8 nights / 9 days
Quebec City, Montreal Via Rail, Montreal City Sightseeing, Ottawa Excursion, Halifax Via Rail - Ocean Train, Halifax - Peggy"s Cove & Lunenburg
Arrive at the historic Quebec City, the heart of French Canada and a World Heritage Site. Rest of the day free to explore this historic Old Town and view the Chateau Frontenac.
Tour Canada"s only walled city, crowned by the great turrets of the Chateau Frontenac. Until the British victory of 1759, Old Quebec was the center of New France and is one of the best-preserved cities in North America. Within the walls reside the Place d"Armes; the Laval Seminary; the star-plan Citadelle, with grand vistas from its bastions; and ancient Place Royale. Also see the stone houses crowding the narrow streets of Lower Town by the St. Lawrence River. Quebec is the heart of maple country, so perhaps a visit to a traditional sugar shack and a sample of maple sugar candy will make your day.
Your rail journey to Montreal this morning is under four hours, and takes you into rural Ontario, with maple forests and pasturelands, crossing into Quebec at Coteau where the rail line joins the Toronto-Montreal line. Upon arrival at the Central station transfer independently to your hotel.
Montreal offers a number of unique attractions. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of this city taking in more than 200 points of interest, including a stop at the Notre Dame Basilica, residential and financial districts, Old Montreal, French Quarter, outside view of Olympic Site, McGill University and a panoramic view from an observation point on top of Mt. Royal. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy Montreal.
Located on the Ottawa River about 200 Km west of Montreal, Ottawa is also one of the most diverse cities in the world, offering everything from world-class sporting events and shopping adventure to museum and family activities. Ottawa is a unique mix of old and new, history and technology, excitement and relaxation. Among the many historic sights in Ottawa are the Canadian War Museum, Parliament Hill, Museum of Civilization, Rideau Hall, RCMP Museum and Stables, National Aviation Museum, Royal Canadian Mint, National Gallery, Byward Market, Rideau Canal, Dow"s Lake, Experimental Farm, Museum of Nature.
Enjoy another full day at leisure in cosmopolitan Montreal. Later this evening, your Canada Train travel experience continues aboard Via Rail"s The Ocean for Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Your train travel experience continues this morning with the beautiful scenery of the Baie Des Chaleurs. Enjoy spectacular views of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as train turns arrives Halifax by mid-afternoon. Upon arrival Halifax and transfer to your hotel independently.
Join your kilted guide for a delightful day trip to Nova Scotia"s famed “South Shore.” Begin your day meandering along the rugged Atlantic shoreline hearing tales of fishing, rum running, and the pirates of “Oak Island.” Your first stop is Mahone Bay, one of New Scotland"s most colorful villages, and home of the “three spires.” Next on to Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you may choose a visit to the Fisheries Museum or a Lunenburg Walking Tour, and then, possibly, lunch at one of Lunenburg"s many waterfront restaurants. Your last stop before returning to Halifax is Peggy"s Cove: mail a letter in the only lighthouse in North America with a post office, or just enjoy this fishing village built on solid granite rock.
Transfer independently to Halifax International Airport for your flight to your onward destination.
The Eastern Splendours - Canada