Lilting Celtic music fills the air of a lively pub. A whale breaches the surface of the water, giving you a picture-perfect memory of your trip. The nearby lighthouse turns lavender in the glow of the morning sunrise. This is just a taste of what you'll experience on one of the best Nova Scotia train tours.
Stunning seascapes, local storytellers and lively music come together to make Novia Scotia and the Maritimes region one of the most popular destinations in Canada. Take the VIA Rail Ocean Train from Montreal to Halifax to experience the unique culture of Canada's East Coast while enjoying comfort and great service. From the tranquil beauty of Cape Breton to the sparkling waters of Chaleur Bay, touring the Canadian Maritime provinces is always a memorable adventure.
Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada has travel insiders on hand to help you put together the vacation package of your dreams. Whether you're looking for Novia Scotia tours for seniors or outdoor adventures that are accessible from a Nova Scotia train route, we're here to help plan every aspect of your trip.
These are some suggested experiences for your Canadian adventure.
On board the Ocean Train you'll travel from the French-speaking province of Quebec, through the blissful backdrop of lighthouses and seascapes in the Canadian Maritime Province of Nova Scotia before reaching your final destination of Halifax. As you relax on board, you'll see tiny communities along your route, representing French Canadian, Acadian, Celtic and English heritages.
There are two train routes in Canada that allow you to sleep on the train. Travel between Vancouver and Toronto on the Canadian, with stops in Jasper or Winnipeg, or travel the East Coast of Canada on The Ocean Train from Montreal to Halifax. Both sleeper train routes are available all year long. Some sleeper trains in Canada are equipped with special panoramic viewing cars to provide you with the best view of the scenery day or night.
#1 Travel tip: Try the wine
Another reason to visit Nova Scotia is its up-and-coming wine regions. I love Annapolis Valley, Gaspereau Valley, South Shore, and the Malagash Peninsula. They have great local varietals to sip while you're there!
Athena McKenzieContent Manager
The capital of Nova Scotia offers a thriving arts scene, excellent restaurants, peaceful manicured parks and a beautiful waterfront to explore. Stroll along the harbour, listen to live Celtic music and enjoy what this wonderful little Eastern city has to offer.
When to go: September-October is a great time to visit Halifax. The summer crowds are gone, but the weather is still pleasant and many festivals bring the city to life.
The highlight: Visit the fascinating Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and learn the many stories of Canada's version of Ellis Island.
Recommended trip: The Canada Eastern Rail Classic includes a tour to Halifax and Peggy’s Cove.
#2 Travel tip: Explore Halifax's waterfront
I love walking along Halifax's waterfront – it's home to one of the world’s longest urban boardwalks. Stretching 2.5 mile in length, it's the perfect way to explore the city at your own pace.
Louise WeissDirector of Legendary Hospitality
With its narrow streets and brightly painted buildings, Lunenburg is a Nova Scotia fishing village that almost looks too charming to be real. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was the first British settlement outside of Halifax. It's walkable, packed with great restaurants, quirky shops and makes a great day trip from Halifax.
When to go: For the best weather, visit between July and September.
The highlight: Taste Lunenburg's rum history at the Ironworks Distillery, located in a marine blacksmith's shop dating back to 1893.
Recommended trip: Ask our Canadian trip experts about adding on a Lunenburg day trip while you are in Halifax.
This tiny fishing village (population 35) attracts nearly a million tourists per year – drawn to the glow of the iconic lighthouse standing proudly on a craggy shore. The most photographed lighthouse in Canada, it's an icon of local marine heritage.
When to go: Visit during shoulder season (late spring or early fall) for fewer crowds but still pleasant weather.
The highlight: Sink your toes into the sand of Bayswater Beach Provincial Park, a peaceful place to relax and enjoy a picnic.
Recommended trip: The Canada Eastern Rail Classic includes a tour to Peggy's Cove.
You want to relax and enjoy your trip, not get overwhelmed by the planning. Let us make all of the bookings for you, including rail tickets, hotels, excursions and activities, meals and transfers.
Enjoy local expertise and guidance with a personalized itinerary. Your preferences and needs are our priority. We take care of you from the moment you land until the moment you leave.
You’ll receive the inside scoop before you even leave home. And you can relax during your vacation because we’re only a phone call away if you have any questions while you’re in Canada.
All-inclusive Nova Scotia rail vacations are one of the best ways to enjoy everything Nova Scotia has to offer. Panoramic viewing cars, delicious meals and stellar service are just a few of the benefits of travelling to Nova Scotia by train.
