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Montréal-based publisher Ulysse—an essential reference for travel and outdoor guides for nearly 40 years—invites you to discover an 11-day car-free itinerary between Québec City and London, filled with activities, scenic strolls and fascinating discoveries.
Exploring Old Québec City (2 days)
Upon arrival in Québec City, the stunning Gare du Palais offers a first glimpse of the charm that awaits. Just steps away, the Îlot des Palais—once home to breweries, the Intendant's Palace and a prison—features a multimedia exhibit, virtual excavations and GeoRallies, fun GPS-based scavenger hunts.
Dauphine Redoubt © Julie Brodeur
Continue to the Artillery Park Heritage Site to visit the Arsenal Foundry interpretation centre (1901), the Dauphine Redoubt (1712) and the Officers' Quarters (1818), then climb the steps at Saint-Jean Gate to reach the top of the fortifications.
After your walk along the walls, join a guided tour of the Morrin Centre (1808), a former prison and English-language college, where both the cells and the library are sure to impress.
Head next to Dufferin Terrace, at the foot of the iconic Château Frontenac, and take in sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River. Beneath the terrace, an archaeological crypt reveals the remains of the former Saint-Louis Forts and Château. Extending from the terrace, the Governors' Promenade runs along the Citadel and the Cap Diamant cliff, leading to the Plains of Abraham.
From Dufferin Terrace, take the funicular or the famous Breakneck Stairs down to the charming Petit-Champlain district, where boutiques line narrow streets in 18th- and 19th-century buildings.
Place Royale © Julie Brodeur
Nearby Place Royale marks the founding site of Québec City in 1608. The Church of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires (1688), the oldest surviving church in Canada, stands on the remains of Champlain's second Habitation.
Continue to the Musée de la civilisation, whose exhibits explore Québec society and Indigenous cultures, before returning toward the train station via Sous-le-Cap Street, a unique pedestrian lane running through historic back courtyards.
From Plateau Mont-Royal to Old Montréal (2 days)
Credit: Tourisme Montréal
Discover the heart and soul of Montréal through the charming laneways of Plateau Mont-Royal. Stop in cozy cafés and admire the neighbourhood's distinctive architecture, including its iconic outdoor staircases. From Central Station, take the orange metro line to Sherbrooke Station and walk to Square Saint-Louis. Follow Drolet Street to the green Champêtre Henri-Julien laneway, then continue north through a network of alleyways between Drolet and Laval streets to reach Demers Lane. Cross Saint-Denis Street and head south along the Saint-André/Mentana laneway to Parc Lafontaine.
Écomusée du fier monde © Pierre Ledoux
Nearby, visit the Écomusée du fier monde, housed in a former public bath (1927), which tells the story of the neighbourhood's working-class roots. Then take a bus or walk (25 minutes) to the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel and the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum to learn about this pioneering educator.
Continue along Saint-Paul Street, Montréal's oldest street (1672), and explore Bonsecours Market (1845), home to boutiques and art galleries.
Heading along Saint-Claude Street in front of the market, you'll quickly reach Château Ramezay (1705), built for the Governor of Montréal. Often brought to life by costumed interpreters, it showcases a rich collection of European, Canadian, and Indigenous paintings and ethnological artifacts spanning from the pre-Columbian era to the early 20th century. Behind it lies the pleasant Governor's Garden, while directly across the street stands Montréal City Hall.
Cross Place Jacques-Cartier and return to Saint-Paul Street, continuing to Place Royale (1657), Montréal's oldest public square. Here, at the very site where Montréal was founded in 1642, Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex, offers multimedia shows and underground tours through archaeological remains.
End your walk at Notre-Dame Basilica (1829), a fundamentally neoclassical building from the Industrial Revolution, adorned with a richly detailed interior inspired by medieval design, entirely crafted in painted and gold-leafed wood—whether for a visit or an immersive show.
