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Montréal, Québec City, and Toronto by Rail: A Tailor-Made Journey

12 days from $3,620

Explore two intriguing sides of Canada by train, traveling from Toronto to the Old World culture capitals of Québec City and Montreal. Experience the power and majesty of Niagara Falls, then continue by rail to Ottawa to discover its historic landmarks. Savor the European ambiance of Québec City’s fortified Old Town, then end your journey immersed in the vibrant museum scene and lively neighborhoods of enchanting Montréal.

Train Journeys
Tailor-Made Journeys
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Highlights

  • Take a full‑day excursion to experience the power of Niagara Falls and stroll the charming village of Niagara‑on‑the‑Lake.
  • Explore the museums, parks, and national institutions of Ottawa, Canada’s historic capital.
  • Discover Québec City’s rich past on a guided walk through its cobblestone streets and fortified Old Town.
  • Explore Montréal’s green alleys and eclectic neighborhoods on a guided bike tour with a local expert.
  • Admire the passing landscapes as you travel in comfort between cities by train, experiencing Eastern Canada at a relaxed pace.

Sample Itinerary

To see itinerary, please click on an option below.

The following itinerary is a sampling of the experiences that we offer on a Tailor-Made Journey. Working with our country specialists, you can customize your itinerary to fit your timing, your budget, and your interests, including accommodations, activities, and the places you visit.

Day 1 — Toronto, Canada

Arrive in Toronto, Canada’s largest and most multicultural city, and make your way to your downtown hotel. After settling in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Explore the city’s lively waterfront, browse world‑class museums, or sample Toronto’s celebrated culinary scene. As daylight fades across Lake Ontario, the harborfront offers a particularly beautiful sunset walk.

Day 2 — Toronto

Enjoy a full day to explore Toronto on your own. Sports enthusiasts may wish to visit the Hockey Hall of Fame or the Rogers Centre, home of the Blue Jays, while others might opt to take the quick ferry to Toronto Island, a peaceful retreat with beaches, bike paths, and sweeping skyline views. This evening, ascend the iconic CN Tower with included tickets to watch the city glow as the sun sets—one of Toronto’s signature experiences. (B)

Day 3 — Niagara Falls & Niagara‑on‑the‑Lake

Embark on a full‑day small‑group excursion to Niagara Falls, traveling through the Niagara Peninsula’s vineyards en route. Upon arrival, board a boat that carries you close to the thundering cascade—an unforgettable vantage point. Enjoy an included lunch overlooking the Falls before following the scenic Niagara Parkway to Niagara‑on‑the‑Lake, a charming 19th‑century village known for its preserved architecture and local wines. (B)

Day 4 — Train to Ottawa

Make your way to Union Station and board the comfortable train bound for Ottawa. The four‑and‑a‑half‑hour journey reveals the forested landscapes of Ontario, enjoyed from your Business Class seat with a light meal included. Upon arrival, begin exploring Canada’s capital—an elegant city of national institutions, riverside paths, and historic government buildings. (B,L)

Day 5 — Ottawa

Spend today discovering Ottawa’s compact and culturally rich center. Consider booking the free tour of Parliament Hill to learn about Canada’s parliamentary system and ride the elevator to the top of the Peace Tower for panoramic city views. Ottawa also offers excellent museums, including the Museum of History, whose exhibits trace more than 1,000 years of Indigenous and Canadian stories. (B)

Days 6 — Train to Québec City

Travel by taxi to the station for your six‑hour rail journey to Québec City, passing through verdant countryside along the way. After arriving at the historic Gare du Palais, settle into your hotel and begin exploring the only fortified city north of Mexico. Wander cobblestone streets, enjoy a café on a charming square, or visit La Citadelle, overlooking the St. Lawrence River.(B)

Day 7 — Québec City

Join a two‑hour guided walking tour of Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll along Dufferin Terrace with its grand river views, explore the Governor’s Garden, and learn about pivotal moments in the city’s military history, including the siege commemorated at La Maison du Général. The afternoon is yours to explore boutiques, historical sites, and excellent local restaurants. (B)

Day 8 — Train to Montréal

Take a taxi to the station and board the train to Montréal, a scenic ride of about three and a half hours past forested landscapes and mountain views. After arriving downtown, spend the afternoon exploring a city celebrated for its blend of French elegance, North American energy, and international flair. The Old Port is especially atmospheric at sunset—an ideal spot for dinner. (B)

Day 9 — Montréal

This morning, join a half‑day small‑group cycling tour of Montréal’s neighborhoods, parks, and waterfront, riding bright pink reclaimed bicycles with a knowledgeable local guide. Enjoy a picnic lunch paired with a craft beer before continuing through leafy back alleys and lively districts filled with street art. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, using the insights gained from your guide to explore deeper. (B)

Day 10 — Depart Montréal

Depending on your flight time, enjoy a bit of last‑minute shopping or sightseeing before taking a taxi to Montréal Airport for your journey home. (B)

Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)

Starting Price

Dates

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Price

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from $3,620

Occupancy Double
Estimated Price $3,620

Prices shown are per person based on double occupancy, and do not include international air. Reduced pricing may be available for triple or quad accommodations, or for parties of six or more travelers.

