Canada is the second biggest country in the world. A land of mountains, forest, tundra and rocks, with more lakes than the rest of the planet’s countries combined. It is also home to some of the most cosmopolitan and friendliest cities on earth.
With Canadian (and often personal) pride, I’m thrilled to introduce you to an 11-day exploration of the adventures and misadventures.
Trust me, this beautiful country is worthy of so much more than just one visit.
1. Considerations When Planning Your Canada Travel Route
When planning your Canada trip, there are a few things you’ll want to factor in to ensure that you can cater your visit to your tastes and needs:
Budget: Quite simply, this will affect everything from your choice of airline to your daily spending. Keeping it front of mind will take some of the stress out of organizing your visit.
Accommodation Options: From budget hostels through to luxury hotels, Canada has a wide range of accommodation on offer. Pick where you stay based on your comfort needs and budget.
Time of Year: The time of year will drastically affect your travel plans. The summer is great for outdoor activities, while the winter can present one-off opportunities for activities such as skiing and snowboarding.
Interests and Activities: Everyone is different. Whether you prefer natural locations, opportunities for cultural excursions, or satisfying your shopping itch in urban settings, shape your trip to match your interests.
Health and Safety: Be aware of any health advisories and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance.
Visas and Travel Restrictions: Check if you need a visa before you travel and note any travel restrictions before you’re caught out.
2. Ideal 11-Day Travel Route in Canada
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Canada's diverse landscapes and vibrant cities with this meticulously planned 11-day itinerary.
Route Overview
Begin your adventure in Vancouver, then immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Montreal and Quebec before returning to the scenic beauty of Vancouver. This route balances city life with cultural and historical experiences.
Canada 11 Days Trip Table
Day | Destination | Recommended Activities |
1 | Vancouver | Arrival, rest |
2-4 | Montreal | Day 2: Downtown shopping, rest Day 3: Brunch, poutine, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Underground City Day 4: Old Port, Place d’Armes, McGill University |
5 | Quebec | Quebec City, Castle Hotel, Christmas shop |
6 | Quebec, Montreal | Strolling around Quebec City, Notre Dame Basilica Light Show in Montreal |
7 | Montreal | St. Laurent Blvd, Mount Royal Park, Drag queen show |
8-11 | Vancouver | Day 8: Arrival at night, stroll around the hotel Day 9: Canada Palace, Gastown, Sunset Beach, Granville Island, Stanley Park Day 10: Vancouver city walk Day 11: Rest, departure |
Detailed Itinerary for Day 1 to Day 11
Day 1: Vancouver
Welcome to Vancouver! This city lets you walk from the bustling city center to seaside nature trails in the same afternoon. Take a breath, relax, and get ready to enjoy your Canadian escape.
What to Do
Local Exploration: Once you’re out the door of your hotel, you’re in the heart of Vancouver.
Spend the day wandering through diverse villages filled with fantastic restaurants and delightful boutiques. It's the perfect introduction to the city’s unique tastes and sights.
Relaxed Evening: Take it easy tonight – you don’t want to wear yourself out on your first day.
Experience a charming café or catch the setting sun at English Bay. With several busy days ahead, use this time to de-stress and get attuned to the relaxed pace of Vancouver.
Where to Stay
Opt for a hotel that meets some creature comforts while still being close to the action. You’ll want easy access to the sights and energy of Vancouver for the days ahead!
Enjoy a day of rest to acclimatize to the time difference, preparing yourself for the days to come.
Day 2-4: Montreal
Spend the next three days soaking up Montréal's bustling atmosphere with visits to its historic streets and culinary wonders.
What to Do
Day 2: Shop 'til You Drop Downtown
Sainte-Catherine Street, with its shops, galleries, and restaurants, forms the retail heart of Montréal, with everything from local designers to international chains set against the city's vibrancy.
Day 3: Cuisine and Culture
Start the day with a relaxed brunch, then sample Montréal's foodie scene with some poutine.
It is relaxing to visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts to feast your eyes, then head to the Underground City, an architectural and shopping marvel.
