How to spend 2 awesome weeks in Canada
There is no secret, Canada is HUGE! It's the second-largest country in the world with 9.984 million square kilometres. So how do you plan a 10-day trip in this enormous country?
Well, it all depends on what you like to do. Do you want to explore cities or nature? A mix of the two? Which region do you want to visit? Do you want to visit Western Canada with the beauties of British Columbia and Alberta like Vancouver, Vancouver Island, the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park, Lake Louise, Banff National Parks and Icefields Parkway? Do you want to visit the prairies, Manitoba and Saskatchewan? The Maritimes with Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and New Foundland and Labrador? The big white north like Nunavut, Yukon and the Northwest Territories? Or central Canada? You will always have the option of doing a cross-country trip, but this can be very time-consuming and expensive. The costs of plane tickets domestically in Canada are EXPENSIVE AF.
If you want to do a mix of city life and nature, I would suggest visiting Central Canada with these amazing places, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City. This way you will visit the 2 major cities in Canada (Montreal and Toronto), the quintessential Niagara Falls and the charming Quebec City. This trip will take you through the two central provinces, Ontario & Quebec.
This is the perfect Eastern Canada travel itinerary for your 2 weeks of Canada vacation. Whether it's your first time travelling to the country or a seasoned traveller of the true north, here are some great travel tips!
Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash
Planning your 2 weeks in Canada
Where to start?
You can either start in Toronto or Montreal. Both cities are big aerial hubs with easy connections domestically and internationally. You can also arrive by bus or train easily from other parts of Canada and the U.S. Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is Toronto’s main airport and Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is Montreal’s airport.
When to go?
This trip can be done year-round, all seasons have their charm. However, there are certain things to keep in mind. Winters in Canada are horribly harsh, to say the least. If you are not used to extremely cold temperatures, I would suggest going another time. Summer and Autumn are good seasons to travel. Fall will be less crowded and cheaper, plus, you will see the beautiful leaves changing colours. I would suggest to plan your trip anytime between May and October.
How to get from one place to another?
You can fly, drive, take a bus or a train. Flying will be the most expensive option, but it will save you some time. A Montreal-Toronto trip is around $500 for a 1-hour flight. We don’t have a super fancy hyper-developed train system like in Europe and Japan. However, the train, Via Rail, does give good service but it can take as long as with a car and can be expensive, a ticket can cost around $100.
My recommendation would be to drive, this could be your great Canadian road trip! After all, it seems that North America was made for great road trips! Rental car prices vary on the type of car you rent, and the length of your trip and prices vary from company to company. I would let you do your investigation on this. Canadian roads are well-maintained and we don’t have tolls!
There is something about the scenic views and access to areas that you would not have access to otherwise. A road trip gives you liberty and comfort. After all, you are not carrying your bags from the airport or bus station to another and you don’t have to abide by a certain schedule. Plus, you will have access to national parks. The cons are that it will take longer, and Montreal to Toronto is a 5-hour drive. I would not suggest driving in Toronto or Montreal, you can return the car when you are in these destinations and then rent one again.
Pro tip: If you decide to travel by train, VIA rail tickets are cheaper on Tuesdays.
Your perfect Canada itinerary 2 weeks
You can start this trip either in Montreal or Toronto as both cities offer plenty of options with national and international flights. I left 2 days to allocate as you wish if you feel like you want to explore a region deeper. This will also give you breathing room to relax with all the driving that you will be doing. If you have more than 14 days, I added a few suggestions throughout the article if you wish to change some destinations as well.
Here is the ideal 2 week road trip itinerary:
Toronto: 3 days
Niagara Falls & Niagara on the lake: 2 days
Kingston and the Thousand Islands: 1 day
Ottawa: 1 day
Montreal: 3 days
Quebec City: 2 days
If you wish to do the Toronto Quebec City drive in one shot, it is around 10 hours of driving which can be long, please take this into consideration when you are planning your trip. Maybe you can leave Ottawa and Kingston on your way back if you are coming back to the same city where you started. It all depends on how you want your 14 day road trip.
