Would it make more sense to take a train from Montreal (or Quebec) to Toronto than that long boring drive? Does such a train exist? Thanks.

Yes it would, yes it does. See www.viarail.ca

Ask for VIA ONE which is the train equivalent of "first class". Your kids will love it! And, so will you b/c it is so relaxing. Sit back & read while sipping your Chardonnay. And, the last time we did this (Toronto/Ottawa) the meals were pretty good too! They were "real meals" not "airplane snacks"!

I agree with Ron. VIA 1 is very nice but rather expensive. The main difference is that VIA 1 offers good quality food and a alcoholic drinks before, during and after the meal. I don't think you get any more space in VIA 1. The train is generally faster than driving, particularly if you take the 5 PM departure which makes only one stop.

If you don't take my advice about going to Ottawa or Kingston, yes, you could take the train.

There are several departures from downtown Montreal everyday, and the train arrives in the heart of downtown Toronto, right across the street from the Fairmont Royal York Hotel.

First class is not worth the difference, unless you don't really care about money.

Before you leave Montreal, pick up snacks from the various food facilities in Central Station. You have excellent choices of sandwiches, salads, drinks, desserts, and more. (Much better than in Toronto, heading for Montreal)

If you take an early evening train, you get the advantage of spending a nice day in Montreal, and still getting to Toronto before bedtime.

If you book well in advance, there are significant discounts on the train fare. VIA RAIL is the railroad.
Central Station in Montreal is underneath the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth and across the street from the Westin Bonaventure Hotel.