Eastern Canada by Rail Itinerary

Starting in

Toronto, Canada

Physical Difficulty

2 / 5

Breakfasts included

1

Lunches included

1

Ending in

Montreal, Canada

Accommodation

Hotels (9 nights)

Transport

Train , Private vehicle , Boat , E-bike

Take a rail journey through Eastern Canada and uncover the cultural highlights, historic landmarks, French influence and scenic beauty of the region over 10 days. Start your adventure in Toronto, taking a daytrip to Niagara Falls and raising a glass of wine to your fellow travellers. Stay in the small town of Gananoque and take a boat ride around the Thousand Islands, then see Ottawa on an e-bike through the city and parklands. Explore Quebec City’s bohemian atmosphere, take a historic funicular ride and taste some local snacks before a daytrip to Ile d’Orleans – home to the gorgeous national park. Get your fill of poutine, then end it all in Montreal.

Day 1: Toronto

Welcome to Canada! Your adventure begins in Toronto – the capital of Ontario along the lake’s northwestern shore. With soaring skyscrapers, this metropolis is known for the free-standing CN Tower, its green spaces and its sports culture. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After, maybe head out for dinner with your group and get to know each other.

Day 2: Niagara Falls / Toronto

Today you’ll take a day trip to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Part of the UNESCO-listed Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve, the falls are also one of the honorary Natural Wonders of the World, straddling both Canada and the Unites States across three massive cascades. You’ll take an orientation tour with your leader, then you have free time to take on one of the optional cruises on offer. Feel the mist of the falls on your face, then this afternoon, head to a wine tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake – this town on the Niagara Peninsula is home to some excellent wineries. Later, return to Toronto for the night.

Day 3: Toronto / Gananoque

This morning, head out for an orientation walk of Toronto with your local leader, seeing some of the sites you may not have seen yet. Then, you’ll hop on the train to the small town of Gananoque – home to the Thousand Islands, known as the ‘Garden of the Great Spirit’ by the Iroquois Nation. Straddling the border, this archipelago sits at the outlet of Lake Ontario at the head of Saint Lawrence River. When you arrive, you have a free afternoon to relax or explore at your own pace. Maybe explore the parkway, visit the 1000 Islands History Museum or head to a theatre show at the Thousand Islands Playhouse.

Day 4: Thousand Islands / Ottawa

Set out on a cruise through the Thousand Islands this morning and learn about this area’s history, wars and rebellions. See the 5th and 6th-generation family cottages as you cruise through the narrow channels to the Admiralty and Navy groups of islands, soaking up the scenery. This afternoon, take the train to Ottawa, Canada’s capital. When you arrive, you’re free to explore the city’s restaurant and bar scene – your leader will always have some great recommendations!

Day 5: Ottawa

Set out on an e-bike tour of Ottawa. This city is a great spot to explore on two wheels, home to many bike paths through both the city centre and through nature, so you’ll spend half the day exploring downtown, both on foot and by electric bike. Visit Gatineau Park – this park focuses on conservation and is the largest green space in the region, occupying an area of over 362 sq km. A favourite for nature-lovers, this huge space celebrates its biodiversity, and you can look out for bats, frogs, raccoons, squirrels and even black bears (when the season’s right). After, you have a free afternoon to relax or visit one of the city’s 29 museums.

Day 6: Quebec City

Today you’ll take a train to Quebec City – the largest province in Canada known for its French-speakers, European architecture, narrow streets and the Saint Lawrence River on which it sits. This is a bit of a long travel day, so soak up the views along the way, get stuck into a good book or play card games with your fellow travellers. When you arrive, you’re free to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe walk the cobblestone streets in the evening and find a warmly lit bistro for dinner or head to a comedy show.

Day 7: Quebec City

Head out on a walking tour of Quebec City this morning with a local guide and get to know more about the city and its culture. Head to the popular chain BeaverTails and tuck into a delicious local pastry, then hop on The Old Quebec Funicular – a historic railway connecting the Upper and Lower Town, offering views across the city. The main entrance of the funicular is the House Louis Jolliet, in the heart of Old Quebec, which was built in 1683! This afternoon is free to explore this charming city however you like.

Day 8: Ile d'Orleans / Jacques Cartier National Park / Quebec City

This morning you’ll take a private vehicle to Ile d’Orleans for a daytrip – this island and heritage site in the Saint Lawrence River was one of the first places in the province to be colonised by the French and has been described as ‘the microcosm of traditional Quebec.’ When you arrive, you’ll explore with your leader, then head to a local spot for some classic poutine (fries and cheese curds covered in brown gravy). When you’re justifiably full of carbs, you’ll head to the gorgeous Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier for a hike. This park is home to one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Quebec, the Vallee de la Jacques-Cartier. Look out for moose and beavers as you walk through the scenic landscape, then later, return to Quebec City.

Day 9: Montreal

Take the train to Montreal – the largest city in the province of Quebec named after Mt. Royal, the triple-peaked hill at its centre. The neighbourhoods here all offer unique draw cards, with French cobblestone streets and bohemian vibes. When you arrive, you’ll head out for an orientation walk to get your bearings. Known for its rich cultural history, art, theatre and music, there is plenty to explore here with your free afternoon and evening. If in doubt – just ask your handy local leader! Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner and toast to an excellent Canadian exploration.

Day 10: Montreal

With no further activities planned after breakfast today, your trip comes to an end and you’re free to leave at any time after check-out.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

Chelsea Hotel, 33 Gerrard St , Toronto, CANADA

Finish point

Sens Hotel, 1808 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest , Montreal, Quebec, CANADA

Important information

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask to speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.


