Discovering Canada in 15 Days

  • Day 1: Visiting the CN Tower in Toronto
    20 minutes (16 kilometers) from Pearson Airport

    The CN Tower is a must-visit attraction in Toronto. It's one of the tallest towers in the world and provides a great view of the city. The tower has a restaurant, glass floor, and also an outdoor Sky Terrace that offers a fantastic experience.

  • Day 2: Exploring Niagara Falls
    1 hour 30 minutes (128 kilometers) from Toronto

    Niagara Falls is a place of pure beauty that attracts millions of visitors each year. Marvel at the cascading waterfalls and take a boat tour for an up-close experience. A nearby botanical garden and butterfly conservatory offer great additions to your trip.

  • Day 3: Walking and shopping in Old Quebec City
    2 hours 50 minutes (250 kilometers) from Niagara Falls

    Explore the historic streets of Old Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll feel transported to Europe with its cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture. Shop at the local boutiques and enjoy delicious French-inspired cuisine.

  • Day 4: Visiting the Parliament Hill in Ottawa
    2 hours 20 minutes (430 kilometers) from Old Quebec City

    Visit the historic Parliament Hill in Ottawa, the capital of Canada. Take a guided tour of the building and learn about the country's history and politics. Afterward, wander around the city center and explore the nearby Rideau Canal.

  • Day 5: Relaxing in Banff National Park
    4 hours 50 minutes (450 kilometers) from Ottawa

    Escape to the magnificent Rocky Mountains and breathtaking blue lakes at Banff National Park. Stroll around the enchanting town of Banff or take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for stunning views. End your day with a relaxing dip in the hot springs.

  • Day 6: Hiking and canoeing in Jasper National Park
    3 hours (290 kilometers) from Banff National Park

    Jasper National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the drive there is picturesque. Take a hike on one of the many trails or go canoeing on Maligne Lake. Don't miss the opportunity to spot wildlife in their natural habitat.

  • Day 7: Visiting the Athabasca Glacier
    1 hour 10 minutes (100 kilometers) from Jasper National Park

    The Athabasca Glacier is a must-visit natural wonder that is part of the Columbia Icefields. Take a tour to learn about the glacier's formation and unique characteristics or enjoy a thrilling experience with a guided hike on the glacier itself.

  • Day 8: Discovering Whistler Village
    9 hours 20 minutes (840 kilometers) from Athabasca Glacier

    Take the scenic route and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of British Columbia on your way to Whistler Village. Once there, you'll find plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and rafting. Relax in a luxury hotel or take in some locals culture by visiting the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre.

  • Day 9: Strolling and shopping in Gastown, Vancouver
    2 hours (121 kilometers) from Whistler Village

    Get ready to fall in love with the charm of Gastown, the oldest neighborhood in Vancouver. With its unique architecture and cobblestone streets, it's the perfect place to stroll or shop at local boutiques. Visit the Steam Clock or Granville Island for some more fun.

  • Day 10: Exploring Stanley Park
    10 minutes (3 kilometers) from Gastown

    Stanley Park is Vancouver's gem, with 405-hectares of pristine nature to explore. Take a leisurely walk or bike ride around the park's seawall, and stop to see the Brockton Point Lighthouse, Totem Poles or the Vancouver Aquarium.

  • Day 11: Whale watching in Victoria
    3 hours (114 kilometers) from Stanley Park

    Take a scenic ferry ride to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, and go on an adventurous whale watching tour. Besides whales, you can also spot sea lions, seals, and other marine life. Take time to stroll at the flower-filled Butchart Gardens or explore the city center.

  • Day 12: Kayaking in Fundy National Park
    5 hours (360 kilometers) from Victoria

    Fundy National Park has an exciting geological feature, the world's highest tides. With more than 26 kilometers of coastline and miles of hiking trails, you won't run out of things to do. The park offers plenty of outdoor activities like canoeing, kayaking, and bird watching that you don't want to miss.

  • Day 13: Strolling around Old Montreal
    8 hours 30 minutes (880 kilometers) from Fundy National Park

    Old Montreal is a vibrant and historic part of the city. With its charming architecture, small cafes, and cozy restaurants, the neighborhood is a must-visit destination. Explore the Notre-Dame Basilica and Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the area.

  • Day 14: Visiting Parliament Hill in Ottawa
    2 hours (200 kilometers) from Montreal

    If you missed visiting Parliament Hill earlier, now is the time to catch it. Take a guided tour of the building and learn more about the country's history and politics. Enjoy the free events and activities that the city offers during the summer season, especially the Sound and Light Show.

  • Day 15: Relaxing at Toronto Islands
    4 hours (450 kilometers) from Ottawa

    End your journey with a relaxing day at the Toronto Islands, a group of small islands located just offshore from the city. Take a ferry ride and spend the day at the amusement park, beach, or sports fields. Enjoy the beautiful views of the city skyline and take in the peacefulness of nature.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Admission to CN Tower (2-3 hours, $35)
  • Maid of the Mist boat tour (1 hour, $25)
  • Guided tour of Parliament Hill (1 hour, free)
  • Admission to Banff Gondola (2 hours, $65)
  • Guided hike on Athabasca Glacier (3 hours, $70)
  • Whale Watching Tour (3-4 hours, $100)
  • Kayaking in Fundy National Park (2-3 hours, $50)
  • Notre-Dame Basilica admission (1 hour, $15)
  • Admission to CN Tower (2-3 hours, $35)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $395

Transportation:

Canada provides various means of transportation options, from buses and trains to rental cars and flights. Rental cars are particularly useful for traveling between cities, while driving will allow you to explore more freely. You will need ferries to travel to Victoria and Toronto Islands. Be prepared for an 8% sales tax in some provinces and high parking fees in city centers.

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, plan an extra day trip to Tofino and Vancouver Island or to Calgary Stampede. If you have less time, consider skipping Alberta and British Columbia and focus on discovering the eastern part of the country instead. Keep in mind that distances between cities in Canada are large and plan your routes accordingly.

Airports:

The three of the major airports in Canada are: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), located in Mississauga, Ontario; Vancouver International Airport (YVR), located in Richmond, British Columbia; and Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), located 20 km from Montreal, Quebec. All airports have various transportation options and several direct flights from major cities around the world.

0