Eastern Canada Rail & Cruise

This well-planned rail-cruise holiday takes you from cosmopolitan Toronto, into the capital city of Ottawa, and on to the culturally rich city of Montreal by train, infusing your travels with unique sightseeing to historically significant landmarks along the way. From Montreal, board Holland America Line’s ms Maasdam for your 7-day cruise through Canada’s Maritimes and into the East Coast of the United States. This unique vacation combines the best of Eastern Canada with two scenic modes of transportation to create a trip of a lifetime.

Tour Inclusions and Scenic Highlights

• One-way business class rail transportation aboard VIA Rail between Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal.
• 7-night Eastern Canada and Maritimes cruise aboard the ms Maasdam to Montreal.
• Hotel accommodations for two nights in Toronto
• Hotel accommodations for two nights in Ottawa
• Hotel accommodations for two nights in Montreal
• Hotel accommodations for one night in Boston
• Toronto city sightseeing
• Ottawa city sightseeing
• Montreal city sightseeing
• One-way to ship transfer in Boston
• Maps and destination information
• Hotel taxes and GST where applicable
• Service charges on included features

• Toronto
• CN Tower
• Ottawa
• National Archives
• Dows Lake
• National Gallery of Canada
• Montreal
• Notre Dame Basilica
• Old Port of Montreal
• St. Catherine Street
• Dorchester Square
• Quebec City
• The Ramparts
• Plains of Abraham
• Latin Quarter
• Charlottetown
• Confederation Hall
• Sydney
• Cape Breton
• Oceanfront Esplanade
• Halifax
• Bar Harbor
• Acadia National Park
• Boston
• Old North Church
• Faneuil Hall

Tour Map

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Boston, Massachusetts
Arrive in Boston, the starting point of your rail-cruise combination tour, and transfer to your hotel on your own. Grab your map and get acquainted with this scenic harbor city. Overnight Fairmont Copley Plaza.

Day 2 - Boston Sightseeing
Today embark on a sightseeing tour of one of America's most historic cities. You sail from Boston at 4:00 pm today. A ride to the pier will be necessary. Once onboard, settle into your accommodations and begin to explore the ship's many amenities as your relaxing getaway at sea begins. Overnight ship. (D)

Day 3 - Bar Harbor, Maine
Located at the gateway to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine, is a port of call that takes you to the heart of northeastern nature. You may elect to hike the Park's trails in search of white tail deer and other animals indigenous to the area. This New England coastal town has been a renowned summer escape since the 1880’s. There are historic summer homes along Mount Desert Street that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places and currently operate as inns. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia and today's port of call. It is recognized as the largest urban area in Atlantic Canada, a major cultural center for the region, and has the largest population east of Quebec City. The city has a number of art galleries, boutiques, museums, sidewalk cafes, and lively pubs. Seek out its historical landmarks including Citadel Hill and its Town Clock and Victorian houses along the South End. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Sydney, Nova Scotia
Your port of call today is Sydney, the largest urban area on Cape Breton Island. The town is a showcase for many historic buildings dating back to its founding in 1785. You won't want to miss the recently constructed oceanfront boardwalk and marina-or the world's largest fiddle, which is out on display. Nearby attractions include the scenic Cabot Trail and the Fortress of Louisbourg, which looks just as it did in 1744. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Today finds you in Canada's smallest province, Prince Edward Island. Despite its size, it's big in history. This is, after all, the location where Canada's confederacy was created. The island also inspired the story of Anne of Green Gables, which was set in Prince Edward Island. The harbor area offers several boutiques worth browsing, and the downtown area includes beautiful Victorian houses and buildings. Popular attractions include Province House, which hosted the Charlottetown Confederation in 1864, and the Confederation Centre of the Arts, which is not only home to live theater and an art gallery but also the Charlottetown Festival during the summer months. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Scenic Cruising along the St. Lawrence River
You're surrounded by beautiful scenery and have all day to enjoy it from the comfort of the ship. Take advantage of onboard activities including the Culinary Arts Center with its gourmet cooking demonstrations, tasting events, and cooking classes, or massage and spa treatments in Greenhouse Salon and Spa. Relax on deck-but keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife including whales! Overnight ship. (B, L, D)

