Canada is a vast country. Whether it’s a bustling metropolis or a massive natural environment, it can be dizzying and difficult to choose for a first-time visitor. How can you organize everything in one 7 day trip? That’s why we’ve cleverly planned different 1 week in Canada itineraries that include major cities, Canada’s east coast, and a trip to the Canadian Rockies. You can get inspiration for a Canadian itinerary based on your travel needs.
Best Month To Go To Canada
Typically, late spring (May to early June) and early fall (September to early October) are excellent times to travel. These two times of year offer more pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and sometimes better prices on airfare and accommodations. In the spring, you may see flowers blooming. And in the fall, especially in Eastern Canada, there are stunning fall foliage.
Summer (July and August) has the warmest weather and is perfect for outdoor activities in places like the Canadian Rockies, but it’s also the busiest and most expensive time to travel. In the winter (November through April), Canada is perfect for winter sports such as skiing.
Table of Contents
- Itinerary 5 Vancouver-Valemount-Jasper National Park-Banff
- Itinerary 6 Calgary-Banff-JasperTown-Kamloops
Canada’s Major Cities Tour
Canada’s cities are very diverse, each possessing a unique charm and character. If you’re planning a 7-day trip to Canada, it’s a good idea to focus on a few major urban centers so you can easily experience their unique charms. Let’s take a look at some popular city-centered options.
Itinerary 1 Toronto-Vancouver
This itinerary enables you to take a quick tour of two of Canada’s most famous cities from east to west. Experience the life and culture of both cities, perfect for those visiting Canada for the first time!
| Day | Main Attractions | Where to Stay |
| Day 1 | CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum | Toronto |
| Day 2 | St. Lawrence Market, Distillery District | Toronto |
| Day 3 | Niagara Falls | Toronto |
| Day 4 | Stanley Park | Vancouver |
| Day 5 | Gastown, Burnaby Village Museum | Vancouver |
| Day 6 | Mount Grouse | Vancouver |
| Day 7 | CF Pacific Centre | Departure |
Day 1-2 Toronto, Ontario
Arrive in Toronto, Canada’s largest city and bustling metropolis. Check in to your accommodation.
Day 1, explore downtown Toronto. You can visit the iconic CN Tower for panoramic views of the city and breathtaking views of Lake Ontario. Afterward, you can visit the national museum, the Royal Ontario Museum, to see the collection of more than 6 million pieces. Spend the time before sunset at Centre Island and take a boat ride at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to see the Toronto skyline.
Day 2, you can go to St. Lawrence Market in the morning to buy some fresh fruits. Afterward, visit The Cathedral Church of St. James, the largest church in Toronto, and in the afternoon, you can go to Nathan Phillips Square for a walk. In the evening, head to the Distillery District, home to many restaurants and bars. It also hosts the Toronto Christmas Market in December.
Day 3 Niagara Falls Day Trip
Day 3, you can take a Megabus from Toronto Bay St to Niagara Falls in 1 hour 35 minutes. Or just join a Niagara Falls day tour, which usually includes a cruise ticket and is more convenient. On the way back, you can make a quick stop at the small town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Day 4-7 Vancouver, British Columbia
The flight from Toronto to Vancouver takes 5 hours and 10 minutes. Vancouver is a west coast city in Canada nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coastal Mountains.
Day 4 upon arrival at your residence in Vancouver, proceed to UBC, home to the world’s largest anthropology museum, a polar paradise for those interested in anthropology and history. In the afternoon you can relax by heading to Stanley Park with its sandy beach, aquarium, and various viewpoints. As night falls, end the day with a culinary adventure in Chinatown.
Day 5 starts with a wander through the Granville Island Public Market with its restaurants, cafes, and more food stalls. Afterward, take a walk through the town of Gastown and admire the Victorian architecture and the famous steam clock. If you’re interested in folk culture, the Burnaby Village Museum has wonderful exhibits and a carousel.
Day 6 you can take a day trip to Mount Grouse for nature views and outdoor activities, or head to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, for a taste of island life and the beautiful Butchart Gardens.
Day 7 in Vancouver, take it easy and do some shopping in downtown Vancouver, such as the CF Pacific Centre, which was established in 1971, or buy some souvenirs at the Pacific Arts Market. Finish your stay in Canada with a cup of coffee and a good meal.
