Canada Itinerary: How to see Canada in 7 days to 2 weeks
Canada is the second-largest country in the world and is home to some of the most beautiful places on earth. From Toronto’s vibrant city life, Quebec City’s European charm, Prairie’s vastness, Canadian Rockies majestic beauty, rainforests lush greenery, and fjords picturesque views – there are so many reasons to explore the Great White North! In this post, we have compiled the best of Canada itinerary samples, from coast to coast to coast.
You can explore amazing landscapes like never before – it doesn’t matter if you have a week or 14 days in Canada for travel. We got you covered!
Canada Itinerary: 7 days to 2 weeks of sightseeing samples to choose from
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Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to spend your honeymoon, or just want an escape from the city, we have everything you need for an epic Canada trip!
For each itinerary below, we have listed the duration (ranging from 7- 14 days), along with airport arrival and departure suggestions.
We have also included sightseeing and accommodation suggestions for each destination.
Pro-tip: Canada is huge (area-wise), so it is important to stick to a particular province or region so that you can make the most of your limited vacation time!
Each Canada itinerary sample is curated with care, research and experience, and it has something for everybody.
Come, let’s help you plan your trip to Canada!
7 to 10 days in Canadian Rockies Itinerary: Best of National Parks
- Duration: 7 days to include 2 national parks, 10 days for 3 national parks
- Route: Calgary, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Jasper National Park
- Arrival Airport: Calgary Alberta
- Departure Airport: Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta
An epic Canadian Rockies road trip is a must for every traveler to Canada!
We may be biased as we live so close to Banff, but it is worth planning and flying down here to enjoy the turquoise lakes, countless hikes, stunning landscape with mountain views and photograph some of the picturesque views in the country.
- Day 1: Arrive and explore Calgary
- Day 2 – 4: Drive to Banff, and explore
- Day 5: Lake Louise
- Day 6: Yoho National Park
- Day 7: Icefield Parkway stops
- Day 8-9: Jasper National Park
- Day 10: Drive to Edmonton, explore (or fly out)
To kick start this 10 day Canada itinerary, touch down in Calgary, which is one of the prettiest cities in Alberta. You can spend one day in Calgary, enjoying highlights such as the Calgary Tower, Stephen Ave Walk, Peace Bridge, Prince Island Park, and Fort Calgary!
The next day, start for Banff National Park. It is located about a 1.50 hours drive away. Plan to spend 3 days in Banff, and check off relaxing activities on day one. These include the following – Sulphur mountain gondola ride, Bow Falls, a walk, and a castle food tour at the famous Fairmont Banff Springs!
For the next 2 days, spend time exploring 3 beautiful lakes in Banff National Park, namely Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka, and Vermillion Lakes. In the summer months, you can go kayaking and enjoy easy (1-2 hour) hikes. Read all about the best hikes in Banff.
Not into hikes? Lake Minnewanka also has a cool sightseeing cruise of an hour, which is worth paying for! Or just enjoy a nice picnic in either Two Jack or Lake Minnewanka. In the winter, you can go snowshoeing, or winter hikes (Access to Lake Minnewanka is closed for winters).
Where to stay in Banff: Elk + Avenue
On day 5, spend a full day in Lake Louise. Enjoy a hike up to Agnes Tea House, or relax with a canoe ride. In the winters, you can go ice-skating and then warm up at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise. You can choose to stay overnight in Lake Louise too (Banff town to Lake Louise is a 90-minute drive, one way).
Head to Yoho National Park in British Columbia on day 6. It is a quick ride from Lake Louise, and spend the day chasing the mightiest Takakkaw Falls, Natural Falls, Spiral Tunnels on Kicking Horse Pass, and the gorgeous Emerald Lake!
On day 7, you can end this Canada itinerary, and return to Calgary to fly out. Or continue to Jasper National Park.
Drive along the Icefield Parkway connecting Lake Louise and Jasper (day 7). Along the way make a stop at Peyto Lake, Columbia Icefield, and Sunwapta Falls before arriving in Jasper town (stay here overnight).
