Compare Canada's Eastern Cities by Train by Audley Travel vs Best of Eastern Canada & USA 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1 : Toronto

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Toronto. On arrival, make your way from the airport to your downtown accommodation - you could get a taxi, ride the Union Pearson Express rail to Union Station or catch a bus. After checking into your hotel, you have the rest of the day to relax or explore Canada's largest city. There are many museums, shops, galleries and restaurants to browse, or you can head to the top of the CN Tower to take photographs over the cityscape.

Day 2 : Toronto

Enjoy a full day soaking up the sights and sounds of Toronto. You could explore the city's array of galleries and museums, or venture into its quirky, eclectic neighbourhoods. If you're a sports fan, we recommend a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame or the Rogers Center, home to the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team. Alternatively, take a 15 minute ferry ride over to Toronto Island, where parks offer a peaceful place to walk or cycle and you can relax on sandy beaches - and admire the city skyline.

Day 3 : Toronto

Join a full day, small group guided trip to Niagara Falls. The journey takes around two hours, passing the fruit-growing town of St Catherine's and the Niagara Peninsula wine region (you may have the chance to stop at a winery later today for some wine tasting). On arrival at Niagara Falls, you have plenty of time to take in the beauty and power of the cascading water, and an exhilarating boat trip gives you a closer view. After lunch in one of the local restaurants, you're driven along the scenic Niagara Parkway, winding along the Niagara Gorge, before visiting the pretty village of Niagara-on-the-Lake. You may have time to take an optional helicopter flight from here over the falls for superb bird's-eye views.

Day 4 : Ottawa

This morning, make your own way to Union Station, where you board the train from Toronto to Ottawa. The journey takes around four and a half hours; you can admire the view as cut through Ontario's forested interior. A snack and bar service is offered on all of your journeys. On arrival at Ottawa's Tremblar Road Station, take a short taxi tide to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring Canada's capital city. We can book you on a free 20 minute tour of Parliament Hill's government buildings. You'll also find the Peace Tower here - a lift can take you up to the top for sweeping views over the city.

Day 5 : Ottawa

Spend today further exploring the compact city of Ottawa. Many superb parks and gardens, as well as the Rideau Canal, offer a peaceful place to stroll. There are also a variety of museums and galleries to browse, including the Museum of History, which charts 1,000 years of Canadian history through interesting and atmospheric exhibits. We also recommend visiting the Byward Market, where you're spoilt for choice when it comes to cafes and restaurants.

Day 6 : Montréal

Take a taxi to Ottawa's Tremblar Road Station, where you board the train to Montréal. The journey takes around two hours through lush green landscapes. On arrival at Montréal's Central Station, take a taxi to your hotel. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring this cosmopolitan city, which blends French, British and Canadian cultures. You could browse the many chic shops and galleries or take a guided walking tour along the cobbled streets of Old Montréal and the Old Port area to learn about the city's history.

Day 7 : Montréal

The day is yours to explore more of the city. You may wish to take a relaxing bateaux mouche cruise along the St Lawrence River, visit the Planetarium for an insight into astronomy, stroll around the beautiful Botanical Gardens or learn about the environment in the distinctive Biosphere Museum. You could also visit the Museum of Fine Arts or go walking in Parc du Mont Royal for excellent views over the city.

Day 8 : Québec City

Take a taxi to the train station and board the train to Québec City. The journey takes around three and a half hours and you pass some beautiful scenery, including snow-capped mountains and dense evergreen forest. Upon arrival at Québec City's Gare du Palais, take a taxi to your hotel before heading out to take in this historic city's many sights. Enjoy a drink in one of the quaint cafes while soaking up the distinctly European atmosphere, or visit La Citadelle with its old fortified walls.

Day 9 : Québec City

Join a two hour guided, small group walking tour of old Québec. Your guide is an expert on the city's history and gives you a fascinating insight into its past. Highlights include strolling along the Duffering Terrace for views over the surrounding countryside and the St Lawrence River, walking through the Governor's Garden to see the Wolfe-Montcalm monument and learning about the last siege on the city at La Maison du General. After the tour you can spend the rest of the day exploring the city through new eyes, spending more time at its historical sites, enjoying a spot of shopping or tucking into the fine French cuisine served in many of the cafes and restaurants.

Day 10 : International return flight

There may be time this morning for some last minute shopping and sightseeing before taking a taxi to Québec Airport for your onward flight.

Day 11 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.

Day 1: Thrilling Toronto

Welcome to Toronto, a vibrant city on Lake Ontario, full of fine restaurants, bars and an eclectic mix of cultures. On arrival at Toronto International Airport, a transfer will take you to your hotel. You’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner with wine at 18:00.

Day 2: Toronto and the Thundering Falls of Niagara Relaxed Start

Travel up University Avenue to see Queen's Park and the Parliament Buildings, before venturing on to spectacular Niagara Falls. Take in this great natural wonder up-close on a cruise to the base of the falls. Browse quaint Niagara-on-the-Lake before returning to Toronto.

