Colossal waterfalls, castle-like hotels, and rail trips that actually feel relaxing — my first steps in Canada surprised me at every turn. In August 2022, I left New York City for a week across Ontario and Quebec. I planned a simple loop and ended up with memories that tug me back. Each stop felt different, yet the route fit together neatly. I left knowing I had only started to understand how wide the country really is.
A weeklong eastbound loop across Canada
I rode the train from New York City to Niagara Falls, New York, then crossed the Rainbow Bridge and walked into Canada. I stayed three days around the falls, giving myself time for the viewpoints and the noisy mist that covers your jacket. That slow start set the tone.
Next came a bus up to Toronto for one night, which added a quick taste of downtown towers and waterfront paths. I then boarded trains to Montreal and Quebec City. I spent one night in each, moving with a light bag, and finally flew back home to New York.
The rhythm worked because the route mixed big-city energy with quiet corners. I used buses, planes, and trains, which kept the week varied and efficient. The variety also made comparisons easy, from station layouts to neighborhood vibes. I finished the loop eager to repeat it with extra days.
Why trains in Canada charmed a die-hard rail rider
I have logged almost 100 hours on Amtrak, so I notice seat pitch, crews, and meal service. On Via Rail, I felt that familiar rail joy return in Canada. Seats felt cushier, service felt warmer, and small touches, like quick refills, added up during long stretches.
From Toronto to Montreal, I booked business class for about $200. That fare included a hot meal and lounge access at select stations, including Toronto, perks that match first class back home. Staff moved briskly, the cabin stayed quiet, and the timetable held, which lowered my travel stress.
Montreal to Quebec City, I chose economy for about $150 and still had ample space. The seat reclined well, the ride stayed smooth, and the car felt clean. Those two trips convinced me to return for sleeper cars and premium options. I want a longer route to test comfort overnight.
Niagara Falls awe and the value of going off-season
Niagara Falls is a landmark on the line between the United States and Canada, yet photos never prepared me for the roar. The water pounded my ears while the mist soaked my sleeves. I loved the scale, the color, and the way the boardwalk funnels you toward the brink.
The crowds pressed in from every angle because peak season turns the riverfront into a festival. Crosswalks stayed jammed, lines snaked around attractions, and every overlook filled fast. I often rose on my toes just to see the water through a forest of phones and hats.
Because quiet changes the mood, I want to return in early spring or late fall. Cooler air and shorter lines would keep the views front and center. With fewer people, I could linger longer, listen to the thunder, and step away without bumping shoulders every few seconds.
A treehouse retreat that reset the pace
To counter busy sidewalks, I booked a treehouse outside Niagara Falls in Canada. The property sits between a vineyard and the woods, which means birdsong at dawn and a deep hush at night. That balance helped me reset after long days of moving and snapping photos.
I stayed one night and treated the porch as a remote office. I wrote notes, organized thousands of images, and thought through the next legs of the trip. The space had home comforts, so I felt restored rather than rushed, even with another ride on the calendar.
I want to return for a slower stretch. The kitchen begged for a simple meal after the market. A chair under the trees waited for a full afternoon of reading. That kind of pause used to be my habit as a kid, and the setting made it feel easy again.
Montreal’s hills, Mount Royal, and Old Quebec’s living history
Montreal mixed Art Deco towers with Gothic Revival churches, which made walks feel like time travel in Canada. The hills demanded effort, yet the views paid it back. Old Montreal’s cobblestones looked like Europe, and I wished for an extra day to step into museums and cafes.
With only one night, I set out at six in the morning and climbed Mount Royal. The route took about thirty minutes uphill and another thirty on stairs. From the top, the skyline stretched wide. I studied streets I wanted to revisit and promised myself a longer stay next time.
Quebec City brought four centuries into reach. Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and my room at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac — 180 square feet with a view — felt like a fairytale castle. I walked Dufferin Terrace above the St. Lawrence and rested by Place d’Armes’ fountain. I left wishing I had time for Quartier Petit-Champlain’s shops.
Why the second-biggest country keeps pulling me back
I left convinced I had only scratched a corner of Canada, which ranks second in size after Russia. I have since reached Vancouver, British Columbia, and still feel I have seen only a sliver. Next on my list: Nova Scotia, Alberta, and Prince Edward Island, with more time in places I already loved.
