6-Day Independent Rail Tour

Canada’s Maritimes are abundant with charm, seafaring history and down east hospitality! See the many interesting natural and historic sights of Halifax and enjoy a journey aboard VIA Rail’s newest train, the Bras d’Or - one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. The rich culture and traditions of Cape Breton come to life aboard the Bras d’Or rail cruise between Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia. While in Halifax, no tour would be complete without a visit to Lunenburg and the famous and romantic Peggy’s Cove!

Itinerary 

Day 1 - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Welcome to Halifax with a transfer from the airport or rail station to your hotel. Stroll through the restored Historic Properties district along the waterfront where 19th-century privateers’ warehouses have been transformed into specialty shops and restaurants. Acknowledged as the City of Trees, Halifax is well known for its many parks.  Overnight Halifax

Day 2 - Halifax, NS

Today the Historic Halifax Tour leads you to the Public Gardens, a seventeen-acre tribute to Victorian elegance, and to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. This meticulously restored fortress is alive with the stirring music of the bag-pipes, soldiers performing musket drills on the parade grounds and the thunderous boom of the noon-day cannon. From atop Citadel Hill, watch the goings-on of the city and the second-largest natural harbor in the world. A return transfer to your hotel is provided following the tour.  Overnight Halifax

Day 3 - Halifax / VIA Rail / Sydney, NS

An early-morning transfer from your hotel places you aboard VIA Rail’s Bras d’Or for a memorable rail cruise. The rich culture and traditions of Cape Breton are brought to life with the service of local wines and ales, accompanied by Celtic music and hospitality, fine local dining and onboard entertainment. The Bras d’Or covers the heart of Canada’s most famous coal-mining region. You’ll arrive into Sydney in the early evening and be transferred to your hotel.  Overnight Sydney

Continental Breakfast and Lunch on Train included.

Day 4 - Sydney / VIA Rail / Halifax, NS

Return to Halifax aboard the Bras d’Or, enjoying the Maritimes scenery with panoramic views from the dome car. You will cross the Canso Causeway, the mile-long eighty-foot wide man-made causeway containing ten million tons of rock! The Strait of Canso is the deepest, natural harbor in North America, and has been ice-free since 1955 due to the construction of the causeway. The train will pass through many communities along the way such as Dartmouth, Truro, Antigonish and Iona.  Overnight Halifax. Continental Breakfast and Lunch on Train included.

Day 5 - Halifax / Peggy's Cove / Lunenburg, NS

Visit Nova Scotia’s most famous attraction, Peggy’s Cove. Have your postcards ready to mail from the post office—it’s a lighthouse! Stop at historic Lunenburg, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, where seafaring history is echoed in the centuries-old architecture. Lunenburg is the home of the famous ship, the Bluenose II. Hear tales of daily life on a salt-bank schooner and yarns about adventures on the high seas at Lunenburg’s Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.  Overnight Halifax.

Day 6 - Halifax / Home

The tour concludes with your hotel checkout and a transfer to the airport or rail station.

DATES & PRICES

Online dates and prices are temporarily unavailable for this rail tour.
Please contact us and we will be happy to provide you with this information.

Trip starts / ends in Halifax, Nova Scotia every Sunday between June and October

Price includes:

• Transportation & transfers, as described.
• Select sightseeing, activities & admission to attractions, as described.
• 5 nights’ hotel accommodations on a twin share basis.
• 4 meals

Not included:

• any items not listed, such as but not limited to GST
• personal expenses such as baggage handling, gratuities and insurance
• pre- and post-tour add-ons

Non-Canadian residents may be eligible for a partial refund of GST through the Federal Government of Canada. 

This is an unescorted tour; you will be travelling independently.

Extend Your Stay - Tour Options: Halifax, NS - * Pier 21 National Historic Site * Fisherman’s Cove * The Public Gardens * Discovery Center / Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum * Scotia Festival of Music - May / June, * Nova Scotia Wildlife Festival - September - Contact us for more details.

Travel Tip: Family Touring - Fun for All Ages

Taking the train is perfect for families! Children love the chance to discover an intriguing new mode of travel where they can sit and watch the countryside and the wildlife go by and get up to stretch their legs! Teenage family members enjoy the train’s social atmosphere and perhaps making some new acquaintances and parents appreciate the safe, relaxing environment. Moreover, the spectacular views from the panoramic dome car fascinate young and old alike!

VIA Rail has added special Activity Cars that provide a number of amenities especially for young travellers. In the Skyline Car there are board games, a TV and VCR for family movies and even video games. Complimentary beverages and fruit are provided during the day and youngsters receive an Activity Kit for colouring, cutting and pasting.

Contact us to enjoy this vacation!