Starting price reflects the itinerary shown here, and are intended as a broad indication of how much you should budget for your trip. We can tailor your trip to match your budget by adjusting the trip duration or departure date, and choosing accommodations and activities that suit your needs and interests.

Prices are based on rates of exchange, airfare & fuel (where applicable), tariffs, taxes, and other costs as of the tour publication date. We reserve the right to correct errors and to increase program prices to cover increased costs, tariffs, and taxes received after prices are published and to reflect currency fluctuations.

Tour Details

Accommodations

Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer

Tucked into Toronto’s lively Entertainment District, Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer offers an elegant urban retreat just steps from theaters, restaurants, and the city’s waterfront. The hotel blends contemporary design with warm Canadian hospitality, featuring thoughtfully appointed guestrooms with plush bedding, walk‑in showers, and refined modern décor. Inviting shared spaces—including a cozy lobby lounge and rooftop terrace—create a relaxed residential feel. With its excellent location, understated luxury, and attentive service, Le Germain Mercer provides an ideal base for exploring the best of downtown Toronto.

Metcalfe Hotel Ottawa

Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, The Metcalfe Hotel blends boutique style with classic Canadian warmth just steps from Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and the city’s major museums. The hotel’s striking interiors mix exposed brick, industrial accents, and curated artwork to create a vibrant, contemporary atmosphere. Guestrooms are spacious and thoughtfully designed, offering plush bedding, modern amenities, and a quiet retreat after a day of exploration. Inviting common spaces—including a light‑filled atrium lounge—encourage relaxation and conversation. With its central location, stylish comforts, and welcoming ambiance, The Metcalfe provides an ideal base for discovering Canada’s capital.

Auberge Saint-Pierre

Located in the heart of Québec City’s historic Old Port, Auberge Saint‑Pierre blends 200 years of architectural heritage with the inviting warmth of a boutique inn. Behind its elegant stone façade, the hotel features parquet floors, exposed brick and stone walls, and thoughtfully designed guestrooms and suites that reflect the charm of the city’s French colonial past. The atmosphere is cozy and refined, with attentive service, complimentary breakfast, and intimate shared spaces that encourage relaxation between explorations. Steps from galleries, cafés, and the riverfront, Auberge Saint‑Pierre offers an inviting and authentically Québécois retreat in one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods. 

Le Saint-Sulpice Hotel

Situated in the heart of Old Montréal, steps from the historic Notre‑Dame Basilica and the neighborhood’s cobblestone streets, Le Saint‑Sulpice Hôtel Montréal offers a sophisticated boutique retreat in one of the city’s most atmospheric districts. The all‑suite property combines contemporary elegance with warm Québécois hospitality, featuring spacious accommodations with sitting areas, modern amenities, and many with views of the courtyard or the lively Old Port surroundings. Thoughtful service, inviting lounges, and an ideal location for exploring Montréal’s museums, galleries, and waterfront make Le Saint‑Sulpice a stylish and comfortable base for discovering the city’s rich cultural tapestry. 

Gift Membership – Friends of Smithsonian

When you travel on a Tailor-Made Journey, you will receive a Friends of the Smithsonian Archivist Circle membership*. Benefits include:

  • An annual Smithsonian calendar with full-color images of exceptional art and artifacts, mailed in the fall.
  • Subscription to Smithsonian, the award-winning magazine of the arts, sciences, and history. 
  • Invitations to four exclusive virtual programs for Friends of the Smithsonian members with Smithsonian experts.
  • Access to special members‑only hours at select Smithsonian venues.
  • 10% discount in Smithsonian Museum Stores (good on purchases up to $200); 10% discount with the SmithsonianStore.com, and Folkways Recordings
  • Special member rate for tickets to the Smithsonian’s IMAX® theaters and Einstein Planetarium.
  • Free admission to the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.
  • A complimentary copy of the Smithsonian annual pocket guide profiling exhibitions and work across the Institution.
  • Invitation to a special welcome members-only tour at a Smithsonian Museum (offered one time to Archivists upon joining at this level).

*Offer only available for first-time Smithsonian members. 

Travel Insurance

For the convenience of our travelers, Smithsonian Journeys includes a basic medical expense and evacuation plan through Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, at no additional charge. This plan provides post-departure Medical and Dental coverage of $250,000 per person and Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage of $1,000,000 per person (U.S. Residents Only). Note: For full details regarding these coverages please review the following Plan Documents here.

In addition, we recommend that travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect their travel investment from unforeseen events such as cancellation due to illness, flight delays due to adverse weather, baggage loss, and more. For your convenience, Smithsonian Journeys offers an optional Travel Protection Plan administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. For those interested, optional "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage is available for an additional charge. Note: Certain eligibility requirements apply and Cancel for Any Reason coverage is not available to New York residents. For full details regarding this coverage please review the following Plan Documents here.

To learn more about the Travel Protection Plan, you may visit https://www.generalipartner.com/smithsonianjourneys or call the administrator, Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand at (866) 501-3252.