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Fall Colors of New England, Quebec & Montreal

 
4.4 stars(181 reviews)
You are viewing the 2027 itinerary. Select your departure year
202620272028
Duration
10 days
From per person
$5,499
Tour code
FQM27
Mobility Rating 3
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Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
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Scenic rail excursions, superb hotels and multi-hued autumn foliage are the hallmarks of this cozy seasonal journey through New England and French Canada

Spend ten days marveling at the distinctions of autumn in New England and Eastern Canada, discovering how the changing leaves are as unique as the destinations themselves.

Soak up Boston's history before traveling to New Hampshire to ride the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad and viewing the colors from Vermont's Stowe Gondola Skyride. We continue to Montreal and Quebec City in Eastern Canada and then travel back to America to explore the Kancamagus Highway and ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway.

Reminder: A valid passport is required to cross the U.S./Canada border.

Unforgettable Experiences

Viewing fall foliage aboard two scenic railways
Viewing fall foliage aboard two scenic railways
Gain a new perspective on autumn’s performance while riding on two of New England’s top scenic railways: the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad and Mount Washington Cog Railway.
Tasting freshly harvested maple syrup
Tasting freshly harvested maple syrup
Eight generations of the Morse family have used traditional harvesting methods to create some of the country's finest maple syrup, which we taste during a visit to the 200-year-old Morse Maple Farm Sugarworks.
Venturing to the “Top of Vermont”
Venturing to the “Top of Vermont”
A memorable vantage point over fall’s finest hues, the Stowe Gondola whisks us to the top of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest mountain, for breathtaking views.
Witnessing the culture of French Canada
Witnessing the culture of French Canada
Crossing the border into Canada, we explore the cities of Montreal and Quebec City with guided tours introducing their top attractions and free time to explore at your own pace.
Staying at the luxurious Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa
Staying at the luxurious Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa
Revel in the ambiance of an old mountain resort while staying at the 120-year-old Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa, a luxurious facility that marries nature and amenities.
Following America’s top fall foliage drive
Following America’s top fall foliage drive
Witness the breathtaking colors of a New England autumn while traveling along the Kancamagus Highway, one of the United States’ top byways for leaf-peeping.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1Arriving in the Cradle of Liberty, Boston

Your vacation begins today in Boston, a city whose Revolutionary roots and historic undertones offer a welcome introduction to New England. As you arrive, make your own way to our four-star hotel located in the heart of Boston's Back Bay. Check in and enjoy some time to get to know your new surroundings before joining the Tour Manager and your travel group at the hotel this evening for a welcome meeting that introduces the spectacular itinerary ahead of us.

Following the meeting, you are welcome to enjoy dinner on your own at the hotel or venture back out into the city to discover a plethora of restaurants. Being located on the coast, Boston is beloved for its seafood, and you might like to seek out a hearty bowl of clam chowder or a lobster roll to experience it for yourself. Overnight Boston, MA.

DAY2Fall foliage views on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad

After breakfast at the hotel this morning, a deluxe motorcoach awaits to take us to Meredith, NH, for a fall foliage train excursion aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. Sit back and relax as the train travels along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, with the vibrant colors of the surrounding foliage providing the perfect backdrop for the day's journey.

Returning to the depot, our motorcoach journey continues to the picturesque town of Burlington, Vermont. This scenic location on the shore of Lake Champlain is awash in quintessential New England charm. Surrounded by nature and filled with ties to the past and historic architecture, Burlington is magnificent at this time of year. On arrival, you are free to enjoy Burlington's offerings ahead of tonight's group dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Burlington, VT.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY3A look at autumn in Vermont

Maple syrup is synonymous with Vermont, and this morning, we delve into its harvesting and bottling process at Morse Maple Farm Sugarworks. Eight generations of the Morse family have used traditional methods to create some of the country's finest maple syrup at this 200-year-old farm. On arrival, we learn how this prized product is collected from the trees and processed into the topping we know and love. You will even have the opportunity to taste a few varieties.

Leaving the farm, we head to Montpelier, where there is free time for lunch, before venturing to the "Top of Vermont" on the Stowe Gondola SkyRide. It takes 20 minutes to reach the summit of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, from the base station, with each minute unveiling a new panorama over the gorgeous fall foliage. Spend as much time as you want at the top overlooking the town below. We return to our hotel after, with the remainder of the day to continue admiring and exploring this scenic region. Overnight Burlington, VT.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY4Across the border to Montreal

Leaving New England behind this morning, our motorcoach takes us north across the U.S./Canada border to French Canada. We arrive in the province of Quebec and make our way to the country's cultural capital, Montreal, where we stay for two nights. After checking in, you have some free time to find lunch locally before we set out on a guided city tour.