Toronto
Toronto is the biggest city in Canada with 2.8 million inhabitants, Toronto is the business center of the country, it is a dynamic and dazzling city. It is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, a true reflection of Canada being an immigrant-welcoming nation.
How long? 2-3 days
Getting around Toronto: I would recommend visiting the city by foot or public transportation. Public transportation is easy to use, and the city is well-served. You can rent a car the last day in the city.
WHAT TO DO IN Toronto?
Visit the icon of the city, the CN Tower. Standing at 553 meters high, the platform on top gives you a view of the entire city. There is even a glass platform where you can see the ground underneath your feet.
Go to the Ago museum. This is one of my favourite museums in Canada. It always has interesting art expositions and the building is a true masterpiece with its wooden arches. The Royal Ontario Museum also has good expositions
Play in the Islands. There are 14 islands in total on Ontario Lake. They will give you a beautiful view of the city skyline by the beach. They are the perfect spot to enjoy nature, play in the beach, have a picnic or play volleyball. This is the perfect place to spend a summer day.
Kensington Market is probably one of the funkiest shopping districts in the country. It is full of second-hand clothing and vintage style. It also has a big farmers’ market and delicious eateries. I would recommend trying the Pow Wow cafe to experience some Native American food in the form of tacos!
Distillery District: Contrary to its name, there is no distillery there nowadays. Back in the 1800s, it used to be the Gooderham and Worts Distillery. Stroll through the pedestrian cobblestone streets in an industrial brick setting. Here you can browse the many boutiques and art galleries. Don't forget to go to the Soma Chocolate shop if you are a chocoholic like me!
Graffiti Alley: if you love graffiti, this is the place to go. Graffiti Alley runs west from Spadina Ave. to Portland St.
If sports are your thing, then Toronto has plenty of options for you! The city is home to the only baseball team in Canada, the Blue Jays game. The is also the famous Raptors who won the NBA championship in 2019. You can also go see soccer with the Toronto FC. Of course, a trip to Canada without seeing Ice hockey will be a sin, you can see the Maple Leafs there too.
Casa Loma: Toronto’s Castle. Toronto has a castle and this one is a beauty. It was built in 1911 by Sir Henry Pellatt a local financier. This was used as his private residence.
Yonge & Dundas Square: think about this as Toronto’s Times Square but smaller. You have various shopping malls nearby.
Walking tours are a great way to learn about the city but also about the country in general. I would suggest starting to visit the country with a walking tour, this way you can get your bearings and get a deep understanding of the city. I got invited by Step-by-Step Tours which focuses on the historical sites of downtown Toronto. Erica, the founder and guide of the company, is charismatic and full of energy. She shares her love for her city and fun facts that you wouldn’t otherwise know if you don’t take the tour. She is easily approachable so you can ask her questions about the city or about Canadian culture. This walking tour is a fun way to connect with a local. I took the option Toronto’s Greatest Hits Walking Tour which is a 2.5-hour exploration tour and takes you through the Yonge-Bay Corridor, Financial District, and focus heavily on the Old Town and the Market District passing by The Eaton Center, Old City Hall, Nathan Phillips Square, Osgoode Hall, TD Square, Brookfield Place, The Gooderham Flatiron Building, St. James Cathedral, The Oldest Post Office and the delicious St. Lawrence Market. The tour focuses heavily on the history of the buildings.
Where to eat and drink in Toronto?
Toronto has a plethora of amazing restaurants and bars. The magic thing about being such a multicultural city is that you have food from every corner of the world. The city is also home to many Michelin-star restaurants.
Here are a few of my personal recommendations: Bar Chef, Raval for some bougie delicious handcrafted cocktails. For a funky mix of Caribbean and Asian food head to Patois restaurant. For delicious Egyptian brunch, Maha’s Brunch is your place.
Niagara Falls & Niagara on the lake
Around a 1h30 drive from Toronto.