Day 4: Heritage Sites
Olde Port offers history, sights, and a bracing whiff of the past. You can wander past the Notre-Dame Basilica, admire the grandeur of McGill University, or tread the cobblestones of Place d'Armes.
Where to Stay
Choose a hotel that combines comfort and convenience, a handy base that allows equal exploration of the downtown and historic sites.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must as Montreal’s best experiences are often found in its walkable historic districts and along cobblestone streets.
Day 5: Quebec
Explore Québec City and its romantic European atmosphere and storied history in the coming days, where every street corner has a story to sweep you away.
What to Do
Tour of Québec City:
Wander its cobblestone streets, lined with buildings centuries old.
Be sure to take in the view of Château Frontenac, more than just a hotel, it’s a piece of history, and the visit offers stunning landscape vistas and a glimpse back at Canada's more opulent past.
Luxurious Hotel at a Castle:
Spend a night at this castle-converted-to-hotel, as lavish as it is historic, and you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime treat, thanks to its rich interior design and its view of the cityscape.
All-Year Christmas Store:
A delightful quirk, a visit to the all-year Christmas store is for a souvenir that captures the essence of Québec. Handmade baubles and ornaments sit alongside festive decorations, whatever time of year you visit.
Where to Stay
Opt for hotels that reflect Quebec City's historic charm and modern comforts, ideally situated to explore both the lively city center and its serene, scenic outskirts.
Consider a guided tour to learn more about the city's rich history and culture.
Day 6: Quebec, Montreal
Start your day with some old-world charm in Quebec City and finish it with a night to remember in Montreal.
What to Do
Quebec City Morning Stroll:
Quebec City is something out of a storybook, with historic architecture and boutique craft shops lining its cobbled streets. There's history at every turn, all just waiting to be explored.
Montreal Notre Dame Basilica Light Show:
Get a little culture with the nightly light show at Montreal's Notre Dame Basilica.
The combination of light and sound is a treat for the eyes and ears, illuminating the beauty and history of the basilica itself.
Where to Stay
In Montreal, choose accommodations that allow easy access to nightlife and cultural attractions, ensuring a seamless blend of comfort and convenience.
Book tickets for the light show in advance to secure your spot.
Day 7: Montreal
Today, get to know Montreal's buzzing neighborhoods and pulsing nightlife, experiencing the energy that drives the city.
What to Do:
St. Laurent Boulevard:
Funky shops, quaint cafés, and an incredible sense of culture radiating from every storefront make St. Laurent Boulevard the perfect way to tap into Montreal's creative scene, while picking up a few one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Mount Royal Park:
Boasting unbeatable views over Montreal, Mount Royal Park is the ideal place for a leisurely stroll or picnic, with paths that take you to some of the city's best viewpoints.
Drag Queen Show:
Get ready for a night of sensational cabaret. Montreal’s drag queen scene is famous for flamboyant attire and high-spirited performances, perfectly encapsulating the city’s alternative nightlife.
Where to Stay
Stay in downtown Montreal for easy access to nightlife and dining.
Check local event listings to find the best shows and performances.
Day 8-11: Vancouver
End your trip with four days in downtown Vancouver, seeing the sights and soaking up the natural beauty, for a fitting end to your Canadian adventure.
What to Do
Day 8: Arriving in Vancouver
On arrival, take a gentle walk around your downtown hotel. It’s the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and catch your first glimpse of Vancouver.
Day 9: Must-Sees in Vancouver
Starting with a visit to Canada Place before wandering the cobbled streets of Gastown is a good beginning.
Then, you can relax at Sunset Beach, visit the bustling markets and cultural venues on Granville Island, and stroll through Stanley Park's forested trails.
Day 10: City Strolling
Today, let’s take a loose exploratory walking tour of Vancouver on this free day, checking out local galleries, markets, and shops to get a feel for the city’s creative heart.
Day 11: Rest Day
Savor your last day before heading home with a restful time to read, relax, and prepare yourself for the journey home.