Spend the next 2 days exploring Jasper National Park. When visiting in the summer, enjoy canoeing at the Pyramid and Patricia Lakes (or just sit and soak in the sun with a nice book). Head over to Pyramid Lake Island and enjoy an easy hike.
In the winters, you can go snowshoeing here, or visit the Marmot Ski Basin to ring in the cold weather fearlessly!
Where to stay in Jasper: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Finally, on day 10, drive from Jasper to Edmonton. It takes 4 hours one way to arrive in the capital city of Alberta, and from here you can fly out. If you have a couple of hours left on this itinerary, then we recommend checking out our Legislature Building and then stopping at Strathcona for dinner and drinks!
Western Canada Itinerary 2 weeks: Calgary to Vancouver Road Trip Itinerary
- Duration: 2 weeks
- Route: Calgary, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Jasper National Park (same as above), Kamloops, Whistler & Squamish, Vancouver
- Arrival Airport: Calgary Alberta
- Departure Airport: Vancouver British Columbia
This 2 weeks western Canada itinerary covers the best of cities and parks in the two provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. You can start the trip in either city/province and then follow the next stops as listed in this sightseeing itinerary to explore it all!
If you were to drive non-stop from Calgary to Vancouver, it would take you 11-12 hours (+ usual traffic). But in 2 full weeks, you can explore some of the scenic landscapes, eat delicious food, shop and enjoy an amazing drive!
The first half of the itinerary is similar to the 10 day Canadian Rockies itinerary we listed above,
- Day 1: Arrive and explore Calgary (Alberta)
- Day 2: Drive to Banff, stop at Canmore (optional)
- Day 3: Explore Banff
- Day 4: Lake Louise
- Day 5: Yoho National Park
- Day 6: Icefield Glacier tour
- Day 7-8: Jasper National Park (Alberta)
- Day 9: Kamloops (British Columbia)
- Day 10: Drive to Whistler, stop in Squamish
- Day 11-12: Whistler
- Day 13-14: Vancouver (British Columbia)
Start your Canada trip in Calgary, explore the city for a day. Drive to Banff, with a stop in Canmore.
Explore Banff and Lake Louise for the next 2 days. We don’t recommend adding too many hikes as you are on a short visit, but checking off Lake Louise – canoeing or a short walk along the shore is a must!
Where to stay in Banff: Elk + Avenue
Spend a day in Yoho National Park, BC, followed by a day at the Icefield Parkway with a must stop at the Athabasca glacier (adventure tour).
Next 2 days, you will be enjoying the natural landscapes and mountains in the largest Canadian Rockies park – Jasper.
On day 9, drive to British Columbia for Kamloops, and stay here overnight. Jasper to Kamloops is a little over 5 hours. Along the way, you will find small towns, lakes, and mountain views.
Where to stay in Kamloops: DoubleTree by Hilton
Day 10 is another 5 hour driving day and this time for Squamish and Whistler. Squamish is known for mountain biking and hiking, as well as snowmobiling and back-country skiing in winter.
Squamish to Whistler is just 50 minute drive away, so you can easily split your time (days 11 and 12) between the two places. Whistler is a ski resort, but you can explore it all year round. There are mountain biking trails, as well as easy and moderately hiking routes for you to enjoy.
Whistler’s pedestrian-friendly town is very cute, and its culinary scene is mindblowing! In Whistler, you will also find art museums and landmarks from the 2010 Winter Olympics!
Where to stay in Whistler: Delta Hotels by Marriott Whistler Village Suites
Your final stop on this 2 week Canada itinerary is in Vancouver, the largest city in British Columbia. Although there are a ton of things to do in the city, you have to choose a few to accommodate on a 2 day Vancouver trip.
Whistler to Vancouver is a 1.50-hour drive away. The views along the way are stunning via the Sea to Sky highway (also known as Highway 99).
In Vancouver, explore the city center or downtown checking off Canada Place, Stanley Park, bike along the seawall, and the Olympic Cauldron. Don’t miss out on the seafront of Vancouver and spend a couple of hours here, admiring the port. In the evening, visit Granville Island.
Where to stay in Vancouver: The Westin Bayshore
The next day, head over to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Sun Yat-Sen Gardens, and finish off sightseeing with dinner and drinks at the Gastown district!
