Ontario & French Canada with Ocean Train to Halifax

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • UK - Toronto

  Welcome to Toronto, Ontario’s capital and Canada’s largest city. Your Tour Director is available from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to answer any questions. Known for its vibrant multicultural character, Toronto is one of the world’s most diverse cities, with residents representing cultures and languages from around the globe. Once settled into your hotel, perhaps browse the shops at nearby CF Toronto Eaton Centre, visit the Hockey Hall of Fame, or sample local specialties at St. Lawrence Market, a beloved city landmark that has served Toronto for more than 200 years.

• Day 2 • Toronto - Niagara Falls

  View some of Toronto’s most recognizable landmarks, including the CN Tower and Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays, then follow the shores of Lake Ontario to one of the world’s most famous natural wonders, Niagara Falls. Board your Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise for an unforgettable up-close experience. Feel the mist and hear the roar as you approach the base of the Falls, where more than 3,160 tons of water plunge every second! After your cruise, enjoy free time at Niagara Falls or consider an optional excursion to the Skylon Tower for a buffet lunch and spectacular panoramic views before returning to Toronto.

• Day 3 • Toronto - Kingston - Thousand Islands National Park - Ottawa

  Depart Toronto and travel east to Kingston, a historic city on the shores of Lake Ontario with roots dating back more than 300 years. Continue along the St. Lawrence River, enjoying scenic views of the Thousand Islands region. In Rockport, board your boat for a narrated cruise through this remarkable archipelago, where wooded islands are dotted with everything from charming cottages to grand Gilded Age summer estates. Later, continue to Ottawa, Canada’s beautiful capital city.

• Day 4 • Ottawa

  This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Ottawa, beautifully situated along the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal. Highlights include the Royal Canadian Mint, the embassy district, and stately Parliament Hill. This afternoon is free to explore. Perhaps visit the Canadian Museum of History, known for its outstanding exhibits and views across the Ottawa River, or browse the shops, restaurants, and local specialties at lively ByWard Market.

• Day 5 • Ottawa - Quebec City

  Travel into the French-speaking province of Québec, where a distinct culture, language, and heritage create a unique sense of place. Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Cap, one of Canada’s most important pilgrimage sites, and learn about its remarkable history. Continue along the historic King’s Highway, tracing the northern shore of the St. Lawrence River, before arriving in Québec City, the heart of French Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening, consider an optional excursion to the Érablière le Chemin du Roy Sugar Shack to learn about the process of maple syrup production and enjoy a traditional Québec dinner.

• Day 6 • Quebec City

  Enjoy a guided tour of Québec City, Canada’s only walled city, crowned by the turrets of the iconic Château Frontenac. Until the British victory of 1759, Québec City served as the capital of New France; today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore historic landmarks, including Place d’Armes, Laval Seminary, the star-shaped Citadelle, and Place Royale. You’ll also see the stone buildings and narrow streets of Lower Town along the St. Lawrence River. The rest of the day is free to explore. This evening, perhaps join an optional excursion to Montmorency Falls, cascading 272 feet into the St. Lawrence River, followed by dinner featuring regional specialties at a charming 18th-century restaurant on nearby Île d’Orléans.

• Day 7 • Montreal - Via Rail - The Ocean Train to Halifax

  This morning, say goodbye to your Tour Director and enjoy a day at leisure in Montréal. This evening, transfer to the train station and board VIA Rail’s The Ocean for your overnight journey to Nova Scotia. Relax in the comfort of your private Sleeper Plus cabin as the train follows the scenic St. Lawrence River and travels through Eastern Canada.

• Day 9 • Via Rail Ocean Train - Halifax

  Journey across the Québec-New Brunswick border and through the largest of Canada’s maritime provinces. Enjoy the tree-lined views while watching for lighthouses that dot the landscape along the way. Late afternoon arrival in Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, then transfer to your hotel. Your Local Host will be available to answer questions and provide suggestions for sightseeing, dining, shopping, and exploring in this vibrant Atlantic Canadian city.

• Day 10 • Halifax - Excursion to Peggy's Cove

  Discover Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia and a city rich in maritime history. Sightseeing includes the Halifax Public Gardens, the Citadel National Historic Site, and other notable landmarks that reflect the city’s seafaring heritage. Then travel along the scenic Lighthouse Route to picturesque Peggy’s Cove, one of Atlantic Canada’s most iconic coastal towns. See colorful houses, fishing shacks, and the famous Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, perched atop wave-washed granite rocks overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

• Day 11 • Halifax

  Your vacation ends this morning.