This Is the Ultimate 3 Week Canada Itinerary (2025)

If you’re keen to explore Canada, you’re in good company. Tourism to Canada is increasing thanks to its multicultural cities and awe-inspiring national parks. After two months exploring Canada with my boyfriend, I’ve distilled the highlights into a 3 week Canada itinerary. Read on for the ultimate Canada route from Vancouver to Quebec, so you can plan your perfect trip.

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Quick overview of the best 3 week Canada itinerary

• Days 1-3: Vancouver
• Days 4-9: Banff and Jasper National Parks
• Days 10-12: Toronto including day trip to Niagara Falls
• Days 13-14: Ottawa
• Days 15-18: Montreal
• Days 19-21: Quebec City

Planning your 3 week Canada itinerary

We started our Canadian adventure on the west coast and travelled east. We flew into Vancouver and our flight home departed from Montreal. For our itinerary, Canada’s big cities were the main stops, while exploring the country’s famous national parks along the way.

Here’s exactly how to spend 3 weeks in Canada, including where to stay, what we loved most and the practical details that will help you plan your own Canadian adventure.

Days 1-3: Vancouver, British Columbia

Three days in Vancouver is the perfect starting point for your Canadian adventure, in one of the world’s most livable cities. Located between mountains and the ocean, its outdoor lifestyle of skiing, beaches and hiking sets the tone for everything Canada has to offer.

Getting to Vancouver

Fly into Vancouver International Airport to start your 3 week Canada itinerary. Direct flights to Vancouver are available from most major international cities.

Where to stay in Vancouver

We stayed with a friend in Kitsilano and also at a nearby Airbnb. We loved this area as it has a beach, organic cafés and seasonal restaurants, but it’s on the more expensive side. If you’re looking for affordable accommodation in the most convenient location then downtown Vancouver is best.

Check out the historic Victorian Hotel, which is located between Gastown and Chinatown, close to public transport and great local restaurants. If you prefer a hostel, try the HI Vancouver Downtown Hostel near English Bay Beach, which has mixed or gender-specific dorm rooms as well as private rooms.

Explore the map below to find the best accommodation deals for your dates in Vancouver:

Where to visit in Vancouver

Granville Island has a bustling food market for cheap eats. There is a lively waterfront and many examples of the city’s art scene. There are also many green spaces offering stunning views over the bay.

For more information on how to spend 3 days in Vancouver, read my dedicated blog post here.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the most popular local tourist attractions, just north of the city. However, there is a great cheap alternative.

Instead of spending around CA$50 to enter Capilano, you can take public buses to visit Lynn Canyon Park. This is another North Vancouver park with a suspension bridge – but this one is free! As well as the bridge, Lynn Canyon Park has a number of hiking trails which are fun to explore.

For more information and photos, check out my blog post here.

Days 4-9: Banff and Jasper National Parks, Alberta

A stay in the Canadian Rockies will be the outdoor adventure heart of your 3 week Canada itinerary. You’ll split your time between the famous resort town of Banff and the quieter, more pristine Jasper National Park, via one of the world’s most scenic drives.

Getting to Banff

We took the scenic route, enjoying one day in Kelowna on the way. We started with an overnight Greyhound bus from Vancouver to Kelowna, then continued to Banff the next day. This wine region detour is lovely if you have time.

If you prefer to reach the Rockies faster, you have several options. The direct bus from Vancouver to Banff takes just over 12 hours. Flying from Vancouver to Calgary, followed by a ground transfer to Banff gets you there in under 5 hours total. Alternatively, the Rocky Mountaineer train runs from April to October, taking 32 hours but you’ll see incredible mountain views.

Days 4-5: Banff National Park

The famous resort town of Banff is perched around 1,500m high in Alberta’s Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. One of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations, on a trip to Banff you can enjoy the mountains, hot springs and outdoor sports, including hiking, biking and skiing.

Where to stay in Banff

Banff is a bustling resort town with high prices and luxury resorts. I recommend researching beforehand to book one of the cheaper accommodation options before they sell out.

Budget travellers can head for the HI Banff Alpine Centre hostel. Mid-range hotels and guesthouses include the Holiday Lodge Bed and Breakfast, a homely and comfortable place to stay close to the Canada House Art Gallery and 500 metres from Brewster bus station.

Avoid high Banff hotel prices by booking budget accommodation in advance using the map below:

What to do in Banff

One thing that’s good to do, if you have a spare CA$58 and don’t mind heights, is the Banff Gondola. It’s a fun ride, as you soar almost 700 metres high, over the treetops, to reach the summit of Sulphur Mountain.

The views from the top are awe-inspiring, as you gaze over six local mountain ranges and along the Bow Valley. There is plenty to do at the summit building, which has restaurants, interactive exhibits and a 360-degree observation deck.

