Peter Harrison

Eastern Canada in the Fall

Journeys of Colour & Wilderness

Tour Overview

Discover the enchanting beauty of Eastern Canada on a captivating rail journey from Toronto to Quebec, venturing into the remote wilderness of James Bay.

Travel through vibrant cities and charming towns before reaching the picturesque Agawa Canyon, where waterfalls and lush forests create a photographer’s dream.
Visit the secluded communities of Senneterre and Moosonee, immersing yourself in the serene landscapes of boreal forests, pristine rivers, and the cultural richness of Canada’s northern heritage.
This rail adventure offers a unique blend of natural splendour and cultural exploration, perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.

Travel Tips

Canada has roughly 318 billion trees, which cover almost 40% of the country, making it a great place to visit in the fall when the leaves start to turn.
Tourist trains such as the Agawa Canyon and Train de Charlevoix both follow tree-lined rivers and offer spectacular scenery all year round – although the former requires flying or driving, as there is no rail connection.
If you enjoy travelling off the beaten path, be sure to include the Abitibi train from Montreal to Senneterre, and the Polar Bear Express to Moosonee – these trains are lifelines to local communities.
Niagara Falls makes for a great day trip by rail from Toronto – stunning in the summer sunshine, the fiery colours of autumn and frozen mist and icicles of winter. To maximise your time there, consider requesting a Niagara Parks Pass which covers the local WEGO bus service and many of the available attractions.
Allow time to enjoy UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the historic Rideau Canal in Ottawa and Old Quebec.
The province of Quebec is proud of its French heritage, with 95% of the population speaking French. Don’t worry though, English is also widely spoken, although a ‘bonjour’ or a ‘merci’ will always be appreciated!
Consider flying out to Halifax, direct from London, and after a few days, taking the Ocean rail route down to Montreal. Cross the maritimes in a single day, with an overnight onboard – travel in SleeperPlus to enjoy a cozy private cabin and sample regional dishes (included).
Freight traffic takes priority on Canadian rails, so sit back, relax, enjoy the views and don’t request onward travel on your scheduled arrival day!
Great cities to visit include Halifax, Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto.
Why not end your trip with a journey out west onboard VIA rail’s The Canadian? See Canada: Coast to Coast for more details.