We learn about Montreal's history while venturing past its most notable sights, including the Notre Dame Basilica, Mont-Royal and historic Old Montreal. Our guide narrates the route, providing expert insight as we explore.

The remainder of the day is then yours to continue enjoying at your own pace in this unique city. Being home to more than 100 distinctive cultural communities, Montreal has restaurants that reflect tastes from all over the world. Whether you want to try local favorites, like poutine, or crave a taste of global cuisine, there are plenty of options for dinner this evening. Overnight Montreal, QC.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY5A free day in Montreal

With a full free day spanning ahead of you, you can get to know Montreal at your own pace. There is much to see in this city - both indoors and out in nature.

You might like to peruse the installations at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts or head to the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History. The Biodome in Olympic Park immediately catches your eye on the skyline and is a great place to explore North America's unique ecosystems.

If you wish to spend your day leaf-peeping, the Montreal Botanical Garden and Parc La Fontaine are especially beautiful at this time of year. Of course, one of the most popular places to admire nature's finale is Mont Royal Park, one of the largest green spaces in the city. Overnight Montreal, QC.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY6Aboard VIA Rail to Quebec City

With an early start this morning, we begin our day with breakfast at the hotel before transferring to Montreal's train station to board our VIA Rail train. Our destination today is historic Quebec City, whose distinct French ambiance is even more impressive against an autumnal backdrop.

The journey takes us along the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor and offers views of small towns and the ochre, copper and scarlet trees surrounding them. As we arrive this afternoon, we visit a local restaurant for lunch before setting out on a guided tour of Quebec City.

Our guide presents the Plains of Abraham, Place Royale and Place d'Armes, amongst other sites, and tells stories that bring Quebec City's 400 years of history to life. As the tour concludes, you are free to find dinner in one of Old Quebec City's charming eateries. Overnight Quebec City, QC.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
DAY7Remarkable scenery at Montmorency Falls

Relish in the options a leisurely day in Old Quebec City can bring. Grab a coffee or a pastry in one of the charming French cafés before walking through the historic streets. Perhaps wander along the fortified wall and make your way to La Citadelle de Québec. This destination is chock-full of Quebecois heritage and has much to offer. After all, few cities perfectly meld a well-preserved past dating to 1608 and modern-day achievements.

This afternoon, we venture outside the city to Montmorency Falls, an impressive waterfall that tumbles down a rocky cliff from 272 feet. Taller than Niagara Falls, this thundering waterfall is as incredible as it is scenic. The surrounding trees, painted in their fall finest, make for remarkable panoramas.

Our day concludes with a fine dining experience at Le Moulin de St. Laurent. This restaurant is housed in a historic building constructed between 1725 and 1730 and offers an incredible atmosphere to accompany its inspired menu. Overnight Quebec City, QC.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY8A scenic drive to Bretton Woods

After breakfast, our travels take us back into the United States, into the heart of leaf-peeping country in New Hampshire's White Mountains. As we depart Canada, we pause with free time for lunch in the town of Sherbrooke, Quebec.

Back on the road, lush mountain scenes and colorful fall forests pave the course for the remainder of the drive to Bretton Woods. Here, we stay at the opulent Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa, a 120-year-old facility whose beautiful setting is complemented by fantastic amenities.

On arrival, you are welcome to enjoy the ambiance of the resort however you please. You might like to take a dip in the pool or book a treatment in the 25,000-square-foot spa. On the property, hiking trails and gondola rides reveal even more of the changing leaves. Overnight Bretton Woods, NH.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY9The Kancamagus Highway and Mount Washington Cog Railway

Today takes us on one of the best fall foliage drives in the country as we follow along the Kancamagus Highway. This 34-mile route winds through northern New Hampshire, exploring the magnificent surroundings of the White Mountain National Forest. From the first mile, you will see why this National Scenic Byway attracts visitors from far and wide every autumn.

The vistas only get more impressive from here as we continue the day's adventures aboard the Mount Washington Cog Railway. Learn about the area's history and travel to the highest peak in the Northeast on North America's steepest train. At the 6,288-foot summit of Mt. Washington, there is plenty of time for photographs of the panoramic view that spans the mountains of New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and beyond.

