Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

8-Day Eastern Canada Loop: Montreal → Québec City → Ottawa → Toronto → Niagara Falls

Viewed by 244 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Old Montreal

Montreal, Canada on September 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Olive et Gourmando

Classic Montreal breakfast bakery-café in Old Montreal; great coffee and pastries to start your day. (Typical hours ~7:30am–3:00pm—check current hours.)
CAD15, 0h45m

10:00am

Notre-Dame Basilica tour

Visit the famously ornate basilica in Old Montreal to see its dramatic interior and light show; highly recommended for architecture and history lovers. (Usually open ~9:00am–5:00pm; guided tours available.)
CAD15, 1h00m

11:30am

Walk Old Port & waterfront

Stroll the Old Port boardwalk, see historic warehouses and river views — excellent for photos and a relaxed introduction to the city (outdoor public space, open year-round).
CAD0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Jardin Nelson

Charming terrace restaurant in Place Jacques-Cartier serving Quebec bistro dishes; good for people-watching in Old Montreal. (Typical lunch service midday.)
CAD25, 1h00m

3:00pm

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Major art museum with permanent collections and rotating exhibitions — great for a cultural afternoon. (Usually open ~10:00am–5:00pm; check exhibition schedules.)
CAD24, 2h00m

6:30pm

Dinner at Joe Beef (Little Burgundy)

One of Montreal's iconic restaurants with rich, seasonal coastal-Quebec cuisine — reserve in advance. (Dinner service usually from ~5:00pm; check availability.)
CAD60, 1h30m

Day 2: Mount Royal & Travel

Montreal, Canada on September 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast: St-Viateur Bagel

Try an authentic Montreal wood-fired bagel — quick, iconic, and delicious. (Bagel shops typically open early; check hours.)
CAD10, 0h30m

9:00am

Mount Royal lookout (Kondiaronk Belvedere)

Short hike or drive up to the lookout for sweeping panoramic views of Montreal — best in the morning light. (Park open dawn–dusk.)
CAD0, 1h00m

10:30am

Mile End/Plateau mural walk

Walk the Plateau and Mile End neighborhoods to see street art, indie shops and cafés — great for experiencing local culture and boutiques.
CAD0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Jean-Talon Market

Explore one of North America's largest public markets; sample cheeses, smoked meats, and fresh produce. (Market vendors typically operate ~7:00am–6:00pm.)
CAD15, 1h00m

3:30pm

Return to downtown & prepare for travel

Collect bags and head to Montreal Central Station (or airport) for the trip to Québec City — leave ample time for check-in or station arrival.
CAD0, 1h00m

5:00pm

VIA Rail: Montreal → Québec City

Scenic intercity train ride taking about 2.5–3 hours; comfortable and efficient way to reach Old Québec. (Typical duration ~2h45m; trains have varying schedules—book in advance.)
CAD70, 2h45m

8:00pm

Dinner in Old Québec — Le Lapin Sauté

Cozy bistro in Petit-Champlain known for rabbit and Québécois classics — perfect first night in Québec City. (Usually open for dinner from ~5:00pm.)
CAD40, 1h15m

Day 3: Old Québec & Falls

Québec City, Canada on September 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Paillard

Popular bakery and café in Old Québec; great viennoiseries and coffee to fuel a walking day. (Opens early—check hours for weekend service.)
CAD12, 0h45m

9:30am

Citadel (La Citadelle de Québec) and Plains of Abraham

Guided tours offer history of the fortress and military heritage; adjacent Plains of Abraham are great for a stroll and history. (Citadel tours typically ~9:00am–5:00pm; check seasonal hours.)
CAD18, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk Terrasse Dufferin & Château Frontenac photo stop

Iconic terrace and hotel offering unbeatable photo opportunities of the St. Lawrence; stroll and enjoy the views and street performers outside. (Outdoor area open year-round.)
CAD0, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch in Petit-Champlain — Bistro Sous le Fort

Charming bistro tucked in the historic Petit-Champlain neighborhood with classic Québec flavors and cozy atmosphere.
CAD28, 1h00m

2:30pm

Montmorency Falls Provincial Park

Short drive/cab to Montmorency Falls (higher than Niagara); enjoy the suspension bridge, cable car and lookout platforms. (Park and cable car typically open ~7:00am–10:00pm; check seasonal hours.)
CAD11, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Chez Muffy

Fine-dining restaurant in a historic warehouse within Old Québec serving refined regional cuisine — reservations advised. (Dinner hours typically from ~5:00pm.)
CAD70, 1h30m

Day 4: Travel to Ottawa

Ottawa, Canada on September 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast & checkout — local café

Quick breakfast at a local café before heading to the station or picking up your rental car for the trip to Ottawa.
CAD12, 0h45m

9:30am

Travel: Québec City → Ottawa (via train or drive)

Direct train service is limited; common options are VIA Rail via Montreal (~4.5–5h) or driving (~4.5h). Choose the faster option that fits your schedule—book in advance. (Travel time varies by route.)
CAD100, 4h30m

2:30pm

Lunch at ByWard Market

Historic market with vendors and restaurants — excellent spot for local fare and lively atmosphere in central Ottawa. (Markets and restaurants typically open midday.)
CAD20, 1h00m

4:00pm

Parliament Hill exterior & Peace Tower photos

Walk the grounds, watch the Changing of the Guard when in season, and photograph the iconic Parliament buildings. (Public grounds open most of the day; interior tours require registration—tours normally run ~9:00am–4:00pm.)
CAD0, 1h00m

6:00pm

Rideau Canal stroll

Walk along the Canal (a UNESCO site); in summer/early fall you can enjoy patios and waterfront views — peaceful early evening activity.
CAD0, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Beckta Dining & Wine

