Eastern Canada Rail & Cruise

Your rail and cruise vacation begins today on the East Coast in the historic city of Boston, Massachusetts. This harborside city has long been a starting point for Atlantic adventures and is filled with sites that speak to the nation's past. As you arrive, take some time to get acquainted with Boston's attractions before making your own way to Boston's cruise terminal to board your cruise ship this afternoon.

Once on board, settle into your accommodations and take some time to get to know the ship's amenities, including its fitness center, casino and pools, ahead of its afternoon departure. Look upon Boston's waterside attractions as the cruise sets underway on its northbound journey toward Canada, perhaps from your cabin or one of the sun decks, before sitting down to your first dinner onboard. Overnight ship.

• Dinner

After a calm night of cruising, the ship docks in its first port of call in the beautiful state of Maine.

Cruises departing June 19th and September 25th dock in the city of Eastport, a port on Moose Island, nestled between Cobscook Bay and Passamaquoddy Bay. Eastport has a charming harbor with interesting shops, galleries and seafood restaurants. During your free day here, you could also visit America's only remaining stone-ground mustard mill, in operation for more than 125 years.

Cruises departing July 3rd and September 4th instead arrive in Portland. Portland sits on Maine's southern coast and includes a delightful Old Port Town ambiance. It is a city where cobbled streets lead to boutique stores and charming Victorian buildings, and there is a world-class culinary scene and a wonderful art community. During your free time here, you might like to venture to its 18th-century lighthouse - the oldest in Maine - or along its Old Harbor.

Returning to the ship this evening, settle in for dinner and another night of sailing along the Atlantic. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake in international waters this morning as the ship moors in Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia. Have breakfast on board, and then enjoy a day to experience this delightful city at your own pace.

Halifax is recognized as the largest urban area in Atlantic Canada and is a major cultural center for the region with the largest population east of Quebec City. The city has numerous art galleries, boutiques, museums, sidewalk cafés and lively pubs within walking distance of the harbor. Perhaps seek out its historical landmarks, such as Citadel Hill, or head to the South End of Halifax to see the beautiful Victorian houses and Town Clock. For another dose of history, the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site offers an impressive look at the city's military past while also providing incredible views over the water.

Dinner is served onboard as the ship continues deeper into Canada overnight. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Nearly 250 years of history await today in Sydney, the largest urban area on Cape Breton Island. The town is a showcase of history, with many of its buildings dating to its founding in 1785. Spend your free day here wandering along the recently constructed oceanfront boardwalk and marina - or visit the world's largest fiddle, which is on display.

If you would like to head a little further out, you could pre-book a shore excursion to visit Baddeck, which is considered the beginning (or end) of the scenic Cabot Trail, or tour the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site to learn more about this famous inventor. You could also spend time at the Fortress of Louisbourg, which looks just as it did in 1744 and includes ruins and a partially reconstructed village. However you spend your day, return to the ship for dinner and an overnight spent sailing toward Prince Edward Island. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today's mooring point is Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Despite the province's quaint size, its history is immense; after all, Prince Edward Island is where Canada's confederacy was founded.

The harbor area offers delightful boutiques offering a range of goods, and the downtown area boasts beautiful Victorian houses and buildings. Popular attractions include Province House, which hosted the Charlottetown Confederation in 1864, and the Confederation Centre of the Arts. This center houses live theater and an art gallery and hosts the Charlottetown Festival during the summer months. Other points of interest include St. Dunstan's Basilica and Beaconsfield Historic House.

The island also inspired the story of Anne of Green Gables, a novel set against the lush backdrop of Prince Edward Island. To spend your day amidst nature, you could wander Brackley Beach or perhaps explore Prince Edward Island National Park before returning to the ship in time for dinner. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving the Atlantic behind, today, the ship's route heads inland on Canada's St. Lawrence River. Beautiful scenery surrounds you at every angle, and you have all day to enjoy it from the comfort of the ship.

Have breakfast while soaking up views of small, uninhabited islands and lush shorelines. You could make use of the onboard activities, including the Culinary Arts Center with its gourmet cooking demonstrations, tasting events and cooking classes. Alternatively, you might like to book a massage or spa treatment in the Greenhouse Salon and Spa.

Of course, finding a comfortable seat on one of the sun decks affords you an incredible perspective over the passing views. Relax while keeping your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including whales. Lunch and dinner are also served on the ship as the day unfolds. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Historic Quebec City, one of the oldest European settlements in North America, beckons this morning. Upon stepping off the ship, spend the day strolling the city's cobblestone streets, admiring the 17th-century architecture and browsing the unique shops.

There are impressive landmarks at every turn in Quebec City, including the Plains of Abraham. This historic area is famous as the site of an important battle between the British and French during the Seven Years' War and is now a park often used for festivals, outdoor concerts and pure relaxation. The Ramparts surrounding Old Quebec are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only remaining fortified city walls north of Mexico in the Americas. You might also like to seek out the Latin Quarter before returning to the ship for dinner and your final night on the St. Lawrence. Overnight ship. 

