Ffestiniog Travel

Wednesday 9 October to Tuesday 22 October 2013

Take the train through Canada’s great wilderness to Northern Quebec and Ontario, see the Fall season’s colours along the St. Lawrence River and enjoy the remoteness of James Bay. This is a tour for those who like something completely different and well away from the usual tourist beat.

Day 1   Flight to Montreal

Our adventure begins with a flight from London to Montreal.

Day 2   By Train to Quebec City

We take a leisurely train journey along the St. Lawrence River to Quebec City where there is time to explore the historic quarter on its cliff-top position overlooking the river.

Day 3   Railcruise to La Malbaie

The riverside rail line beyond Quebec City has recently reopened to tourist passenger trains and so today’s full day journey is something rather special. We have a coach transfer to Montmorency Falls Station just outside the city from where the train departs at 0900. Breakfast is served on board (included in the fare) and we closely follow the river to Baie St. Paul. Here there is a four hour stopover with adequate time for lunch (not included) and leisure. Continuing at 1530, the train reaches La Malbaie at 1645. On the return to Quebec City, a four course evening meal is served and included in your fare.

Day 4   Return to Montreal

The afternoon train back to Montreal takes just three hours and we will arrive in this cosmopolitan city in time for a leisurely evening.

Day 5   Explore Montreal

Montreal is a charming city – very French in atmosphere – and we have a free day here. A good public transport system, including a metro, makes getting around easy and there is an excellent value day ticket for these services. The hill behind the city (Mont Royal) is now a large public park from which there are superb views of Montreal and the river beyond.

Day 6   The "Abitibi" Train to Senneterre

We now head north through forest and lake scenery to Senneterre. The Fall colours should be at their best. The train is a lifeline to the local communities and many of the passengers will be taking supplies home for the winter following their half yearly shopping trip to Montreal.

Day 7   By Coach to Cochrane

A private coach will take us on the next leg of our journey to Cochrane in Northern Ontario. Although a small town, Cochrane has some importance as the main distribution centre for the region. Our hotel here is attached to the railway station.

Day 8   North to Moosonee

We continue north on the “Polar Bear Express” to Moosonee. This is not a tourist route except for a few short weeks in the high summer and the railway is an essential part of life as Moosonee is 150 miles north of the nearest main road. The town is situated on James Bay (part of Hudson Bay) and has a population of just 1,360, mostly First Nation Cree. We have three hours here before the return to Cochrane – time, if you wish, to take a boat over to the Cree settlement at Moose Factory.

Day 9   Polar Bears

This morning we visit the Polar Bear sanctuary which is close to our hotel followed by an afternoon coach transfer to our next overnight stop at Hearst.

Day 10   Algoma Central Railway

The Algoma Central Railway runs for 296 miles from the small town of Hearst to the city of Sault Ste Marie on the “neck” of land between Lakes Superior and Huron. Its main business is in the transport of forest products but the passenger train gives us the opportunity to view some spectacular scenery, especially through Agawa Canyon where the sheer walls are a mere 50 feet apart. We have included a lunch box for this journey as there is no catering on this train.

Day 11   Fly to Toronto

We fly from Sault Ste Marie to Toronto, our next destination, where we stay at the fabulous Royal York Hotel for 2 nights.

Day 12   Niagara Falls

A two hour train journey brings us to the breathtaking Niagara Falls and there is ample time for sightseeing before our return, also by rail. Options at Niagara Falls include a “Maid of the Mist” boat trip to the foot of the falls or perhaps a walk behind the falls on a specially constructed walkway. Or you can, of course, simply stand at Table Rock alongside the falls and be amazed!

Day 13   At leisure

Free day to explore. If life in the city is not to your taste, why not take the ferry to the nearby islands out on the lake? From here there are stunning views of the city skyline. We take a transfer to the airport for an evening flight to London.

Day 14   Home again

We arrive in London this morning.