Where to Stay
A waterfront hotel provides stunning views and easy access to key attractions.
Rent a bike to explore Stanley Park's scenic seawall and ensure you capture the sunset at Sunset Beach.
How to Shorten/Lengthen the 11-Day Itinerary
Shortening the Trip: To condense the itinerary, consider spending less time in Montreal or skipping some attractions in Vancouver.
Lengthening the Trip: For a longer trip, add visits to nearby destinations like Ottawa or Niagara Falls, or spend additional days exploring Canada's national parks and natural wonders.
3. Top 10 Canadian Foods and Drinks
Having explored Canada’s beautiful landscapes and vibrant cities, it’s time to get to know its culinary side. Like its population, Canadian food is a wonderful mix of flavors, hearty, satisfying, and often comfort food.
1. Poutine:
A Canadian classic, poutine is a dish of fries, cheese curds, and rich gravy that brings new meaning to comfort food.
2. Maple Syrup:
The national syrup is a must for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, and even bacon; a sweet, pure taste of Canada.
3. Bannock:
Originally an Indigenous staple, this unleavened bread can be fried or baked, and is versatile, perfect for dunking in soup or smearing with jam.
4. Nanaimo Bars:
Named after the city in British Columbia, these no-bake bars feature a crumbly base, custard filling, and topped with chocolate-utterly indulgent.
5. Tourtière:
This savory meat pie is a holiday favorite, stuffed with ground meat, onions, and spices in a flaky pastry crust.
6. Caesar Cocktail:
A uniquely Canadian cocktail, it’s made with vodka, clamato juice (clam and tomato mixed), hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, usually garnished with a stalk of celery and a wedge of lime.
7. Montreal Bagels:
Heavier and sweeter than their New York cousins, Montreal bagels are boiled in honey-sweetened water before they’re baked in a wood stove.
8. BeaverTails:
Skip the actual tail of Canada’s official mascot for a fried-dough pastry, and tell yourself the sweet toppings like cinnamon sugar, chocolate, or fruit really make the name apt.
9. Ketchup Chips:
Yup, ketchup flavored crisps. They’re ridiculously moreish and uniquely Canadian.
10. Butter Tarts:
A quintessential Canadian dessert, butter tarts are small pastries filled with a gooey mixture of butter, sugar, and eggs. They are sweet, rich, and absolutely delightful.
4. Additional Tips for Traveling in Canada
Packing Essentials
Pack for changeable weather in Canada. Layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, and comfy shoes you can walk for miles in are a must. Don’t leave behind your travel docs, meds, a universal power adaptor or portable charger either.
Cash, Local Apps for Payment and Transport
Plastic is king, but having some cash in hand is good for small transactions. Main ad-hoc payment app is Interac e-Transfer for sending money or settling bills. For getting from A to B, Uber, Lyft and Transit are your best bets for ride-hailing and a transport app.
Local Etiquette and Customs
Canadians are the stereotypical polite folk. Handshakes and a smile are usual. Manners maketh man, so make liberal use of ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. Never speak about politics or religion. Respect space and stand in line.
Transport Options
Everything from flights for huge distances, VIA Rail’s beautiful trains, or budget bus services exist. For cities, most have a good public transport network with buses and subways. If you need to hop from coastal to island locations, ferries are common.
Renting a Car or Scooter
A car gives you a lot of freedom. Remember an International Driving Permit and familiarize yourself with driving in Canada early.
Scooter rental is scarcer but locally exists in some cities, so always helmet up and obey the regulations.
Communication: Language Tips
Canada is officially bilingual in English and French. Outside Quebec, you can expect most people to speak English but the odd 'Bonjour' does no harm.
In Quebec, it can be essential to know French basics like 'Merci' (Thank you) and 'Où est...' (Where is...) The effort is usually appreciated.
Summary
And there you have it – the perfect 10-day itinerary, tailored to make your trip truly unforgettable! I hope sharing our plans and insights will enhance your own experience.
Whether you follow them to the letter or take them as a loose template, I wish you the most amazing of adventures. Travel well, and savor every moment!