Canada: A Complete Tour Guide and 7-Days Travel Itinerary

Canada, known for its vast landscapes, multicultural cities, and warm hospitality, is a destination that promises an adventure for every traveler. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling streets of Toronto, the French-inspired charm of Montreal, or the wild beauty of Banff National Park, a week in Canada provides a taste of the country’s diverse experiences. This 7-day itinerary captures the best of Canada’s urban, cultural, and natural highlights, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems.

Day 1: Arrival in Toronto – Welcome to Canada!

Highlights: CN Tower, St. Lawrence Market, Distillery District

Begin your Canadian journey in Toronto, the country’s most populous city and a vibrant cultural hub. After landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport, settle into your hotel and get ready to explore. Start your day with a trip to the CN Tower, one of the world’s tallest structures, for panoramic views of the city and Lake Ontario. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the EdgeWalk – a hands-free walk on a ledge around the tower’s edge.

In the afternoon, explore St. Lawrence Market to sample Canadian cuisine, with must-try dishes like peameal bacon sandwiches. Walk off your meal in the Distillery District, known for its cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and galleries.

Estimated Costs:

• CN Tower: CAD 43
• Meals & Snacks: CAD 50
• Public Transport (day pass): CAD 13
• Accommodation: CAD 150

Day 2: Niagara Falls Day Trip

Highlights: Niagara Falls, Clifton Hill, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Head to Niagara Falls early for a day trip. It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto, and you can either rent a car or join a guided tour. Feel the power of the falls up close with the Journey Behind the Falls tour, or board the Hornblower Cruise to get sprayed by the cascading waters. Wander along Clifton Hill for a lively mix of arcades, eateries, and attractions, then take a short drive to Niagara-on-the-Lake, a charming town with boutique shops and wineries.

Estimated Costs:

• Guided Tour: CAD 125 (includes transportation)
• Meals & Snacks: CAD 50
• Entrance Fees: CAD 40
• Souvenirs/Wine Tasting: CAD 30

Day 3: Montreal – The Heart of French Canada

Highlights: Old Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica, Mount Royal

Catch an early morning train or flight to Montreal, a city that combines European charm with North American flair. Start your exploration in Old Montreal with its 17th-century architecture and cobbled streets. Don’t miss Notre-Dame Basilica, where stunning stained-glass windows tell the story of Montreal’s history. In the afternoon, make your way up to Mount Royal for an incredible view of the city skyline, especially striking at sunset.

Estimated Costs:

• Train Ticket from Toronto to Montreal: CAD 100
• Notre-Dame Basilica: CAD 15
• Meals & Snacks: CAD 60
• Public Transport (day pass): CAD 11
• Accommodation: CAD 140

Day 4: Dive Into Montreal’s Culture

Highlights: Museum of Fine Arts, Jean-Talon Market, Plateau Mont-Royal

On day two in Montreal, immerse yourself in the city’s cultural side. Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, renowned for its vast collections spanning centuries and styles. Next, head to Jean-Talon Market, one of the largest public markets in North America, to sample local cheeses, pastries, and maple products. Conclude your day in the Plateau Mont-Royal area, known for its vibrant street art, boutique stores, and cozy cafes.

Estimated Costs:

• Museum of Fine Arts: CAD 24
• Meals & Snacks: CAD 55
• Shopping/Souvenirs: CAD 30
• Public Transport: CAD 11

Day 5: Quebec City – A Walk Through History

Highlights: Old Quebec, Château Frontenac, Plains of Abraham

A two-hour train ride takes you to Quebec City, one of North America’s oldest cities. Begin in Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where every corner feels like stepping back in time. Take a walk to the Château Frontenac, an iconic hotel perched on a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River. In the afternoon, wander around the Plains of Abraham, a historic site with lovely green spaces perfect for a stroll or a picnic.

Estimated Costs:

• Train Ticket from Montreal to Quebec City: CAD 50
• Meals & Snacks: CAD 50
• Museum Pass (Plains of Abraham museum access): CAD 12
• Accommodation: CAD 130

Day 6: Banff National Park – Nature’s Grandeur

Highlights: Lake Louise, Banff Gondola, Bow Falls

Today, fly from Quebec City to Calgary and then drive to Banff National Park. This natural paradise in the Rockies is breathtaking year-round. Visit Lake Louise, known for its turquoise water and stunning mountainous backdrop, and take a ride on the Banff Gondola for panoramic views of the Rockies. Take a peaceful walk to Bow Falls to round out the day.

Estimated Costs:

• Flight from Quebec City to Calgary: CAD 180
• Gondola Ride: CAD 64
• Meals & Snacks: CAD 60
• Park Entrance Fee: CAD 10
• Accommodation: CAD 160

Day 7: Exploring Calgary – The Urban Gateway to the Rockies

Highlights: Calgary Tower, Stephen Avenue, Glenbow Museum

Finish your Canadian adventure in Calgary. Begin at the Calgary Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the city, then head to Stephen Avenue, a pedestrian-friendly street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. If time permits, visit the Glenbow Museum to learn about Western Canadian history and Indigenous cultures before catching your evening flight home.

Estimated Costs:

• Calgary Tower: CAD 18
• Meals & Snacks: CAD 50
• Glenbow Museum: CAD 14
• Public Transport: CAD 10

Total Estimated Budget for the 7-Day Trip to Canada

This itinerary covers a range of Canadian experiences, blending urban exploration with breathtaking natural landscapes, making it a fulfilling journey that’s balanced and realistic. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, these seven days offer a glimpse into Canada’s diverse culture and scenery, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime.