In the wake of Donald Trump’s controversial return to the White House, many Canadians have rediscovered an old national habit: traveling within their own country. From Montreal to Toronto, this train journey through Quebec and Ontario reveals a Canada rich in culture, history, cuisine, and urban charm. What might have once been a routine domestic trip now feels like a rediscovery of identity and pride.
Montreal, the vibrant Francophone hub, greets visitors with its famous “Bonjour hi,” a greeting that reflects the city’s bilingual identity and multicultural fabric. Beyond French and English, Montreal is home to African, Asian, Italian, Hispanic, Portuguese, and Jewish communities, each contributing to the city’s dynamic neighborhoods like Plateau and Mile End. Visitors can enjoy smoked meat at the iconic Schwartz’s Deli, traditional pork sandwiches at Wilensky’s, or grab bagels from St Viateur or Fairmount, each claiming culinary supremacy. Montreal’s nightlife thrives in jazz clubs such as Upstairs or punk venues like Casa del Popolo. The city’s musical heritage is legendary, producing icons like Leonard Cohen, whose murals dot the streets and whose legacy guides walking tours from his birthplace in Westmount to Moishes Steakhouse and McGill University. Art lovers can explore the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts or the Musée d’art contemporain, while foodies enjoy innovative cuisine at St. Denis or cocktails at speakeasies like Big in Japan. The city even has a well-known LGBTQ+ quarter, The Village, and the Olympic legacy of 1976 remains visible in Mount Royal’s skyline.
A four-hour train ride eastward leads to Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Encircled by fortifications and perched above the Saint Lawrence River, the city is a living monument to Canadian history. Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, Quebec became the epicenter of French colonial ambition, later subdued by the English at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham. Today, the Château Frontenac dominates the skyline, while streets like Rue Saint-Paul offer antiquarian shops and local artisans, reflecting the rise of the Made in Canada movement. Beyond the historic walls, neighborhoods like Saint-Roch provide Japanese restaurants, nightlife, and terraces, while Rue Saint-Jean invites visitors to discover music stores and cozy bars such as Le Sacrilège.
Ottawa, Canada’s administrative capital, is just two hours by train from Montreal. Its Parliament Hill dominates the skyline, where visitors can watch the ceremonial changing of the guard. The city offers historical sites like the Diefenbunker, a Cold War-era nuclear fallout shelter, and cultural treasures at the National Gallery and the Canadian Museum of History. The Rideau Canal, which freezes into the world’s longest skating rink each winter, showcases the city’s seasonal charm. Ottawa’s ByWard Market bustles from May to October with local shops, cafes, and restaurants, while the metropolitan dining scene—such as the French-inspired Metropolitan or the creative Riviera—offers a taste of modern Canadian cuisine.
The journey ends in Toronto, Canada’s largest city and economic engine. Home to 2.7 million people, Toronto is multicultural, modern, and adaptable, often doubling for other cities in film productions. The CN Tower, celebrating its 50th anniversary, offers sweeping views of the skyline and nearby islands in Lake Ontario. Visitors can explore diverse culinary options along Queen Street or Dundas West, and cultural institutions like the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Gothic Revival Casa Loma. The University of Toronto provides an academic oasis amid the urban bustle and has recently attracted scholars seeking refuge from political pressures in the United States.
Throughout this journey, the train offers a unique perspective on Canada’s urban and cultural landscapes. While planes might cover the distance in an hour, the VIA Rail experience allows travelers to observe the countryside, witness local life, and absorb the country’s history and character at a civilized pace. In the shadow of Trump’s policies, which have threatened trade and tourism, Canadians are embracing their own country with renewed enthusiasm. As novelist Louise Penny observes, Canada is experiencing a renaissance—a reminder that even amidst geopolitical uncertainty, national pride and discovery remain alive.
From Montreal’s eclectic neighborhoods to Quebec City’s historic charm, Ottawa’s political heartbeat, and Toronto’s cosmopolitan vitality, a train journey across these provinces showcases the diverse and resilient spirit of Canada, proving that sometimes, the best way to know a country is to travel within it.
