Montréal – Sainte-Foy (Québec) – Rimouski – Miramichi – Moncton – Halifax
The Ocean is North America’s oldest named passenger train. Linking Montréal and Halifax, this train offers a scenic journey from bright lights of Montréal along the St. Lawrence River. While not directly travelling into Québec City, the Ocean crosses the St. Lawrence River to stop at Sainte-Foy. The train continues overnight along the river until Rimouski where the train turns inland travelling through the Notre Dame Mountains (part of the Appalachians) along the Matapédia Valley continuing through the forests, before emerging into the picturesque Maritimes at daylight. Now meandering along the Acadian coast past quaint fishing villages passengers will begin to smell the salt air. After Moncton and after crossing the Chignecto Isthmus (linking Nova Scotia to the mainland) the train continues onward to the east coast metropolis of Halifax terminating next to the ocean and Pier 21 – where historical immigrants to Canada first landed. In total this train crosses three provinces: Québec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
Tickets
The most direct way is with viarail.ca and 1-888-842-7245 (Canada and USA)
Compared to the more popular tourist train, The Canadian fewer tour groups books tickets for this train.
Fares
Destinations
Designed as an overnight sleeper train, the Ocean has two main destinations: Montréal and Halifax. In between the trains stops at smaller cities serving as a crucial link to the anchor cities.
The Ocean will always stop at these stations:
- Montréal Central
- Sainte-Foy
- Rimouski
- Miramichi
- Moncton
- Halifax
The rest are smaller flag stops that stop on request only.
Timetable
| VIA Rail The Ocean Train #14 (eastbound) | |||
| Effective 2026-03-30 | Time | Day #: Day, Day, Day | |
| Montreal Central | Departure | 18:30 | Day 1: Wed, Fri, Sat |
| Sainte-Foyfor Québec City | ArrivalDeparture | 21:48 22:12 | Day 1: Wed, Fri, Sat |
| Rimouski | Arrival Departure | 02:25 02:30 | Day 2: Thu, Sat, Sun |
| Mariamchi | Arrival Departure | 11:25 11:30 | Day 2: Thu, Sat, Sun |
| Moncton | Arrival Time | 13:30 13:55 | Day 2: Thu, Sat, Sun |
| Truro | Arrival Departure | 16:32 16:37 | Day 2: Thu, Sat, Sun |
| Halifax | Arrival | 18:36 | Day 2: Thu, Sat, Sun |
| VIA Rail The Ocean Train #15 (eastbound) | |||
| Effective 2026-03-30 | Time | Day #: Day, Day, Day | |
| Halifax | Departure | 11:30 | Day 1: Wed, Fri, Sun |
| Truro | ArrivalDeparture | 12:56 13:00 | Day 1: Wed, Fri, Sun |
| Moncton | Arrival Departure | 15:44 15:59 | Day 1: Wed, Fri, Sun |
| Mariamchi | Arrival Departure | 17:59 18:04 | Day 1: Wed, Fri, Sun |
| Rimouski | Arrival Time | 01:24 01:29 | Day 2: Thu, Sat, Mon |
| Sainte-Foyfor Québec CityTruro | Arrival Departure | 06:13 06:28 | Day 2: Thu, Sat, Mon |
| Montreal Central | Arrival | 09:53 | Day 2: Thu, Sat, Mon |
This list is not exhaustive, many smaller stations and request stops are excluded
All scheduled times are according to local time zone.
The Ocean is prone to heavy freight traffic and poor track condition. Expect delays.
Onboard
Wi-fi is available in the Service car along with a lounge and a takeout food counter.
The Dining car serves meals for Sleeper Plus class passengers. Economy passengers can access but must pay for their meals.
Classes
Economy
Sleeper Plus
Pros
- A scenic, slow-travel experience to discover Canada’s Maritimes through forests and coastline.
- Overnight service with comfort and space to move around.
- Two classes: economy, sleeper plus, to fit your budget
- All inclusive experience for sleeper plus (meals, turn down service)
- Dining car available with great customer service
- A charming, quaint experience on one of North America’s oldest named, operating overnight trains
- Wi-Fi is available in the Lounge (service) car.
Cons
- Long travel time of 22 hours compared to a 2 hour flight between Montréal and Halifax.
- Limited to 3 departures a week; not daily.
- Waiting in line (airport style) to board at major stations (Montréal and Halifax).
- Slow train speed due to poor condition of the track compounded with freight traffic delays.
- Lack of budget sleeper accommodations with meal included
- Very expensive sleeper plus class for solo travellers (you have to pay for the entire roomette).
- The removal of the dome and Park car is very disappointing.
- Limited frequency (only 3 times per week)
- VIA Rail, while its marketing and websites are glossy, still operates with outdated equipment, both on board and within the company itself. The Renaissance cars (Sleeper and Economy cars) were not designed for Canada’s colder climate.
Notes
- TEXT_PLACEHOLDER
All systems operated by
VIA Rail Canada
