Montreal & Quebec City by Rail

Canada's cultural capital and a city brimming with history, art and fantastic cuisine, Montreal marks the starting point for your Canadian vacation. Upon arrival today, make your own way to your centrally located hotel to check in for a three-night stay. You are then free to get acquainted with your new surroundings.

Montreal's cityscape is home to more than 100 distinct ethnic communities, representing cultures from around the world. With these influences, fantastic shops can be found throughout the city, and there are plenty of distinctive neighborhoods to explore. Of course, the restaurant scene is also brimming with options, with everything from regional Canadian cuisine to Greek, Italian and Chinese food represented on the menus.

If you are instead interested in Montreal's historic side, Old Montreal's story spans more than 400 years. Walk along its cobbled streets and past buildings that date to as early as the 17th century during your free evening. Overnight Montreal.

This morning, get to know Montreal on a sightseeing tour that takes you past more than 200 points of interest. As you weave through the city, watch for highlights like the Notre-Dame Basilica, historic Old Montreal and the Olympic Complex. The tour also pauses for a panoramic view over Montreal from the top of Mount Royal.

As the tour concludes, the afternoon is yours to continue uncovering the city's history and culture at your own pace, perhaps revisiting some of the sites from the tour for a better look. If you wish to see the inside of the Notre-Dame Basilica, we recommend booking admission in advance.

Montreal is also home to fantastic museums, such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Montreal Biodome, which offer fascinating exhibits to explore. Overnight Montreal.

With a full day at leisure in Montreal, you can continue sightseeing at your own pace or relax while enjoying the amenities of your hotel. Heading out into the city, you could seek out a beaver tail - a delicious fried pastry topped with your choice of accompaniments - for breakfast and grab a seat in a park to watch the city come to life.

Today is the perfect time to seek out one of Montreal's most famous dishes, poutine, or to wander the stalls of Bonsecours Market or Jean-Talon Market. You could also get a different perspective on the city's offerings by visiting Underground Montreal. Here, you can walk amongst the shops, restaurants, art installations and attractions that linger beneath the city's surface, protected from the elements. Overnight Montreal.

Please note: Speak with a Rail Specialist to learn about optional tours available in Montreal during your departure.

The morning is yours to wrap up any sightseeing still on your travel list in Montreal before you transfer to the railway station for the journey to Quebec City. Settle into your Economy* seat on VIA Rail's Corridor Service and look upon sprawling urban and suburban scenes as you venture along the St. Lawrence River to your next destination.

Arriving in Quebec City later this afternoon, head to your centrally located hotel for check-in, and then you are free to get to know this atmospheric city. It was a French explorer who founded Quebec City in 1608, and today, it is the only remaining fortified city north of Mexico. You might like to stroll along the cobblestone streets to soak up this rich history, delighting in sidewalk cafés and charming shops as you explore. Overnight Quebec City.

*Please note: Upgrades to Business Class with an included meal onboard are available.

Today brings a comprehensive introduction to Quebec City as you embark on a guided sightseeing tour. Step aboard a bus for this excursion, and enjoy commentary and stories as you uncover the city's modern and historic sides. Follow a route to renowned destinations, such as the Latin Quarter and the Plains of Abraham, and see highlights including the Citadel, the Fortifications, the National Assembly, Place Royale and the Basilica, among many other points of interest.

After two hours of sightseeing, you are free to continue your day at leisure. Perhaps use this opportunity to get a better look at sites featured on the tour, such as the Plains of Abraham, where battles were fought in 1759 and 1760. You could tour the onsite museum, or wander through the park, uncovering points of interest from the battles or admiring the gardens that now cover the grounds.

Quebec City is a culinary hotspot in Canada, with an eclectic mixture of restaurants, including delicious French options, to entice you for dinner this evening. Overnight Quebec City.

Enjoy a full day to experience the allures of Quebec City at your own pace*. Parliament Hill, with its impressive Parliament Building and the Fontaine de Tourny, offers plenty to see, as does the Petit Champlain Quarter, whose shops are the perfect place to find souvenirs. You could enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride (payable locally), which, weather permitting, operates throughout the year, or spend some time immersed in art at a local museum or art gallery.

Located just outside the city, the Montmorency Falls is spectacular, thundering from a height higher than that of Niagara Falls. The park in which the falls are set is beautiful in every season and offers many ways to enjoy the views. Alternatively, Île d'Orléans offers a tranquil island retreat approximately 30 minutes from Old Quebec City. Overnight Quebec City.

Please note: Speak with a Rail Specialist to learn about optional tours available in Quebec City during your departure.

*Please note: February departures have included admission to Quebec City's Winter Carnival today, and you can enjoy all the annual festivities independently.

From the cultural neighborhoods of Montreal to the historic streets of Quebec City, this vacation has shown the many sides of French Canada. You had the opportunity to delve into their captivating attractions and best locations at your own pace and explored the juxtapositions of old and new, tradition and growth on guided tours. VIA Rail's Corridor Service connected the two locations, providing a seamless journey throughout.

Your Canadian tour comes to a close this morning upon checking out of your hotel. Make your own way to the airport for your travels home, or if you are not ready to bid adieu to this captivating region, speak with a Rail Specialist about adding additional nights in Quebec City.