Ottawa: from museums to nature (2 days)
Bytown Museum and locks of the Rideau Canal - Parliament © Julie Brodeur
From Ottawa Station, take the O-Train to Rideau Station and walk to Major's Hill Park and the Bytown Museum along the Rideau Canal. In spring, tulip displays create a beautiful foreground to the Parliament Buildings. Nearby, the National Gallery of Canada houses an impressive collection of Canadian art. Cross the Ottawa River to Gatineau to visit the Canadian Museum of History, home to the world's largest indoor collection of totem poles. Return to Parliament Hill, then take a bus to the Central Experimental Farm, where you can explore the Dominion Arboretum and the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, featuring diverse ecosystems and peaceful landscapes. In May, nearby Commissioners Park hosts the Canadian Tulip Festival, with hundreds of thousands of vibrant blooms.
Discover Kingston by trolley (2 days)
From Kingston Station, take bus #2 to downtown, known for its Victorian and neoclassical buildings, including the beautiful Kingston City Hall. Across the street, Confederation Park is the departure point for Kingston Trolley Tours, allowing hop-on, hop-off access to major attractions such as Fort Henry.
S.S. Keewatin © Annie Gilbert
Continue to the Great Lakes Museum and the historic steamship S.S. Keewatin (1907). Nearby, explore the PumpHouse's 19th-century machinery. Along the waterfront trail, visit Murney Tower, a Martello tower built in 1846, now home to a small military museum.
Continue aboard the trolleybus to Villa Bellevue (1840), once home to the family of John A. Macdonald, surrounded by gardens and open to visitors. Another worthwhile stop is the Canada's Penitentiary Museum, which sheds light on the prison system, as well as the former Kingston Penitentiary located just across the street, offering guided tours.
Visit Queen's University campus and the Miller Museum of Geology, featuring an extensive collection of minerals and fossils.
Martello Alley © Annie Gilbert
Back downtown, from the Market Square stop—home to the Kingston Public Market, Ontario's oldest public market (1801)—take a short detour to Martello Alley, a laneway transformed into an open-air art gallery, then settle in at one of the area's well-known patios.
Toronto has it all! (2 days)
Royal Ontario Museum © Pierre Leroux
With its grand hall of columns and coffered ceilings reminiscent of ancient Roman basilicas, Union Station is the most spectacular and largest in the country. Just steps away, begin your visit to Toronto by ascending the iconic CN Tower. The more adventurous can take part in the EdgeWalk, before passing through the glass tunnel at nearby Ripley's Aquarium to watch rays and sharks glide overhead. Head to the waterfront for a picnic in the shade of the trees at the Toronto Music Garden, a peaceful green oasis, then stroll to The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, a former coal-fired generating station now home to contemporary art exhibitions. If you feel like it, end the day with a sunset excursion by kayak or illuminated paddleboard.
Credit: FCB - Ryan Lee
The next day, take the Yonge–University subway line to reach the incomparable Royal Ontario Museum, the largest museum in Canada and one of the world's leading natural history museums. Nearby, the curious can step into the Bata Shoe Museum, home to more than 13,000 pairs of shoes and offering a unique perspective on cultures around the globe. Then wander through the lively Kensington Market before settling in for an evening at the Princess of Wales Theatre, which stages Broadway-caliber musicals.
London: easygoing charm (1 day)
From the London railway station, walk 1 km west to the imposing Middlesex County Building (1827), a solid structure around which the city took shape. Continue to the Forks of the Thames lookout for views over the river, then explore the art and history collections at Museum London.
Along the banks of the Thames River stands the elegant white Eldon House, showcasing 19th-century furnishings and décor.
Credit: London Tourism
Carry on to Victoria Park, a large and beautiful garden in the heart of downtown, then head farther east to the Banting House National Historic Site, which highlights the life and achievements of the renowned physician Frederick Grant Banting (1891–1941), who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1923 alongside Scottish physician John Macleod for the discovery of insulin.
Credit: London Tourism
Looking to stretch your legs? The Thames Valley Trail runs through London for more than 110 km, following the Thames and North Thames rivers along most of its route.
A surprising and accessible itinerary
Travelling by train between Québec and Ontario's major cities offers the freedom to explore vibrant destinations without the stress of driving. It's a relaxing way to travel, giving you time to unwind while discovering both iconic attractions and hidden gems.
Perfect for summer getaways, whether as a couple or a family, this itinerary draws on Ulysse travel guides and the expertise of passionate travel, culture and outdoor enthusiasts.
