Canada seems like a distant and incomprehensible country to most travelers. Many people would like to travel around the USA, they have heard a lot about Latin American countries, but Canada… What’s there on the other half of the globe? What to do, what to see? Our travel expert knows the answers to all these questions very well – and has compiled a detailed guide for you. In two weeks you will become closely acquainted with this country and, we are sure, will love it.
Route:
Montreal → Quebec → Ottawa → Toronto → Vancouver → Banff National Park
Days 1–4. Montreal
Montreal is the second largest city in Canada. There are ancient houses, large cozy parks and interesting modern buildings.
We have selected for you 4 hotel options, different in price and class:
- Hotel Ambrose
- Renaissance Montreal Downtown Hotel
- Le Meridien Versailles
- Le Mount Stephen
Old Town
The first thing you should do is go for a walk in the Old Town. Buildings from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries have been preserved here. This part of the city has many shops, restaurants, several cathedrals and art galleries. The Old Port of the city and its promenade will also be a pleasant place for a walk.
If you’re interested in history, check out the Pointe-à-Callière Museum of Archeology and History. Various displays and exhibitions related to the history of the city are held here. The museum also houses exhibits from archaeological excavations. The museum is open every day except Monday from 10:00 to 17:00, and a ticket costs 22 A$.
Notre Dame Basilica
While walking around the city center, be sure to stop by the Basilica of Notre Dame. The Gothic temple is a symbol of the city with a stunning colorful interior decoration.
In the evening, a unique light show takes place here: the arches of the walls shine with stunning color patterns to the sound of music. To attend the show, check the schedule in advance. Ticket price – 26.50 A$.
Address: 110 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal
Saint Louis Square
Next to the Old Town there is the square and the park of the same name Saint-Louis. They are surrounded by charming houses with colorful roofs. Particularly noteworthy are the buildings on the corner of Square Saint Louis and Avenue Henri-Julien.
The park with the fountain is a nice place to take a break from walking and feed the local squirrels.
Mont Royal
Mont Royal is a vast park area near the city center. Excellent views of the city open from the Belvédère Kondiaronk observation deck. To get there, the most convenient way is to climb the stairs leading to the park. The stairs start from the intersection of Avenue des Pins and Chemin le Serpentin.
The picturesque Lake Castor, surrounded by trees and lawns, will also be an excellent place for a walk in the park. Here you can rent a boat for $25 for four (30 minutes).
Another attraction of the park is the Cross on Mont-Royal, an iconic religious monument in Montreal.
Park Jean-Drapeau and Biosphere
On the island of Sainte-Hélène there is another Montreal park – Jean-Drapeau. The main attraction of the park is the unique Biosphere space with exhibitions dedicated to ecology, nature protection, the planet and the future. Here you can be a scientist for a while in a modern interactive laboratory. A ticket to the Biosphere will cost 15 A$. Opening hours: from 10:00 to 17:00.
Address: 160 Chemin du Tour de l’isle, Montréal
Montreal Botanical Garden
Don’t miss the Montreal Botanical Garden. Here you can walk among flowering bushes, in Chinese and Japanese villages, an aquatic garden and an orchid garden.
Ticket price: 20.50 A$.
Address: 4101 Rue Sherbrooke E, Montréal
Days 4–5. Quebec
On the morning of the fourth day of your trip, head to Quebec. Take the train from Central Station to Gare du Palais. You will spend about 3.5 hours on the way.
We suggest you take a flight at 06:25 or 08:56 am. In this case, the ticket price will be 30 A$ and 38 A$ respectively.
Quebec is a lovely town with French roots. Here you can slowly walk among the ancient stone houses, looking at shop windows with interesting goods.
Stay overnight at Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.
Old Town
Photo: Songquan Deng/Shutterstock.com
Old Quebec City is a charming quarter with French architecture, fragrant cafes and an atmosphere of celebration and magic. Head to Place Royale and from there to Rue Notre-Dame. Here you will find a Quebec fresco and the Church of Notre-Dame de Victoire.