Returning to the Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa this evening, we sit down to a final group dinner in New England. Overnight Bretton Woods, NH.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY10Traveling home

Burnished colors and charming locations lined the course of this memorable fall foliage viewing adventure. Each day brought a new way to soak up the season's glories, whether traveling aboard a scenic train, traversing an idyllic byway or climbing to a mountain summit by gondola.

We traveled from the city of Boston into the forests of Vermont and then continued across the border to the French Canadian cities of Montreal and Quebec City. Returning to the U.S., an encore of New England scenery beckoned in the White Mountains, as we wrapped up our journey with a two-night stay at a renowned resort.

Your vacation of stunning fall scenes concludes after breakfast this morning. A group transfer to Boston South Station or Boston Logan Airport accommodates trains and flights departing after 1:00 p.m.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours, they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.

Hotels

Hilton Boston Park Plaza
Hilton Boston Park Plaza
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Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods
Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods
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Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown
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Hotel Omni Mont-Royal, Montreal
Hotel Omni Mont-Royal, Montreal
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Hotel Manoir Victoria, Quebec
Hotel Manoir Victoria, Quebec City
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Trains

See more details about this tour's trains.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway

Holding designations as both the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway and one of the steepest rack railways in the world, the Mt. Washington Cog Railway is in a class of its own. This spectacular rail line has continued to impress guests with its beautiful views and inventive course since its opening in 1869. Steam engines made the journey exclusively until 2008, when biodiesel engines were introduced. Now, guests may choose from either for the hour-long trip to the summit. And the views from the top - they are just as impressive as the rack railway itself.

VIA Rail's Corridor Services

A convenient option for leisure travelers and commuters alike, VIA Rail's Corridor Service is an easy way to experience the cities which line Canada's inner corridor. This rail line extends between Windsor, located just minutes from Detroit, MI, via the Detroit Windsor Tunnel, and historic Quebec City. One of the most popular sections of the route runs between Toronto and Montreal. Over 370 Corridor Service trains depart weekly. 

Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad

Meander along the shores of New Hampshire's largest lake, with sparkling water views on one side and spectacular vacation homes on the other, aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. This scenic railway follows tracks first built in the latter part of the 1800s to accommodate the Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroadand offers a modern take on timeless travel. Both one- and two-hour routes are available on this line, allowing riders to experience as much or as little of the scenery as they desire. 

Enhance your trip

Extend your stay

Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their tripGreat Rail Journeys would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.

Reviews

4.4 stars4.4 / 5 · 181 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (101)
  2. 4 stars
    (55)
  3. 3 stars
    (17)
  4. 2 stars
    (7)
  5. 1 star
    (1)

Jessica Mcdonald

5 stars

Submitted 24 Oct 2025

Great value for your money.The Tour Guide was great and so was Sara the bus driver.

Collected by Trustpilot

Jeanette A

5 stars

Submitted 23 Oct 2025

Well planned and executed. Tour guide Edgar was a highlight, always ready with helpful information and pleasant service. Loved the Omni Mount Washington’s gilded age feel. Food was great, too

Collected by Trustpilot

John Tennyson

5 stars

Submitted 21 Oct 2025

Awesome experience! Traveling with this tour guided journey through beautiful fall foliage roads was everything I could have imagined and more. Five star dining experiences and hotel accommodations were like being treated like royalty. Cities with guided tours and free time on our own was unforgettable. Thanks for treating my wife and I to an Adventure that we will never forget!

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Frank Ferris

5 stars

Submitted 19 Oct 2025

The Boston Park Plaza was a lower quality hotel than all the others on the trip. I recommend you add a lunch at the Von Trapp estate since it is so close to the path we took. Our guide Egdar Bastian was great. Very informative about sites, obsessed with us having the correct information about bags outside the room and meal times, and seemed to know everyone's name. He really built a sense of group among all us individuals. He also hads good recommendations for wherre we could eat while out touring on our own. Don't lose him. The bus driver, Sarah, was top quality in terms of safe driving and friendliness.

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Ms. Margaret McNamara

5 stars

Submitted 19 Oct 2025

Very good do to a wonderful Driver Sarah and very knowledgeable and great guide Edgar.

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Christopher Judah

5 stars

Submitted 19 Oct 2025

Great trip. Great guide. Great driver.

Collected by Trustpilot

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