Canada in one week: Vancouver Island Road Trip Itinerary
- Duration: 7 days
- Route: Victoria, Port Renfrew, Tofino
- Arrival Airport: Victoria (British Columbia)
- Departure Airport: YVictoria (British Columbia)
This easy 7 day Canada itinerary focuses on the province of British Columbia. You can visit 3 places on Vancouver Island. For this itinerary, plan to fly to Victoria or arrive via ferry. You will be using a mix of road trips and ferry rides to explore the following
- Day 1-2: Arrive in Victoria, BC and explore
- Day 3-4: Port Renfrew (via Pacific Marine Circle Route)
- Day 5: Port Renfrew to Tofino
- Day 6-7: Explore Tofino, return to Victoria by late afternoon
On days 1 and 2, explore the prettiest city of Victoria (it’s my personal favorite).
Spend 2 days visiting the BC Legislature Building, BC Royal Museum, enjoy an afternoon tea at the Empress and hang out at the Fisherman’s Wharf. You can spend a few hours at the Butchart Gardens and go whale watching!
Where to stay in Victoria: Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina
On days 3 and 4, plan to arrive in Port Renfrew (2 hour drive). Along the way, stop at Sooke and Jordan River (for hikes).
In Port Renfrew enjoy more hikes at the Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park and Botanical Beach Provincial Park. Don’t miss the big trees at the Avatar Grove. If interested you can also join a Big Tree Tour.
Where to stay in Port Renfrew & Tofino: Port Renfrew Vacation Rentals | Tofino Resort + Marina
Set aside day 5 for a drive, as you make your way to Tofino. The driving time from Port Renfrew to Tofino is 5 hours.
Then explore Tofino for the next 2 days. Go on a rainforest hike, wander the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve or relax at a sandy beach like Chesterman Beach and Long Beach. Filled with lakes, inlets, and tons of hiking trails, you will not want to leave Tofino!
Return to Victoria via ferry (Tofino to Victoria is 2+ hours by ferry).
Prairies Canada Itinerary 10 days: Edmonton, Lloydminster, Saskatoon, Winnipeg
- Duration: 10 days
- Route: Edmonton, Elk Island National Park, Lloyminister/ Vegreville, Saskatoon, Prince Albert National Park, Moosejaw, Winnipeg
- Arrival Airport: Edmonton Alberta
- Departure Airport: Winnipeg Manitoba
We lived in the Prairie provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan for over 5+ years each and embarked on a ton of road trips and quick weekend getaways.
Although Alberta is known for the Canadian Rockies, our capital city – Edmonton is worth a visit, after all, it is home to the largest living history museum and largest historical park in Canada. Plus one of North America’s largest malls is in Edmonton!
In case you didn’t know this already, Canada has 3 prairie provinces (prairie = flatlands), and they are Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. This 10 day Canada itinerary covers some of the highlights of these 3 provinces.
- Day 1-2: Arrive and explore Edmonton (Alberta)
- Day 3: Visit Elk Island National Park
- Day 4: Drive to Lloydminster with a stop in Vegreville. Arrive in Saskatoon (Saskatchewan)
- Day 5: Explore Saskatoon
- Day 6: Day trip to Prince Albert National Park
- Day 7: Day trip to Moosejaw
- Day 8: Drive to Winnipeg (Manitoba) with a stop in Yorkton
- Day 9-10: Explore Winnipeg
On day one, arrive in Edmonton (YEG international airport in Leduc), and spend the next 2 days at the capital city of Alberta. Discover the North Saskatchewan river valley, go on a segway tour or ride the historic train car (in the summer).
In the winters, Edmonton’s river valley is a snowshoeing haven.
Don’t miss out on the Legislature Building (it is one of my favorites in the city), followed by the Muttart Conservatory (pyramid-shaped botanical gardens), and the Royal Alberta Museum.
Where to stay in Edmonton: Delta Hotels by Marriott Edmonton Centre Suites
On your second day, experience the beauty of Devonian Botanical Gardens, and Fort Edmonton Park. In the evening, hang out at the Strathcona neighborhood, or book yourself game night tickets at the Rogers Place, Ice District.
