Home
Holiday Types
Rail & Cruise Holidays
Heritage & Atlantic Charms Of Canada By Rail & Cruise

Heritage & Atlantic Charms Of Canada By Rail & Cruise

From £1,599 pp

14 nights
Cruises
Rail & Cruise
Economy Flights
Available August - October

Experience the heritage and charm of Canada in this holiday that combines city stays, rail journeys and a cruise round Atlantic Canada. You’ll start in the city of Montréal and have ample time to enjoy the wealth of attractions on offer. After a comfortable rail journey, explore Québec City, the only fortified city on the continent north of Mexico. Then step on board your Princess Cruise ship for a journey to charming Atlantic Canada, where small fishing ports, picturesque lighthouses and stunning scenery await.

What's Included

International flights from the UK based on economy class
4 nights hotel accommodation
VIA Rail journey from Montréal to Québec City in economy class
10 nights on board Princess Cruises in an inside cabin
Full board on Princess Cruises

Holiday Map

Explore our interactive map to discover your holiday route and key points of interest.

Leaflet © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap

Start

Finish

Stops

Point of interest

Your day-to-day plan

Day 1-3

Montréal

On arrival to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, transfer independently to your hotel. You have two full days to explore the city and all the attractions it has to offer. There is no better place to start than in the historic Old Town, home to the Notre-Dame Basilica, which is one of the most beautiful catholic churches in Canada. For art lovers, Montréal’s Museum of Fine Arts is a must visit, with centuries' worth of paintings, sculptures, and more on display. No visit is complete without enjoying a Montréal smoked meat sandwich, smoky and peppery brisket typically served on rye bread, this sandwich has placed the city on world food map.

Day 4

Québec City

Make your way to Gare Central as you have a ticket to ride VIA Rail to Québec City. Sit back and relax as the Canadian countryside passes by. After you have checked in to your hotel, it’s time to start exploring Québec City! For your first evening we recommend the neighbourhood of Saint-Jean-Baptiste where you’ll find little bistros that feature local cuisine and bars that pour beer and wine from the region.

Day 5

Princess Cruises

As your cruise spends the night docked in Québec City, you have time to explore! Start by wandering the cobblestone streets of the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the only fortified city on the continent north of Mexico. Many of the city’s oldest and grandest buildings are found within these walls, such as the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, the Citadelle de Québec and the Château Frontenac, the worlds most photographed building!

Arrive independently at the cruise terminal and board your Princess Cruise.

*This is a sample itinerary that may vary by sailing date.

Day 6

Québec City

With your ship not due to leave Québec City until the early evening, why not take a trip out to nearby Montmorency Falls, a stunning waterfall that’s higher than Niagara Falls. Back on the ship, be on deck as it departs to wave goodbye to this fantastic city.

Day 7

Saguenay

Grab a seat on deck and marvel as the ship cruises down the Saguenay Fjord Route, a breath-taking landscape of sea, mountains and rising cliffs protected by three National Parks. With a decidedly French atmosphere and a touch of the Old World, the banks of the Saguenay Fjord are lined with charming villages surrounded by beautiful landscapes, join a shore excursion to explore this region.

mp_2021_1021_gn_atsea_skywalk_danellereuel_0032_rgb-tb.jpg

Day 8

At Sea

With a day at sea, you have time to explore the ship and relax. There’s always something happening on board — from heading to the Princess Theatre for a lavish original musical production to enjoying a blockbuster movie poolside under the stars. Or perhaps indulge in a manicure, pedicure or a makeover in the salon, or a soothing massage in the Lotus Spa.

Day 9

Charlottetown

Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island, Canada's smallest province, and offers a small town feel with historic charm. No visit here is complete without visiting the Green Gables National Historic Site, the hometown and setting for Lucy Maud Montgomery's beloved "Anne of Green Gables" books.

Day 10

Sydney

Known for its beauty and unique Celtic music and culture, Sydney puts some of the island's greatest sights and attractions at your fingertips when you disembark into the Joan Harris Cruise Pavilion. The dockside pavilion offers an array of shopping boutiques, a craft market, and the world's largest fiddle. Sydney is the gateway to Cape Breton, which is best experienced from the majestic Cabot Trail, considered one of the world's most scenic drives.

