7-Day Adventure Itinerary: Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver
Friday, December 1: Ottawa
Start your adventure in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. In the morning, visit Parliament Hill and take a guided tour of the historic Parliament Buildings. Afterward, explore the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, by renting a bike or taking a leisurely walk along its scenic pathway. As the evening approaches, head to ByWard Market, a vibrant neighborhood filled with local artisans, restaurants, and live music.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Wilf & Ada's, a cozy breakfast spot known for its farm-to-table dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, head to Yangtze, a popular Chinese restaurant located in the heart of downtown Ottawa. Enjoy their delicious dumplings and noodles. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
In the evening, dine at Play Food & Wine, a trendy restaurant offering a rotating menu of small plates inspired by international flavors. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
Saturday, December 2: Toronto
Travel to Toronto, the cultural hub of Canada. Start your day by visiting the iconic CN Tower for breathtaking views of the city skyline. For adventure enthusiasts, try the EdgeWalk, a thrilling hands-free walk around the tower's edge. In the afternoon, explore Kensington Market, known for its vibrant street art, unique shops, and multicultural cuisine. Finish your day with a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum, home to fascinating exhibits showcasing art, history, and natural sciences.
CN Tower: Estimated Cost - CN Tower General Admission $38, EdgeWalk $225, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Royal Ontario Museum: Estimated Cost - Adult Admission $23, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Start your day at The Senator, a classic diner in the heart of Toronto. Indulge in their fluffy pancakes, perfectly cooked eggs, and crispy bacon. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Lunch: For a delicious and healthy lunch, head to Freshii. This fast-casual chain offers a variety of fresh salads, wraps, bowls, and smoothies. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Dinner: Treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Canoe, an upscale restaurant known for its stunning views of Toronto's skyline. Try their gourmet Canadian cuisine, featuring dishes like Quebec foie gras and British Columbia sablefish. Average cost for a meal is about $60 per person.
Sunday, December 3: Toronto
Continue your exploration of Toronto by starting your morning at High Park, a vast green space perfect for a leisurely hike or picnic. Admire the stunning fall foliage and visit the High Park Zoo, home to various animal species. In the afternoon, head to the Distillery District, a pedestrian-only neighborhood with well-preserved Victorian industrial architecture, where you can shop, dine, and explore art galleries. For an evening adventure, catch a live performance at the iconic Massey Hall or Roy Thomson Hall.
High Park: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Start your day at Cafe Belong, located in Evergreen Brick Works, where you can enjoy a delicious farm-to-table breakfast. Indulge in their freshly baked pastries and organic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
For lunch, visit Gusto 101, a vibrant Italian restaurant in the King West neighborhood. Treat yourself to their homemade pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas. Average cost for a meal is about $18 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Canoe, a renowned fine dining restaurant offering stunning views of the city from the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower. Experience their seasonal Canadian cuisine and exquisite wine selection. Average cost for a meal is about $80 per person.
Monday, December 4: Vancouver
Fly to Vancouver, a city surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Start your day with a visit to Stanley Park, a sprawling urban park offering scenic walking trails, beautiful gardens, and the Vancouver Aquarium. In the afternoon, explore Granville Island, a vibrant artistic community known for its public market, boutique shops, and waterfront views. As the sun sets, head to Grouse Mountain for an adventurous night skiing or snowboarding experience with breathtaking city views.
Stanley Park: Estimated Cost - Free, Vancouver Aquarium Admission $40, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
For breakfast, try Cafe Medina, a popular spot known for their Mediterranean-inspired brunch dishes like the Moroccan-inspired lamb tagine. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, head to Meat & Bread, a gourmet sandwich shop offering delicious options like slow-roasted porchetta and crispy fried chicken. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For dinner, indulge in a seafood feast at Blue Water Cafe, an upscale restaurant renowned for its fresh seafood and sushi dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $60 per person.
Tuesday, December 5: Vancouver
Embark on a thrilling day excursion to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where you can walk across the suspension bridge amidst the lush rainforest. Explore the Treetop Adventure and Cliffwalk for an adrenaline rush. In the afternoon, take a seaplane tour to witness the breathtaking aerial views of Vancouver's skyline and surrounding mountains. For a unique evening experience, enjoy dinner at Vancouver Lookout, an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city.
Vancouver Lookout: Estimated Cost - Adult Admission $17, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day at Jam Cafe, a popular breakfast spot known for their mouthwatering pancakes and breakfast sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, head to Meat & Bread, a gourmet sandwich shop offering delicious creations like their famous porchetta sandwich. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at L'Abattoir, a modern French restaurant known for its innovative dishes and stylish ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
Wednesday, December 6: Vancouver
Explore the adventurous side of Vancouver by visiting Grouse Mountain in the morning for activities like ziplining, wildlife encounters, and hiking. In the afternoon, head to Lynn Canyon Park for a scenic hike through the old-growth forest and a thrilling walk over the suspension bridge. As the evening sets in, visit Gastown, Vancouver's oldest neighborhood, known for its cobbled streets, Victorian architecture, and trendy shops and restaurants.
Grouse Mountain: Estimated Cost - Varies depending on chosen activities, Time Spent - 4-5 hours
Gastown: Estimated Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
The Red Wagon Cafe is a popular breakfast spot known for their hearty comfort food such as their famous pulled pork pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Tacofino is a must-visit for lunch with their delicious and innovative tacos, perfect for a quick bite. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For dinner, Vij's is a renowned Indian restaurant serving up delectable dishes like lamb popsicles and butter chicken. Average cost for a meal is about $35 per person.
Thursday, December 7: Vancouver
Conclude your adventure in Vancouver with a visit to Whistler, a world-class ski resort. Enjoy a day of skiing or snowboarding on the slopes of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. If you prefer a more relaxed day, explore the village filled with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and art galleries. As you head back to Vancouver in the evening, take in the scenic views along the Sea-to-Sky Highway.
Sea-to-Sky Highway: Estimated Cost - Gas and toll fees, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Medina, known for their Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, head to Guu Original Thurlow, a popular Japanese izakaya with a lively atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Hawksworth Restaurant, offering contemporary Canadian cuisine with a sophisticated touch. Average cost for a meal is about $60 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For adventure seekers, consider visiting Squamish, located between Vancouver and Whistler. Explore the stunning landscapes while hiking the Stawamus Chief or try rock climbing on the iconic granite walls. Another hidden gem is Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Vancouver Island, where you can experience thrilling storm watching during the winter months. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the old growth rainforests and pristine beaches in this remote and rugged coastal region.
Check hotel and flight prices to plan your adventure-filled trip to Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver!