Canada's eastern cities by train

Enjoy a full day soaking up the sights and sounds of Toronto. You could explore the city's galleries and museums or venture into its quirky, eclectic suburbs. If you're a sports fan, we recommend visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame or the Rogers Center, home to the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team. Alternatively, take a 15-minute ferry ride to Toronto Island, where parks offer a peaceful place to walk or cycle, relax on sandy beaches, and admire the city skyline.

Join a full-day, small-group guided trip to Niagara Falls. The journey takes around two hours, passing the fruit-growing town of St Catherine's and the Niagara Peninsula wine region (you may have the chance to stop at a winery later today for some wine tasting). On arrival at Niagara Falls, you have plenty of time to take in the beauty and power of the cascading water, and an exhilarating boat trip gives you a closer view. After lunch in one of the local restaurants, you're driven along the scenic Niagara Parkway, winding along the Niagara Gorge, before visiting the pretty village of Niagara-on-the-Lake. You may have time to take an optional helicopter flight from here over the falls for superb bird's-eye views.

This morning, make your own way to Union Station, where you board the train from Toronto to Ottawa. The journey takes around four and a half hours; you can admire the view as you cut through Ontario's forested interior. A snack and bar service is offered on all of your journeys. Spend the rest of the day exploring Canada's capital city. It is possible to book a free 20-minute tour of Parliament Hill's government buildings locally, or you might prefer to visit the Peace Tower — a lift can take you up to the top for sweeping views over the city.

Spend today exploring the compact city of Ottawa further. Many superb parks and gardens and the Rideau Canal offer a peaceful place to stroll. There are also a variety of museums and galleries to browse, including the Museum of History, which charts 1,000 years of Canadian history through interesting and atmospheric exhibits. We also recommend visiting the Byward Market, where you're spoiled for choice when it comes to cafés and restaurants.

Take a taxi to Ottawa's Tremblay Road Station, where you board the train to Montréal. The journey takes around two hours through lush green landscapes. On arrival at Montréal's Central Station, take a taxi to your hotel. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring this cosmopolitan city, which blends French, British and Canadian cultures. You could browse the many chic shops and galleries or take a guided walking tour along the cobbled streets of old Montréal and the Old Port area to learn about the city's history.

The morning is yours to explore more of the city. You may wish to take a relaxing Bateau-Mouche cruise along the St Lawrence River, visit the Planetarium for an insight into astronomy, stroll around the beautiful Botanical Gardens or learn about the environment in the distinctive Biosphere Museum. You could also visit the Museum of Fine Arts or walk in Parc du Mont-Royal for excellent views over the city. In the afternoon, take to the cycle lanes of the city and go beyond them on a reclaimed, bright pink bike with a local guide.

Take a taxi to the train station and board the train to Québec City. The journey takes around three and a half hours, and you pass some beautiful scenery, including snow-capped mountains and dense evergreen forest. Upon arrival at Québec City's Gare du Palais, take a taxi to your hotel before heading out to take in this historic city's many sights. Enjoy a drink in one of the quaint cafés while soaking up the distinctly European atmosphere, or visit La Citadelle with its old fortified walls.

Join a two-hour guided, small-group walking tour of old Québec. Your guide is an expert on the city's history and gives you a fascinating insight into its past. Highlights include strolling along Dufferin Terrace for views over the surrounding countryside and the St Lawrence River, walking through the Governor's Garden to see the Wolfe-Montcalm monument and learning about the last siege on the city at La Maison du General. After the tour you can spend the rest of the day exploring the city through new eyes, spending more time at its historical sites, enjoying a spot of shopping or tucking into the fine French cuisine served in many of the cafés and restaurants.

There may be time this morning for some last-minute shopping and sightseeing before taking a taxi to Québec Airport for your onward flight.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.