Twin Cultures Rail Vacation
8 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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Itinerary |
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Accommodation |
English and French Canada are yours to discover on this week-long overview of some of Canada’s most famous cities. Imagine being taken away by the bustle in Toronto before visiting Quebec City, where French Canadian culture is at its peak. A stroll along the St. Lawrence River in Montreal, with the city lights glinting on the water, completes your vacation and ends your trip on a relaxed note.
Outline
Arrive Toronto
3 nights Toronto
2 nights Quebec City
2 nights Montreal
Depart Toronto
Arrive Toronto
3 nights Toronto
2 nights Quebec City
2 nights Montreal
Depart Toronto
Day 1 – Your Canadian Train Trip Begins – Arrive in Toronto
The sounds of Canada’s largest city welcome you as you step out of your taxi in downtown Toronto. Couples hurry along the sidewalk, rushing to one of Toronto’s big stage productions. A woman shifts her shopping bags as she hails a cab, and the smell of Chinese food wafts by from a bike courier. Multicultural, modern, and exciting, Toronto beckons. Get out and explore Canada’s most invigorating city.
Day 2 – Urban Exploration – Discover Toronto
Toronto is the largest Canadian metropolis - it can be hard to choose where to start your sightseeing! This dilemma is solved with a morning guided tour – a great way to get your bearings in the city. Discover where to find illustrious Casa Loma, old and new City Halls, Eaton Centre, and Yorkville – Toronto’s trendiest neighbourhood. A drive along the harbourfront, with the CN Tower standing tall behind you, completes your tour and leaves you eager to get out on the town.
Day 3 – Roaring Waters - Tour Niagara Falls
Sink into the seat of your luxury motorcoach this morning as you begin the journey to southern Ontario’s greatest natural wonder – Niagara Falls. Arriving at the Falls, don a stylish waterproof poncho - the classy uniform of the Maid of the Mist, and prepare for an exciting adventure. Your poncho keeps you from getting soaked as your boat takes you close enough to the falls to feel the spray on your face.
A scenic drive along the Niagara Parkway will take you to serene Niagara-on-the-Lake - the ideal place to unwind by strolling through the local shops.
Day 4 – A new Culture Awaits – Toronto to Quebec City by train
Leaving metropolitan Toronto behind, you travel on the Corridor train today as you head north to Quebec City on your Canadian train trip. Travel by train is scenic, so relax next to a big picture window as you journey along the shore of Lake Ontario, through the farmland of rural Quebec, and along the shore of the St. Lawrence River.
Step off the train and into a little bit of Europe - right in Canada! With a historic city wall, cobble stone streets, and centuries old heritage buildings, Quebec City has an old world air that can’t be found anywhere else in North America.
Day 5 – Steeped in French Canadian History – Tour Quebec City
An English speaking tour guide is proud to share their city’s roots with you today. The architecture just outside your motorcoach’s window is stunning in its own right, and learning the story behind each location only adds to your sense of awe. Feel as though you’re stepping right into Quebec City’s colourful history as you visit authentic Quebecois shops, sample mouthwatering Tourtiere, and discover the pride that the residents feel for their city.
Day 6 – Travel through time by train - Quebec City to Montreal on VIA Rail’s Corridor Train
Travel through some of Quebec’s most picturesque countryside today as your Canadian train trip heads toward Montreal. You watch as the water of the St. Lawrence River glistens in the sunlight and the charming town of Cap-de-la-Madeleine passes beyond the train’s window.
One walk around the city, along the famous bank of the St. Lawrence River, through Old Montreal’s narrow streets, down trendy St. Catherine’s Street, and you’re hooked on Montreal. Sit at a sidewalk café, nibble on Pain au Chocolate, and revel in Montreal’s inescapable “joie de vivre.”
Day 7 – Tour Montreal - The French Canadian Business Hub
See the lively residential and financial districts as your English speaking guide fills you in on life in modern Montreal. Take a trip back in time when you stop at the gorgeous Notre Dame Basilica and learn through osmosis by visiting the campus of McGill University. You cap off the day with a view from the top of Montreal’s namesake – Mont Royal. Translated as “Royal Mountain,” the view from the top is as rich as the French royalty of old.
Day 8 – With Fond Memories – Depart Toronto
Your Canada train trip comes to an end in Toronto today. One last jaunt on Canada’s railway will shuttle you back through rural Quebec, travel past Lake Ontario, before arriving into downtown Toronto in the late afternoon.
The sounds of Canada’s largest city welcome you as you step out of your taxi in downtown Toronto. Couples hurry along the sidewalk, rushing to one of Toronto’s big stage productions. A woman shifts her shopping bags as she hails a cab, and the smell of Chinese food wafts by from a bike courier. Multicultural, modern, and exciting, Toronto beckons. Get out and explore Canada’s most invigorating city.