Prefer to shop instead? Head to the West Edmonton Mall!
Next, enjoy a day trip to Elk Island National Park, located just 40 minutes outside of Edmonton. It is home to bison and is a protected dark sky preserve. Spend a day going on nature walks, picnics, to sunset tours on Lake Astotin.
Day 4 is a travel day, as you drive from Edmonton to Saskatoon in Saskatchewan. Make two spots, one in Vegreville, and snap a photo of the largest pysanka (Ukrainian egg), and another one in Lloydminster.
Lloydminster is almost midway between these two cities – Edmonton, and Saskatoon! Stay overnight in Stoon!
The next day, explore Saskatoon. You can easily spend 2 days in Saskatoon but for this itinerary, a full day is assigned. Check out the river valley in Saskatoon, go on easy hikes along the Meewasin Trail, sit by the parks, and take in the views of the South Saskatchewan River and its multiple bridges.
Visit the REMAI arts museum, and the Western Development Museum (love this). WDM showcases the social and economic development of the province with a focus on the introduction of railways and other industrial inventions. The museum also has branches in Moose Jaw, North Battleford, and Yorkton.
Where to stay in Saskatoon: Alt Hotel Saskatoon
On days 6 and 7, go on day trips to Prince Albert National Park (2+ hour drive), and MooseJaw (2+ hour drive). Prince Albert National Park is home to bison, and Lake Waskesiu – it is a perfect spot to spend a summer day.
In MooseJaw, you can check out the tallest moose statue (although it is still debated if Norway or Canada has the tallest one. But let’s say tallest in Canada, eh) and go on a Tunnel tour.
The Tunnels of Moose Jaw is an attraction where you get to discover underneath the streets of the city, and how it was in the early 1900s (it uses stories of bootleggers, Al Capone, and Chinese immigration).
Day 8, go on a road trip from Saskatoon to Winnipeg enjoying flatlands and making quick stops along the way. We recommend stopping by Yorkton for a break, and if interested visit the Western Development Museum there!
Spend the next 2 days, exploring Winnipeg, the capital city of Manitoba. Visit the Forks, Assiniboine Park, MTS centre and swing by the Royal Canadian Mint. Do wander the French part of the city (St. Boniface), and enjoy a lovely dinner by the Esplanade Riel Bridge.
Where to stay in Winnipeg: Hilton Garden Inn Winnipeg South
Note: If interested, you can add a trip to Churchill from Winnipeg (trains, flights, or guided tours) to check out polar bears! This should be on your Canada bucket list!
Central Canada Itinerary 10 days: Best of Ontario and Quebec
- Duration: 10 days
- Route: Toronto, Niagar Falls, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City
- Arrival Airport: Toronto Ontario
- Departure Airport: Toronto Ontario or Montreal Quebec
This epic Central Canada itinerary covers the highlights of the two provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Although these provinces have a ton of charming towns and beautiful parks, this itinerary only covers city landmarks.
To kickstart this Canada travel itinerary, you will arrive at Toronto Pearson International airport, which is one of the busiest and biggest airports in the country. From there you can either use public transport, tours or drive to explore other destinations.
You can fly out from Toronto, or Montreal, Quebec.
- Day 1-2: Arrive and explore Toronto
- Day 3: Niagara Falls day trip
- Day 4-5: Ottawa
- Day 6-7: Montreal
- Day 8-9: Quebec City
- Day 10: Montreal & fly out (or drive back to Toronto)
Spend the first 2 days of the Canada 10 day itinerary in Toronto. Home to the CN Tower, one of the tallest freestanding towers in the world, harbourfront and the Royal Ontario Museum – Toronto is one of the bustling cities in Canada.
Trust us, there is so much to see and do in Toronto. But we recommend sticking to the downtown area and around to maximize your time here. Each evening relax at a bar or restaurant in the Distillery District or Kensington. Do visit Casa Loma if you have time!
On day 3, embark on a day tour to Niagara. Enjoy a boat tour, head to the top of the Skylon Tower, and soak in the views of the mightiest falls! Niagara has a lot of fine dining options, including the revolving restaurant!
