TULIP TIME IN OTTAWA VIA RAIL

TUESDAY, MAY 12 - THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Toronto • Lake Ontario • VIA Rail Canada • Ottawa, Ontario • Lord Elgin Hotel • Parliament Hill • Rideau Canal • Rideau Falls • Embassy Row • Dow Lake Tulip Gardens & Displays • Notre Dame Cathedral • Ottawa River Cruise • Byward Market • Canadian Museum of History • Thousand Islands Region 

EXCURSION INCLUDES: Luxury Motorcoach transportation • Two nights lodging • VIA Rail Ticket • Meals (2 breakfasts, 1 Lunch & 1dinner) • Scenic Excursions Tour Host/Hostess

PRICE PER PERSON: 

$1,549.00 - Double - $1,499.00

$1,529.00 - Triple - $1,479.00

$1,935.00 - Single - $1,885.00

**EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT - DEPOSIT $200 BEFORE 12/31/2025 AND RECEIVE $50 OFF PER PERSON.**

FINAL PAYMENT IS DUE 75 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE - 2/26/2026

TRAVEL PROTECTION & TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Travel protection is available to help protect your investment, your belongings and most importantly, you. The full plan details can be viewed under About / Travel Protection Plan. Rates are per person and based on the excursion price. To purchase travel protection click here.

Use Tour Operator Location #326296 - this is needed to link protection to the tour package. Complete basic information, review and choose what plan is best for you. After reviewing, you may choose the plan that suits your needs. 

Basic plan can be purchased at any time. Enhanced plan covers pre-existing conditions and must be purchased within 14 days of deposit of your tour.  Pricing subject to change based on insurance company premiums / costs.

Terms & Conditions: We encourage you to review our Terms & Conditions for important information regarding reservations, payments, cancellations, refunds, travel protection, and more. 

Click here to view Scenic Excursions' Terms & Conditions

TENTATIVE ITINERARY:

Day One - Tuesday, May 12, 2026: Begin your adventure with deluxe motorcoach transportation to TORONTO’S UNION STATION, a grand historic rail terminal in the heart of downtown. Here, you’ll board VIA RAIL CANADA’S HIGH-SPEED TRAIN FOR A SCENIC JOURNEY THROUGH SOUTHERN ONTARIO TO OTTAWA. Relax in BUSINESS CLASS, where you’ll enjoy PLUSH SEATING, PANORAMIC WINDOWS, ONBOARD SERVICE, AND A DELICIOUS LUNCH as the countryside unfolds outside your window. Arriving in OTTAWA, Canada’s beautiful capital city, you’ll CHECK INTO THE LORD ELGIN HOTEL, an elegant landmark nestled beside Confederation Park and steps from Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and the National Arts Centre. With classic charm and a central location, it’s the perfect base for exploring the city during the vibrant Tulip Festival. Dinner on own this evening.

Day Two - Wednesday, May 13, 2026: Enjoy a FULL BREAKFAST at the hotel before embarking on a GUIDED TOUR OF OTTAWA, where British and French cultures meet in a city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and well-manicured public spaces. Today’s tour includes:

PARLIAMENT HILL – Marvel at Canada’s iconic seat of government with its dramatic Gothic Revival architecture.

RIDEAU CANAL & FALLS – A UNESCO World Heritage Site that transforms into the world’s largest skating rink each winter, but bursts with flowers and life in the spring.

EMBASSY ROW – View the impressive architecture of international embassies that line Sussex Drive.

DOW’S LAKE – A scenic area of the Rideau Canal and the central hub for the CANADIAN TULIP FESTIVAL, WHERE VIBRANT TULIP BEDS BLOOM IN EVERY IMAGINABLE COLOR.

NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL BASILICA – Admire Ottawa’s oldest and largest church, known for its intricate neo-Gothic interiors and twin spires.

Enjoy free time at BYWARD MARKET, Ottawa’s historic district full of local vendors, boutiques, cafés, and farmers’ stalls, perfect for a light lunch and unique souvenirs. In the afternoon, take in the views aboard a NARRATED OTTAWA RIVER CRUISE, gliding past the Parliament Buildings, Château Laurier, Rideau Falls, and the impressive Canadian Museum of History across the river in Quebec. Tonight, savor a special GROUP DINNER at the hotel, reflecting on the beauty of spring in Canada’s capital.

Day Three - Thursday, May 14, 2026: Following BREAKFAST, cross the river into Gatineau, Quebec, to explore the CANADIAN MUSEUM OF HISTORY, one of the most visited museums in the country. Designed by famed Indigenous architect Douglas Cardinal, the museum is known for its dramatic curving architecture and its world-renowned exhibits on Canada’s past. Don’t miss the GRAND HALL, with its collection of towering totem poles and a panoramic view of Parliament Hill across the river. After your visit, bid farewell to Ottawa and begin the return journey home, traveling once more through the picturesque Thousand Islands region, known for its scenic beauty and charming waterways.  Early evening arrival back in WNY.