Start your trip with a visit to CN Tower, the iconic landmark of Toronto, standing at 553 meters tall. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the city from the observation deck. Next, head to Ripley's Aquarium of Canada to see more than 20,000 aquatic animals from around the world. End your day at The Distillery Historic District, a pedestrian-only neighbourhood that features Victorian-era architecture, shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
Drive to Ottawa and start your day at the Parliament Hill and Buildings, the political and cultural heart of Canada. Join a guided tour to learn about the Canadian government and history. Walk along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to enjoy the beautiful waterway and mingle with locals. End your day with a visit to the National Gallery of Canada, which showcases government-owned art collections.
Start your day at the Canadian War Museum, which features Canada's military history from pre-colonial times to present days. After that, head to the Byward Market, which is a historic market with over 260 local vendors offering fresh produce, classic dishes, and artisanal products. End your day at the Canadian Museum of Nature, which showcases the biodiversity of Canada and interactive exhibits the museum can offer.
Drive to Montreal, a city with a French colonial history that adds unique charm to the city. Start your day at Old Montreal, a historic neighborhood with 18th-century architecture buildings. Visit the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal, a religious monument with stunning architecture, decorative sculptures, and vibrant stained glass windows. Next, head to The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, one of Canada's oldest art institutions with over 40,000 art pieces from various artists around the world.
Start your day at The Montreal Botanical Garden, one of Canada's largest botanical gardens that features 22,000 plant species and 31 themed exhibitions. After that, head to The Montreal Biodome, an indoor zoo that replicates four distinct ecosystems and houses over 4,800 animals from 230 species. Finish your day at Mount Royal Park to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city skyline and spend the afternoon hiking, walking, or bicycling.
Drive to Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest European settlements in North America. Start your day at The Citadel, an active military installation that dates back to the British Colonial era. Stroll through the Old Quebec, which is a charming neighborhood with cobblestone streets, 17th-century architecture, museums, and shops. End your day by visiting the Montmorency Falls, which is a spectacular waterfall near Quebec City.
Consider taking a day trip to the nearby cities of Trois-Rivières, Saint-Sauveur, or Mont-Tremblant. Alternatively, you can spend your days exploring the city at your leisure or enjoying outdoor activities like hiking Mount Royal, kayaking in the Saint Lawrence River, or exploring the Plateau neighborhood. Don't forget to try French-Canadian specialties like poutine or tourtière while you're here.
Consider renting a car for the duration of your trip, as this will give you the freedom to move around and explore the cities according to your schedule. Alternatively, you can also rely on public transportation in each city, like Metro or buses, but always check their schedules, routes, and pricing beforehand. Estimated total transportation costs are between CAD 160-200, depending on whether you rent a car or rely on public transit.
If you have more time in Montreal, consider taking a day trip to the charming city of Magog to explore its beautiful lakeside scenery and outdoor activities. If you have less time than 15 days, we recommend spending fewer days in Ottawa and Quebec City and more time in Toronto and Montreal to have a better understanding of Canadian culture. The best time to visit Canada is from June to September when the weather is favorable, and most places are open to tourists.
The primary airport of Toronto is the Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), located about 22 km northwest of Downtown Toronto. Ottawa has the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), located about 10 km south of Downtown Ottawa. Montreal has two airports- the Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is the primary one, located about 20 km west of Downtown Montreal, and the Montréal–Mirabel International Airport (YMX), which is less frequently serviced, located about 63 km outside of Montreal.