Green Cities and Lakeside Lounging: Quebec by Train

You’re free to explore Montreal at your own pace during the next two days, and there’s plenty to keep you busy. Head to the banks of the St. Lawrence River to experience the hustle and bustle of the port; learn more about the city’s history and heritage at the Pointe-à-Callière museum; admire the grand architecture of the Notre-Dame Basilica; shop for souvenirs at Bonsecours Market; discover the trendy Mile End district, and climb to the top of Mont Royal for beautiful views across the city. At some point over the next two days, you’ll also have the opportunity to head out for a private bike ride around the friendly, cosmopolitan neighbourhoods in the south of the city. This is a great way to get out of the tourist bubble of the Old Town and get a feel for the laid-back, welcoming spirit that characterises Montreal.

Wave goodbye to the bright lights of Montreal as you travel into Quebec’s enchanting countryside. After breakfast this morning, head to the train station and settle in for a six-hour train ride through idyllic countryside to Lac-Édouard, a beautiful village perched on the northern tip of the lake of the same name. Your home for the next three nights here is a comfortable and cosy inn set on the serene shores, a little way out of the town. Spend the rest of this afternoon settling into your lakeside environment, before tucking into a hearty meal at your hotel this evening.

Lake Edouard lends itself to holiday fun in the great outdoors. From kayaking, canoeing, swimming and pedal boating on the water, to hiking, mountain biking, fruit picking and wildlife watching in the surrounding wilderness, it’s easy to fill your days with long-lasting memories. Come evening, curl up around a crackling camp fire to reflect on the adventures of the day and admire the night sky, far away from any light pollution.

After one last hearty breakfast in nature this morning, head back to the train station and relax on your six-hour train ride back to Montreal. Sit back and savour the views across the enchanting emerald landscapes of rural Quebec. On arrival into the city, check in for the night at a trendy hotel in Montreal’s bustling centre and enjoy an evening of wining and dining before continuing your journey tomorrow.

Your journey across the Belle Province continues today with a three-and-a-half hour train ride to Quebec City. While the horizon of glitzy skyscrapers suggests that the city has left its rural roots firmly in the past, Quebec (along with Montreal) is actually one of the nation’s greenest and most sustainable cities. Your home for the next two nights is an elegant hotel located in a contemporary and energetic neighbourhood. Spend the remainder of today exploring your new surroundings, with its impressive number of parks, gardens and tree-lined avenues. We recommend enjoying an evening drink on one of the delightful terraced bars and restaurants that line the cobbled streets of Old Quebec.

Rise and shine, it’s your final day in Canada and you’ll want to make the most of it. Today you’ll be stepping into the shoes of a quintessential Quebecer, and heading out on bike into the heart of the city’s nearby nature. Located within easy reach of the centre are the gushing waters of Montmorency Falls, a powerful yet serene waterfall within a spacious park of the same name. After taking time to appreciate the falls, your knowledgeable guide will lead you by bike to some of the area’s other interesting sights, including Domaine de Maizerets state park, Estate Park, Beauport Beach, Orleans Island and the shores of the St. Lawrence River.