10-Day Budget-Friendly Adventure from Toronto to British Columbia and Alberta

Day 1: Travel to Vancouver

Toronto - Vancouver, Canada on August 22, 2025

6:00pm

Flight from Toronto to Vancouver

Depart Toronto Pearson International Airport and fly to Vancouver International Airport. Book an affordable evening flight to maximize your usage of the day.
CAD400, 5h0m

11:00pm

Check-in at Budget Accommodation

Check-in at a budget-friendly hostel or Airbnb in downtown Vancouver to stay within budget and be close to key attractions.
CAD50, Overnight
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Day 2: Explore Vancouver

Vancouver, British Columbia on August 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Artigiano

Enjoy a freshly brewed coffee and a light breakfast of pastries at this popular local café open from 7am.
CAD10, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Stanley Park

Walk or bike the scenic seawall of Stanley Park to see gardens, totem poles, and stunning views of the city and mountains. Park open from 6am to 10pm.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Japadog

Try a unique Japanese-style hot dog from this famous street food vendor, a delicious and affordable lunch option.
CAD12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Granville Island

Visit this vibrant market and arts district to browse local crafts and fresh food. Open daily from 9am to 7pm.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Tacofino

Enjoy casual Mexican cuisine with fresh ingredients at this popular spot open until 10pm.
CAD20, 1h0m
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Day 3: Day Trip to Whistler

Whistler, British Columbia on August 24, 2025

7:30am

Bus to Whistler

Take a direct bus from Vancouver to Whistler for about 2 hours. Book tickets in advance for better prices.
CAD40, 2h0m

10:00am

Explore Whistler Village and Lost Lake Park

Enjoy walking around the charming village and hiking or relaxing by Lost Lake. The park and village are open all day.
Free, 4h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Splitz Grill

Grab a gourmet burger or milkshake in Whistler village for a satisfying meal.
CAD18, 1h0m

4:00pm

Bus back to Vancouver

Return bus from Whistler to Vancouver, arriving early evening to rest for next day.
CAD40, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nuba

Enjoy Middle Eastern vegetarian dishes at this acclaimed Vancouver restaurant, open until 9:30pm.
CAD20, 1h0m
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Day 4: Fly to Calgary

Vancouver to Calgary, Canada on August 25, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Jam Café

Known for hearty breakfast and brunch, Jam Café opens at 8am and offers a great way to start your day.
CAD18, 1h0m

11:00am

Flight to Calgary

Take a mid-morning flight from Vancouver to Calgary. Early booking helps secure budget-friendly flights.
CAD150, 1h30m

1:00pm

Check-in at Budget Hotel

Stay at an affordable hotel or hostel in downtown Calgary for convenience and price.
CAD60, Afternoon

3:00pm

Explore Calgary Downtown

Walk around Stephen Avenue and Prince’s Island Park, both open all day and free to enjoy.
Free, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Charbar

Relax with creative local cuisine on the waterfront. Reservations recommended; open until 10pm.
CAD30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Banff Day Trip

Banff, Alberta on August 26, 2025

7:00am

Bus to Banff

Take an early shuttle or bus from Calgary to Banff (about 1.5 hours), to maximize your day.
CAD60, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Tooloulou’s

Enjoy Cajun-inspired breakfast open at 8am in Banff for a hearty start before exploring.
CAD15, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Banff National Park

Explore iconic lakes like Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, go for an easy hike or scenic walk. Park access typically costs CAD10 but may be included in shuttle tickets.
CAD10, 5h0m

3:00pm

Lunch at The Bear Street Tavern

Try delicious pizza and local brews in Banff Village open until 9pm.
CAD20, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Calgary

Take the shuttle or bus back to Calgary to rest for the next day.
CAD60, 1h30m
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Day 6: Explore Calgary

Calgary, Alberta on August 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at OEB Breakfast Co.

Enjoy creative breakfast options at this popular Calgary spot that opens at 8am.
CAD18, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Calgary Tower

Go up the Calgary Tower for panoramic views of the city and nearby Rockies. Open 10am to 9pm.
CAD18, 1h0m

11:30am

Walk through Prince's Island Park

Relax or stroll in this city park along the Bow River, open all day for free.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Guild

Casual eatery with comfort food options located in downtown Calgary, open until 2pm weekdays.
CAD15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Glenbow Museum

Discover art and history of Western Canada in this museum open 10am to 5pm.
CAD15, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Anju

Enjoy Korean-inspired dishes at Anju, open until 10pm, perfect for a memorable dinner.
CAD30, 1.5h
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Day 7: Drive to Drumheller

Drumheller, Alberta on August 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a simple breakfast at your accommodation or nearby café.
CAD10, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive or shuttle to Drumheller

Travel approximately 1.5-2 hours to the Dinosaur Capital of the World.
CAD30 (car rental/share), 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Royal Tyrrell Museum

Explore one of the world’s top paleontology museums open 9am to 5pm, famous for dinosaur fossils.
CAD20, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at The Bronks

Enjoy casual dining with views of the badlands in Drumheller, open until late afternoon.
CAD15, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Hoodoos Trail

Take a walk on the short Hoodoos Trail to see fascinating rock formations, accessible anytime.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Drive back to Calgary

Return to Calgary to overnight and prepare for your last travel day.
Included in car rental budget, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Local Eatery

Enjoy a low-cost meal at a local pub or café in Calgary.
CAD20, 1h0m
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Day 8: Relax in Calgary

Calgary, Alberta on August 29, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters

Savour specialty coffee and light breakfast items at this local favorite.
CAD12, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Calgary Zoo

Explore diverse wildlife in a well-maintained park open from 9am to 5pm.
CAD30, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Una Pizza + Wine

Grab some pizza and fresh ingredients at this popular spot, open from noon.
CAD20, 1h0m

3:30pm

Relax and walk along Bow River Pathway

Lovely city riverwalk perfect for an afternoon respite, free and open all day.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Native Tongues Taqueria

End your Calgary visit with fresh Mexican dishes and vibrant atmosphere, open until 9pm.
CAD25, 1h0m
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Day 9: Return to Toronto

Calgary - Toronto, Canada on August 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or nearby café

Fuel up before your flight with something quick and easy close to your accommodation.
CAD10, 1h0m

11:00am

Flight from Calgary to Toronto

Take a direct flight back to Toronto Pearson International Airport.
CAD400, 4h0m

4:30pm

Arrive in Toronto

Complete your trip with arrival back home in Toronto, fulfilling your West Canada adventure within budget.
Free, N/A
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