Day 3: Kingston and Ottawa

Journey to historic Kingston, otherwise known as the Limestone City and view the old buildings, churches and fortifications, with many of them being constructed from limestone itself. Continue to the Canadian capital of Ottawa where you’ll join a Make Travel Matter® experience with the culinary experts of C’est Bon at the Just Food community farm.  You’ll learn new culinary skills and discover more about local cuisine. Ingredients include Canadian staples such as maple sugar, haskaps, labrador tea and wild flowers. End the experience with a delicious three-course dinner with wine, before heading back to your hotel.

Day 4: Canada's Capital to Montreal

Get ready for an exciting morning exploring Ottawa, with a tour of the city’s stately boulevards. Then, you'll join your Indigenous Cultural Ambassadors and experience a lively traditional Pow Wow dance. Join this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and learn about the Manitobah Mukluks Storyboot Project which aims to revive the traditional arts by creating partnerships with elders and artisans. Continue to the diverse metropolis of Montreal, which is in the French-speaking province of Quebec.

Day 5: Montreal, the Royal Mountain

Today you’ll join a Local Expert who will guide you around Old Montreal, the grand mansions of Mount Royal, and the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica. The rest of the day is free to enjoy as you please.

Day 6: Montmorency Falls Park to Quebec City Relaxed Start

Depart Montreal and head to Montmorency Falls today.Stop at a traditional Sugar Shack and learn how maple syrup is created and harvested.After lunch, continue onwards to Montmorency Falls Park where you will experience that natural wonder that towers 272 feet (83 metres) tall. Walk the full width of the falls on a suspension bridge, or if you're feeling adventurous, you can take the panoramic staircase down along the cliffside.Continue on to Quebec City.

Day 7: Quintessential Quebec Relaxed Start

Discover more of Quebec’s unique European charm with a Local Expert, who will guide you along the city’s quaint cobblestone streets. You'll see the Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, City Hall and Palace Royale. You'll also walk past the Citadel, which offers great view of the city and Château Frontenac. In the evening you’ll choose from a selection of top local restaurants on a Dine-Around Evening.

Day 8: Quebec to Bar Harbor

Bid 'Au Revoir' to Quebec City as you cross the U.S. border and travel toward Mount Desert Island on the Atlantic Coast. A tranquil getaway, this large island comes with freshwater lakes, rugged clifftops, forests and striking mountains. Make the most of the serene setting at your hotel, which is situated on the island itself.

Day 9: Explore Acadia National Park

Take in the natural beauty of Acadia National Park, with its dramatic rocky shoreline and rugged nautical charm. You'll witness amazing views of the park from the top of Cadillac Mountain, while guests wanting to explore on foot can join their Travel Director to view well-known spots such as Thunder Hole. You'll have time to explore Bar Harbor on your own. Stop for an ice cream or head to the bustling souvenir stores to stock up on some holiday treats. The evening is saved for a delectable Highlight Dinner with your new friends, as you feast on authentic Maine lobster, a local specialty and one that won't disappoint.

Day 10: Coastal New England to Boston

Follow the rocky Maine shoreline, stopping in picturesque Kennebunkport, a glitzy, New England resort town and the iconic home of the Bush family. The town has a number of fine, well-preserved mansions, many of which have been turned into charming inns.

Day 11: Boston, the Cradle of Liberty

Famous for its American Revolutionary war history, Boston is a place for keen history buffs. Join your Travel Director as they guide you along the Freedom Trail, a route that leads you to several historically significant sites, including the Old State House and the meeting house where the Boston Tea Party of 1773 was planned. The rest of your day is at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll to Downtown Crossing or historic Faneuil Hall. For foodies in search of the city's best street eats, head to Boston's North End. With its large Italian community, this part of town houses some of the best Italian bakeries in the city, as lines of shoppers circle the block to get their hands on fresh cannoli and other treats.

Day 12: A Bite of the Big Apple

Follow the bright lights to New York City. Choose to visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck with stunning views of the New York skyline. Alternatively, take a scenic bike tour of Central Park and explore its iconic sights.Your hotel is in the heart of Midtown and a short, 10-minute walk from the United Nations Headquarters and just steps away from Grand Central Terminal and the Chrysler Building.

Day 13: A Manhattan Masterpiece Relaxed Start

Explore the City that Never Sleeps with your Local Expert, before heading out on your own. If it's tranquillity you're after, relish the calm of Central Park, an expansive space designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

Day 14: Liberty in Philadelphia and D.C.

Travel to Pennsylvania's largest city, Philadelphia, where the Liberty Bell first chimed and Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. Explore Independence National Historic Park and visit the Liberty Bell with your Travel Director. Journey to Washington, D.C., the nation's capital. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps join an optional Illuminations Tour in the evening before spending the night at the luxurious Fairmont Washington D.C. Georgetown.

Day 15: Washington, D.C. Sightseeing and Leisure Time

In the morning, immerse yourself on a sightseeing tour and delve into the proud heritage of a nation. View the White House, the striking Washington Monument, and sprawling National Mall. Reflect on the country's most turbulent days at the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial. The rest of the day is at leisure. Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Celebration Dinner and toast to new friends and fantastic memories.

Day 16: Depart Washington, D.C.

A morning transfer at leisure will take you to Dulles International Airport or Reagan National Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, extend your stay at your own pleasure.