Day 2 – Urban Exploration – Discover Toronto
Toronto is the largest Canadian metropolis - it can be hard to choose where to start your sightseeing! This dilemma is solved with a morning guided tour – a great way to get your bearings in the city. Discover where to find illustrious Casa Loma, old and new City Halls, Eaton Centre, and Yorkville – Toronto’s trendiest neighbourhood. A drive along the harbourfront, with the CN Tower standing tall behind you, completes your tour and leaves you eager to get out on the town.
Day 3 – Roaring Waters - Tour Niagara Falls
Sink into the seat of your luxury motorcoach this morning as you begin the journey to southern Ontario’s greatest natural wonder – Niagara Falls. Arriving at the Falls, don a stylish waterproof poncho - the classy uniform of the Maid of the Mist, and prepare for an exciting adventure. Your poncho keeps you from getting soaked as your boat takes you close enough to the falls to feel the spray on your face.
A scenic drive along the Niagara Parkway will take you to serene Niagara-on-the-Lake - the ideal place to unwind by strolling through the local shops.
Day 4 – A new Culture Awaits – Toronto to Quebec City by train
Leaving metropolitan Toronto behind, you travel on the Corridor train today as you head north to Quebec City on your Canadian train trip. Travel by train is scenic, so relax next to a big picture window as you journey along the shore of Lake Ontario, through the farmland of rural Quebec, and along the shore of the St. Lawrence River.
Step off the train and into a little bit of Europe - right in Canada! With a historic city wall, cobble stone streets, and centuries old heritage buildings, Quebec City has an old world air that can’t be found anywhere else in North America.
Day 5 – Steeped in French Canadian History – Tour Quebec City
An English speaking tour guide is proud to share their city’s roots with you today. The architecture just outside your motorcoach’s window is stunning in its own right, and learning the story behind each location only adds to your sense of awe. Feel as though you’re stepping right into Quebec City’s colourful history as you visit authentic Quebecois shops, sample mouthwatering Tourtiere, and discover the pride that the residents feel for their city.
Day 6 – Travel through time by train - Quebec City to Montreal on VIA Rail’s Corridor Train
Travel through some of Quebec’s most picturesque countryside today as your Canadian train trip heads toward Montreal. You watch as the water of the St. Lawrence River glistens in the sunlight and the charming town of Cap-de-la-Madeleine passes beyond the train’s window.
One walk around the city, along the famous bank of the St. Lawrence River, through Old Montreal’s narrow streets, down trendy St. Catherine’s Street, and you’re hooked on Montreal. Sit at a sidewalk café, nibble on Pain au Chocolate, and revel in Montreal’s inescapable “joie de vivre.”
Day 7 – Tour Montreal - The French Canadian Business Hub
See the lively residential and financial districts as your English speaking guide fills you in on life in modern Montreal. Take a trip back in time when you stop at the gorgeous Notre Dame Basilica and learn through osmosis by visiting the campus of McGill University. You cap off the day with a view from the top of Montreal’s namesake – Mont Royal. Translated as “Royal Mountain,” the view from the top is as rich as the French royalty of old.
Day 8 – With Fond Memories – Depart Toronto
Your Canada train trip comes to an end in Toronto today. One last jaunt on Canada’s railway will shuttle you back through rural Quebec, travel past Lake Ontario, before arriving into downtown Toronto in the late afternoon.
Options & Upgrades
- Upgrade to VIA 1 service for access to the Panorama Lounge at the train station, priority boarding, meals and bar service, including alcoholic drinks served by an attendant on board the train
- Extra nights or tours, for example the Toronto bike tour or the Ghost Walk in Montreal are available
Accommodation
Standard, Superior or Deluxe hotels
Standard, Superior or Deluxe hotels
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Dates + Prices |
HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover Ontario & Quebec's diverse cultures
- Sightseeing tours in Toronto, Quebec City & Montreal
- Journey across eastern Canada aboard VIA Rail
- Full-day excursion to Niagara Falls
Testimonials
Katherine and Fresh Tracks did a superb job of planning and executing our trip. It was absolutely wonderful and everyone we met was most helpful, friendly and more than we expected. And how delighted we were and totally surprised when the attendant on our first train trip came through the \"comfort\" class and upgraded us to First Class because of our 50th Wedding Anniversary!! It was GREAT! All of the tours were informative, funny and friendly. We will have lots of good memories and big love for our neighbor to the north. Thank you again for doing such a good job.
The trip was excellent. The logistics worked perfectly, the hotels were good and the service second to none. Once again our thanks to Davis for a well done holiday. It was flawless.
