Canada Road Trip: Toronto Loop Adventure

Day 1: Arrival & Toronto Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Toronto and check into your downtown hotel. Grab a coffee at Café Olimpico and stroll along the vibrant King Street West corridor.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic CN Tower for panoramic city views, then wander through the bustling St. Lawrence Market for a tasty lunch of local delicacies.

Evening: Dine at Harbourfront Centre with lakefront scenery, and enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront promenade as the sun sets.

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Day 2: Toronto → Niagara Falls

Morning: Depart Toronto and drive 1.5 hours to the world‑famous Niagara Falls. Park near the Horseshoe Falls and take the Journey Behind the Falls tour.

Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Clifton Hill entertainment district, trying the famous Niagara‑on‑the‑Lake wine tasting and a thrilling ride on the Niagara SkyWheel.

Evening: Dine at a restaurant with a view of the illuminated falls, then watch the spectacular Falls Illumination light show.

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Day 3: Niagara Falls → Ottawa

Morning: Begin the 5‑hour drive north, stopping at the historic Fort George in Niagara-on-the‑Lake for a quick coffee and heritage walk.

Afternoon: Arrive in Ottawa and check into your hotel near the ByWard Market. Visit the impressive Parliament Hill and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a cozy bistro in the ByWard Market, then take a sunset cruise on the Rideau Canal for a relaxing end to the day.

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Day 4: Ottawa → Montreal

Morning: Tour the national treasures at the Canadian Museum of History across the river, then head out on the 2‑hour drive to Montreal.

Afternoon: Check into a boutique hotel in Old Montreal and explore the cobblestone streets, visiting the historic Notre‑Dame Basilica and the lively Place Jacques‑Cartier.

Evening: Savor a classic Quebecois dinner at a restaurant on Saint‑Paul Street, followed by a night‑time stroll along the illuminated Old Port waterfront.

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Day 5: Montreal → Quebec City

Morning: Depart for the scenic 3‑hour drive to Quebec City, stopping at the charming town of Trois‑Rivières for a quick coffee and photo‑op at its historic waterfront.

Afternoon: Arrive in Quebec City, check into a hotel within the fortified Old Quebec district, and explore the Château Frontenac and the bustling Petit Champlain lane.

Evening: Dine on traditional French‑Canadian cuisine at a restaurant overlooking the St. Lawrence River, then enjoy a guided lantern‑lit ghost tour of the old city walls.

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Day 6: Quebec City → Algonquin Provincial Park

Morning: Begin the 5‑hour drive westward, crossing the scenic Laurentian Mountains and stopping at the historic village of Trois‑Rivières for a brief walk.

Afternoon: Arrive at Algonquin Provincial Park and set up camp or check into a lodge. Embark on a gentle hike along the West Gate Trail to spot wildlife and enjoy lake views.

Evening: Cook a campfire dinner, share stories around the fire, and take a short night‑time canoe trip to experience the park’s serene darkness.

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Day 7: Algonquin → Toronto

Morning: Enjoy a sunrise paddle on Lake Opeongo and a quick breakfast in the park before packing up.

Afternoon: Drive the 3‑hour journey back to Toronto, stopping at the charming town of Haliburton for a leisurely lunch at a farm‑to‑table café.

Evening: Arrive in Toronto, return the rental car, and celebrate the trip’s conclusion with a farewell dinner at CN Tower’s 360 Restaurant, enjoying the city lights one last time.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • CN Tower – 2 hours – $40 admission
  • St. Lawrence Market – 1 hour – $15 meals
  • Niagara Falls (Journey Behind the Falls) – 2 hours – $25
  • Clifton Hill attractions – 3 hours – $30
  • Falls Illumination – 1 hour – free
  • Parliament Hill tour – 2 hours – free
  • Rideau Canal sunset cruise – 1.5 hours – $45
  • Canadian Museum of History – 2 hours – $20
  • Notre-Dame Basilica – 1 hour – $10
  • Old Port evening walk – 1 hour – free
  • Château Frontenac (exterior tour) – 1 hour – free
  • Petit Champlain lane – 2 hours – $20 meals
  • Algonquin West Gate Trail – 3 hours – free
  • Campfire dinner supplies – 1 hour – $30
  • Car rental (7 days) – – $350
  • Fuel (≈ 1,200 km) – – $180
  • Accommodation (6 nights) – – $720
  • Miscellaneous meals & snacks – – $250

Total Estimated Cost: $1,860

Tips

If you need more time to explore the national parks, consider adding an extra day in Algonquin for longer hikes or a guided wildlife tour. Conversely, you can shorten the trip to five days by skipping the Niagara leg and focusing on the Eastern Canada corridor (Toronto‑Ottawa‑Montreal‑Quebec City), which still offers a rich mix of urban culture and natural beauty.

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