Itinerary 2 Vancouver-Calgary-Edmonton
If you’re more interested in Western Canada, this route combines Vancouver with two of Alberta’s major hub cities as a gateway to the Rockies.
| Day | Main Attractions | Where to Stay |
| Day 1 | Granville Island, Robson Street | Vancouver |
| Day 2 | Stanley Park, English Bay | Vancouver |
| Day 3 | Calgary Tower, Heritage Park | Calgary |
| Day 4 | Peace Bridge, Bowness Park | Calgary |
| Day 5 | West Edmonton Mall | Edmonton |
| Day 6 | Elk Island National Park | Edmonton |
| Day 7 | Rowland Park Lookout | Departure |
Day 1-2 Vancouver, British Columbia
Day 1, arrive in Vancouver ready to start your Western Canada tour. You can soak up Vancouver’s urban charm. Admire the artsy atmosphere and public markets on Granville Island, or indulge in a shopping spree on Robson Street.
Day 2, you experience Vancouver’s natural beauty. In the morning you can head to Stanley Park, kayak in False Creek, or just enjoy the ocean views. In the afternoon, you may consider visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge Park for a thrilling bridge crossing. In the evening, head to English Bay Beach for a nighttime view of the city.
Day 3-4 Calgary, Alberta
Fly from Vancouver to Calgary, Alberta’s largest city, in 1 hour and 30 minutes. During the flight, enjoy views of the mountains.
Day 3, experience Calgary’s blend of modern urbanity and Western cultural heritage. Climb Calgary Tower for a view of the city and the Rocky Mountains in the distance. Explore Heritage Park, a history museum that takes you back to the early days of Alberta.
Day 4, Step onto the Peace Bridge, a bridge designed by a renowned architect and one of Calgary’s most iconic landmarks. How can you miss the Calgary Farmers’ Market South, where you can get fresh local food and special crafts, while Bowness Park offers a sense of tranquility and the opportunity to rent a boat and glide across the lake?
Day 5-7 Edmonton, Alberta
The best way to get from Calgary to Edmonton is by bus which takes 3h 15m.
On Day 5, to ease the fatigue of the road, West Edmonton Mall would be a great place to rejuvenate. It is one of the largest shopping and entertainment centers in North America. If you enjoy shopping or indoor attractions, you can easily spend the day here.
On Day 6, consider taking a day trip to Elk Island National Park on the east side of the city to see the free-roaming bison. This is an excellent wildlife viewing opportunity.
Day 7 we focus on relaxing activities with the Rowland Park Lookout with views of the city and river. If traveling with children, TELUS World of Science has a robotics booth and observatory for kids to play and learn at the same time.
Canada East Coast Tour
The East Coast of Canada, often referred to as the Maritimes and Quebec offers a distinct charm with its rich history, French-Canadian culture, picturesque coastlines, and quaint fishing villages. If you’re more comfortable with the feeling that the coastline brings than the cityscape, these are two routes you can check out.
Itinerary 3 Toronto-Quebec City-Fredericton-Halifax
This itinerary takes you to some of Canada’s most historic cities, along with the natural wonders and popular attractions of the East Coast.
| Day | Main Attractions | Where to Stay |
| Day 1 | Kensington Market | Toronto |
| Day 2 | Niagara Falls | Toronto |
| Day 3 | Château Frontenac, Place Royale | Quebec City |
| Day 4 | Beaverbrook Art Gallery, Odell Park | Fredericton |
| Day 5 | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic | Halifax |
| Day 6 | Peggy’s Cove | Halifax |
| Day 7 | Whale-watching | Departure |
Tours4fun recommendation:
Day 1-2: Toronto, Ontario
Day 1 will allow you to familiarize yourself with the city’s diverse neighborhoods, from the CN Tower to Kensington Market.
Day 2, you might consider taking a day trip to Niagara Falls or staying in the city at Roundhouse Park to learn about its railroad history and mini steam trains. Gage Park is also a good option, with concerts and events during the summer months.
Day 3: Quebec City, Quebec
Day 3, spend 1 hour and 35 minutes flying from Toronto to Quebec City, the capital of Quebec and the only walled city in North America. Here you will really feel a shift in scenery and atmosphere as French is predominantly spoken and there is a European feel to the city.
Spend the afternoon walking the cobblestone streets of UNESCO-listed Old Quebec. Visit the iconic Château Frontenac, hang out at Place Royale, and take a cable car ride between the Upper and Lower Towns. You’ll also enjoy a French meal in Quebec City.
Day 4: Fredericton, New Brunswick
Day 4 Drive or take a regional flight from Quebec City to Fredericton. In the center of the city lies the famous St. John’s River. Visit the Beaverbrook Art Gallery or escape the hustle and bustle at Odell Park, an urban forest. Fredericton’s beer industry is booming, so you may want to sample some local brews.
Day 5-7: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Day 5, make the 4-hour drive from Fredericton to Halifax, the largest city in Atlantic Canada. You can explore Halifax’s lively waterfront and visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, or the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.