How long? 2 days to do both destinations and longer if you wish. Or you can use Toronto as your hub.
Niagara Falls
Arguably one of the biggest tourist destinations in Canada, the famous Niagara Falls, doesn’t need a description due to its enormous popularity. While the main draws are the Horseshoe Falls and American Falls (which are impressive) themselves, the area offers plenty of other activities to entertain you. You can take a boat tour to get close to the falls and you can even get behind the falls. At sunset, see the illumination shown on the waterfalls. There are plenty of packages and full-day tours that will be tailored to your needs. The area also has plenty of casinos. It feels like a cheap Las Vegas at times.
I, personally, do not like the falls, they are too commercialized, and the natural part is hidden by the over-the-top tourist attractions. I prefer raw, untouched natural beauty and this is sadly long lost. If you are like me, I would recommend doing an express visit if you absolutely want to tick the box on your bucket list.
Getting there: Drive, bus or VIA ticket or GO Transit.
Photo by Kalen Emsley on Unsplash
Niagara on the lake
If you are a wine lover and a foodie, then this is for you! This is Ontario's wine country and it will make your palate rejoice. There are close to 100 wineries in the area. From mainstream estates to very small family-owned vineyards and organic farms you will have plenty of options to choose from. Here are the best 7 wineries in the region.
Besides the many wineries, this is a charming town with pretty Victorian buildings and a main commercial street - Queen Street- with small shops offering local products like jams and gelati. There is even an apothecary which has recipes from the 19th century. The town borders a beautiful waterfront. Go to Queen's Royal Park to admire the lake and enjoy a little walk. The town is also known for the Shaw Festival, it is the second-largest repertory theatre company in North America. It has everything from the classics to modern comedy.
The town is close to the falls, around a 30-minute drive. You can also access it via Go Transit or Via Rail. However, you will have some difficulty getting to the wineries as some are not reachable on foot.
Getting there: Drive, bus or VIA ticket or GO Transit.
Kingston and the Thousand Islands
Toronto to Kingston: 3 hours drive. You can also get there by bus or train.
The drive from Toronto to Montreal can feel a bit boring if you are not used to driving long distances. I would suggest breaking it in 2 by visiting Kingston. The city can be easily visited in a couple of hours. Kingston was named the first capital of the United Province of Canada back in 1841. While it didn't remain a capital for long, the city kept a strong military presence. In fact, the fort is one of the main attractions along with the waterfront, Princess Street. You can also stop at the Big Apple for delicious apple pie.
Kingston has become a foodie hub in the past few years, it is a great stop to eat between your 2 stops. I recommend eating at Dianne’s Fish Shack and Smokehouse for delicious lobster rolls and going to Juniper Cafe for coffee and cake by the water.
The city is also the gateway to the Thousand Islands. After all, no visit to Kingston is complete without visiting the archipelago along the St. Lawrence River. Some of the islands are now part of the Thousand Islands National Park. All islands are accessible by boat and you can even camp on your own private island. Here, take the time to enjoy nature hiking or kayaking. Parks Canada also protects Kingston Fortifications National Historic Site.
Ottawa
Kingston to Ottawa is a 2 hours drive.
The Canadian capital is charming and full of things to do to fill your day trip or weekend getaway. In winter, you can skate on the World’s largest outdoor skating rink which also happens to be one of Canada’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. In spring, you can enjoy the tulip festival. Year-round the capital is a museum destination.
WHAT TO DO IN Ottawa?
Visit Parliament Hill. The hill has 3 gothic-style buildings and its gardens. There are several activities year-round.
Eat at the ByWard Market. This is one of the oldest markets in Canada. Grab your lunch at the many eateries and indulge in some local food.
If you like museums, then you will enjoy your time in the city. The Canadian Museum of History, the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Canada Agriculture Museum and the Canadian War Museum are just a few of the museums located in Ottawa. My favourite is the National Gallery of Canada.
Just like Quebec City, Ottawa also has a castle, the Fairmont Château Laurier. Enter the French Gothic castle to enjoy the views of the Rideau Canal.