Day 8 - Bonjour, Quebec City
Today's port of call is historic Quebec City, one of the oldest European settlements in North America. Spend the day strolling the city's cobblestone streets, admiring the 17th century architecture, and browsing the unique shops. Take time to seek out some of the city's most impressive landmarks including the Plains of Abraham, a historic area famous as the site of an important battle between the British and French during the Seven Years' War and now a park often used for festivals, outdoor concerts, and pure relaxation; the Ramparts surrounding Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and significant as the only remaining fortified city walls that still exist in the Americas north of Mexico, and the Latin Quarter. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)

Day 9 - Montreal
Your cruise concludes in Montreal today. Your hotel is a short taxi ride away. Take the remainder of the day to get acquainted with this cosmopolitan city. Overnight Fairmont Queen Elizabeth. (B)

Day 10 - Montreal Sightseeing
Montreal is bursting with activities. The best way to get the lay of the land and visit the city's most popular attractions is through your Hop On/Hop Off city tour. Don't waste any time! Start early because there are so many impressive landmarks on this tour including Notre Dame Basilica, the Old Port of Montreal, Montreal Science Center, St. Joseph's Oratory, Mount Royal Park, and Dorchester Square. Overnight Fairmont Queen Elizabeth.

Day 11 - Montreal to Ottawa by Train
Depart Montreal today for the capital of Canada's government, Ottawa. The trip is just under 2 hours--the perfect amount of time for a quick nap, a bit of reading, or a light bite to eat. Upon arrival, drop off your luggage, grab a map, and set off to discover the city's unique shops and delicious restaurants Overnight Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

Day 12 - Ottawa City Sightseeing
Located near the border of Ontario and Quebec, Canada's capital city is brimming with things to see and do. Take advantage of today's Hop On/Hop Off city tour to orient yourself with the city and visit its popular attractions and important landmarks. Highlights along your route include the National Archives, Rideau Hall, the Royal Canadian Mint, and Byward Market. Enjoy dinner tonight at one of the outstanding restaurants on Elgin Street. Overnight Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

Day 13 - Ottawa to Toronto by Train
Today embark on the 4 ½ hour journey by train to Toronto. Settle into your seat with a good book, grab a snack or light meal, and get to know your fellow travelers. Overnight Fairmont Royal York.

Day 14 - Toronto Sightseeing
Take the day to explore Toronto at your leisure. The city's famed attractions are yours to explore on your Hop On/ Hop Off tour. Popular stops include CN Tower, Toronto's Harborfront, St. Lawrence Market, the Royal Ontario Museum, Maple Leaf Gardens, and Eaton Centre among other stops. Overnight Fairmont Royal York.

Day 15 - Toronto
Your tour comes to a close this morning. Transfer to the Toronto Airport on your own.

1. Dates & Pricing
2. Trains & Transportation
3. Accommodations

Accommodations

Fairmont Chateau Laurier: Located next to the Parliament Buildings, this 429-room landmark hotel has well-appointed guest rooms, a full-service business centre, a fitness room, indoor pool, two restaurants and a lounge.

Fairmont Copley Plaza: This 383-room hotel is conveniently located to Beacon Hill, the Freedom Trail, and Newbury Street. Hotel amenities include a full-service business centre, a fitness room, and a restaurant and bar.

Fairmont Queen Elizabeth: This 1,037-room landmark hotel includes comfortable guest rooms with high-speed Internet access, a full-service business centre, a 24-hour fitness centre, an indoor pool, indoor whirlpool, steam bath, salon and spa, four restaurants/bars.

Fairmont Royal York: This world-class 1,356-room hotel offers luxurious accommodations right in the heart of Toronto. Rooms are equipped with the high-speed Internet access and the hotel includes five superior restaurants, four lounges, a business centre, a spa, indoor pool, and fitness centre.

ms Maasadam Inside State Room: Inside State Rooms include 2 lower beds that convert to 1 queen-size bed, and shower.

ms Maasadam Oceanview State Room: Inside State Rooms include 2 lower beds that convert to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub, and shower.

ms Maasadam Verandah State Room: Ocean-view Staterooms include two lower beds which can be converted to one queen-size bed, whirlpool bath and shower, sitting area, private verandah, mini-bar, refrigerator, and floor-to-ceiling windows.