We particularly enjoyed walking along the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk and spotting cute ground squirrels with the brilliant name of ‘spermophiles’. At the end is Sanson’s Peak where you can learn about Sulphur Mountain’s historic Cosmic Ray Station.

In Banff, you’ll also find lots of tourists, shops and restaurants. We found it a nice place to rest after long travel days. Downtown Banff is pretty, compact and easy to walk around.

Day 6: Icefields Parkway to Jasper

The highway between Banff and Jasper is the Icefields Parkway, known as one of the world’s most scenic roads. There’s a direct bus on this epic 230 km (140 mile) journey from Banff to Jasper, which takes five hours. On the way, it stops at Lake Louise, Saskatchewan Crossing, the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and Sunwapta Falls, so you can get a glimpse of these amazing places.

Alternatively you can take a guided tour. We booked a journey with Sundog Tours. The driver took us to all the picturesque viewpoints of lakes and waterfalls. He also told us all the stories about them. Definitely an advantage over renting a car and trying to figure it all out for ourselves. One of our stops was at the Glacier Skywalk. From here, we had a birds-eye view of the Rocky Mountains – you can see my photo below.

Read more about our epic Icefields Parkway journey and all our scenic stops in my blog post here.

Days 7-9: Jasper National Park

Jasper was by far one of our favourite stops in Canada. This quaint, quiet town in the Athabasca River valley feels like a world away from busy Banff. Jasper National Park is simply beautiful and has some of the best hikes in Canada. We spent almost a week here, relaxing in the stunning natural scenery.

Where to stay in Jasper

In Jasper, we stayed in a couple of Airbnb places. We also found a useful noticeboard in the Jasper Park Information Centre where local homeowners post rooms to rent every day. One night, we pitched a tent in a campsite in Jasper National Park – it was wonderful to spend a night under the stars.

If you prefer to book online, try the top-rated White Brick Inn. This charming bed and breakfast in central Jasper has welcoming hosts and a private terrace for a peaceful retreat.

Explore the best accommodation options for your dates in Jasper in the map below:

What to do in Jasper

Hiking in Canada, particularly in Jasper National Park, feels like a breath of fresh air, almost as if your cells are being renewed. With nearly 1000 km of hiking trails, Canada’s Jasper National Park is an ideal place to grab a map, strap on your boots and get out into the wild. Or rent a bike and do the same. You’ll take in breathtaking mountain vistas, calming pine forests and serene lakes that reflect the sky like a mirror. Just sit for a while and enjoy the silence on your hiking trip.

If you’re lucky, you will see local animals, such as grazing wild elk, and there are specialist wildlife spotting tours available. If you arrive in the summer, why not saddle up on a horse at the Jasper Riding Stables and embark on a horseback adventure in the wilderness with an experienced guide.

For a different perspective, take a trip on the Jasper SkyTram, which glides 2300 metres up Whistlers Mountain for elevated hikes and awe-inspiring views over the area. 

For more information on things to do in Jasper, check out my blog post here.

Days 10-12: Toronto and Niagara Falls, Ontario

After days surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Toronto is the perfect urban contrast with its multicultural energy and cosmopolitan vibe. As Canada’s largest city, Toronto has world-class attractions, diverse neighbourhoods and easy access to one of the world’s most famous natural wonders: the Niagara Falls.

Getting to Toronto

The distance between Jasper and Toronto is huge. We took a Brewster Express bus from Jasper to Calgary (7 hours). Alternatively you can book a two-hour transfer from Banff to Calgary. We then decided to fly from Calgary to Toronto, a 3.5-hour direct flight. This is the sensible choice for your 3 weeks in Canada, as the overland journey takes two days. You may decide to stop overnight in Calgary like we did and discover all the fun things to do in Calgary.

Book your seat on a comfortable shuttle vehicle from Banff to Calgary here.

Where to stay in Toronto

In Toronto, we stayed with a friend, but for most people the best area to stay is the Entertainment District. This places you walking distance of major attractions including the famous CN Tower. Other cool areas include the scenic Harbourfront or Queen West, which is full of street art and independent shops.

Try the stylish and contemporary Union Hotel, conveniently located near the tower and the train station. It’s got its own on-site British-style pub and cafe.

Check out the best accommodation deals for your dates in Toronto using the map below:

What to do in Toronto

Toronto, is Ontario’s capital city and its 2.7 million residents make it Canada’s largest city by population. It’s a multicultural and cosmopolitan city, as well as a leading centre of business, finance, media and the arts. Eclectic areas of the city such as the lively Kensington Market are a joy to wander around.

Attracting over 25 million tourists each year, Toronto is known for its skyscrapers, especially the 553-metre high CN Tower. For three decades since its construction in 1975 – until 2007 – it was the world’s tallest tower.

Book your place on a popular guided night tour of Toronto including entry to CN Tower here.