Day 11

Halifax

The capital of Nova Scotia and the largest city in Canada's Atlantic provinces, Halifax was once Great Britain's major military bastion in North America. There’s nowhere better to learn this history than from the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, a star shaped fort founded in 1749. In downtown, the beautifully restored waterfront buildings paint a picture of the city's centuries-old maritime heritage. Halifax is also the gateway to Nova Scotia's stunning scenery, including famous Peggy's Cove, where granite cliffs and a solitary lighthouse create a scene of rugged natural beauty.

Day 13

Saint John

Saint John lies on the Bay of Fundy, which boasts the highest tides in the world and the astonishing Reversing Rapids, caused when the tides change, and the river is forced to reverse direction and flow upstream. Witness this natural phenomenon along with the heritage sites of Saint John such as the Old City Market and the iconic Cabot Tower.

Day 14

Portland

Crossing the border into the USA, your next stop is the city of Portland. This vibrant fishing port, with its cobblestone streets, is the place to find fresh seafood and enjoy a traditional lobster bake. Join an excursion to the charming seaside village of Kennebunkport and Portland Head Lighthouse.

Special Offers

Take advantage of the following offers on this holiday

Special Offer Save up to £500 2025 and 2026 travel

Princess Cruises: Save up to £500

Save up to £500 per stateroom on selected cruises

Unlock even more holiday joy on your next cruise. Offer is valid for selected sailings. Offer applies to guest 1 & 2. Book by 31st May 2025.

Terms & Conditions

HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON

Day(s)

Hour(s)

Minute(s)

Second(s)

Special Offer Save up to 20% 2026 rail holidays

VIA Rail Early Booking Offer

Save up to 20% on 2025 VIA Rail departures

Save up to 20% when travelling in Sleeper Plus Class on VIA Rail departures between 1st May 2026 and 27th August 2026. Book by 31st May 2025.

Terms & Conditions

HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON

Day(s)

Hour(s)

Minute(s)

Second(s)

Special Offer 2025 cruises

Princess Cruises Offer

Upgrade to the Princess Plus or Princess Premier package to receive the best amenities on your Princess Cruise

Amenities include Plus Beverage Package, Specialty Dining, Crew Appreciation and WiFi. Offer is valid for selected 2025 sailings. Offer applies to guest 1 & 2.

Terms & Conditions

View all special offers

Related Itineraries

All

City Breaks

Canada & New England Cruise & Rail

13 nights

See the best of Eastern Canada and USA by cruise and rail.

from £2,409 per person

View

CruisesHolland America LineRailRail & Cruise

Halifax City Escape

3 nights

Halifax is an amazing city break destination, as it offers all the exciting city action that you can expect, but with a coastal twist! Excellent shopping, marine wildlife, dining, and nightlife are all on offer, and all on the magical coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

from £899 per person

View

City Breaks

Ottawa City Escape

3 nights

Canada’s beautiful capital is full of fascinating history and worth visiting year-round. A walk along the river will take you to stunning views of Parliament and many more famous national landmarks will greet you at every turn.

from £899 per person

View

City Breaks

See more holidays

This holiday requires an ETA for entry to Canada, for full details and to apply please see below:

ETA information

This holiday requires an ESTA for entry to the United States, for full details and to apply please see below:

ESTA information

Please note Parks Canada charge fees at most national parks and historic sites across the country. Parks Canada passes can be purchased as part of your holiday, speak to your sales advisor for more details. Early booking is recommended.

For further information about national parks and historic sites in Canada or to reserve campsites and activities, please visit:

Parks Canada

Please note selected national parks in the USA require reservations for vehicles in order to enter the parks. Reservations are required in advance. This is in addition to purchasing a national park entrance ticket. Early booking is recommended.

Further information on the parks, where vehicle reservations are required and how to book can be found on:

USA National Parks

Plan your visit

Heritage & Atlantic Charms Of Canada By Rail & Cruise

What's Included

Holiday Map

Your day-to-day plan

Montréal

Special Offers

Princess Cruises: Save up to £500

Save up to £500 per stateroom on selected cruises

Related Itineraries

Canada & New England Cruise & Rail

Let's make your dream holiday to Canada a reality

Our commitment to responsible travel