The best overnight Eastern Canada train tour

The Classic Eastern Canada by Train is an 8-day, 7-night journey from Halifax to Montreal. Begin with time to explore Halifax before boarding VIA Rail’s Ocean for an overnight journey to Quebec City, then continue by daytime train to Montreal. Your Canadian Insider arranges your hotels, rail travel and experiences, so every detail is taken care of along the way.

Yes. This trip can be travelled in either direction. Most guests begin in Halifax and finish in Montreal, but you can reverse it to start in Montreal, ride the Corridor train to Quebec City, then take the Ocean train overnight to Halifax. Your Canadian Insider will arrange the direction that suits your flights and schedule.

Yes. Because every trip is personalized, you can extend your Eastern Canada rail vacation with additional time in Atlantic Canada. Popular options include Prince Edward Island, famous for red-sand beaches and Anne of Green Gables, and Cape Breton Island, home to the scenic Cabot Trail. Self-drive extensions are also available for travellers who prefer more flexibility. Speak with a Canadian Insider to customize your itinerary.

The journey is one of the highlights of this trip. From VIA Rail's Ocean train, you'll enjoy views of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick's forests, rivers, and the rolling countryside of Quebec. The daytime Corridor train follows the St. Lawrence River between Quebec City and Montreal, passing historic towns and rural landscapes. The ever-changing scenery is one of the highlights of travelling through Eastern Canada by rail.

Yes. VIA Rail's Corridor train connects Montreal and Quebec City several times a day, with a journey time of approximately 3-4 hours. The route follows the St. Lawrence River, passing farmland, historic towns, and rural Quebec landscapes. It is a comfortable and convenient alternative to driving. On our Classic Eastern Canada by Train trip, you'll travel this route in VIA Rail Business Class as part of an 8-day journey through Nova Scotia and Quebec.

VIA Rail's Ocean train is one of North America's oldest named passenger trains, operating overnight between Montreal and Halifax. The full journey takes approximately 22 hours. On our Classic Eastern Canada by Train itinerary, you'll travel from Halifax to Quebec City, spending about 19 hours aboard The Ocean train. Sleeper Plus service on The Ocean includes a private sleeper cabin with daytime seating and bunk-style beds, meals served in the dining car, and access to the service car. Learn more at /explore/the-ocean-train-via-rail, or speak with a Canadian Insider about this journey.

Quebec City and Montreal showcase the heart of French Canada. In Quebec City, you can explore the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec and see the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac on a guided walking tour, join a gourmet food tour, or upgrade to a countryside tasting tour featuring wineries and sightseeing stops. In Montréal, choose from a guided city tour, a private walking tour of Old Montreal, or a private food tour. Your Canadian Insider can help you select the experiences that best match your interests and travel style.

Your trip begins with two nights in Halifax, giving you time to explore Nova Scotia's beautiful coastline, delicious seafood, and rich maritime history. You'll see lighthouses and fishing villages. You can choose from experiences such as a guided tour to Peggy's Cove, a day trip to Lunenburg and Mahone Bay, or a winery tour in the Annapolis Valley. Your Canadian Insider can help you select the activities that best match your interests and travel style.

Multi-day rail trips are a great choice for senior travellers thanks to their relaxed pace, comfortable seating, and pre-arranged transfers. Our Classic Eastern Canada by Train trip combines an overnight journey aboard VIA Rail's Ocean with comfortable hotel stays and a choice of sightseeing experiences in Halifax, Quebec City, and Montreal. Every transfer and travel detail is arranged for you, so there's no need to worry about the logistics, and you can choose activities that match your interests, mobility level, and pace. For more options designed with senior travellers in mind, see our /explore/tours-for-seniors guide or speak with a Canadian Insider.

Meals are an important part of the experience throughout this trip. Onboard VIA Rail's Ocean train, you'll enjoy lunch and dinner in the dining car (included with Sleeper Plus), while Business Class on VIA Rail's Corridor includes a meal served at your seat. Off the train, the itinerary features dinners in both Halifax and Montréal, giving you the opportunity to experience local cuisine. Your Canadian Insider can also recommend additional restaurants and dining experiences to suit your tastes.