And then just walk around the city, turning into the streets you like. This is the best way to see the most interesting buildings, find shops with unique goods and feel the atmosphere of the city.
Quebec Fortress and Fields of Abraham
Go to the Citadel of Quebec to see the city from above its walls. There is a museum on the territory of the fortress, and along the eastern wall there is a quiet and cozy Promenade de Gouverneur. The fortress is open from 9:00 to 17:00, and a ticket costs 16 A$.
Not far from the fortress are the Fields of Abraham, a large park that often hosts events and concerts. It will be pleasant to relax here, having a picnic in the meadow or walking along the shady alleys.
Days 5–6. Ottawa
On the fifth day we suggest you go to Ottawa. Leave early: the train journey takes about 6 hours. Ticket price – from 49 A$ to 77 A$.
An alternative and faster way to get to Ottawa (only an hour away) is by plane. The optimal flight can be found on OneTwoTrip.
Ottawa is the capital of Canada. Here you will find modern architecture, picturesque parks and some historical buildings.
Sights of Ottawa
First of all, go to Downtown – the city center with glass buildings, shops and business centers. After walking along it, head towards the main attraction of the city – Parliament Hill.
Parliament Hill is a neo-Gothic-style complex where the Parliament of Canada meets. The Parliament building itself is worth exploring from all angles, and the nearby park offers excellent views of Downtown.
After exploring Parliament Hill, head to its embankment. Going to the right, you will reach the picturesque embankment of the Rideau Canal and pass by the Laurier Castle and various sculptures.
Cross the canal and head to the National Gallery of Canada, where you will be greeted by a huge statue of Spider Maman. The gallery itself houses collections of photographs and works by Canadian artists. The ticket will cost 16 A$. Opening hours: 10:00 to 20:00.
In Ottawa, we have selected for you 3 hotel options, different in price and class:
- Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Downtown
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Ottawa City Centre
- Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Upper Canada Village
Photo: facebook.com/uppercanadavill
On the sixth day, we invite you to take a trip into Canada’s past by heading to Upper Canada Village, a village on the shores of Lake St. Lawrence, where the atmosphere of 1860 is recreated.
Here you can walk between buildings that replicate the architecture of those times, and try a variety of themed attractions: ride a horse-drawn carriage or an old train, look into a bakery and a flour factory, milk cows, walk with a calf, or go to traditional pub.
Ticket price: 22 A$ (for one day).
How to get there: unfortunately, there is no public transport to the village. We suggest you rent a car and then return it at Toronto Airport. By car, take Trans-Canada Hwy/ON-417 E. Travel time is approximately 1 hour.
Official website: Upper Canada Village
Days 6–8. Niagara Falls and Toronto
On the evening of the sixth day, depart Upper Canada Village for Toronto. By car, take the ON-401 W highway. The journey will take about 4 hours.
On the seventh day of your trip, we suggest you go to Niagara Falls, and the next day – explore Toronto.
It is best to stay in Toronto in one of the following accommodation options:
- DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown
- The Novotel Toronto Centre
- The Westin Harbor Castle, Toronto
- Fairmont Royal York Hotel
- Shangri-La Hotel Toronto
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a complex of waterfalls on the Niagara River, which connects Lakes Erie and Ontario. The complex consists of three waterfalls: Canadian Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
A mandatory item on the program when visiting the waterfall is a trip to it by ship.
The cost of such entertainment is 28.95 C$.
How to get there: By car, take Queen Elizabeth Way/QEW. The journey will take about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Toronto
Toronto is the capital of the province of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located on the coast of Ontario, the smallest lake in the Great Lakes system.
CN Tower
The main symbol of Toronto and a popular observation deck with huge panoramic windows, glass elevators and floor. Here you can take part in an extreme attraction – take a walk along the edge of the tower, the so-called EdgeWalk.