Day trip to Niagara Falls

One of the best day trips in Canada that you can take is from Toronto to the famous Niagara Falls. Known as the ‘Honeymoon Capital of the World’, these spectacular waterfalls host 50,000 honeymooning couples every year. 

Niagara Falls is a 90-minute drive from Toronto or you can take the low-cost Megabus, like we did, which takes two hours.

The view of the falls is best from the Canadian side but bring your passport in case you want to explore them both. At Niagara Falls, there are boat trips, helicopter rides and much more. Alternatively, you can book a day trip from Toronto to Niagara Falls, which includes an optional boat trip under the falls.

If you’re wondering what to wear to Niagara Falls and for more on what to do there, read my blog post here.

Days 13-14: Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa is Canada’s capital city but as a tourist destination, Canada’s capital city is sometimes overlooked in favour of larger cities such as Vancouver and Toronto but it is well worth a visit. Easy to walk around within a couple of hours, Ottawa’s architecture makes it feel special, from its palatial Gothic and Neo-Gothic buildings to its creatively designed contemporary art galleries and museums. Not to mention the views over the river to Parliament Hill.

Getting to Ottawa

From Toronto to another Ontario city, Ottawa, we took a very comfortable Via Rail train, which takes 4.5-5 hours. There are also affordable direct buses that take just over 5 hours.

Where to stay in Ottawa

When we arrived in Ottawa, all the hotels were fully booked because of a big conference in the city. Instead, we stayed at an Airbnb across the river in Gatineau, Quebec, around 20 minutes by bus from the city centre. This was our first experience staying in a French-speaking part of the country.

For your 3 weeks in Canada, I recommend you book your Ottawa accommodation well in advance. A stylish mid-priced option is the Lord Elgin Hotel in downtown Ottawa, which is close to all the main attractions.

Discover the best accommodation deals for your dates in Ottawa by exploring the map below:

What to do in Ottawa

A great activity in Ottawa is to take a bike rental or guided bike tour along the pathways next to the Rideau Canal to the Prince of Wales Falls in the ugly-sounding but actually beautiful Hog’s Back Park. Stretching for 125 miles, the canal is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

For all the information on how to spend a perfect day in Ottawa, read my blog post here.

Days 15-18: Montreal, Quebec

Montreal is a great foodie city – especially for brunch – so you will eat well. The local speciality dish is poutine, which is a glorious guilty pleasure.

Getting to Montreal

Montreal, in the French-speaking province of Quebec, is a 2.5-3 hour journey from Ottawa by bus or train.

Where to stay in Montreal

We stayed with friends in the nearby city of Longueuil who showed us around, then moved to a city centre Airbnb apartment.

Budget travellers can head for the fabulous M Montreal hostel in the Latin Quarter, which is super-stylish. For hotels, try the Hotel Bonaventure Montreal, an oasis in the heart of the city with a wonderful outdoor pool.

Check out the map below for more Montreal accommodation deals for your dates:

What to do in Montreal

There’s a beautiful Botanical Garden in Montreal, which offers an oasis from the city life, and a nearby Insectarium which is fascinating. For the best value, buy a Montreal 5 attractions pass.

Montreal has a packed calendar of events, including the lively Tam-Tams, a weekly summer tribal drumming festival located by the George-Étienne Cartier Monument in Mount Royal Park. Sports are also big here and you can catch the local ice hockey team, the Montreal Canadiens, play at the city’s Bell Centre stadium.

For tips on Montreal’s best attractions and where to find the best poutine, read my blog post here.

Days 19-21: Quebec City, Quebec

Dating back to 1608, Quebec City is one of North America’s oldest European settlements. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the continent’s only places where you can find fortified city walls that are still intact. This compact city is easy to walk around and you can admire the attractive old French architecture of buildings such as the Chateau Frontenac hotel.

Getting to Quebec City

The French-speaking capital of the Quebec province, Quebec City, is a three-hour bus journey from Montreal with Orleans Express. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer.

Where to stay in Quebec City

Quebec City has conveniently central Airbnb apartments available. For budget travellers, look for hostels like the awesome Auberge Internationale de Québec in the Old City. There are also fabulous hotels like Hotel le Priori, which has beautiful rooms and is centrally located.

For more Quebec hotel options, check out the map below for the best deals for your dates:

Day trip from Quebec City to Montmorency Falls

I would recommend taking a day trip from Quebec City to see the majestic Montmorency Falls, which at 83 metres are even higher than Niagara Falls. 

We caught a local bus to Brideau, a ten minute walk from the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency (Montmorency Falls Park). Located 12 km from the city, the journey takes just 45 minutes.

You can appreciate the waterfalls on foot, by cable car, and even up close thanks to a zip-lining and via ferrata assisted rock climbing experience. I was foolish enough to agree to do them all, despite my fear of heights!