Where to stay in Toronto: Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre
For the next 2 days, visit the various landmarks of Ottawa. Toronto to Ottawa is 4+ hours by train or car. You can also fly there in about an hour. Read about road trips from Toronto
Check out Parliament Hill, and various museums in the capital city of Canada. In the springtime, don’t miss the tulip festival. Rideau Canal in Ottawa is one of the must visit, it is the longest skating rink in the world!
Where to stay in Ottawa: Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa Downtown
Montreal in Quebec is next on the list. This is the French/Francophone province in Canada. The road distance between Ottawa and Montreal is 2+ hours. Trains take the same time.
Spend the next 2 days in Montreal, choose a centrally located hotel, and then explore the Old Port and the old town (Vieux-Montréa) highlights such as Plaza de Armas and the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. Don’t forget to enjoy a lovely sunset from Mount Royal’s viewpoint.
Where to stay in Montreal: Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain
From Montreal, visit the charming Quebec City for the next 2 days. This is one of the oldest European cities in North America. Filled with cobblestone lanes (Petit Champlain District), and the beautiful Place Royale and Château Frontenac Hotel, Quebec City will surely melt your heart!
Where to stay in Quebec City: Marriott Quebec City Downtown
After exploring Quebec city, you can return to Montreal and then fly out. Or get to Toronto and bid adieu to Canada! Read about hikes near Toronto
Maritimes Canada Itinerary 7 days: Fundy Coastal drive from New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island
- Duration: 7 days
- Route: New Brunswick and the Fundy Coastal drive from Campobello Island to the Confederation Bridge at Prince Edward Island (PEI)
- Arrival Airport: Saint John New Brunswick
- Departure Airport: Charlottetown Prince Edward Island
This one week coastal itinerary to Canada discovers the Bay of Fundy and takes you through two provinces of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island on an epic road trip!
- Day 1-2: Arrive and explore Saint John (New Brunswick)
- Day 3: Visit Campobello Island
- Day 4: Explore Saint Andrews
- Day 5: Day trip to Hopewell Rocks
- Day 6: Drive to Charlottetown (PEI) via Bay of Fundy
- Day 7: Explore Charlottetown
Arrive at the Saint John airport and explore the next two days. Don’t forget to pick up a car rental.
From the coast to culture, Saint John is home to the New Brunswick Museum, a great place to learn about the history of the area including lumber, shipbuilding, farming industries.
City Market of Saint John should not be missed. Here you will find bustling market stalls, selling fresh produce, meat, seafood, local art, souvenirs, etc.
Check out the Reversing Falls, a UNESCO GeoPark. This is where the Bay of Fundy tides overtake the flow of the Saint John River. Make a quick stop at the Carleton Martello Tower overlooking the Bay of Fundy.
For the next few days, keep Saint John as a base and go on day trips. Start with Campobello Island on day 3. This is the only International Park in the world and the summer home of U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. (drive is 2+ hours one way).
Where to stay in Saint John: Chateau Saint John Trademark Collection by Wyndham
On day 4, explore the old fishing village of Saint Andrews located on the Bay of Fundy. This is THE place to be to check out the most dramatic tides in the world. Great for whale watching and kayaking trips. (2+ hour one way).
On day 5, go on a day trip to Hopewell Rocks. Hopewell Rocks are home to a unique landscape, where you can walk along the ocean floor and see the towering sandstone sculptures! (2+ hour one way).
Finish off your one week in Canada itinerary, by driving to Charlottetown (PEI) via the Bay of Fundy. As you continue winding along the Bay of Fundy Highway to 15E, you will arrive at the Confederation Bridge, the longest bridge (12.9 KM/8 miles) that crosses ice-covered waters in the world.
You will arrive in Charlottetown (PEI) in 3+ hours. Visit the Province House National Historic Site where the Charlottetown Conference of 1864 took place. Check out the Confederation Centre of the Arts and its musical based on “Anne of Green Gables.”
Where to stay in Charlottetown: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
Make your visit memorable with a horse drawn carriage ride in the city. Enjoy your evenings at Victoria Row with shops, and restaurants.