Observation deck opening hours: from 8:30 to 23:00
Ticket costs 38 C$
Address: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto
Official website: CN Tower
Toronto Islands
A group of small islands on Lake Ontario, on the territory of which there are parks and beaches. It offers an iconic view of downtown Toronto. You can get to the islands by ferry.
High Park
The main city park, located in a hilly area. The main symbol of the park is a huge maple leaf made up of seasonal flowers.
Address: 1873 Bloor Street W, Toronto
Distillery District
A trendy area with restaurants, shops and galleries located in Victorian buildings on the site of an old industrial area. Not far from the Distillery, St. Lawrence Market is another place to go for delicious food.
District address: Distillery District, Toronto
Market address: 93 Front Street E, Toronto
Yang Street
Yonge Street stretching from Lake Ontario through the entire city, according to some sources it is considered the longest street in the world. At the beginning of the street is the remarkable Hockey Hall of Fame building, and just to the north is the huge Eaton business and shopping center. Behind the Eaton Center is the beautiful Victorian Old Town Hall, and not far away you will find a modern block of buildings with the two towers of the new Town Hall. There are also numerous restaurants and shops along Yang Street.
Park Queen
North of City Hall is the small Queen Park, which is home to the magnificent Ontario Parliament building. Very close to the park is the architecturally unusual Royal Museum, part of which resembles a crystal. A little to the side, north of the park, is the original Casa Loma castle, made in the neo-Gothic style.
Days 8–10. Vancouver
On the evening of the eighth day of travel, go to Toronto Airport (you can also return your previously rented car there). A flight to Vancouver awaits you. The optimal flight can be found on OneTwoTrip.
Vancouver is the capital of the province of British Columbia and the third largest city in the country. It is located on the gulf coast in the picturesque Pacific Northwest region in western Canada. Vancouver is surrounded on all sides by mountains and the ocean. Here you will find vast parks, beaches, as well as skyscrapers and unusual objects of modern architecture, adjacent to attractive ancient buildings.
We have selected for you 4 hotel options, different in price and class:
- Hyatt Regency Vancouver
- Georgian Court Hotel, BW Premier Collection
- Hampton Inn & Suites, by Hilton — Vancouver Downtown
- Trump International Hotel & Tower Vancouver
Stanley Park and Lions Gate Bridge
Stanley Park is the city’s main park, occupying an entire peninsula and surrounded on all sides by the waters of the bay. Here you can walk along numerous paths inside the park and on the coast, relax on the beaches and admire the surrounding landscapes at observation platforms. There is an Oceanarium in the park.
And from the park there is a view of the magnificent Lions Gate suspension bridge across the bay.
Downtown
To the southeast of Stanley Park is the skyscraper district known as downtown. One of the skyscrapers – Harbor Center – is the main observation deck of the city. On the embankment near the Harbor Center, it is also worth looking at the remarkable Canada Place building, whose roof resembles sails. In addition, in downtown it is worth checking out the Vancouver Public Library – its building resembles the Roman Colosseum.
Observation deck opening hours: from 9:00 to 21:00
Ticket costs 18.25 C$
Address: 555 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
Official website: Vancouver Lookout
Library opening hours: from 10:00 to 21:00 (Mon – Thu), from 10:00 to 18:00 (Fri – Sat), from 11:00 to 18:00 (Sun)
Admission to the library is free
Address: 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Gastown Area
Vancouver’s historic district, starting right behind the Harbor Centre. Beautiful examples of Victorian architecture have been preserved here. Stroll along Water Street, lined with some of Gastown’s most notable buildings, including the iron-shaped Hotel Europe. On the same street there is a Steam Clock, which works thanks to a steam mechanism.
Also on the territory of Gastown is Vancouver’s Chinatown, where you can see the classical Chinese garden of Sun Yat-sen.
