DESTINATIONS Quebec train-travel-109

TRAVEL TIPS

Train Travel

Amtrak offers its daily Adirondak service from New York City's Penn Station to Montréal, although the train sometimes arrives too late to make any connecting trains that evening. Connections are available, often the next day, to Canadian rail line VIA Rail's Canadian routes. The ride takes up to 11 hours, and one-way tickets start at C$67.

VIA Rail trains run from Montréal to Québec City in three hours, arriving at the 19th-century Gare du Palais in Lower Town. Trains on the Montréal—Québec City route run five times daily on weekdays, three times daily on weekends, with a stop in Ste-Foy. Tickets can be purchased in advance at VIA Rail offices, at the station prior to departure, through a travel agent, or online. VIA's supersaver (escape) fare ranges from C$38 to $65, and is usually nonrefundable. If you’re lucky you can sometimes find Web-only fares for as little as C$29. Keep in mind such discounted fares are usually nonrefundable as well.

Business class tickets start at C$103 each way and include early boarding, seat selection, and a three-course meal with wine.

To save money, look into rail passes. But be aware that if you don't plan to cover many miles, you may come out ahead by buying individual tickets. VIA Rail offers a BizPack Pass (for travel between two predetermined cities in either economy or business class). Senior citizens (60 and older), children (11 and under), and students are often entitled to discounts.

The Massif de Charlevoix train system takes you from Québec City to Baie-St-Paul and stops in between, priced at C$75 round-trip. From Baie St-Paul, one can go on to La Malbaie, Charlevoix for C$40 round-trip. If you get an early start, both can be done in a one-day excursion. The small villages and the natural beauty along the route are impressive.

Information

Amtrak. 800/872–7245; www.amtrak.com.

Le Massif de Charlevoix. 418/240-4124; www.reseaucharlevoix.com.

VIA Rail Canada. 888/842–7245; 514/989–2626; www.viarail.ca.

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