Day 6, take a classic East Coast day trip to Peggy’s Cove, a picturesque fishing village where Peggy’s Point Lighthouse is an icon. Or take a day trip to Price Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province, and visit the birthplace of the famous novel – Anne of Green Gables.
Day 7, you can wander around the city. If there is still time, Halifax is also a famous whale-watching spot, choose the right whale-watching tour, June and October are both good times for whale-watching.
Itinerary 4 Toronto-Ottawa-Montreal-Quebec City
This itinerary is arranged in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec and gives you an insight into the political, cultural, and historical centers of Canada. This is an excellent Canada travel itinerary for those who enjoy city experiences and don’t want to take too many airplanes in a week.
| Day | Main Attractions | Where to Stay |
| Day 1 | CN Tower, HTO Park | Toronto |
| Day 2 | Ripley’s Aquarium, Queen’s Park | Toronto |
| Day 3 | Parliament Hill | Ottawa |
| Day 4 | Notre-Dame Basilica | Montreal |
| Day 5 | Mount Royal Park, Biodôme | Montreal |
| Day 6 | Plains of Abraham | Quebec City |
| Day 7 | Montmorency Falls | Departure |
Tours4fun recommendation:
Day 1-2: Toronto, Ontario
Day 1 can be a relaxing day exploring Toronto’s main attractions: the CN Tower and HTO Park with its sandy beaches and waterfront views.
Day 2, you might consider visiting the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada or the Royal Ontario Museum. You can also spend some time exploring Queen’s Park and the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.
Day 3: Ottawa, Ontario
Day 3, spend 4 hours traveling by bus or car from Toronto to Ottawa, the capital of Canada. After arrival, proceed directly to Parliament Hill and visit the iconic Parliament Buildings. You can take a cruise on the Rideau Canal to get a better view of the city. Visit the Byward Market, one of the oldest and largest public markets in Canada, lined with vendors, restaurants, and stores.
Day 4-5: Montreal, Quebec
Day 4, take the train or drive two hours from Ottawa to Montreal. Montreal is the largest city in Quebec and offers a perfect blend of North American and European culture.
Spend your first afternoon in Old Montreal, taking in its historic architecture and Notre-Dame Basilica. You’ll feel like you’re in a European city. Explore Plateau Mont-Royal, known for its colorful Victorian houses, trendy boutiques, and street art.
Day 5, you might consider visiting Mount Royal Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, which offers stunning city views. You can also visit the Montreal Botanical Garden or the Biodôme. Montreal has incredible cuisine, so be sure to try the local poutine!
Day 6-7: Quebec City, Quebec
Day 6, take the train or drive 3 hours from Montreal to Quebec City. You can wander around Old Quebec City. Visit the Plains of Abraham, a historic battlefield that is now a beautiful city park.
Day 7, you can take a short trip to Montmorency Falls, a waterfall that is higher than Niagara Falls, just outside of town. Take a cable car to the top for spectacular views, or even walk across the suspension bridge over the falls. Finish your week in Canada with a coffee at the Quartier Petit Champlain and some souvenir shopping at the boutique!
Canadian Rockies Tour
For many, the Canadian Rockies are the focal point of experiencing this country. While a full Canadian Rockies itinerary can take more than a week, we have customized a 7-day tour plan. The focus is on visiting some of the most iconic attractions. It is important to note that these trips are primarily focused on natural beauty and require a rental car or tour for maximum flexibility.
Itinerary 5 Vancouver-Valemount-Jasper National Park-Banff
This tour departs from Vancouver and travels deep into the heart of the Canadian Rockies, with views ranging from ocean vistas to soaring mountain peaks along the way.
| Day | Main Attractions | Where to Stay |
| Day 1 | Stanley Park | Vancouver |
| Day 2 | Valemount & Area Museum | Valemount |
| Day 3 | Maligne Lake, Spirit Island | Jasper |
| Day 4 | Maligne Canyon, Athabasca Falls | Jasper |
| Day 5 | Banff Gondola | Banff |
| Day 6 | Lake Louise, Moraine Lake | Banff |
| Day 7 | Central Memorial Park | Departure from Calgary |
Tours4fun recommendation:
Day 1: Vancouver, British Columbia
Day 1, you can settle in and enjoy the city’s bustle and natural beauty. Walk along the seawall or explore Vancouver’s main attractions, Stanley Park and the Gastown Steam Clock, and get ready for tomorrow.
Day 2: Valemount, British Columbia
Day 2 follows the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) and then possibly north on Highway 5 to Valemount, taking 7 hours. This town is a popular stopover before heading to Jasper National Park and a great place to refuel and resupply. The scenery along the way will gradually transition from coastal forests to foothill hills.
