14-Day Relaxation and Nature Itinerary in Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Lake Ontario on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Toronto, Canada on December 22, 2024

10:00AM

Check into Budget Accommodation

Arrive at a budget-friendly hostel like HI Toronto Hostel, setting the stage for an adventurous stay.
From the airport, take the UP Express to Union Station, then walk to your accommodation.
CAD80, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit St. Lawrence Market

Explore the vibrant marketplace and grab a peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery for breakfast.
Walk from your accommodation to St. Lawrence Market.
CAD5, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Walk the Waterfront

Stroll along the scenic Toronto waterfront, taking in views of Lake Ontario.
Continue walking from the market to the waterfront.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario

Enjoy amazing art exhibits, with free entry on Wednesdays.
Take the streetcar from the waterfront to the art gallery.
CAD25, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Diner

Enjoy an affordable meal at The Hollywood Grill, known for their comforting dishes.
Walk from the gallery to the diner.
CAD15, 1 hour
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Day 2: Discovery and Nature

Toronto, Canada on December 23, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tim Hortons

Savor a coffee and a bagel to start your day.
Walk to the nearest Tim Hortons.
CAD5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore High Park

Enjoy the serenity of Toronto's largest park with beautiful walking trails.
Take the subway to High Park Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Coffee Shop

Grab a light lunch at a nearby café within the park.
Eat at a café in High Park.
CAD12, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Royal Ontario Museum

Delve into the world of history and culture at this notable museum.
Take the subway from High Park to Museum Station.
CAD23, 2 hours

4:00PM

Walk through the University of Toronto

Admire the stunning architecture and beautiful campus grounds.
Walk from the museum to University College.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Fresh

Try a delicious plant-based meal in a cozy environment.
Take the subway back toward your accommodation.
CAD20, 1 hour
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Day 3: Festive Fun

Toronto, Canada on December 24, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Accommodation

Enjoy a light breakfast provided at the hostel.
Doorstep meal.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Distillery District

Stroll through the charming cobblestone streets adorned with holiday decorations.
Take the subway to King Station, then walk.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Relaxing Coffee at Balzac's Café

Enjoy a warm drink while absorbing the festive atmosphere.
Located in the Distillery District.
CAD6, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at El Catrin

Indulge in delicious Mexican dishes in the heart of the Distillery.
Short walk from the café.
CAD15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Toronto Christmas Market

Wander through the stalls filled with crafts and treats (if open).
Explore the nearby market area.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The St. Lawrence Market

Savor some local food areas in this famous market.
Take the streetcar back to St. Lawrence.
CAD15, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Christmas Cheer and Relaxation

Niagara Falls, Canada on December 25, 2024

7:00AM

Travel to Niagara Falls

Catch an early morning bus to Niagara Falls to start your Christmas.
Take a GO Bus from Toronto to Niagara Falls, takes about 1.5 hours.
CAD20, 2 hours

9:00AM

Check into Budget Accommodation

Stay at a hostel or budget hotel in Niagara Falls.
Walk or transfer via taxi to your accommodation.
CAD85, 1 hour

10:00AM

Breakfast at the Diner

Have a hearty breakfast at a local diner near your accommodation.
Walk to a nearby diner.
CAD10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Niagara Parks

Enjoy the beauty of the parks surrounding the falls, including the winter views.
Walk from your accommodation to the parks.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Queen Victoria Place Restaurant

Enjoy your meal with views of the falls.
Nearby location.
CAD25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Iconic Niagara Falls

Admire the falls up close and enjoy its stunning winter beauty.
Walk to the viewing area.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at King Punjab

Savor Indian cuisine and end your Christmas day on a flavorful note.
Take a taxi or walk depending on distance.
CAD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Nature at Its Finest

Niagara Falls, Canada on December 26, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy included breakfast at your accommodation before a full day.
Doorstep meal.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Journey to Botanical Gardens

Take a peaceful walk in beautiful gardens, very picturesque in winter.
Catch a bus or walk to the gardens.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Butterfly Conservatory

Visit the lush conservatory filled with flying butterflies.
A short walk or bus from the gardens.
CAD17, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Greenhouse of Niagara Parks

Try a light meal at the café within the parks.
Walking distance from the conservatory.
CAD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Niagara Glen Nature Reserve

Explore trails with magnificent scenery and stunning views of the river.
Catch a bus to the reserve.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Local Tavern

Relax with a hearty meal in a cozy tavern atmosphere.
Take a bus back to Niagara Falls.
CAD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: More Winter Wonders

Niagara Falls, Canada on December 27, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Cafe

Start your day with a cozy breakfast at a café nearby.
Short walk.
CAD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Winter Wonderland at the Falls

Experience the Magic of Winter Festival at the Falls (if open).
Walk to the event area.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Skylon Tower

Join a scenic ride to the observation deck with panoramic views.
Take the bus to Skylon.
CAD17, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Nearby Diner

Enjoy lunch at a diner with local favorites.
Walk to a nearby diner.
CAD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Walk Around the Niagara Parkway

Savor the beautiful views along the parkway following the river.
Explore on foot.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Buzzy’s

Enjoy another night of local dishes in a welcoming setting.
Take a bus back to your accommodation.
CAD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Scenic Lake Ontario

