada’s The Corridor (economy class)
- 2-hour sightseeing tour of Quebec City
- Quebec City to Montreal rail transfer on VIA Rail Canada’s The Corridor (economy class)
- 3-hour sightseeing tour of Montreal
- Montreal to Toronto rail transfer on VIA Rail Canada’s The Corridor (economy class)
- Documentation package
- Provincial taxes
Not Included
- Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
- Airport and rail station transfers
- Trip Cancellation Insurance
- GST
Please Note
This trip does not operate during the F1 Grand Prix and The 1st Out games. A late afternoon departure flight is recommended as passengers will require sufficient time to transfer to the airport on Day 10.
Daily Departures except Thursday. Please note this trip does not depart on Dec 23, 08
| Standard Hotels | USD$ | CAD$ | ||||||
| Quad | Tpl | Dbl | Sng | Quad | Tpl | Dbl | Sng | |
| Sep 15 - Oct 31 | 1,220 | 1,334 | 1,542 | 2,445 | 1,379 | 1,507 | 1,743 | 2,763 |
| Nov 1 - Nov 15 | 1,094 | 1,169 | 1,296 | 1,947 | 1,236 | 1,321 | 1,464 | 2,200 |
| Superior Hotels | USD$ | CAD$ | ||
| Dbl | Sng | Dbl | Sng | |
| Sep 15 - Oct 31 | 1,884 | 3,091 | 2,129 | 3,493 |
| Nov 1 - Nov 15 | 1,569 | 2,463 | 1,773 | 2,783 |
| Deluxe Hotels | USD$ | CAD$ | ||||
| Tpl | Dbl | Sng | Tpl | Dbl | Sng | |
| Sep 15 - Oct 11 | 1,865 | 2,250 | 3,862 | 2,107 | 2,543 | 4,364 |
| Oct 12 - Oct 31 | 1,631 | 1,890 | 3,154 | 1,843 | 2,136 | 3,564 |
| Nov 1 - Nov 15 | 1,523 | 1,738 | 2,845 | 1,721 | 1,964 | 3,214 |
- 9 nights accommodation
- 2-hour sightseeing tour of Toronto
- Full-day excursion to Niagara Falls including lunch and Maid of the Mist (substituted with Journey Behind the Falls in the off-season)
- Toronto to Ottawa rail transfer on VIA Rail Canada’s The Corridor (economy class)
- 2-hour sightseeing tour of Ottawa (substituted with Museum of Civilization in the off-season)
- Ottawa to Quebec City rail transfer on VIA Rail Canada’s The Corridor (economy class)
- 2-hour sightseeing tour of Quebec City
- Quebec City to Montreal rail transfer on VIA Rail Canada’s The Corridor (economy class)
- 3-hour sightseeing tour of Montreal
- Montreal to Toronto rail transfer on VIA Rail Canada’s The Corridor (economy class)
- Documentation package
- Provincial taxes
Not Included
- Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
- Airport and rail station transfers
- Trip Cancellation Insurance
- GST
Please Note
This trip does not operate during the F1 Grand Prix and The 1st Out games. A late afternoon departure flight is recommended as passengers will require sufficient time to transfer to the airport on Day 10.