Yes! The Ocean Train runs from Montreal to Halifax, making it easy to visit the Canadian Maritimes.
The cost of a train trip from Toronto to Nova Scotia depends on several factors, including the number of days included and what level of service you select. Prices range from $3,080 USD per person to $9,980 per person for train vacations lasting from 8 to 19 days. These trips include stops in multiple cities.
The Ocean Train travels from Montreal to Nova Scotia, so you'll need to take the Canadian Train from Vancouver to Montreal first. Train vacations including these routes typically cost anywhere from $3,080 USD to $9,980 USD per person. The total cost of a Nova Scotia train vacation depends on the accommodations you select, the number of excursions you add and the level of train service you want.
About the author: Athena McKenzie is the Content Manager at Fresh Tracks Canada. An experienced lifestyle journalist, she has written about travel, design, arts and entertainment. Her work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Zoomer Magazine, Elle Canada and... Read more
Useful Links
Train Trip FinderWhere to go in CanadaJourneys Across CanadaCanadian Rockies and West CoastEastern Canada and The MaritimesCanadian North and ArcticSummer Train TripsWinter Train TripsFall Color Train TripsTours for SeniorsRoad Trips and Self DrivesFamily AdventuresVacations for Active SeniorsHistory and Culture TripsWildlife Viewing TripsExplore Canada
The Canadian TrainTrain Across CanadaCanadian Sleeper TrainLuxury Trains Across CanadaVIA Rail VacationsRocky Mountaineer Train ToursCanadian Rockies Train ToursTrain Tours for SeniorsCanadian Pacific RailwayBest Train Trips in CanadaNational Park Train ToursTrain Tours from VancouverCanadian Snow TrainAlaska Cruise and Train ToursCanadian East Coast Train ToursCanadian West Coast Train ToursPopular Train Trips
Vancouver to Toronto Train JourneyAcross Canada by TrainComplete Canadian Rockies by TrainCanadian Cross-Country JourneyClassic Eastern Canada by TrainTrans Canada Rainforest RouteCanadian Rockies Voyage by TrainCanada Coast to Coast by TrainRockies Winter Wonderland by TrainDiscover Whistler and the Canadian Rockies by TrainMontreal and Quebec City Getaway by TrainCanadian Cross-Country Journey in WinterLords of the Wilderness Bear ViewingTrans Canada by Train in WinterEssential Rockies with Alaska CruiseCanadian Train Vacations
© 2025 Fresh Tracks Canada
Stunning seascapes, local storytellers and lively music come together to make Novia Scotia and the Maritimes region one of the most popular destinations in Canada. Take the VIA Rail Ocean Train from Montreal to Halifax to experience the unique culture of Canada's East Coast while enjoying comfort and great service. From the tranquil beauty of Cape Breton to the sparkling waters of Chaleur Bay, touring the Canadian Maritime provinces is always a memorable adventure.
Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada has travel insiders on hand to help you put together the vacation package of your dreams. Whether you're looking for Novia Scotia tours for seniors or outdoor adventures that are accessible from a Nova Scotia train route, we're here to help plan every aspect of your trip.
These are some suggested experiences for your Canadian adventure.
On board the Ocean Train you'll travel from the French-speaking province of Quebec, through the blissful backdrop of lighthouses and seascapes in the Canadian Maritime Province of Nova Scotia before reaching your final destination of Halifax. As you relax on board, you'll see tiny communities along your route, representing French Canadian, Acadian, Celtic and English heritages.
There are two train routes in Canada that allow you to sleep on the train. Travel between Vancouver and Toronto on the Canadian, with stops in Jasper or Winnipeg, or travel the East Coast of Canada on The Ocean Train from Montreal to Halifax. Both sleeper train routes are available all year long. Some sleeper trains in Canada are equipped with special panoramic viewing cars to provide you with the best view of the scenery day or night.
#1 Travel tip: Try the wine
Another reason to visit Nova Scotia is its up-and-coming wine regions. I love Annapolis Valley, Gaspereau Valley, South Shore, and the Malagash Peninsula. They have great local varietals to sip while you're there!
Athena McKenzieContent Manager
The capital of Nova Scotia offers a thriving arts scene, excellent restaurants, peaceful manicured parks and a beautiful waterfront to explore. Stroll along the harbour, listen to live Celtic music and enjoy what this wonderful little Eastern city has to offer.
When to go: September-October is a great time to visit Halifax. The summer crowds are gone, but the weather is still pleasant and many festivals bring the city to life.
The highlight: Visit the fascinating Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and learn the many stories of Canada's version of Ellis Island.