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- 2010 Package Start Dates
• This trip runs daily year-round from Toronto, Ontario
• This tour is not available Dec 19th -26th
• Surcharges apply during the Winter Carnival - please contact us for details
• Note: This package is not available for arrivals in Montreal during the Grand Prix on dates TBA in June
Price Notes
• Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
• Triple, quad and child rates are available
Included
• Accommodation for 7 nights
• 2-hour sightseeing tour of Toronto
• Full-day excursion to Niagara Falls including meal and Maid of the Mist (Substituted by Journey Behind the Falls in the off-season)
• Toronto to Quebec City rail transfer on VIA Rail’s The Corridor (Economy class)
• 2-hour sightseeing tour of Quebec City
• Quebec City to Montreal rail transfer on VIA Rail’s The Corridor (Economy class)
• 3-hour sightseeing tour of Montreal
• Montreal to Toronto rail transfer on VIA Rail’s The Corridor (Economy class)
• Provincial taxes
• Documentation package
Not Included
• Meals and attractions, unless otherwise specified
• Airport and rail transfers
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST (Goods & Services Tax)
• This trip runs daily year-round from Toronto, Ontario
• This tour is not available Dec 19th -26th
• Surcharges apply during the Winter Carnival - please contact us for details
• Note: This package is not available for arrivals in Montreal during the Grand Prix on dates TBA in June
| STANDARD | USD $ | CAD $ | Upgrade | |||
| Double | Single | Double | Single | USD $ | CAD $ | |
| Oct 13 - Oct 31 2008 | 1,239 | 1,903 | 1,400 | 2,150 | 344 | 389 |
| Nov 1 2008 - Apr 23 2009 | 1,087 | 1,606 | 1,229 | 1,814 | 344 | 389 |
| Apr 24 - May 11, 2009 | 1,171 | 1,823 | 1,323 | 2,060 | 346 | 391 |
| May 12 - Oct 31 2009 | 1,224 | 1,929 | 1,383 | 2,180 | 346 | 391 |
| Nov 1 2009 - Apr 23 2010 | 981 | 1,444 | 1,109 | 1,631 | 346 | 391 |
| SUPERIOR | USD $ | CAD $ | Upgrade | |||
| Double | Single | Double | Single | USD $ | CAD $ | |
| Aug 26 - Oct 31 2008 | 1,403 | 2,238 | 1,586 | 2,529 | 344 | 389 |
| Nov 1 - Apr 23 2009 | 1,131 | 1,707 | 1,279 | 1,929 | 344 | 389 |
| Apr 24 - May 11 2009 | 1,276 | 2,032 | 1,441 | 2,296 | 346 | 391 |
| May 12 - Oct 31 2009 | 1,308 | 2,100 | 1,479 | 2,373 | 346 | 391 |
| Nov 1 - Apr 23 2010 | 1,057 | 1,595 | 1,194 | 1,803 | 346 | 391 |
| DELUXE | USD $ | CAD $ | Upgrade | |||
| Double | Single | Double | Single | USD $ | CAD $ | |
| Oct 14 - Oct 31 2008 | 1,473 | 2,383 | 1,664 | 2,693 | 344 | 389 |
| Nov 1 - Dec 19 2008 | 1,397 | 2,225 | 1,579 | 2,514 | 344 | 389 |
| Dec 20 - Jan 1 2009 | 1,454 | 2,339 | 1,643 | 2,643 | 344 | 389 |
| Jan 2 - Apr 23 2009 | 1,397 | 2,224 | 1,579 | 2,513 | 346 | 391 |
| Apr 24 - May 11 2009 | 1,659 | 2,795 | 1,874 | 3,159 | 346 | 391 |
| May 12 - Oct 31 2009 | 1,942 | 3,383 | 2,194 | 3,823 | 346 | 391 |
| Nov 1 2009 - Apr 23 2010 | 1,532 | 2,550 | 1,731 | 2,881 | 346 | 391 |
• Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
• Triple, quad and child rates are available
Included
• Accommodation for 7 nights
• 2-hour sightseeing tour of Toronto
• Full-day excursion to Niagara Falls including meal and Maid of the Mist (Substituted by Journey Behind the Falls in the off-season)
• Toronto to Quebec City rail transfer on VIA Rail’s The Corridor (Economy class)
• 2-hour sightseeing tour of Quebec City
• Quebec City to Montreal rail transfer on VIA Rail’s The Corridor (Economy class)
• 3-hour sightseeing tour of Montreal
• Montreal to Toronto rail transfer on VIA Rail’s The Corridor (Economy class)
• Provincial taxes
• Documentation package
Not Included
• Meals and attractions, unless otherwise specified
• Airport and rail transfers
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST (Goods & Services Tax)
