Corridor Connections : Montreal to Ottawa to Toronto

Via Rail’s Corridor Journey from Montreal to Toronto

There is something wonderful and timeless about travelling by train, especially when you are in the midst of crossing Canada by rail, seeing some of its most vibrant cities, and enjoying the nation’s landscapes. Connecting Via Rail’s east coast service, the Ocean with its transcontinental train, the Canadian is the intercity route, the Corridor. This train journey spans two provinces, regularly traversing from Montreal to Ottawa to Kingston to Toronto. En route, the Corridor connects travellers with regional history and culture.

Though the Corridor is more of a transit route than a leisurely adventure, there’s something beautiful about the way it connects the diverse landscapes of Quebec and Ontario. From the moment you board the train, you realize how much more relaxed and spacious it feels compared to taking a car or flying. No long airport lines or cramped bus seats—just comfortable coaches, the hum of the rails beneath you, and endless landscapes unfolding outside.

Though not as long as it’s Atlantic and transcontinental counterparts, it’s a vital link, essential for crossing Canada from coast to coast.

Departure from Montreal, Quebec

Via Rail’s Corridor service is Canada’s busiest route in the passenger rail network, running LRC (Light, Rapid, Comfortable) trains designed to offer comfort while ensuring quick travel. It follows in the footsteps of the original Grand Trunk Railway, which helped connect Montreal to Ottawa, Kingston, and beyond in the 19th century.

Today’s segment of our coast to coast trans-Canada train journey begins in Gare Centrale, Montreal’s iconic railway station.

Opened in 1943, this Art Deco masterpiece is bustling with energy. It’s both a gateway to the city and a central hub for train travel, seamlessly connecting Amtrak’s Adirondack service to New York City and Via Rail’s passenger trains across Canada.

The spacious terminal is full of relaxing shops, cafes, and restaurants, which is ideal if you want a snack or get breakfast before departure.

Corridor Embarkation

After a quick breakfast (strong coffee and chocolate croissants, naturally), we line up in the main hall to board Train #63, our 8:45 AM departure heading to Toronto. Since we are travelling in economy for this day trip, we do not have access to the business lounge. The train from Montreal to Toronto and back runs several times a day along this busy intercity route. At 8:15 AM the call is made for boarding Via Rail bound for Toronto. Our tickets are checked by an attendant and we are directed down an escalator to a platform where our train is waiting.

Once on board, we place our backpacks on a luggage rack at the front of the car and quickly find our seats. Soon, the engine comes to life, and we are rolling out of Gare Centrale westbound.

Less than 15 minutes after leaving Montreal station, we make a quick stop at Dorval, a small community near Montreal’s airport. 

It’s here that we officially leave Quebec behind, crossing the Ottawa River into Ontario. Our time in Quebec, which began yesterday on Via Rail’s Ocean, draws to a close.

Train Journey across Ontario : A Changing Landscape

By 10 AM, we enter, stop and pass through Cornwall and relatively soon after we enter Ottawa, the nation’s capital. Throughout this region, we pass through a blend of nature and urban life, though our route does not, unfortunately, give passengers the opportunity to see Parliament, the ByWard Market or the Rideau Canal. Ottawa is definitely a place to spend time exploring, but today, we’re just passing through, eager to continue on our way.

After leaving Ottawa, the train begins its journey through Ontario’s countryside—rolling farmlands, serene lakes, and quaint towns.

As the landscape unfolds, we sip complimentary coffee and enjoy a light snack. Around us, the students and business professionals work on their laptops, others quietly reading or gazing out the windows as small towns like Smiths Falls pass by.

The route continues to Brockville by 11 AM and Kingston by Noon, where Sean, having gone to university here in the 90s, points out familiar spots from his days living here. The excitement is palpable as we roll into Napanee, Belleville, Cobourg, and Port Hope, each town offering its own slice of Ontario life.

Into the Greater Toronto Area

By the time we reach Oshawa at 2 PM, the landscape again shifts. The train follows the shores of Lake Ontario, and the urban sprawl of Greater Toronto slowly builds up on the horizon.

We make our final stops in Oshawa and Guildwood Go Station before entering Toronto Union Station, which we reach at 2:45 PM—just 20 minutes behind schedule.

Toronto is a whirlwind of activity as we descend into Union Station’s main concourse, a central hub for both local commuters and travellers from across Canada. The station is a bustling maze of train gates, shops, and food vendors.

Via Rail’s Corridor, an Underrated Journey

While Canada is known for epic cross-country routes like the Canadian or the Ocean, the Corridor line from Montreal to Toronto via Ottawa is often overlooked and underrated in the Via Rail network. It’s an efficient, comfortable, and scenic route through the heart of Ontario and Quebec, connecting vibrant cities, historic landmarks, and a blend of urban and natural landscapes.

What’s Next?

While Toronto offers a lot of great possibilities for exploring and walking about, tonight we are simply taking a break and taking care of a few essentials.

The adventure continues tomorrow as we board Via Rail’s Canadian, a 4-night and 5-day journey that will take us from Toronto to Vancouver. Having walked across Portugal, England, and Scotland, then sailed across the Atlantic Ocean on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, we’ve covered quite a bit of ground. But after so much constant travel, the idea of a short break feels like a luxury.

For now, it’s time to rest. A quick night in a hotel, laundry done, and some quiet time before embarking on the final stage of our journey, the long ride on Via Rail’s Canadian.