As seen on Michael Portillo's Great American Railroad Journeys, this itinerary is all about the natural beauty of Atlantic Canada. Visit the spectacular Hopewell Rocks at the Bay of Fundy, the charming streets of Montreal, and the Confederation Bridge, the longest bridge over ice-covered waters in the world. See the picturesque Green Gables Shore and the maritime riches of Halifax, joining it all together with scenic rail journeys across the Canadian countryside.
Enjoy VIP lounge access before boarding your flight to Montreal. On arrival, travel independently to your downtown hotel and head out to explore Montreal, Canada's second largest city is surprisingly easily to explore either by foot or metro. Take a walk down Rue Sherbrook to admire the elegant buildings or visit Plateau Mont-Royal for a variety of jazz bars and nightlife. This bustling city is also a hotspot for restaurants, boutiques and has extensive underground tunnels offering even more shopping options.
Stay: Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, Montreal (Deluxe)
Montréal, Canada
Today you'll enjoy a sightseeing tour of Québec City. You'll see the UNESCO World Heritage site, marvelling at the European architecture and history of the old town, a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage site. Your guide will see you to some of the highlights, including a visit to the Montmorency Falls, which is a full 30 metres higher than Niagara Falls. This evening, return to your Montréal hotel, perhaps dining at one of many contemporary restaurants or traditional taverns nearby.
Stay: Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, Montreal (Deluxe)
Château Frontenac, Québec City
Montmorency Falls
You'll start today with a your choice of guided tours in Montreal. A city sightseeing tour will see you explore the likes of Mont Royal and take in panoramic views of the old town and picturesque riverfront. Alternatively, take the chance to delve deeper into the delights of Old Montreal and its maze of cobblelstone streets on a guided walking tour. Or, why not indulge your inner foodie with a trip to experience six of your guides favourite eateries and watering holes, from artisan charcuteries to craft beers.
Then, in the evening, board VIA Rail and relax in the comfort of your Sleeper Plus private cabin as you glide past rural Québec. Enjoy warm Canadian hospitality, included hot drinks and snacks, and a three-course dinner in the dining car before retiring to your cabin for the night.
Stay: VIA Rail – Sleeper Plus Private bedroom and shower
Dinner included
Montreal City Hall, Montréal, Canada
Wake to views of the Atlantic Ocean outside the train window before enjoying breakfast as you pass rolling hills and charming coastal villages on your way to Moncton. On arrival, you'll transfer to Charlottetown via the Confederation Bridge, the longest bridge over ice-covered waters in the world. At 13km, it joins Prince Edward Island with New Brunswick in spectacular fashion. Come the afternoon, you'll check into your hotel in Charlottetown, capital of Prince Edward Island.
Stay: The Great George, Charlottetown (Deluxe)
The Confederation Bridge
Today's scenic route sees you through verdant farmland and past pretty villages along the North Shore and Green Gables Shore region. Pause along the way in quaint fishing harbours and picturesque lighthouses as well as Cavendish Beach national park. You'll also tour the Green Gables House, the farm that inspired the novel Anne of Green Gables in 1908, and stop at Prince Edward Island Preserve Company to shop for local jams and marmalades.
Stay: The Great George, Charlottetown (Deluxe)
Cavendish Beach
Green Gables
This morning you'll explore Charlottetown a choice of sightseeing tours, perhaps catching a buoy, hauling a trap and banding a claw as you learn about the world of lobster fishing on Prince Edward Island. Otherwise, take the chance to discover the rich history and charm of Canada's Birthplace as you explore the streets of Charlottetown itself.
Stay: Sutton Place Hotel, Halifax (Deluxe)
Charlottetown
Charlottetown
Moncton
Arrive in Halifax where you'll again have a choice of excursions designed to highlight both the city itself and the surrounding Nova Scotia coastline. Discover Halifax's vibrant food scene on a gastronomic journey across town. Sample fresh seafood, award-winning local wines, and Halifax's famed donair. Visit historic sites including the impressive Halifax Citadel and picturesque Hydrostone Neighborhood, or immerse in Nova Scotia's beauty with scenic Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, explore Halifax Citadel's historic alleyways, witness Halifax's vibrant landmarks, and visit iconic Titanic cemetery, or choose Nova Scotia's South Shore charm with a tour of historic Lunenburg. Uncover its UNESCO World Heritage status, engage with local expertise, explore preserved architecture and the Bluenose II. Dive into the fishing industry, vibrant waterfront, shops, distilleries and eateries.
Stay: Sutton Place Hotel, Halifax (Deluxe)
Tall Ship Silva, Halifax Waterfront
This morning, you'll head to the airport and enjoy VIP lounge access before your day flight returning to the UK
"This is a particularly unique getaway that showcases the delights of Atlantic Canada's Maritime provinces and the icons of Québec. There's everything from tastes of Montreal awe inspiring tidal ranges of the Bay of Fundy, to fascinating cities like Charlottetown and Halifax. Joined together with included tours and some scenic rail journeys, for me this is one of the best ways to see the region."
Andy Austen
Destination Specialist
01 - 27 May / 01 - 14 Oct 2024 from: £3,470 pp
28 May - 30 Sep 2024 from: £3,785 pp
Includes
VIA Rail Canada - Sleeper Plus Private Bedroom - Montréal to Moncton