Find out the full story and how to get from Quebec City to Montmorency Falls here.

How to travel to Canada

Planning a trip to Canada is usually straightforward. If you’re travelling to Canada from the UK as a passport-holding British citizen, like me, you don’t need a visa to visit Canada. However, you may still need an eTA (electronic travel authorisation). For Canada travel information and to find out if you need a visa or an eTA, visit the government of Canada’s visa section here. 

Moving on to the best way to go to Canada, there are plenty of direct flights. Check out Skyscanner for the cheapest way to travel to Canada by air. I flew there from London with Air Transat but there are many airlines that fly to Canada, including Air Canada.

What is the cheapest way to travel in Canada?

Canada is expensive, but by carefully managing your budget you can travel across Canada cheaply and comfortably. Keep in mind that it’s a vast country – an astonishing 9,306 km (5,780 miles) from coast to coast.

Many people hire a car or a large campervan when travelling across Canada. We initially looked into this, but hiring a car as a foreigner is not cheap, so we found other options to move across Canada.

Via Rail runs comfortable and affordable train routes across the country. There are also convenient bus services operated by Megabus, which are perfect for backpackers on a budget. In the Canadian Rockies, we booked shuttles and sightseeing tours, to get us from A to B. They had the bonus of a local tour guide to explain what we were seeing. Finally, there are low-cost domestic airlines that can transport you between cities when travelling within Canada.

For shorter journeys, it’s easy to take local public transport, as the bus drivers are friendly and helpful. Carry some coins with you, as bus drivers prefer you to pay the exact amount.

Camping in Canada

If you’re on a budget or enjoy the outdoors, you may be considering camping in Canada. You could also pitch a tent in designated areas of the country’s national parks – just watch out for bears! We hired an pop-up tent and camping equipment from Bactrax Banff Camping Rentals. We transported it to Jasper for an enjoyable night under the stars. And we didn’t need to worry, because we didn’t see any bears (shame!).

Things to know about expenses in Canada

There are few things you will notice about travelling in Canada on a budget. When you buy something from a shop or restaurant, the prices displayed do not include tax. This may come as a surprise if you are travelling here from outside of North America. So always factor in that you will need to pay more when the bill arrives.

Tipping in Canada is expected in restaurants or if you’re buying a drink at a bar: around 15-20% is customary. Fortunately, credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in the cities. But do keep an eye on your expenditure as costs can accumulate quickly.

You may be tempted to get a local SIM card for your phone. We found it’s best to avoid this as Canadian mobile networks can be eye-wateringly expensive.

Frequently asked questions about 3 weeks in Canada

What’s the best time to visit Canada?

The ideal time to go to Canada is between May and September when weather is warmest and all attractions are open. July and August are peak season with higher prices but guaranteed good weather. Having three weeks gives you flexibility to work around weather patterns and seasonal closures.

Do I need a car in Canada?

No, this 3 weeks in Canada itinerary is designed using public transportation, buses, trains, and domestic flights. This approach is often more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than renting a car, plus you can relax and enjoy scenery instead of driving long distances.

Is three weeks enough time to see Canada?

Three weeks provides an excellent comprehensive introduction to Canada covering major highlights from west to east. You’ll experience diverse landscapes, cultures, and activities with enough time to truly appreciate each destination rather than rushing through. This itinerary covers the essential Canadian experiences while allowing flexibility for personal interests.

How do I get around within each city during my 3 weeks in Canada?

Most Canadian cities have excellent public transportation systems. Vancouver has SkyTrain and buses, Toronto has the TTC subway and streetcar system, Montreal has an efficient metro, and smaller cities like Banff and Jasper are easily walkable. Day passes are usually available and cost-effective for exploring.

What’s the weather like during 3 weeks in Canada?

Weather varies significantly across Canada’s vast geography and depending on the time of year. Summer temperatures range from 15-25°C (59-77°F) in most areas, but mountain regions can be cooler. Always pack layers and waterproof gear. Spring and fall offer fewer crowds but variable weather, while winter transforms the landscape but requires warm clothing and affects some attraction availability.

Final thoughts on the ultimate 3 week Canada itinerary

This 3 week Canada itinerary is the perfect introduction to the country’s highlights that make it such an attractive tourist destination. As well as the cosmopolitan cities of Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto, you’ll explore the natural wonders of the Rocky Mountains, the capital Ottawa and the French charm of Quebec.

We had a special and memorable time exploring the cities and national parks as we were backpacking across Canada, and we would return in a heartbeat.

Clearly, there are many more fantastic places in Canada. It’s such a vast country it’s hard to cover everything in three weeks, but I hope this helps to inspire and inform your trip. The key is to make your adventure your own. Bon voyage and have fun!

Going to Niagara Falls? Find out what to wear to stay dry and all the things to do here.