Major’s Hill Park, is a beautiful oasis in the middle of the city. It is also another great place to admire the city with views of Parliament Hill, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, the American Embassy and the Fairmont Château Laurier.
Just on the other side of the river, you will find the city of Gatineau, located in Quebec. Go to the beautiful Gatineau Park for a hike. In just a few minutes will be able to reconnect with nature in this enormous park.
Where to eat IN Ottawa?
Ottawa and its surroundings have great culinary spots. Soif is one of my favourite restaurants in the area. This wine bar has refined small plates from locally sourced ingredients. In the ByWard Market there is a little delicious authentic taco stand, Corazon de Maiz.
Montreal
This trip route continues to Montreal, Ottawa to Montreal is a 2:30-hour drive. You can also get there by bus or train.
Montreal is the perfect mix between a charming Western European city and a modern North American city. Between great food, beautiful views and 100+ festivals year-round, the city offers plenty of activities to do in winter as well as during summer. Known simultaneously for being a party city, foodie heaven and a highly cultural and historic destination.
Montreal has been my adoptive city for the past 20 years, for complete tips on how to visit Montreal as a local go here. In that guide, I’m giving you all the info that you need!
How long? 2-3 days in the city. Here is the complete Montreal 3-day itinerary.
Getting around Montreal: I highly recommend visiting the city by foot or public transportation. Public transportation is easy to use, and the city is well-served.
WHAT TO DO IN MONTREAL?
Travelling to Montreal without visiting Old Montreal would be your biggest mistake. By far the most popular attraction of the city, Old Montreal is beautiful. The oldest area of the city will make you feel like you are in Europe, with its cobblestone streets and old French architecture dating back to the 17th century. The Notre Dame Basilica should be one of your stops in the area.
EAT! There are 10 dishes that you have to try in Montreal, and you cannot leave without tasting them. Montreal has the highest number of restaurants per Capita in Canada and the second in North America after New York, so I’m sure you will find a nice bar and restaurant of your liking. I recommend Eater and Tastet to find a restaurant depending on your tastes. Or you can also do a food tour.
Go to one of the 100+ festivals the city hosts. There is something for every taste from classical music to the hottest DJs in the world. In the summertime, there are 30+ festivals to enjoy! The city hosts world-renowned festivals like International Jazz Festivals, Osheaga and Just for Laughs.
Go to Mount Royal Park, the little mountain overlooking the city. It has various lookout points to admire the city’s skyline. It has also plenty of hiking trails.
Lachine Canal is my favourite sport in the city, a park and a national historic site located in the southwest of Montreal. It is a 14km waterway and a park. It is close to the Atwater farmers market; so, grab something to eat and do a picnic by the water. Then you can have a nice walk by the canal, or you can bike and even kayak. From here, wander around Saint-Henri, an up-and-coming neighbourhood with tons of things to eat.
The city has countless graffiti and murals scattered around. Here is my guide to know where to find them!
Go to Space for Life encompasses the Olympic Stadium, the Montreal Botanical Garden, the Planetarium and the Biodome.
Where to eat and drink in Montreal?
I could have a foodie blog dedicated to all the bars and restaurants in Montreal. Here is a hand-pick selection (it was difficult to narrow it down). For brunch, Olive & Gourmando in the Old Montreal. For a delicious supper with local ingredients, Hoogan et Beaufort or Tuck Shop should be on your to-do list. For fancy drinks head to Milky Way bar. If craft beers are more your jam, we have more than our fair share of great breweries, you can see the list in my Brewery guide.
Quebec City
Quebec City to Montreal: 2:30 hours drive. You can also get there by bus or train.
Québec City is by far one of the most picturesque cities in Canada. It has a mixed colonial history between French and English and is characterized by being the only remaining walled city north of Mexico. The city is one of the oldest cities in North America as it celebrated its 400 years birthday in 2008. The old part of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How long? 1-2 days. It can easily be a day trip from Montreal.
WHAT TO DO IN QUEBEC CITY?
