Welcome to Ottawa, the capital city of Canada! Start your day by exploring the historic Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the morning, take a relaxing stroll along the canal's scenic pathways and admire the picturesque views. In the afternoon, visit Parliament Hill and take a guided tour of the iconic Parliament buildings. As the evening approaches, head to ByWard Market, a vibrant neighborhood known for its local shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
Rideau Canal: Cost - Free, Time - 2-3 hours
Parliament Hill: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
ByWard Market: Cost - Varies, Time - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Wilf & Ada's, a cozy and charming restaurant known for their delicious homemade breakfast dishes such as eggs benedict and fluffy pancakes. The average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
For lunch, try Stoneface Dolly's, a popular spot offering a wide selection of sandwiches, salads, and homemade soups. They are known for their creative and flavorful dishes. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For dinner, make a reservation at Atelier, a fine dining restaurant known for its innovative and artistic approach to food. The tasting menu changes frequently and features unique and exciting flavor combinations. The average cost for a meal is about $100 per person.
Friday September 1: Ottawa
Discover more of Ottawa's cultural treasures on day two. In the morning, visit the National Gallery of Canada, home to a vast collection of Canadian and international artworks. Afterward, explore the historic Bytown Museum, located near the Rideau Canal, to learn about Ottawa's rich history. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll in Gatineau Park, just across the river, and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. In the evening, catch a performance at the National Arts Centre for a taste of Ottawa's thriving arts scene.
National Gallery of Canada: Cost - $15 CAD, Time - 2-3 hours
Bytown Museum: Cost - $10 CAD, Time - 1-2 hours
Gatineau Park: Cost - Free, Time - 2-3 hours
National Arts Centre: Cost - Varies, Time - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
The Wellington Diner is a popular breakfast spot in Ottawa, known for its delicious pancakes and hearty breakfast sandwiches. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, try The Whalesbone Oyster House, a seafood restaurant that serves fresh oysters and other seafood dishes. The average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
For dinner, check out Play Food & Wine, a trendy restaurant that offers a variety of small plates and an extensive wine list. The average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
Saturday September 2: Montreal
Today, embark on a journey to the vibrant city of Montreal. In the morning, visit the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica, known for its stunning architecture and stained glass windows. Afterward, explore the historic neighborhood of Old Montreal, with its cobblestone streets and charming architecture. In the afternoon, head to Mount Royal Park and hike to the summit for panoramic views of the city. In the evening, experience Montreal's lively nightlife by exploring the trendy Plateau-Mont-Royal district.
Notre-Dame Basilica: Cost - $8 CAD, Time - 1-2 hours
Old Montreal: Cost - Free, Time - 2-3 hours
Mount Royal Park: Cost - Free, Time - 2-3 hours
Plateau-Mont-Royal: Cost - Varies, Time - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Café Olimpico: A charming café in the heart of Old Montreal, Café Olimpico serves delicious breakfast options such as croissants, scones, and coffee. Average cost for a breakfast is about $10 per person.
Poutineville: Located in the Plateau-Mont-Royal district, Poutineville is a must-visit spot for lunch. They offer a variety of poutine dishes with creative toppings and combinations. Average cost for a lunch is about $15 per person.
Au Pied de Cochon: For a memorable dinner experience, head to Au Pied de Cochon, a renowned restaurant specializing in decadent French-Canadian cuisine. Indulge in dishes like foie gras poutine and maple syrup-infused desserts. Average cost for a dinner is about $50 per person.
Sunday September 3: Montreal
On your last day, delve deeper into Montreal's cultural offerings. Begin your morning with a visit to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, housing an extensive collection of artworks from various periods. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Mile End and Le Plateau, known for their artistic and bohemian atmosphere. Don't miss trying the city's famous bagels from St-Viateur Bagel or Fairmount Bagel. In the evening, take a relaxing stroll along the picturesque Lachine Canal and enjoy the scenic views.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: Cost - $20 CAD, Time - 2-3 hours
Mile End and Le Plateau: Cost - Varies, Time - 2-3 hours
St-Viateur Bagel/Fairmount Bagel: Cost - $1-2 CAD per bagel, Time - 1-2 hours
Lachine Canal: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Beauty's Luncheonette. This iconic Montreal eatery serves up classic dishes like smoked salmon bagels and eggs Benedict. Prices for a meal range from $10 to $20 per person.
For lunch, head to Schwartz's Deli, a local institution famous for its mouthwatering smoked meat sandwiches. The average cost for a meal with a sandwich, fries, and a pickle is around $15 to $20 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at Le Bremner, known for its innovative seafood dishes. With a menu featuring items like lobster spaghetti and seared scallops, expect to spend around $50 to $75 per person for a satisfying meal.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Ottawa, don't miss the ByWard Market Farmer's Market on Saturdays, where you can sample local produce and artisanal goods. In Montreal, venture off the beaten path and visit the enchanting Jardin Botanique, one of the largest botanical gardens in the world. Additionally, take a walk through the vibrant multicultural neighborhood of Little Italy to experience the city's diverse food scene and charming atmosphere.