1 Week in Canada - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Explore the Canadian Rockies by Train: Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff & Jasper

A great introduction to British Columbia, you'll embark on a one-week train journey through the Canadian Rockies, covering Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff, and Jasper. Visit Granville Island in Vancouver, taste wine at Monte Creek Winery in Kamloops, enjoy the striking vistas in Banff National Park, and see the world-famous Louise and Moraine lakes.

Arrive in Vancouver and head out on foot to explore sights such as Stanley Park and Granville Island's waterfront market, and ride the Skyride Gondola for views of the city. Next, board the Rocky Mountaineer Train to Kamloops. Taking in the scenery of Fraser Valley, the Cascade Mountains, and Hell's Gate in Fraser Canyon as you cruise along the scenic railway. In Kamloops, drink at Monte Creek Winery or Privato Vineyard and Winery before jumping back on the train toward the Canadian Rockies and Alberta. Journey across Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, and the Spiral Tunnels before arriving in Banff.

Dedicate a full day to Banff National Park. Check out top hotspots such as Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka, and Surprise Corner, and conclude at the Bow Valley Parkway for remarkable views of the snow-capped Rockies. Day 5 takes you on a guided tour of Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. Renowned for their vibrant turquoise color, these lakes are among Canada's most prestigious natural landmarks. Continue along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park and keep your eyes peeled for sightings of deer, elk, and black bears. Then take to your private cabin for a close to 24-hour train ride back to Vancouver. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Explore Eastern Canada's Food & Culture by Train: Toronto, Ottawa, Québec City & Montréal

With foodies in mind, this one-week itinerary affords the opportunity to explore Eastern Canada's food and culture scene via train. Explore the city highlights of Toronto, take a day trip to Niagara Falls, visit the capital city of Ottawa, and indulge in classic Canadian culinary delights in Montréal.

Begin your gastronomy-focused tour in Toronto to see landmarks such as Fort York and Casa Loma, the Royal Ontario Museum, and Queen Street West. Eat in the Distillery District or opt for a dining experience in the sky at the revolving 360 The Restaurant at the top of the CN Tower. Visit Niagara Falls on a full-day trip, where you'll get up close to the American Bridal Veil Falls and Canadian Horseshoe Falls on the Hornblower Boat Ride. Drive through the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake on your way back to Toronto. On Day 3, it's time to board the scenic five-hour train to the capital city of Ottawa.

Explore Parliament Hill, visit the Canadian Museum of History, and stroll through Byward Market. The next day, board a train to Québec City to see the Montmorency Falls, 100 feet (30 m) higher than Niagara. Ride the cable car to the top, then fly through the air on the zipline. Continue to Montréal, where you'll head on a food tour in Mile End. Tuck into poutine (fries smothered in cheese curds and gravy), gorge on bagels and savor delectable pastries before riding the largest observation wheel in Canada, La Grande Roue de Montréal. Tour the city at your own pace before departing. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Self-Drive Eastern Canada: Montréal, Québec City & Mont-Tremblant

Travelers who prefer to explore a country at their own pace instead of relying on train travel will love this one-week self-drive itinerary in Québec. Eat your way around the culinary capital of Montréal, cruise along the St. Lawrence River in Québec City, and drive to the ski and summer activity resort of Mont-Tremblant for an action-packed two days.

Your self-drive tour begins in Montréal, famous for its food and culture scene. Ride a horse-drawn carriage through Old Montréal, see the beautiful Notre-Dame Basilica, then head to Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy to indulge in the many culinary delights. Check out one of the four museums in the Space for Life museum district, such as the Biodome or the Insectarium, on a guided walking tour. Then on Day 3, drive three hours north to Québec City and Admire the grandeur of Château Frontenac and take an evening river cruise to enjoy views of the city from the water.

Embark on a self-guided tour of Île d'Orléans island, renowned for being the birthplace of French North America. Tuck into local cheese, chocolate, and wine on a scenic picnic overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Then venture to the ski and summer resort town of Mont-Tremblant for a thrilling few days in the Laurentian Mountains. Take part in activities such as skiing (if the weather permits), golf, and gondola rides, or soak in the tranquil Scandinavian baths on the shores of the Diable River. Embark on an e-bike tour of the area before spending the evening on the Tonga Lumina illuminated night trail. Learn more

Itinerary #4: British Columbia Road Trip: From Vancouver to Kelowna

With just two main destinations on the itinerary, Vancouver and Kelowna, this one-week road trip through British Columbia is perfect for travelers who like a more relaxed pace of travel. Visit the Public Market in Vancouver, explore Grouse Mountain, take a day trip to Whistler, and enjoy wine tasting in the Okanagan Valley.