Lake Ontario, Canada on December 28, 2024

8:00AM

Travel to Lake Ontario

Catch a morning bus to experience the breathtaking views of Lake Ontario.
Travel by bus from Niagara Falls to a lakeside spot.
CAD20, 2 hours

10:00AM

Check into Budget Accommodation

Stay at a lakeside guesthouse or hostel for affordable rates.
Walk to your accommodation.
CAD90, 1 hour

11:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Enjoy breakfast with views overlooking the lake.
Walk to a nearby waterfront café.
CAD10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Rent a Bike and Explore

Cycle along the lakeshore trails, enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
Rent a bike near the lakeshore.
CAD20, 3 hours

4:00PM

Relax at the Park

Unwind at one of the nearby parks with beautiful views of the lake.
Return the bike and walk to the park.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Lakeside Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful meal at a lakeside restaurant.
Walk to a lakeside restaurant.
CAD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Continued Exploration

Lake Ontario, Canada on December 29, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your lodging.
Doorstep meal.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Waterfront Trail

Explore more scenic trails along the lake's shoreline.
Walk to the trailhead.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Sandwich Shop

Grab a quick lunch at a nearby sandwich shop.
Short walk.
CAD10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit a Local Museum

Explore a small museum dedicated to local history and nature.
Walk to the museum.
CAD5, 2 hours

3:00PM

Kayaking on Lake Ontario

Experience kayaking on the calm waters of the lake.
Rent a kayak at the lakefront.
CAD25, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Pub

Finish your day with a hearty meal at a local pub.
Walk to the pub.
CAD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Enjoying the Season

Lake Ontario, Canada on December 30, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Guesthouse

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation to fuel your day.
Doorstep meal.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Birdwatching at the Lakeshore

Bring your binoculars and watch local bird species in their natural habitat.
Explore the shore area.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit a Nearby Park

Stroll through another local park, soaking in the views.
Short bus or walk.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Café

Relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby café.
Walk to a local café.
CAD15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Fishing by the Lake

Try your hand at fishing; even if you don’t catch anything, it’s relaxing!
Find a fishing spot along the shore.
CAD10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Cozy Restaurant

Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with a warm atmosphere.
Walk to the restaurant.
CAD25, 2 hours
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Day 10: New Year’s Eve Celebration

Toronto, Canada on December 31, 2024

8:00AM

Return to Toronto

Take a morning bus back to Toronto to start preparations for the celebration.
Travel by bus.
CAD20, 2 hours

10:00AM

Check into Your Accommodation

Return to your hostel for a quick refresh.
Walk to your accommodation.
CAD80, 1 hour

11:00AM

Brunch at a Local Restaurant

Celebrate the last day of the year with a festive brunch.
Walk to a nearby brunch spot.
CAD20, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

TTC Ride to Nathan Phillips Square

Head to Nathan Phillips Square for the city's New Year’s Eve festivities.
Take the subway to Nathan Phillips Square.
CAD3, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Enjoy Music and Performances

Join throngs at this lively square for performances leading up to midnight.
Stay in the square.
Free, 5 hours

10:00PM

Prepare for the Countdown

Grab a hot drink and find a good spot for the countdown!
Stay in the square.
CAD5, 2 hours
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Day 11: Relax and Recovery

Toronto, Canada on January 1, 2024

10:00AM

Late Breakfast at Your Hostel

Recover from the festivities with a later breakfast.
Doorstep meal.
Included, 1 hour

11:00AM

Stroll through the Neighborhood

Take a leisurely walk to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere post-celebration.
Explore nearby areas.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Savor some local food at a nearby eatery.
Walk to a local spot.
CAD15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit a Public Park

Enjoy the serenity of one of Toronto's urban parks.
Take the subway to the park.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Casual Restaurant

Find a casual dining spot to wrap up your day.
Nearby location.
CAD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Cultural Immersion

Toronto, Canada on January 2, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Start with a coffee and bagel at a local café.
Stroll to a nearby café.
CAD5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Harbourfront Centre

Explore exhibitions and enjoy the lakeside views.
Take transit to the Harbourfront.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Toronto Islands

Catch a ferry to the islands for stunning views of the city skyline.
Board the ferry at Harbourfront.
CAD10, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at a Picnic Spot

Pack a lunch or enjoy a picnic on the islands.
Bring your food from your prior stop.
CAD10, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Relax on the Islands

Unwind and enjoy the tranquility of the islands, walking and exploring.
On the islands.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Eatery

Celebrate the final night with a dinner at a noted local restaurant.
Return to the mainland and walk to a nearby spot.
CAD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 13: Shopping and Departure Prep

Toronto, Canada on January 3, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Your Accommodation

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hostel one last time.
Doorstep meal.
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Last-minute Shopping at Eaton Centre

Get any souvenirs or last-minute gifts before your departure.
Take the subway to Eaton Centre.
Free (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Food Court

Grab a quick bite at the food court within the Eaton Centre.
On-site dining.
CAD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Check out of Accommodation

Gather your belongings and check out from your stay.
Final preparations.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Departure

Head back to the airport for your onward journey.
Using transit or taxi.
CAD20, 1 hour
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Day 14: Final Departure

Toronto, Canada on January 4, 2024

N/A

Departure from Toronto

Fly back home filled with memories of this wonderful trip.
Airport transport.
CURRENCY$, N/A
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