5-Day Itinerary for Traveling Through Canada
Canada is a massive country, and it offers a lot to see. This itinerary focuses on giving you a relaxed but meaningful experience of some of its iconic cities and landscapes. It’s paced so you don’t feel rushed, but you’ll still get a great overview. Let’s get into it.
Day 1: Exploring Toronto
Toronto is a vibrant and multicultural city, and it’s a great starting point for your trip. Begin your day at the iconic CN Tower. It’s one of the tallest buildings globally, and the view from the top is spectacular. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the EdgeWalk, where you can walk around the outside rim of the tower.
Once you’ve taken in the views, head to St. Lawrence Market, one of the city’s most famous food markets. It’s perfect for grabbing a casual lunch. There are tons of vendors offering fresh produce, meats, seafood, and local delicacies.
After lunch, spend some time wandering around the Distillery District. This historic area has cobblestone streets, 19th-century buildings, and plenty of art galleries and boutiques to explore. It’s a great spot for some photos and window shopping.
In the evening, you’ll want to head to Kensington Market for dinner. This neighborhood is known for its bohemian vibe and diverse food options. You’ll find everything from Mexican tacos to Middle Eastern falafel.
Accommodation suggestion: Staying near downtown will make it easy to get around. There are plenty of budget-friendly hotels or Airbnb options. Look for places near Union Station or Queen’s Park.
Day 2: Niagara Falls & Wine Country
Start your day early and make your way to Niagara Falls. It’s about an hour and a half drive from Toronto. If you don’t have a car, you can take a bus or a guided tour. Once you’re at the falls, take a boat tour to get up close to the water. The boat takes you right into the mist—it’s an unforgettable experience.
After exploring the falls, head to the nearby town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. This quaint, historic village is known for its wineries. Spend the afternoon tasting some of Canada’s best wines. There are plenty of wine tours that take you through multiple vineyards, so you can sample a variety.
If you’re not into wine, you can also explore the town itself. It’s a charming place with boutique shops, a few small museums, and beautiful gardens.
After a full day out, head back to Toronto for the evening.
Accommodation suggestion: Stay in the same place as the night before to avoid packing and unpacking. If you want a change, consider spending the night in Niagara Falls, where you’ll find plenty of hotels with views of the falls.
Day 3: Ottawa—Canada’s Capital City
Catch an early morning train or flight to Ottawa. It’s about a 4-5 hour train journey from Toronto, but it’s a comfortable and scenic ride.
Once you arrive, head straight to Parliament Hill. The buildings here are impressive, especially the main Parliament building. Try to catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony (in the summer), and if you have time, book a free tour of the interior.
Afterwards, grab a quick lunch at ByWard Market. It’s an open-air market with plenty of food stalls and local vendors. Be sure to try a BeaverTail, a Canadian pastry that’s a bit like a flat doughnut. It’s one of those treats you can only find in Canada.
Spend your afternoon at the National Gallery of Canada. The museum hosts a stunning collection of Canadian and international art. Even if you’re not an art fan, the architecture of the building itself is worth the visit.
End your day with a walk along the Rideau Canal. In the winter, you can skate on the canal; in the warmer months, you can simply enjoy a peaceful stroll.
Accommodation suggestion: Stay near the ByWard Market area. This central location will make it easy to walk to the main sights. There are a range of hotels here, so you’ll find something to suit any budget.
Day 4: Montreal—A Taste of French Canada
Take a quick two-hour train or flight to Montreal. Once you arrive, head to Mount Royal Park. It’s a large green space with great views of the city. You can hike up to the top or rent a bike to explore the trails. It’s a little workout, but the view is your reward.
After your morning in nature, it’s time to dive into Montreal’s history. Make your way to Old Montreal. This historic district features cobblestone streets and buildings dating back to the 17th century. Must-see spots include Notre-Dame Basilica and Bonsecours Market.
Grab lunch in Old Montreal. There are plenty of restaurants offering classic French Canadian food like poutine, smoked meat sandwiches, and French baguettes.
In the afternoon, visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. It’s a large museum with a lot of different exhibitions, so you can spend as much (or as little) time there as you want.
For the evening, St. Laurent Boulevard is a great spot to explore. It’s one of Montreal’s cultural hubs, filled with restaurants, cafes, and bars. Pick a place to unwind and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Accommodation suggestion: There are a lot of affordable boutique hotels and hostels in Old Montreal or near Mount Royal. Book early, as the city can get busy during festivals and peak seasons.
Day 5: Quebec City—History and Charm
Your last stop is Quebec City, which is about a 3-hour train or car ride from Montreal. Quebec City is one of North America’s oldest cities, and it feels like stepping back in time.
Start your day by walking around Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortified walls, cobblestone streets, and stunning buildings will make you feel like you’re in Europe rather than Canada. Don’t miss Chateau Frontenac, one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Next, visit the Plains of Abraham. This historic site was a battlefield in 1759, and today it’s a peaceful park where you can walk around and explore some of Canada’s early military history.
For lunch, try some traditional Quebecois food at one of the local restaurants. Don’t miss dishes like tourtière (meat pie) or cipaille (layered meat pie). After lunch, you can explore more of the city’s charming streets or visit the impressive Musée de la Civilisation, which offers fascinating insights into Canadian culture and history.
Before heading back, take a stroll down to the Old Port of Quebec and enjoy the riverside views. It’s a nice way to wrap up your visit.
If you fly home from Quebec City, there’s a small airport here. If you’re heading back to Montreal for your flight, it’s a 3-hour journey by train or car, so you may want to plan extra time depending on your travel details.
Accommodation suggestion: Old Quebec offers plenty of charming places to stay. Some of the oldest hotels in Canada are located here. While they’re not always the cheapest option, you can often find deals if you book in advance.
Final Thoughts
Canada is huge, and this itinerary barely scratches the surface—but it offers a good mix of cities, nature, and history. Travel times are long, so be sure to pace yourself and enjoy each stop without rushing. If you want a more relaxed trip, consider cutting one city from the list, or extend your stay where it feels right for you.
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