Atlantic Canada Itinerary: Cabot Trail East Coastal Drive with Halifax, Fredericton
- Duration: 10 days
- Route: Halifax, Cape Breton Island & Highlands National Park, Moncton, Truro, Saint John, Hopewell Rocks, Fredericton
- Arrival Airport: Halifax Nova Scotia
- Departure Airport: Fredericton New Brunswick
The Cabot Trail is a scenic driving route on the island of Cape Breton in Nova Scotia. Cabot Trail offers one of the best scenic views along Canada’s Atlantic Coast. The trail is over 300 km (186 miles) and can be easily completed in one day. However, we recommend stopping along the way and extending this trip to New Brunswick.
- Day 1-2: Arrive and explore Halifax (Nova Scotia)
- Day 3 – 4: Cabot Trail Drive, Cape Breton Highlands National Park
- Day 5: Drive to Moncton (New Brunswick) with a stop in Truro
- Day 6: Explore Moncton
- Day 7: Drive to Saint John via Bay of Fundy with a stop in Hopewell Rocks
- Day 8: Explore Saint Andrews by the Sea
- Day 9-10: Explore Fredericton
You can start from Halifax (fly there), and spend the next 2 days here. Visit Peggy’s Cove, the colorful village of Lunenburg, Halifax Waterfront, and Dartmouth.
Where to stay in Halifax: Residence Inn by Marriott Halifax Downtown
On day 3, head towards the Cabot Trail (3.50 hours). Stop at the Highland Village, to check out how Gaelic settlers in Cape Breton lived. This site is beautifully set on the Bras d’Or lake.
Enjoy your drive, and stay or camp overnight at the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Do check out the Cape Breton Highlands Lookout, and capture the sunset on Skyline Trail Hike (day 4).
Whale watching is popular here, so is seafood including lobster treats!
Spend day 5 on another drive, this time to Moncton, the largest city in New Brunswick.
The total route from Cape Breton Highlands National Park is 5+ hours, and we recommend stopping at Truro to check out the waterfalls of Victoria Park. If you’re adventurous, try Tidal Bore Rafting on the Shubenacadie River, close to Truro.
Stay overnight in Moncton.
Where to stay in Moncton: Four Points by Sheraton Moncton
Explore Moncton for a day. Eat your heart out in one of their many restaurants, and wineries. Stop by the Magnetic Hill.
On day 7, drive an hour south of Moncton to the Hopewell Rocks to experience the highest tides in the world! This natural phenomenon occurs twice a day, so do check the tide tables to catch them! Arrive in Saint John and stay here overnight.
Spend a full day in Saint John, exploring the Reversing Falls, a UNESCO GeoPark, and New Brunswick Museum.
Continue on your road trip along the Bay of Fundy with a stop at the village of Saint Andrews, before arriving in Fredericton. In Saint Andrews, don’t miss the Huntsman Marine Science Center and Kingsbrae Gardens.
Fredericton is the capital city of New Brunswick and your home for the next 2 days. In Fredericton, you can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony in the Garrison District. Plus there are tons of historical sites to explore from the Kings Landing Historical Settlement to museums and other landmarks.
Where to stay in Fredericton: Delta Hotels by Marriott Fredericton
Newfoundland in 8 to 10 days: St John’s, coastal towns, Gros Morne National Park
- Duration: 10 days
- Route: St. John’s, Terra Nova National Park, Twillingate, Gros Morne National Park/Deer Lake
- Arrival Airport: St John’s Newfoundland
- Departure Airport: Deer Lake Newfoundland
This intense 10 day Canada itinerary only covers the province of Newfoundland on its own. Arrive in St. John’s, the capital city, and spend a week in and around the area. Then proceed to explore the Gros Morne National Park for 5-6 days, before flying out from Deer Lake.
- Day 1-2: Arrive in St John’s and explore
- Day 3: Terra Nova National Park
- Day 4: Twillingate
- Day 5: Twillingate to Gros Morne National Park
- Day 6-10: Gros Morne National Park, fly out from Deer Lake
Begin your Newfoundland Canada 10 day itinerary with St. John’s. Spend 2 days in this city with a rich history dating back to 500 years! Explore the national historic sites of Signal Hill, Cape Spear, Quidi Vidi, and wander the colorful downtown area.