Please note: The September 4th departure will instead spend the day cruising on the St. Lawrence River.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Upon anchoring in Montreal this morning, your cruise of the Atlantic and St. Lawrence River comes to a close. Enjoy breakfast onboard before disembarking for the final time and making your own way to your downtown hotel, located just a short walk from the docks. Upon checking in, you have the remainder of the day to get acquainted with this cosmopolitan city at your leisure.

Canada's cultural capital is brimming with attractions and amenities, so whether you crave a day of history, cuisine, or art, there are plenty of places to explore your interests. Further, with its melting-pot cityscape, Montreal includes a wonderful selection of eateries with global culinary influences for you to discover. Overnight Montreal.

Please note: The September 4th departure will disembark in Quebec City this morning. You can book an optional shore excursion to explore one of the oldest European settlements in North America or discover the city at leisure before transferring to the train station independently to join VIA Rail's Corridor Services to Montreal. On arrival, the rest of the day is yours to explore.

• Breakfast

Montreal is bursting with intrigue, with landmarks ranging from historic to modern and fascinating neighborhoods representing its many cultures. The best way to get the lay of the land and visit the city's most popular regions and attractions is on today's included Hop-on/Hop-off city tour.

This excursion can be taken at your own pace, with your ticket valid throughout the day. Join the tour at any of its scheduled stops and enjoy the freedom to "hop off" the double-decker bus at any point of interest that you would like to explore further. Highlights of the route include the Notre Dame Basilica, the Old Port of Montreal, the Montreal Science Center, St. Joseph's Oratory, Mount Royal Park and Dorchester Square. Afterward, you can continue sightseeing on your own and find dinner locally, perhaps seeking out a local favorite, poutine - a delicious concoction of French fries, fresh cheese curds and brown gravy. Overnight Montreal.

Moving on to your next Canadian city, today is your first chance to experience Canada's railway system. Make your own way to Montreal's station this morning to join VIA Rail's Corridor Service to Ottawa, the capital of Canada's government. The trip takes just under two hours and is the perfect chance to relax or research your destination city.

Upon arrival, walk to your centrally located hotel to check in for the first of two nights, and then you are free to discover the city with the remainder of your day. Ottawa is an exceptionally walkable city, with a pedestrian-friendly downtown filled with popular sites, unique shops and delicious restaurants. You might like to walk to Parliament Hill or wander the stalls of the Byward Market for an authentic taste of local cuisine. There is also an impressive selection of memorials and museums to discover, including the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Overnight Ottawa.

Located near the border of Ontario and Quebec, Canada's capital city is brimming with things to see and do. Today, you can get a look at some of its most impressive attractions and prominent landmarks while on a Hop-on/Hop-off city tour.

Featuring more than 75 points of interest throughout the city, this tour is a fantastic chance to explore Ottawa. Step aboard a double-decker bus at any of the scheduled stops, and enjoy panoramic views and insightful commentary. Spot highlights like the National Archives, Rideau Hall, the Royal Canadian Mint and Byward Market, and feel free to "hop off" the bus at any point for a better look.

This evening, you might like to venture to Elgin Street to find dinner. This popular destination is centrally located in the city and includes a selection of outstanding restaurants, from Canadian fare to Italian, Mexican and pub favorites. Overnight Ottawa.

Your final destination on this incredible rail and cruise journey lies ahead today. Make your own way to Ottawa's railway station this morning and join VIA Rail's Corridor Service to Toronto. Located on Lake Ontario, this is Canada's most populated and diverse city and a fantastic place to explore.

The journey takes under five hours to complete and passes a lovely range of scenery, ranging from views of the city and suburbs to lakeside panoramas. Upon arriving in Toronto later today, walk to your hotel to check in for two nights, and then enjoy a free evening in this exciting new city. Perhaps wander along the waterfront to soak up the city's bustling atmosphere or head to the Distillery Historic District to experience Canada's flavors in its many interesting eateries and cafés. Overnight Toronto.

Towering skyscrapers, historical sites and cultural attractions set the backdrop as you explore Toronto today. Set out in search of the city's famed attractions at your own pace on an included Hop-on/Hop-off tour. This excursion features more than 20 stops throughout Toronto, and you are welcome to stay on for the entire route or use the bus to access the sites that interest you most. Highlights of the tour include the CN Tower, Toronto's Harborfront, St. Lawrence Market, the Royal Ontario Museum, Maple Leaf Gardens and Eaton Centre, and you are welcome to step off the bus at any of them before rejoining at another stop.

If you would prefer, you could instead sightsee on your own, perhaps visiting the top of the CN Tower for panoramic views over Toronto. You could also ride one of the regularly scheduled ferries to the Toronto Islands for a unique perspective on the city while wandering along the connecting pathways. Overnight Toronto.

A showcase of maritime history and incredible cities, this journey has opened your eyes to the many wonders of the East Coast. Your route traveled along America's Atlantic coastline from Boston to Maine and then cruised through Canada's Maritime provinces, where culture has been influenced by centuries of sea explorers. Heading inland, you experienced Eastern Canada's urban side by rail, traveling to places where modern conveniences and history intertwine.

This memorable vacation comes to a close this morning as you check out of your hotel. A transfer is available to Toronto Pearson Airport for select flights, or you can make your own way home at leisure. Should you wish to extend your time in Canada, speak with a Rail Specialist about adding extra days in Toronto.