Day 3-4: Jasper National Park, Alberta
Day 3, it’s a short drive from Valemount to Jasper National Park, one of Canada’s most spectacular protected areas. Spend your time exploring Jasper’s natural wonders. Visit Maligne Lake and take a boat trip to Spirit Island, one of the most popular photo spots in the Rockies. You can stay in the small town of Jasper, which will be more convenient for the next day.
Day 4, hike through Maligne Canyon, a deep limestone canyon with majestic waterfalls. Don’t miss Athabasca Falls, a waterfall with unique rock formations.
Keep an eye out for wildlife – Jasper is known for elk, bears, and bighorn sheep, so keep a safe distance. You can take a ride on the Jasper SkyTram for full views.
Day 5-6: Banff National Park, Alberta
Day 5, drive 3 hours from Jasper to Banff. The Icefields Parkway connects Jasper to Banff National Park. This is a crucial part of the Canadian Rockies travel itinerary.
Arrive in the small town of Banff, Canada’s first national park. Spend time exploring the town of Banff and perhaps take a ride on the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for great views. You can stay in the town of Banff or not far away in Canmore.
Day 6, visit the iconic Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (Which is usually closed in early spring/late fall, check seasonal hours). You can hike around the lake or rent a canoe. You can also visit Johnston Canyon and hike to view the waterfalls here.
Day 7: Departure from Calgary
Day 7, the drive from Banff to Calgary International Airport takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. Depending on your flight time, you can spend some time in Calgary.
Itinerary 6 Calgary-Banff-JasperTown-Kamloops
This itinerary departs from the hinterland of the Canadian Rockies, which makes it an excellent choice if you want to spend more time in the mountains!
| Day | Main Attractions | Where to Stay |
| Day 1 | Calgary Tower | Calgary |
| Day 2 | Johnston Canyon | Banff |
| Day 3 | Banff Upper Hot Springs | Banff |
| Day 4 | Columbia Icefields | Jasper |
| Day 5 | Maligne Canyon | Jasper |
| Day 6 | Riverside Park | Kamloops |
| Day 7 | Drive back to Vancouver | Departure |
Tours4fun recommendation:
Day 1: Calgary, Alberta
Day 1 Arrive in Calgary and visit Calgary Tower or Prince’s Island Park. Retain your strength to start tomorrow’s mountain adventure.
Day 2-3: Banff National Park, Alberta 
Day 2, drive from Calgary to Banff, a relatively short journey taking roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes, and you’ll soon be in the Rocky Mountains. Focus on Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, which are popular attractions within the park. Hike through some of the park’s famous trails, such as Johnston Canyon.
Day 3, take the Banff Gondola, take a soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, and browse the stores in town for souvenirs.
Day 4-5: Jasper Town, Alberta
Day 4, depart Banff and take a 3-hour drive along the scenic Icefields Parkway to Jasper. It is recommended that you make a stop at a viewpoint such as the Columbia Icefields.
Upon arrival in Jasper, you can explore the natural wonders of the area: Maligne Lake and Spirit Island.
Day 5, hike in Maligne Canyon drive to Athabasca Falls, or hike to the Valley of Five Lakes.
Day 6: Kamloops, British Columbia
Day 6, from Jasper, drive 5 hours to Kamloops. You will travel through the highest peaks of the Rocky Mountains and into the semi-arid interior of British Columbia. Kamloops is a small city bordering the Thompson River. If you’re returning to Vancouver or continuing your travels in B.C., this is a good overnight stop on your journey. You can enjoy a leisurely evening downtown or perhaps a walk through Riverside Park.
Day 7: Departure
Day 7, from Kamloops, you can drive back to Vancouver (about a 4-5 hour drive) to leave and end your week in Canada. Or continue your Canada travel itinerary, depending on your overall travel plans.
FAQ
Is 7 days in Canada enough?
7 days is definitely enough to experience an important region or a few highlights of Canada. You can choose a major city and its surrounding attractions, such as a trip to Niagara Falls in Toronto, or Vancouver and its surrounding cities. Or a concentrated area such as the Canadian Rockies with a tour of Banff and Jasper.
What is the cheapest season to travel to Canada?
The cheapest seasons to travel to Canada are January-May and October-November, avoiding the holidays along with the ski season. The summer months of June-August are usually the most popular and expensive season.
What is the most beautiful drive in Canada?
The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93N), connects Banff and Jasper National Parks in Alberta. Along the way, you can enjoy a variety of scenery and even wildlife: jagged peaks, ancient glaciers, ice fields (such as the Columbia Icefield), turquoise lakes (Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Hector Lake), waterfalls, evergreen forests, and the chance to see wildlife such as elk, bighorn sheep, and even bears.
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