Then on your second day enjoy shopping, go wine tasting, and join a haunted tour!
Where to stay in St. John’s: Courtyard by Marriott St. John’s Newfoundland
Day 3, drive to Terra Nova National Park, which is Canada’s most Easterly National Park. It is home to a varied landscape from a coastline to hiking trails and wetlands.
Driving to the National Park takes 2+ hours, and we recommend staying there overnight. There are hotels located about 15 km (9.3 miles) away from Terra Nova National Park.
Next head to the quaint town of Twillingate (day 4), and spend the night here. Relax by the coast and enjoy the colorful streets. Go on a tour to check out whales, dolphins, seabirds, and icebergs. Drive to Twillingate is 2+ hours.
Spend a full travel day, driving from Twillingate to Gros Morne National Park. Nonstop driving is 5.50 hours, and with a few roadside stops, it will easily take you a day.
Stay overnight in the park at Rocky Harbour, or at nearby Deer Lake.
Where to stay in Deer Lake: Holiday Inn Express Deer Lake, an IHG Hotel
Spend day 6-9 exploring the Gros Morne National Park. Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its rare continental drift. At the park, you can see amazing fjords, chase waterfalls, stunning mountains and cliffs along with deep forests and lush greenery.
On day 10, fly out from Deer Lake.
Northern Canada Itinerary 7 days: Whitehorse and Dawson City (extend to Yellowknife)
- Duration: 7-10 days
- Route: Whitehorse, Dawson City, Yellowknife (optional)
- Arrival Airport: Vancouver British Columbia and Whitehorse Yukon
- Departure Airport: Yellowknife Northwest Territories and Vancouver British Columbia
If you wish to explore the underrated and unconventional areas of Canada, consider a trip to the Northwest Territories and Yukon. These destinations are sparsely populated, yet are full of history and scenic views – from chasing northern lights, gold rush trails to the wilderness, you can explore it all.
- Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver, fly to Whitehorse, Yukon
- Day 2-4: Explore Whitehorse
- Day 5-7: Dawson City (and return)
- Day 8-14: (or extend to) Yellowknife and return
To kickstart this itinerary, we recommend flying to Vancouver (from overseas). You can book a flight to Whitehorse, Yukon and it will take you there in 2.50 hours. Flights from Toronto take 10+ hours (yup! Canada is HUGE).
Spend the next 3 days in Whitehorse, the capital city of Yukon, and explore the Wildlife Preserve and museums – Old Log Church Museum, Transportation Museum, SS Klondike Historic Site, and Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre.
Enjoy a day at the Miles Canyon, hiking and soaking in views from the suspension bridge – this is where you can clearly see how the rapids and the Canyon gave a tough challenge to the gold-seekers heading to the Klondike Gold Rush.
Where to stay in Whitehorse: Days Inn by Wyndham Whitehorse
Spend days 5 to 7 in Dawson City, another town in Yukon. You can take a flight (1.25 hours), or drive a full day (6 hours of straight driving).
With 2 days in Dawson City, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of mixed First Nations Heritage and Gold Rush History. You will be busy checking off museums and the colorful arts here.
Where to stay in Dawson City: Value Inn – Downtown Hotel Dawson City
You can conclude your trip here, or head to Yellowknife for another 4-6 days with travel time!
Planning a Canada travel itinerary: Essential Travel Tips
Here are quick travel tips to prepare for your trip to Canada!
Best time to visit Canada
Canada is a popular summer destination. And there is a good reason – most Canadian cities in the summer are bustling with activities from outdoor cafes, farmer’s markets, to festivals and picnics.
Parks are open with wide arms with tons of camping, hiking, and outdoor activities. Summers bring a lot of crowds and are a peak tourist season.
For sightseeing, late spring and fall are great as well. During this time, there are fewer crowds in popular destinations like the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and cities; and although some camping sites may be closed at the end of the season, you will surely score a nice accommodation in the heart of the city/park.
Some visitors love the cold weather, and some don’t, but winters in Canada are amazing!
