Heart of Canada: Toronto to Quebec City

Your journey into the heart of Canada begins today in the cultural city of Toronto in Southern Ontario. As the nation's largest metropolis and most populous city, Toronto is brimming with intrigue, which you can discover on arrival. Make your own way to your centrally located hotel to check in for a two-night stay, and then you have the rest of the day to get acquainted with your new surroundings.

You might like to see the city from above by booking admission to the top floor of the CN Tower, or you could enjoy a panoramic view of the cityscape by taking a short ferry ride to the Toronto Islands, a grouping of 15 small islands connected by bridges and walking paths. Downtown, there are restaurants representing cuisine from around the world; however, if it is local flavors you seek, the best place to explore regional cuisine is at the St. Lawrence Market. Overnight Toronto.

Today brings a chance to get an up-close look at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and one of North America's top attractions. A luxurious, climate-controlled coach collects you from your hotel and takes you toward the thundering waters of Niagara Falls, with informative and entertaining commentary guiding every step of the day.

On arrival, don a rain slicker and take an exciting boat ride to the base of Horseshoe Falls on the iconic Hornblower*, and then enjoy lunch overlooking the falls. Following some free time to absorb the scenery at your own pace, the tour continues to the quaint historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, where you can explore at leisure.

Returning to Toronto in the early evening, you can find dinner locally or relax at the hotel. Overnight Toronto.

• Lunch

Take some time to wrap up your sightseeing in Toronto this morning. Perhaps take this opportunity to wander along the Toronto Harbourfront or you could grab a cup of coffee and soak up the hustle and bustle of the city from one of Toronto's parks.

Making your way to the train station later this morning, board VIA Rail's Corridor Service train to Ottawa, Canada's capital city. Take your Business Class seat, and watch the changing scenery pass by your window as you enjoy an included lunch. The train arrives in Ottawa late this afternoon, and as it pulls into the station, you can transfer independently to your downtown hotel, checking in for the first of two nights.

This city on the Ottawa River is brimming with distinctive neighborhoods, beautiful buildings and scenic surroundings, giving you plenty to uncover as you begin your explorations independently this evening. Overnight Ottawa.

• Lunch

Ottawa's top attractions are yours to behold today as you set out on a small-group sightseeing tour by land and water. After being picked up in a luxurious van, your guide takes you to Parliament Hill for a walking tour of the buildings. Your excursion also includes a cruise along the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal* and a driving tour that passes the Supreme Court, the Canadian Museum of History, and the Residences of the Prime Minister and Governor General.

Following the tour, the rest of your afternoon is free to continue discovering Ottawa at your own pace. You might like to visit the National Arts Centre, stroll in one of the many parks, or return to Canada's Parliament buildings, which are within walking distance from the hotel, for a more comprehensive look. Overnight Ottawa.

*Please note: A tour of the Canadian Museum of History replaces the Rideau Canal cruise in early May and late October.

With a leisurely start to the day, you might like to seek out one of Ottawa's famous BeaverTails, a pastry treat adorned with your preferred toppings, and a cup of coffee before wrapping up any sightseeing or shopping you might wish to accomplish. A morning stroll along the Rideau Canal is always lovely.

Making your way to the train station around midday, step aboard VIA Rail once more for the journey to Canada's cultural capital, Montreal. Traveling in Business Class, enjoy increased comfort, ergonomic seats and an included lunch during the two-hour trip.

The train arrives in Montreal this afternoon, and after checking into your centrally located hotel, you can begin exploring at your own pace. Perhaps head into Old Montreal to get a look at this elegant city's historic side, or discover the local dining scene at a restaurant representing regional flavors or worldly offerings. Overnight Montreal.

• Lunch

Setting out with a guide this morning, you can discover the highlights of Montreal, the second-largest French-speaking city in the world. Aboard a comfortable motorcoach, navigate the cobbled streets of Old Montreal and uncover sights like the Notre Dame Basilica and Olympic Park, built for the 1976 Olympics. The excursion also features a visit to Mount Royal Park, which has an impressive panoramic view of downtown Montreal and the St. Lawrence River, and time at the Old Port of Montreal.

Following the tour, you return to your hotel with the rest of the day to relax or explore at your own pace. With more than 200 ethnic communities represented in Montreal, the city offers something new at every turn. You could spend the afternoon seeking out authentic flavors in the diverse neighborhoods, or you could witness the merging of cuisines at the Jean-Talon Market, which, in addition to selling fresh fruits and vegetables, sells many specialty dishes. Overnight Montreal.

One of the lesser-known treasures of Montreal is its unique street art, and ahead of making your way to the train station around midday for the final train trip of this vacation, you might like to wander through downtown seeking out these hidden gems.

Today's route on VIA Rail, traveling in the comforts of Business Class, takes you deeper into French Canada to the only remaining walled city in North America, Quebec City. Filled with history and a distinctly French ambiance, this city sets a marvelous backdrop for exploration.

As you arrive later this afternoon, check into your hotel for two nights, and then you can begin to uncover the charms of Quebec City. From the narrow alleys and cobbled streets of Old Quebec City to the Governor's Promenade alongside the St. Lawrence River, there are plenty of romantic views to behold. Overnight Quebec City.

Take a step back into the pages of history on this morning's guided walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Quebec City. Joining a period character for the journey, learn stories spanning more than 400 years as you explore landmarks like the Place d'Armes, City Hall, Notre-Dame-de-Quebec-Basilica-Cathedral and Palace Royale. The tour also features visits to the Latin Quarter and the Petit-Champlain Quarter, with each stop unfurling another layer of history.

As the excursion concludes, you can continue exploring this cradle of French culture in North America independently, perhaps seeking out one of the delicious local restaurants or popping into the boutique shops. For an adventure just outside downtown, you could make your way to Montmorency Falls, which, at 272 feet tall, is nearly 100 feet taller than Niagara Falls. Overnight Quebec City.

A cultural journey through Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City, this Canadian vacation has offered a glimpse at what makes this country so enticing. Each location was showcased on guided excursions; however, you also had plenty of free time to soak up the diverse atmospheres independently.

After more than a week immersed in Canada's most fascinating cities, your vacation comes to a close this morning. You can begin your journey home independently after checking out of your hotel.

Should you wish to extend your stay in Canada, speak to a Rail Specialist about adding extra nights in Quebec City.