Capitals of Canada by Rail

Ottawa fizzes with excitement and festivities. Its sweeping beds of colourful tulips and urban art make perfect city-strolling fodder. A visit in spring reveals the flowers in all their glory. But whatever the season, check out the Gothic-style buildings that grace Parliament Hill, the home of Canada's federal government. After exploring Ottawa, you’ll board the VIA train to Montreal, just two hours away. Take a stroll along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Visit the National Gallery of Canada or explore the Canadian Museum of History and learn about the country's rich heritage. For a cultural experience, head to the ByWard Market, a bustling outdoor market filled with artisanal food, crafts, and souvenirs.

This French-speaking city reaches across the Atlantic to steal Paris’ top culinary ranking and brings joy to foodies who come to taste Montreal’s flavours. But there’s plenty more than food in this riverside city. An explorable and majestic park, Mount Royal, overlooks proceedings from its lofty elevations. After getting to know the city, your final rail journey takes you to Quebec City, around three and a half hours away. Take a narrated tour that explores all aspects of bustling downtown Montréal. Discover the intriguing blend of Old-World charm and North American modernism as you pass many of Montréal’s fascinating landmarks. Enjoy the freedom of leaving the bus, exploring the attractions of your choice at leisure, and boarding another bus later.

French-speaking Quebec City has a lot going for it. Weathered stone buildings complement a blissfully scenic situation. The history here is like no other in North America, dating back to 1608. Spend time understanding the heritage in the forts and museums, each telling their part of the story before joining the here and now in the city’s excellent bars and restaurants. Join a walking tour of historic and modern Quebec City to the Latin Quarter, the Plains of Abraham, the Citadel, the Fortifications, the National Assembly, Place Royale, the Basilica and other points of interest within Quebec City. Or follow a similar route on a bike tour and pedal your way around the neighbourhoods.