Park address: 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Scientific World Center
Photo: Lissandra Melo/Shutterstock.com
Vancouver Science Museum, whose exhibition will be most interesting for children. However, the unusual shape of the building deserves to be looked at by adults too. The museum is located on the shore of a small bay. On the opposite side of it is the BC Place stadium, which also has an unusual appearance.
Museum address: 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Granville Island
Until the early 20th century, this area, located south across the strait from downtown, was home to factories, mills and sawmills. Today, this place is home to a huge market with numerous restaurants, shops and workshops. Granville Island Market is a popular hangout for locals.
Market address:1661 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Official website: Granville Island
Queen Elizabeth Park and Van Dusen Botanical Gardens
Queen Elizabeth Park is a large and beautiful landscaped park with an arboretum, rose garden and sculptures. Entrance to its territory is free.
The park is open from 6:00 to 22:00
Park address: 33rd Avenue and Cambie Street, Vancouver
Near the park there is another picturesque green area – the Van Dusen Botanical Garden. Entrance to the garden costs 8 C$.
Botanical garden opening hours: from 9:00 to 17:00 (time depends on the season)
Address: 5251 Oak Street and West 37th Avenue, Vancouver
English Bay and Kitsilano beaches
Vancouver has many well-equipped beaches, and although the ocean water is too cold even in the hottest months, locals often spend time here. In addition to the beaches in Stanley Park, you can highlight the excellent beaches of English Bay and Kitsilano. The first is located west of downtown, the second is located near Granville Island.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
On the other side of the bay from Stanley Park is another magnificent park – Capilano (you can get to it via the Lions Gate Bridge). The main attraction of the park is the 140-meter suspension pedestrian bridge. Here you can walk between the trees at an altitude of 70 meters.
A park ticket costs 53.95 C$
Park opening hours: from 9:00 to 18:00
Address: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Official website: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Grouse Mountain
Behind Capilano Park (if you drive from the city center) is Grouse Mountain, the territory of which belongs to the park of the same name. You can climb to the top of the mountain by cable car. It offers a magnificent view of Vancouver and the surrounding area.
A park ticket costs 50 C$
The park and cable car are open from 9:00 to 22:00
Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Official website: Grouse Mountain
Days 10–13. Banff National Park
On the tenth day of your trip, go to contemplate the magical and majestic nature of Canada in Banff National Park. To do this, rent a car.
We recommend leaving Vancouver at noon in order to reach the park by evening. Take BC-5 N and Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 E. The journey will take approximately 8 hours and 20 minutes, depending on the hotel you choose.
We invite you to choose one of the following accommodation options where you will spend the next days. All of them are located within the park or in its immediate vicinity.
- Buffalo Mountain Lodge
- Banff Aspen Lodge
- Moose Hotel and Suites
- Baker Creek Mountain Resort
- Fairmont Château Lake Louise
National Park
Wherever you stay, be sure to check out the park’s unique attractions:
Johnston Canyon – a picturesque hiking route to the waterfalls along a specially equipped path. The distance from the parking lot to the end point is about 2.7 kilometers. You can leave your car in the parking lot at Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9.
Lake Louise. You can explore it and enjoy its magnificent blue hue while walking along the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail. The Lake Agnes Trail also branches off from the north shore of the lake, leading to nearby Lake Agnes.
Moraine Lake – the visiting card of the park, surrounded by spruce forest and mountain peaks.
Peyto Lake has a unique blue tint of water. From the parking lot there is a simple route leading to it, at the end of which breathtaking views open up.
In Banff, we recommend taking one of our wildlife watching tours. Banff Adventures offers deer hunting, grizzly bear hunting, or the Wolf Rehabilitation Center. You can view prices for tours on the company’s website.
Day 13. Return to Vancouver, flight to Montreal and flight home
Return by car to Vancouver airport, return the car and fly to Montreal. Since you originally flew to this city, most likely you will fly home from there.