Wander around and get lost on the hilly cobblestone streets of the old Quebec City. Here you can admire the architecture of the new France.
Go to the main architectural landmark, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac and take some time at the Dufferin Terrace and enjoy the views of the Saint Lawrence River. If you have the budget, go for a fancy supper at Champlain restaurant. This is one of Canada’s top restaurants and it is in the Chateau Frontenac. I highly suggest it, the menu is sophisticated and creative with an impressive wine list.
To get the best view of Quebec City, go to Observatoire de la Capitale which gives you 360 bird’s eye view of the city.
The Saint-Roch neighbourhood has become a foodie hotspot in the past few years. Here you will find plenty of hip bars and restaurants. My suggestion would be to eat at Le Renard et la Chouette.
If you did not see enough waterfalls in Niagara Falls, then just outside of Quebec City, you will find Montmorency Falls. Did you know that these falls are 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls? However, they are less imposing since they are not that wide. The good part is that they are also less crowded!
Other itinerary ideas
If you still have vacation days left and prefer nature to cities you can go to Mont-Tremblant provincial park, la Mauricie National Park or to Eastern Townships (Les Cantons-de-l'Est) which are only 1 or 2 hours away from Montreal. The latter option borders the United States, it can be a nice way to end your trip if you are taking the road back to the U.S. For more trip ideas and travel tips around Montreal visit the ultimate list for great getaway trips from Montreal.
If you want to go hiking you can visit the Charlevoix region which is around 2 hour drive from the city. This mountain is beautiful and has one of the best hikes in the province. If whale watching is your dream, then you should add Tadoussac to your road trip which is right next to Charlevoix. If you have enough time, I would recommend spending 2 days. If you wish to extend the Quebec City road trip, you can also visit Ile d’Orleans with its charming small villages.
Near Toronto, you can also stop in Prince Edward County for the pristine beaches of Lake Ontario in Sandbanks Provincial Park which will make you feel like you are in the Caribbean and explore another wine country in Ontario. You can also stop at Upper Canada Village to learn more about the way of life in the 19th century.
Practical information
Language
French and English are the official languages of Canada. English is spoken in Ontario. The Quebec province (where Montreal and Quebec are located) has only French as an official language. Worry not, English is spoken by most of the service staff, however, don’t expect that everyone will be fluent in English. Don’t worry if your French is a little rusty, however, people do appreciate it if you go the extra mile to speak a little French. You don’t speak any French? No worries, you can at least learn a few words like Merci (thank you) and Bonjour (Hello).
CURRENCY
The currency is the Canadian Dollar, the sign is $. The dollar can be easily found abroad at any currency exchange office. Credit and debit cards are accepted everywhere.
TIPPING
It is customary to tip around 15% of the final price. If you are horrible at math like me, you can sum the 2 taxes and it will give you a ballpark amount of what you have to tip. Not mandatory but tipping house cleaners at the hotel is a nice gesture.
POWER
The voltage in Canada is 110 Volt.
What to pack?
This will depend on when you decide to travel. Canada has very strong seasons, summers are really hot and winters are crazy cold. Even if you are coming in summer, I would suggest packing a light sweater, you never know. If you are planning for fall, spring or winter, check the weather and bring the appropriate outwear like a warm jacket and boots. Also, don’t forget to pack a reusable water bottle and sunscreen. You can head to my Montreal winter guide to learn how to dress for Canadian winters.
Driving
If you are taking this trip as a road trip, here are a few tips. There are no tolls, the roads are free. The road conditions in the Quebec province are very poorly maintained. There are potholes everywhere. If you decide to visit Canada in winter, please make sure that you have winter tires. If you are not used to driving in the snow and in winter, I would suggest that you practice beforehand since it can be a little tricky and dangerous.
I hope this Canada travel guide will help you to plan the best trip to Canada! So, are you ready for your Canada road trip?
Do you like the content? Why not help me by buying me a virtual cup of tea?
PIN IT FOR LATER!
