14 Days · In-Depth · 5 Regional Bases

14 Days in Canada: The Grand Panorama (Toronto & Niagara Falls to Montréal & Victoria & Vancouver Island)

A two-week grand tour spanning Toronto & Niagara Falls, Québec City (Vieux-Québec), Vancouver & Whistler, Victoria & Vancouver Island, Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper, and Montréal.

Route Overview: Toronto & Niagara Falls (3N) → Québec City (Vieux-Québec) (1N) → Vancouver & Whistler (3N) → Victoria & Vancouver Island (2N) → Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper (2N) → Montréal (2N)
Budget Estimate: C$3197–C$5421 ($2,300–$3,900 USD per person)

Day 1 (Toronto & Niagara Falls) — Arrival in Toronto & Niagara Falls:

Arrive at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), Union Station & Ottawa (YOW) and explore Toronto & Niagara Falls Historic Center & Old Quarter.

Day 2 (Toronto & Niagara Falls) — CN Tower & EdgeWalk (553m) — Glass-floor observation decks overlooking Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands (C$45 timed entry; ride UP Express from Pearson Airport to Union Station in 25 mins for C$12.35). & Toronto Islands Ferry (Centre, Ward's & Hanlan's Point) — 13-minute C$9.11 round-trip ferry from Jack Layton Terminal for car-free bike paths and Toronto's best skyline view.:

Full day in historic Toronto & Niagara Falls.

Day 3 (Toronto & Niagara Falls) — St. Lawrence Market & Distillery Historic District — Order a famous Carousel Bakery peameal bacon sandwich on a cornmeal bun (closed Mondays) and stroll 19th-century cobbles. & Local Markets:

Market tasting tour featuring Peameal Bacon Sandwich (St. Lawrence Market) and Niagara Icewine.

Day 4 (Québec City (Vieux-Québec)) — Overnight in Québec City (Vieux-Québec):

Short hop to Québec City (Vieux-Québec) to experience Fairmont Le Château Frontenac & Dufferin Terrace — Stroll the wide wooden boardwalk at the foot of the world's most photographed grand railway hotel. after day-trippers leave.

Day 5 (Vancouver & Whistler) — Rail to Vancouver & Whistler:

Ride VIA Rail Corridor (Windsor–Québec City) & The Canadian / Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver & Whistler Central Station and settle into Vancouver & Whistler Historic Center & Old Quarter.

Day 6 (Vancouver & Whistler) — Stanley Park Seawall Bicycle Loop (10 km) — Rent a bike along Denman Street and pedal counter-clockwise past the Brockton Point Totem Poles, Lions Gate Bridge, and Third Beach. & Granville Island Public Market & False Creek Aquabus —Hop a tiny rainbow ferry across False Creek to sample candied wild salmon, artisan cheeses, and Lee's Donuts.:

Explore Vancouver & Whistler's signature monuments and museums.

Day 7 (Vancouver & Whistler) — Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99) to Squamish & Whistler (45–75 mins by regional transit):

Scenic day excursion from Vancouver & Whistler.

Day 8 (Victoria & Vancouver Island) — Transfer to Victoria & Vancouver Island:

Head to Victoria & Vancouver Island (2–4 days · C$210–C$430 ($151–$310) / day) and explore The Butchart Gardens (Brentwood Bay) — 55 acres of sunken quarry gardens, Japanese maple streams, and fragrant rose arches (C$33–C$42.50 depending on season; BC Transit Bus 75 connects from downtown)..

Day 9 (Victoria & Vancouver Island) — Inner Harbour, BC Parliament Buildings & Fairmont Empress — Watch floatplanes land in the harbour and see 3,300 lights illuminate the Neo-Baroque legislature at dusk. & Royal BC Museum & Thunderbird Park — World-renowned First Nations gallery and natural history dioramas.:

Full day in Victoria & Vancouver Island with regional dining (Poutine (Squeaky Cheese Curds).

Day 10 (Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper) — Onward to Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper:

Arrive in Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper and check into Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper Historic Center & Old Quarter.

Day 11 (Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper) — Moraine Lake & Valley of the Ten Peaks — Closed to private cars year-round; book the Parks Canada Park & Ride shuttle (C$8 + C$3 reservation fee; 60% of seats release 48 hours prior at 08:00 MDT!) or Roam Transit Route 8X/10. & Lake Louise, Lake Agnes Tea House Hike & Plain of Six Glaciers — Hike 3.5 km above the emerald Victoria Glacier waters to the historic 1901 log tea house.:

Signature day in Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper.

Day 12 (Montréal) — Continue to Montréal:

Travel to Montréal (3–4 days · C$195–C$410 ($140–$295) / day) via Montréal-Trudeau Airport (YUL), Gare Centrale & Gare du Palais or Montréal Central Station.

Day 13 (Montréal) — Old Montréal (Vieux-Montréal) & Notre-Dame Basilica — Marvel at the deep-blue starry ceiling vault and AURA light show inside the 1829 basilica (C$16) along Place d'Armes. & Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal) & Kondiaronk Belvedere — Climb the Peel Street steps to the chalet terrace for Montréal's signature downtown-to-St.-Lawrence panorama.:

Explore Old Montréal (Vieux-Montréal) & Notre-Dame Basilica — Marvel at the deep-blue starry ceiling vault and AURA light show inside the 1829 basilica (C$16) along Place d'Armes. and celebrate your final night with Gravy).

Day 14 (Montréal) — Departure:

Fly home from Montréal-Trudeau Airport (YUL), Gare Centrale & Gare du Palais or connect back to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), Union Station & Ottawa (YOW).