Contemporary fine dining near downtown Ottawa with an excellent wine list — ideal for a refined evening meal. (Reservations recommended.)
CAD65, 1h30m

Day 5: Museums & Market

Ottawa, Canada on September 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast near hotel / local café

Grab coffee and a light bite before a museum-focused day — many cafés around ByWard Market open early. (Check café hours.)
CAD12, 0h30m

9:30am

Canadian Museum of History (Gatineau)

Top cultural museum just across the river with engaging Canadian history and First Nations galleries; excellent for all ages. (Typically open ~9:00am–5:00pm—confirm hours.)
CAD18, 2h00m

12:30pm

Lunch at ByWard Market

Return to the market for casual lunch options — try BeaverTails or a sit-down bistro depending on appetite. (Market vendors vary by day.)
CAD18, 1h00m

2:00pm

National Gallery of Canada

Houses national art collections including Canadian and Indigenous works; great for art enthusiasts and short, curated visits. (Usually open ~10:00am–5:00pm; check times.)
CAD17, 1h30m

4:00pm

Leisure: Rideau Canal locks & shopping

See the historic locks and browse local shops — a relaxing late-afternoon option before dinner.
CAD0, 0h45m

7:00pm

Evening activity: Ottawa river cruise or ghost walk

Seasonal options: an evening river cruise showcases skyline views (seasonal) or choose a guided historic/ghost walk through downtown. (Cruises often operate late spring–fall; check schedules.)
CAD30, 1h15m

Day 6: To Toronto & Highlights

Toronto, Canada on September 11, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast and checkout

Quick breakfast and gather luggage before departing Ottawa for Toronto; ensure you have reservations or tickets for the train. (Cafés open early in central Ottawa.)
CAD12, 0h30m

8:30am

VIA Rail / Train: Ottawa → Toronto

Comfortable intercity rail taking roughly 4–5 hours; scenic stretches along the route and city-center arrival in Toronto. (Typical travel ~4h30m; book early for best fares.)
CAD90, 4h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at St. Lawrence Market

World-famous market where you can sample peameal bacon sandwiches, fresh seafood and local produce. (Market hours typically ~8:00am–6:00pm.)
CAD18, 1h00m

3:00pm

CN Tower visit

Iconic Toronto observation tower with panoramic city and lake views — the glass floor and EdgeWalk (if available) are highlights. (Open roughly 9:00am–10:00pm; EdgeWalk has separate booking and restrictions.)
CAD45, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk Harbourfront or Distillery District

Choose Harbourfront for lakeside views and galleries, or head to the Distillery District for cobblestone streets, shops and art galleries. (Outdoor areas open year-round; shops vary.)
CAD0, 1h00m

7:30pm

Dinner at El Catrin (Distillery District)

Popular Mexican eatery with creative dishes and lively atmosphere — reserve a table for dinner in the Distillery District. (Dinner service ~5:00pm onward.)
CAD40, 1h30m

Day 7: Niagara Falls Day

Niagara Falls, Canada (day trip from Toronto) on September 12, 2025

7:30am

Early departure: GO Train / Bus or drive to Niagara

Leave Toronto early (GO Transit or coach ~2–2.5 hours; driving similar time) to maximize time at the Falls. (Check seasonal schedules and weekend times.)
CAD20, 2h00m

10:00am

Hornblower Niagara Cruise

Boat takes you close to the Horseshoe Falls for an exhilarating misty experience — bring a waterproof layer. (Typically operates ~9:00am–9:00pm in season; check exact times.)
CAD35, 0h30m

11:00am

Journey Behind the Falls

Descending tunnels and observation decks behind the falls give a unique vantage point — very atmospheric. (Usually open ~9:00am–10:00pm; confirm times.)
CAD18, 1h00m

12:30pm

Lunch at Table Rock House Restaurant

Convenient spot with views near the brink of the Horseshoe Falls — good for a relaxed midday meal with scenery.
CAD30, 1h00m

2:30pm

Afternoon: Niagara-on-the-Lake & wine tasting

Short drive or shuttle to picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake for boutique shops and a wine tasting at a nearby winery; lovely small-town charm. (Wineries typically open ~10:00am–5:00pm; reserve tastings.)
CAD60, 2h00m

6:30pm

Return to Toronto

Head back to Toronto by coach, train or car. Evening arrival back in the city depends on traffic/schedule (expect ~2 hours).
CAD20, 2h00m

9:00pm

Late dinner in Toronto — Kōjin or similar

Finish the day with a high-quality Toronto dining experience — Kōjin offers locally focused grill cuisine (reserve in advance).
CAD60, 1h15m

Day 8: Toronto & Departure

Toronto, Canada on September 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Dineen Coffee Co.

Stylish downtown café with good coffee and breakfast options — a convenient start if you have a midday departure. (Café hours typically early morning onward.)
CAD12, 0h45m

10:00am

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

Large museum with natural history, world cultures and rotating exhibits; excellent for families and culture seekers. (Usually open ~10:00am–5:30pm; check exhibit hours.)
CAD25, 2h00m

1:00pm

Lunch & explore Kensington Market

Eclectic neighborhood great for street food, vintage shops and multicultural eats — ideal for a relaxed final meal and souvenir hunting.
CAD20, 1h15m

3:00pm

Last-minute shopping or Harbourfront stroll

Use remaining hours to visit Harbourfront for lake views, return to a favorite spot, or grab any last-minute items before departure.
CAD0, 1h00m

5:00pm

Depart Toronto — travel to airport or next destination

Head to Pearson Airport or Union Station depending on your onward travel arrangements; allow ample time for security and transit. (Airport check-in times vary by airline—arrive 2+ hours before departure recommended.)
CAD0, 0h30m
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version