12 Days in Canada - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Ultimate British Columbia Road Trip: Vancouver to Victoria

Discover British Columbia's scenic coastlines and mighty mountains on this exciting 12-day road trip, perfect for first-time visitors seeking a well-rounded vacation. With excursions in Banff and Yoho National Park and an overnight in the alpine village of Whistler, you'll experience firsthand the rugged valleys, snowcapped peaks, and dense forests that western Canada is renowned for. Beyond mountains, glide over Vancouver in a seaplane, kayak Vancouver Island's remote Clayoquot Sound, roam dreamy gardens in Victoria, and search for orcas onboard a Zodiac boat.

Welcome to Canada! Your adventure begins with a thrilling day in Vancouver, gliding over the city in a seaplane and cruising English Bay. The following morning, hit the road to Kelowna, where you'll spend an afternoon at the Summerhill Pyramid Winery before driving east to Banff. Over two days in this charming mountain town, walk by starlight in Banff National Park, take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain, and embark on a wildlife safari. Next, find yourself strolling through the historic downtown of Kamloops and savoring uninterrupted mountain views from Whistler's Peak 2 Peak Gondola. 

The second half of your journey begins with a two-night stay in Tofino on Vancouver Island, and after spending an evening lazing on Chesterman Beach, you'll be refreshed and ready for a morning kayak excursion on Clayoquot Sound. Additionally, head to Maquinna Marine Provincial Park to relax in hot springs before setting your sights on Victoria. Here, following independent exploration, indulge in local specialties alongside a local foodie guide and spot whales from a Zodiac boat. You'll then return to Vancouver, where a visit to Granville Island marks the end of your grand adventure. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Explore Canada's Eastern Cities by Train: From Toronto to Baie-Saint-Paul

Sit back and enjoy the view as you travel by train from Toronto to Québec City on this leisurely-paced rail journey. Along the way, spend two days each in Ottawa and Montréal, exploring alongside guides and delving into the cuisine and culture that make each city unique. Additionally, a detour to the Charlevoix Region, renowned for its rolling hills and tranquil waters, makes this itinerary perfect for those who seek the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration.

Starting in Toronto, your adventure gets off to a delightful start, with dinner booked at the CN Tower and visits to Ripley's Aquarium and the Distillery District. Then, wrap up your stay with a spectacular Lake Ontario dinner cruise before zipping east to Ottawa by train. Upon arrival, spend the afternoon getting to know the city's sights on foot, including the picturesque Rideau Canal, and continue sightseeing the following morning from the seat of an amphibious bus. Traveling east by train, you'll next arrive in Montréal, and over a two-day stay, there's time to boat, dine, and cycle your way through the city. 

From Montréal, a scenic 3.5-hour train journey takes you to Québec City, where a relaxing evening at the opulent Strøm Nordic Spa awaits. The following morning, embark on a guided walking tour of Old Québec, then board a train bound for Baie-Sainte-Paul. This charming town, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, rugged gorges, and dense woodlands, offers a chance to explore by foot or via a leisurely drive. Afterward, return to Québec City and squeeze in a St. Lawrence River cruise, a whale watching excursion, and a visit to the Huron-Wendat Museum before preparing for your departure. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Canadian Rockies Road Trip: Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise & Calgary

Designed for nature enthusiasts eager to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies, this active self-drive adventure invites you to explore some of the world's most stunning trails. While splitting your time between Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise, you'll walk out your front door and onto world-class hikes. In between treks, give your legs a well-deserved rest through scenic drives, a whitewater rafting experience, visits to hot springs, and decadent dinners.

While your adventure officially begins in Calgary, upon landing, you'll collect a rental car and drive to Banff. Spend your first evening unwinding at Banff Upper Hot Springs, which ensures you're ready for three days of thrilling excursions. Ascend Sulphur Mountain by gondola, hike through the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, and tackle the wild rapids of the Kicking Horse River. Afterward, pack up the car as you're off to Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre for a glacier hike, followed by a drive to Jasper, where you'll dedicate three days to hiking and sightseeing.

A few treks on your agenda while in Jasper include the Valley of the Five Lakes, Maligne Canyon, and Mount Edith Cavell, and when you're not hiking, treat weary legs to a rejuvenating soak in the Miette Hot Springs. Afterward, hit the road to Lake Louise and celebrate your arrival over a decadent meal at the fabulous Fairmont Château Lake Louise. The next morning, meet up with an expert guide who'll lead the way to jaw-dropping viewpoints of Moraine Lake. Then, spend a night as you please before returning to Calgary and toasting to the end of your adventure over dinner at Sky 360. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Winter Adventures in Québec: Montréal, Mont Tremblant, Québec City & Mauricie

Embrace the magic of a Canadian winter on this frosty Québec getaway featuring Montréal, Mont Tremblant, Québec City, and Mauricie. While bundling up is a necessity, it's well worth it to visit Québec's finest cities without the crowds and try your hand at thrilling winter adventures, including snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and dogsledding. Plus, with a rental car on hand and free time to tuck into cozy restaurants and roam quiet museums, you can fully immerse yourself in the charm and culture of each destination. 

Your wintry escape kicks off in Montréal, and after exploring independently, join up with a foodie guide to taste your way through the Jean-Talon Market and the Little Italy neighborhood. Then, on the morning of Day 3, hit the road to Mont-Tremblant, a charming ski resort town in the Laurentian Mountains. Upon arrival, savor a leisurely evening, as the following two days are all about exploring the surrounding slopes on skis, by snowmobile, and behind a dogsled team. Next, continue to Québec City, but before checking into your hotel, venture to the staggering Montmorency Falls.

With two more days in Québec City, you'll have plenty of time to dive into the city's captivating winter experiences, from visiting a hotel crafted from ice and snow to embarking on a dogsledding adventure. Next, your journey takes you to Mauricie, where you'll immerse yourself in the beauty of its pristine lakes and dense forests through cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. You might also try your hand at ice fishing or skating along the frozen trails of Domaine Enchanteur. However, all too soon, you'll be back in Montréal for one last day of exploration before catching your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Northern Lights & Winter Adventures in Northern Canada

Specially crafted for winter enthusiasts eager to get well off the beaten path, this intrepid Northern Canada expedition promises a superb blend of culture and adventure. With just two destinations featured, Whitehorse and Yellowknife, travel is minimized, ensuring you have ample time to ice fish, snowshoe, cross-country ski, and dogsled to your heart's content. Of course, opportunities to spot the northern lights are sprinkled in, as well as more relaxing days featuring cultural excursions and hot springs.

Your adventure begins in Whitehorse, a remote city tucked in the northern province of Yukon, where you'll spend seven days ticking off unique winter activities. First things first, join a guide to seek out the magnificent northern lights. Then, join a snowshoeing and ice fishing excursion, strap on skis for a day at Mount Sima, seek our arctic wildlife within the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, and learn the ropes of running a dogsled team. A visit to the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Center to learn about First Nations heritage is also on your agenda, as well as a dreamy overnight at the Northern Lights Resort & Spa. 

Your final day based in Whitehorse brings you to Kluane National Park, and with a local guide leading the way, you'll witness and learn about the park's wildlife and geologic features. Next, on the morning of Day 8, board a plane bound for the isolated outpost of Yellowknife. While small, this city has plenty to offer, and through independent explorations, you'll quickly uncover its funky galleries and welcoming restaurants. Outside of the city, snowmobile through barren landscapes, drive along ice roads, and watch for the northern lights from the comfort of a cozy cabin before bidding farewell. Learn more

More Great 12-Day Canada Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Canada? Check out these other 12-day Canada itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.