Recommended trip: The Canada Eastern Rail Classic includes a tour to Halifax and Peggy’s Cove.
#2 Travel tip: Explore Halifax's waterfront
I love walking along Halifax's waterfront – it's home to one of the world’s longest urban boardwalks. Stretching 2.5 mile in length, it's the perfect way to explore the city at your own pace.
Louise WeissDirector of Legendary Hospitality
With its narrow streets and brightly painted buildings, Lunenburg is a Nova Scotia fishing village that almost looks too charming to be real. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was the first British settlement outside of Halifax. It's walkable, packed with great restaurants, quirky shops and makes a great day trip from Halifax.
When to go: For the best weather, visit between July and September.
The highlight: Taste Lunenburg's rum history at the Ironworks Distillery, located in a marine blacksmith's shop dating back to 1893.
Recommended trip: Ask our Canadian trip experts about adding on a Lunenburg day trip while you are in Halifax.
This tiny fishing village (population 35) attracts nearly a million tourists per year – drawn to the glow of the iconic lighthouse standing proudly on a craggy shore. The most photographed lighthouse in Canada, it's an icon of local marine heritage.
When to go: Visit during shoulder season (late spring or early fall) for fewer crowds but still pleasant weather.
The highlight: Sink your toes into the sand of Bayswater Beach Provincial Park, a peaceful place to relax and enjoy a picnic.
Recommended trip: The Canada Eastern Rail Classic includes a tour to Peggy's Cove.
You want to relax and enjoy your trip, not get overwhelmed by the planning. Let us make all of the bookings for you, including rail tickets, hotels, excursions and activities, meals and transfers.
Enjoy local expertise and guidance with a personalized itinerary. Your preferences and needs are our priority. We take care of you from the moment you land until the moment you leave.
You’ll receive the inside scoop before you even leave home. And you can relax during your vacation because we’re only a phone call away if you have any questions while you’re in Canada.
All-inclusive Nova Scotia rail vacations are one of the best ways to enjoy everything Nova Scotia has to offer. Panoramic viewing cars, delicious meals and stellar service are just a few of the benefits of travelling to Nova Scotia by train.
Yes! The Ocean Train runs from Montreal to Halifax, making it easy to visit the Canadian Maritimes.
The cost of a train trip from Toronto to Nova Scotia depends on several factors, including the number of days included and what level of service you select. Prices range from $3,080 USD per person to $9,980 per person for train vacations lasting from 8 to 19 days. These trips include stops in multiple cities.
The Ocean Train travels from Montreal to Nova Scotia, so you'll need to take the Canadian Train from Vancouver to Montreal first. Train vacations including these routes typically cost anywhere from $3,080 USD to $9,980 USD per person. The total cost of a Nova Scotia train vacation depends on the accommodations you select, the number of excursions you add and the level of train service you want.
About the author: Athena McKenzie is the Content Manager at Fresh Tracks Canada. An experienced lifestyle journalist, she has written about travel, design, arts and entertainment. Her work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Zoomer Magazine, Elle Canada and... Read more
Useful Links
Train Trip FinderWhere to go in CanadaJourneys Across CanadaCanadian Rockies and West CoastEastern Canada and The MaritimesCanadian North and ArcticSummer Train TripsWinter Train TripsFall Color Train TripsTours for SeniorsRoad Trips and Self DrivesFamily AdventuresVacations for Active SeniorsHistory and Culture TripsWildlife Viewing TripsExplore Canada
The Canadian TrainTrain Across CanadaCanadian Sleeper TrainLuxury Trains Across CanadaVIA Rail VacationsRocky Mountaineer Train ToursCanadian Rockies Train ToursTrain Tours for SeniorsCanadian Pacific RailwayBest Train Trips in CanadaNational Park Train ToursTrain Tours from VancouverCanadian Snow TrainAlaska Cruise and Train ToursCanadian East Coast Train ToursCanadian West Coast Train ToursPopular Train Trips
Vancouver to Toronto Train JourneyAcross Canada by TrainComplete Canadian Rockies by TrainCanadian Cross-Country JourneyClassic Eastern Canada by TrainTrans Canada Rainforest RouteCanadian Rockies Voyage by TrainCanada Coast to Coast by TrainRockies Winter Wonderland by TrainDiscover Whistler and the Canadian Rockies by TrainMontreal and Quebec City Getaway by TrainCanadian Cross-Country Journey in WinterLords of the Wilderness Bear ViewingTrans Canada by Train in WinterEssential Rockies with Alaska CruiseCanadian Train Vacations
© 2025 Fresh Tracks Canada