For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

POLICE AND AMBULANCE
In case of an emergency, local authorities can be contacted by calling 911 – this is the toll free phone number for the police, fire department and the ambulance in the USA and Canada. In case of doubt, call the operator on 0.

For general enquiries or questions about your booking, please contact your agent or adventure specialist, or visit us at www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local operator on the number below.

Is this trip right for you

The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right in the city centre. Trains are comfortable and often decked out with air-conditioning, toilets, a snack bar (or vending machine) and power points. You'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, as well as some short distances to the hotel (no longer than 30 minutes), so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find details in the 'What to Take' section of the Essential Trip Information.

Why we love it

Travel between Toronto and Montreal like the locals do – by train! See this gorgeous part of Canada from a train window, soaking up the scenery along the way and enjoying a slower pace., Visit the iconic Niagara Falls and tour the Canadian side with your local leader before taking on an optional boat ride to feel the mist of the thundering cascades on your face. Then, visit a winery in Niagra on the Lake for a tasting., Stroll through the heritage-listed Old Town of Quebec City, try a classic snack at BeaverTails and take the historic funicular up the hill for excellent views across the city., Daytrip to Ile d'Orleans – this scenic island is known as ‘the microcosm of traditional Quebec.’ Have a classic lunch of poutine, then take a hike through the beautiful Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier., Explore the cities of Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa and get to know Canada’s famous landmarks, culture, history and people by bike, rail and on foot – all with a local leader by your side.

Group leader

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative.

Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Safety

TRAVEL ADVISORIES & ALERTS
We recommend that you check your government's foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Links to travel advisories and any current travel alerts for our trips can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

PERSONAL SAFETY
Ensure you have a secure method of carrying your passport, phone, credit cards and cash while travelling such as a money belt. Leave all other high value items, including jewellery, at home Use safety deposit boxes at hotels to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Exercise caution when walking at night, don’t walk alone and stick to well-lit streets wherever possible. Be vigilant on public transport and look out for your fellow travellers. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
Intrepid welcomes all LGBTQIA+ customers on our trips, however we operate in parts of the world that are less accepting. We support LGBTQIA+ customers to travel to these destinations and are committed to ensuring they face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. We recommend you visit Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/) and your government's foreign travel advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers when choosing your trip., https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines, PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY
While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

Visas

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Last modified (date)

Information not available.

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2026 to 31 Dec 2026

Additional Information

Health

GENERAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 


PERSONAL MEDICATION
Medical prescriptions written outside of the US and Canada aren't accepted at local pharmacies. We recommend you bring along your personal medications in the necessary quantities for your trip.

DEHYDRATION & SUN PROTECTION
The most likely medical incidents to occur on our trips are dehydration, over exposure to the sun and twisted ankles from walking on uneven ground. While hiking please ensure you drink enough water to remain hydrated as some hikes don't have refill stations for your water bottles. The sun (especially in desert areas in the West) can be harsh, particularly in the warmer months. Ensure you apply adequate sunscreen and wear a hat.

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.
The most convenient way to access money is via ATMs, which are plentiful throughout North America. Check with your bank for information on their international fees. Most optional activities can be paid for with credit card.

TIPPING
Tipping is part of the culture in North America – while it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of many industries including the tourism industry, in North America.

YOUR LEADER
You may consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline US$10-20 per person per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your leader on your trip. Tipping is always appreciated.

LOCAL GUIDES
During your trip you may have a local expert guide for an included activity. As a guideline we suggest $5-$10 per person per local expert as a tip.

TIPPING WHILE OUT AND ABOUT
Restaurants: We suggest 18% to 22% of your bill.
Bars: We suggest US$1 per drink.
A charge that isn’t normally listed in North American menus or pricing are the state and federal taxes. Keep this in mind when your bill comes out slightly higher than the original price listed.

CONTINGENCY FUNDS
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

What to take

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

Climate and seasonal

WEATHER IN NORTH AMERICA
Due to the size and topography of the US and Canada, there's a huge amount of variation in the climate. We recommend you consider both the season and the part of North America you intend to visit, so that you can best pack for your adventure. We recommend you check the weather in your destination 10 days prior to your arrival to help guide your packing choices.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities.

To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final.

Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip.

Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

LEGAL DRINKING AGE
In the US the legal drinking age is 21.
In Canada the legal drinking age is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec, and 19 in the remaining provinces and territories.
Our leaders are not able to help underage customers buy alcohol.

CANNABIS
Cannabis is legal in Canada, however taking it across international borders, including into the United States is illegal. For more information: http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/cannabis/

Accommodation notes

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.

Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Transport notes

AIRPORT TRANSFERS IN THE USA & CANADA
We recommend taxis and rideshare services like Lyft and Uber when traveling to and from hotels in the USA and Canada. These services are widely available across North America, offering convenient and accessible transportation options. Private transfers in North America incur high costs and present an increased risk of missed connections due to their fixed schedules. In contrast, taxis and rideshares offer both cost-effectiveness and flexibility, ensuring a smoother journey. With transparent pricing, GPS tracking, and on-demand availability, we believe that taxis and rideshare apps not only offer a reliable alternative to private transfers but also provide a secure, trustworthy, and budget-friendly transportation option for our customers.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:


https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

SOLO TRAVELLERS
On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports.

We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis.

On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns.


OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist.

Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.