From experiencing a white Christmas, romantic getaways to snow-ful activities like snowshoeing, skiing, and ice skating in a natural rink, we got it all!
If you are planning a trip to Canada in the winter, dress warmly, and don’t worry about carrying all the ski gear and equipment, as you can easily rent them here. Driving in winter can be a little tricky if you are not used to the icy conditions.
Getting around Canada
From the Canada itineraries above, you have seen how we have clubbed places close to each other. You must have also noticed that we used road trips as an itinerary format, and here is why!
Canada is HUGE, it is the second largest country by area, and even within a province, it will take you a day or more to get around. So,
- If you are not renting a car, consider a Canadian city itinerary like – Toronto & Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City. These cities have a strong public transportation network (Light Rail Trains, transit buses, Uber) and guided tours
- For national and provincial parks a car is necessary as passenger trains and public transport are scarce. Canadian Rockies do have local buses, tours, and restricted train routes for visitors to enjoy (note that Greyhound no longer operates in Canada)
- For cross-country trips, flights are the only way to make the most of your visit to Canada. We get asked by readers, they are visiting Toronto, and they want to explore Banff. Now they are in 2 different provinces, and driving between these two places will take 40+ hours one way, and you don’t want to do that – if you are on a 10-day trip!
- So use flights – Canada has a few budget/affordable airlines like Swoop and Flair, where you can find flights starting at $50 CAD one way (+ baggage fees, so travel light :))
Learn about Canada road trips here
What to budget for a trip to Canada?
Canada is not a cheap destination 🙂 but you can enjoy an epic vacation with picturesque landscapes, lakes, and historic sites with careful planning!
For exploring cities, we recommend a budget of $150-$175 CAD per day, and this includes
- 3 to 4-star hotel on a twin share basis ($150/2= $75)
- Lunch and dinner at a sit-down restaurant – a meal with a drink ($15 to $30)
- Transportation (daily passes $8), car rental (daily starts $25)
- Walking tours, museum passes, etc ($10 – $50)
**Flights are not included.
When visiting national parks, you have to pay entry fees which are $20 CAD for vehicles. A daily pass is valid for 24 hours or the next day at 04:00 pm.
Once you are inside the park, you can check out lakes, go on hikes, and enjoy mountain views for free. Additional sightseeing like gondola rides, museums, and historic sites has extra fees!
To save money in Canada, you can surely stay in hostels, approved Airbnbs, or find accommodation in a sister city. For food, you can find affordable grocery stores, and fast-food restaurants (where meals start at $8 CAD), including Canada’s favorite Tim Hortons in every city!
Prices that you see listed in menus and store items are the base price, and then the cashier will add provincial and federal taxes as applicable.
Also, the same Tim Hortons coffee, although it might taste the same, the base prices and taxes will be different in different provinces! Confusing, eh!
Safety in Canada
Canada is a safe and welcoming country. We moved here and have lived for more than a decade in 3 different provinces and never had an issue.
Instances of pickpocketing are also very rare. Some incidences of car breakage and theft may occur in certain places, and the key here is to never leave items inside your vehicle when parking by the roadside!
I have traveled solo, as a couple, and with friends and family – and safety was never a concern. We are sure you will feel welcomed here, just be respectful of others, of the laws of the land, and you will have a great time!
Additional Canada Tips
For a city-only trip, a week is enough. Same for exploring the highlights of the Canadian Rockies, 7 days is a good time frame. Of course, the more time you have, the better!
In 10 days in Canada, you can include a combination of 2-3 cities (spending 2 days in each) and then take a couple of day trips. Ensure these cities are either in the same province or close to each other when traveling by car. To explore cities in different provinces, a flight is the best option to make the most of your trip!
2 weeks in Canada is great to intimately explore a region like the best of Maritimes, Eastern Canada, or all the national parks and landmarks of the Canadian Rockies.
Great question! Driving across the entire length and breadth of Canada will take you 23+ days. If you plan on stopping along the way, visiting cities, small towns, and parks, you will easily need 90 days.
We hope you found our post on Canada itineraries useful in planning your trip! Where will you go next?
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