Starting in Vancouver, check out highlights such as Gastown, Chinatown, and Granville Island. Head to Grouse Mountain and ride the Skyride Gondola to the Peak of Vancouver for spectacular views. In the afternoon, cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge, then embark on a thrilling escapade through the forest at Treetop Adventure. Stop in Squamish along the Sea-to-Sky Highway en route to Whistler for even more breathtaking panoramas. In Whistler, ride the world's longest unsupported cable, the Peak-to-Peak Gondola, between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

Then on Day 4, head east again and drive into the Okanagan Valley for an organized wine tour, or head to the highest point in the Canadian Rockies, where you can find Virginia Falls, famed for being twice the height of Niagara Falls. Arrive in Kelowna, where you'll be based for the next three nights. Navigate around Okanagan Lake, stopping in Peachland, Summerland, and Penticton for their markets and venture to Myra Canyon to hike or bike a section of the Kettle Valley Railway. Visit Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park in Vernon to see diverse flora and fauna before heading back to Vancouver in time for your departure. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Explore British Columbia's Nature: Whistler, Ucluelet & Victoria

This seven-day nature tour in British Columbia is designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind as it encompasses a hike on the Grouse Grind Trail, a zipline adventure through the trees in Whistler, bear spotting in Olympic Park, and whale watching and surfing off the coast of Tofino.

Upon your arrival in Vancouver, head straight to the Aquarium Marine Science Center, then take an optional "Hop-On, Hop-Off" bus tour to see the city's highlights, such as Canada Palace, Stanley Park, Coal Harbour, and Chinatown. Hiking enthusiasts can swap out a bus tour for a hike along the Grouse Grind Trail to the top of Grouse Mountain. Day 2 takes you to Whistler along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, where thrill-seekers can take part in an action activity course along ziplines through the treetops with Ziptrek. Venture into Whistler Olympic Park for the chance to spot wild black bears in their natural habitat.

Next, ravel to Horseshoe Bay to take the ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Continue to Ucluelet on the island's west coast and choose one of the many hiking trails on the Wild Pacific Trail, such as the Cedar Path, the Artist's Loop, or the Lighthouse Loop. Spot gray, orca, and humpback whales on a whale watching excursion from Tofino, then head back to shore to explore some of the area's many beaches, such as MacKenzie Beach, Chesterman Beach, and Cox Bay beach. Spend your final day driving through the Cathedral Forest and Butchart Gardens on your way to Victoria for your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Summer in British Columbia: Vancouver, Victoria & Ucluelet

Another one-week itinerary based in British Columbia, this time focusing on a summer tour to and from Vancouver to Vancouver Island. Walk along the Capilano Suspension Bridge, admire totems and learn about Cowichan traditions at the Quw'utsun Cultural Center, and choose from many hikes along the Wild Pacific Trail from Ucluelet.

Head straight for food at the Public Market once you land at Vancouver Airport. Leave the downtown metropolis and make your way to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park to explore the forest canopies on a thrilling walk with Treetop Adventure. Dedicate an afternoon to exploring Vancouver's top beaches, such as English Bay, Kitsilano Beach, and Sunset Beach. Board a boat at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, which takes you to Vancouver Island. Learn all about the fascinating traditions of the First Nations people of the Cowichan tribe before visiting the Quw'utsun Cultural Center for an educational experience.

On Day 4, visit the Butchart Gardens and see the Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the famous Sunken Garden. Drive along the Strait of Georgia and stop in Duncan, Stamp River Provincial Park, and Canal Beach on your way to Ucluelet. Make the short journey to Tofino for a whale watching tour and choose from optional additional activities such as soaking in geothermal baths or hiking along the Wild Pacific Trail. Head back to Vancouver via Neck Point Park, Cable Bay, and Hemer Provincial Park. And spend a final afternoon at Harrison Hot Springs before leaving. Learn more

More Great 1-Week Canada Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Canada? Check out these other one-week Canada itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.