Canada: Toronto to Quebec
Canada, the second-largest country in the world, and quite a bit to offer; from mountains, prairies, tundra, and much more. However, this Canadian train adventure brings you along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River where you will see the iconic Niagra Falls and essentially follow the county’s old trading routes.
During this Canada itinerary, you’ll find some of the tastiest food mixed with different cultures from around the world, and even experience a bit of Europe in the middle of one of Canada’s largest cities. Enjoy the route and don’t forget to bring your appetite!
Recommended Days: 10 Days
Riding Hours: Approx. 10 hr
Distance: 900 km
Transportation: Train
Toronto: Misty Falls
Toronto, a truly diverse city, has plenty of museums, galleries, and attractions to offer on your long or short visit here. One of the most popular reasons to visit Toronto is Niagara Falls and for a good reason. With only a two-hour train ride from the city center, you can be standing on the edge of Horseshoe Falls at Niagara amidst the mist or take a boat right up to the falls. Although we’re all about chasing waterfalls, don’t get too crazy and attempt going down them, nowadays, that’s a whopping $10,000 fine!
Once back downtown, there are many activities and sights after visiting Niagara to keep you busy throughout your stay. The CN Tower gifts you amazing views of the city and on a clear day all the way over to Niagara Falls. Hungry? Head over to Kensington Market, a former Jewish market, that is now an area home to foodies and artists. You know what that means… tasty food and cool art!
If you thought your mom had a lot of shoes, visit the Bata Shoe Museum to see the largest collection of shoes in the world. The Ripley Aquarium is pretty impressive and worth a visit but if you’re pressed for time you can’t miss the Royal Ontario Museum, Casa Loma, and the Entertainment District (where plenty of festivals are held). Don’t forget to try some Peameal bacon from St. Lawrence Market before you get on to the train toward Ottawa.
Toronto Union Station → Ottawa Train Station | Duration: 4:34 | Transfers: 0 | Transport: Train
Start your train journey from Toronto’s Union Station. The journey entails hugging Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, offering views of light blue waters, and then following with green landscapes until the arrival at the Ottawa train station. There are 5 daily train connections between Toronto and Montreal. Buy tickets here
Recommended Accommodations:
Planet Traveler Hostel
The Novotel Toronto Centre
Ottawa: The Vibrant Capital Of Canada
A city with a rich cultural life, Ottawa is worth a visit year-round. The Rideau Canal of Ottawa plays two different roles as an active waterway in summer and as a frozen skate way in winter. Climb up the Peace Tower to get a panoramic view all over the city of Ottawa. You can see Parliament Hill, the Gatineau River, and all the way up to hills in the north.
Peek into the Canadian Museum of Nature, Canada’s Cold War Museum, and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Wander on past the prism-like appearance of the National Gallery of Canada, and it will draw your attention instantly.
If you’re visiting in the spring, join in on the Tulip Festival. If it’s summer, head to the Byward Market downtown to grab some vegetables, fruits, and flowers.
Ottawa → Montreal | Duration: 1:52 h | Transfers: 0 | Transport: Train
Three trains depart daily from Ottawa to Montreal. The journey takes around 2 hours. Buy tickets here
Recommended Accommodations:
Novotel Ottawa City Centre Hotel
Montreal: The Festive City Of Canada
Quite a big city, Montreal incites more of a European style due to its French influences where you can see this immediately in the display of brilliant architecture on the streets of Vieux-Montreal (“Old Montreal”). Known famously for its festivals, over 100s of festivals are held here annually where you can find an event to enjoy any time of the year.
The people of Montreal love to get outdoors when it’s not crazy cold, and some favorites spots to enjoy the fresh air are on the cycling trails, walking paths, of the Saint Lawrence River. Here people also partake in river surfing, hop on in or just watch the pros. Enjoy a meander to Mount Royal for a better vantage point of the city or attend a concert at Place des Arts.
Since Montreal people are food lovers, grabbing something to eat under $50 CAD isn’t too hard to manage. We know most of the food is hard to resist, and you shouldn’t resist it… you’re on vacation! Get your hands on fresh bagels, Viande Fumee, and Poutine and your taste buds won’t regret it. Maybe if you’re interested in cooking up some of your own food, head to Jean-Talon Market (Marché Jean-Talon) for some fresh produce or enroll yourself in a cooking course!
Montreal → Quebec City | Duration: 3:30 h | Transfers: 0 | Transport: Train
Three trains depart daily from Montreal to Quebec City. It starts $78 for a economy seat. Buy tickets here
Recommended Accommodations:
Hostel Le Gite du Plateau Mont-Royal
Hotel Zero 1 Montreal
Quebec City: The City Of The French
The last city on our Canada itinerary is Quebec, and as you wander down the streets it will be hard to remember you’re still in Canada. Whilst overhearing conversations in French, an outsider sees Quebec as very similar to Europe, with its attractive old buildings, stone walls, and cobblestone streets. There are plenty of historic sites including Plains d’Abraham, Morrin Centre, and Vieux-Quebec (“Old Quebec”), which is inclusive of the iconic Châtaeu Frontenac.
If you’re interested in some beautiful sites not too far from the city center, sitting thirty meters higher than Niagara Falls. Montmorency Falls is worth the stair climb to reach a breathtaking view of the falls from the suspension bridge.
Everywhere you will be able to find Quebecois Poutine (a messy pile of fries and gravy), Tourtière (a meat pie), and phenomenal cheeses (of course). So try to grab your last tastes of French-Canadian cuisine before your journey is wrapped up.
Recommended Accommodations:
Hotel Manoir D’Auteuil
*Disclaimer: Due to the fluidity of transportation schedules, the information seen on RailwayHero may not be up to date at the time of readíng. Always double-check with the operator for the latest information.
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