6 Days in Canada - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Explore Canada's Eastern Cities by Train

This fast-paced train tour of eastern Canada offers travelers cultural experiences in four cities. Starting in Toronto and ending in Montréal, you'll experience Niagara Falls up close on a boat, tour Ottawa's Parliament Hill, and taste local flavors like Montréal-style bagels and poutine in Mile End. Round off your trip with a scenic countryside tour and visit Montmorency Falls near Québec City, ensuring you experience both the urban and rural parts of eastern Canada.

Begin in Toronto, where you'll get a bird's-eye view of the city from the CN Tower and explore the Distillery District, a pedestrian-only neighborhood full of art galleries, breweries, and restaurants, before hopping to Toronto Island Park for sunset skyline views. The following day, take a guided trip to the famous Niagara Falls and the picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-Lake to tour the vineyard, learn about winemaking, and partake in a tasting. Next, travel by train to Canada's capital, Ottawa. Here, you'll cruise down the historic Rideau Canal, visit Parliament Hill, and explore the Canadian Museum of History.

On Day 4, it's time for another train journey, this time farther east to Québec City, the capital of Canada's French-speaking province, Québec. Take a countryside tour, visit the grand Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, and admire Montmorency Falls. Then, take a trip to Montréal, Québec's largest city. Here, you'll take a food tour through Mile End to sample local specialties like Montreal-style bagels and poutine. On your final day, you'll have the opportunity to explore Montréal at your own pace, starting with a visit to Mount Royal and ending with a wander through the historic district of Old Montréal before heading home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Self-Drive Adventure in the Canadian Rockies: Calgary & Banff

This self-drive adventure focuses on the Canadian Rockies in western Canada. Starting and ending in the rodeo capital of Calgary, this relaxed-paced trip is perfect for those who love being behind the wheel and in the great outdoors. Highlights include seeing Calgary from a hot-air balloon basket, unwinding in Canada's highest hot springs, witnessing the sunrise over Moraine Lake, riding on horseback to the top of Sulphur Mountain, and joining an expert naturalist on a wildlife safari in Banff's alpine wilderness.

Your Canadian Rockies adventure kicks off in the "Cowboy Capital" of Alberta, Calgary, where you'll explore the city and its cowboy culture, head to the top of Calgary Tower for views of the Rocky Mountains, and ride in a hot-air balloon over the city. After two days in Calgary, drive along the scenic Trans-Canada Highway to Banff. Here, you'll enjoy a guided horseback ride through the Bow Valley and an evening "Sunsets and Stars" walking tour of Banff National Park. The next day, catch the sunrise hike at Moraine Lake, followed by a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain and a wildlife safari with a local naturalist.

Continue on Day 5 with an e-bike and hiking excursion to Johnston Canyon, where you'll explore deep into the canyon and grab lunch at the Blackswift Bistro. Your day wraps up with a relaxing soak in the therapeutic waters of the historic Upper Hot Springs, a local favorite since 1886. On your final day, you'll bid farewell to the Canadian Rockies and drive back to Calgary. If time allows, walk around the outside of Stampede Park, where the world's largest outdoor rodeo is held, before heading to the airport for your departure. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Northern Lights Winter Adventure in Whitehorse

On this northern lights winter adventure in the capital of Canada's Yukon territory, Whitehorse, you'll search for the northern lights, experience the thrill of dogsledding through the snowy wilderness, and soak in natural hot springs. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, this itinerary will teach you about the region's rich First Nations heritage, challenge yourself with skiing at Mount Sima, and explore local wildlife at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve.

Your adventure begins with your arrival in Whitehorse, northern Canada's largest city. You'll dive straight into the local culture with a visit to the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Center, gaining insights into First Nations heritage through exhibits featuring artifacts, traditional clothing, and artwork. As night falls, you'll be guided on a private tour to catch your first glimpse of the northern lights. The following day, venture into the winter wilderness for a dogsledding excursion with your own dog team as you learn the ropes from a local guide. Come evening, you'll hunt for the northern lights, this time from a heated cabin.

Then, on Day 3, hit the slopes at Mount Sima, where you'll find fun for all levels of skier. Soak in the snowy landscapes and grab hot cocoa at The Lodge before winding down at the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs, which uses Japanese and Scandinavian methods to rejuvenate the body. The next day, relax at the Northern Lights Resort & Spa, with options including snowmobiling or spa treatments and another night of aurora hunting from a glass chalet. Following this, tour the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, spotting native wildlife like woodland caribou before going on an ice fishing and snowshoeing excursion. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Winter Getaway to Québec City

Travelers seeking a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences will enjoy this winter getaway to Québec City, a French-speaking provincial capital. As you explore the city, experience highlights like an exciting dogsledding adventure, a visit to the Huron Traditional Site of Wendake, a guided tour of Old Québec, and indulgent relaxation at Strøm Nordic Spa. Don't miss out on sampling delicious Belgian chocolate at the Chocolaterie de l'Ile d'Orléans and wrapping up the trip with a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through Old Québec.

Your winter getaway to Québec City begins with an evening cruise on the St. Lawrence River, after which you'll have the chance to explore the city's German Christmas Market if you're visiting during the holiday season. The following day, you'll experience an exhilarating dogsledding adventure and a trip to scenic Montmorency Falls, followed by a visit to the Sanctuaire Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. You'll also get a chance to sample Belgian chocolate at the Chocolaterie de l'Ile d'Orléans and learn about the artistry behind Albert Gilles' renowned copper artwork at the Cuivres d'Art Albert Gilles Boutique et Musée.

On Day 3, tour the Huron Traditional Site of Wendake to learn about this First Nations group's customs, beliefs, and achievements and see recreations of buildings like longhouses before taking a guided tour of Old Québec, a UNESCO-listed site. Here, you can wander down the Dufferin Terrace and look out at the Fairmont Château Frontenac. Follow this with a visit to the Canadian Museum of History in neighboring Gatineau. Then, unwind at Strom Nordic Spa or enjoy winter sports at a nearby ski resort. On your final day, savor a horse-drawn carriage ride through Old Québec. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Explore Vancouver & Victoria: Cuisine, Culture & Natural Landscapes

Experience the best of Vancouver and Victoria on this discovery tour that explores these cities' cuisine, culture, and natural landscapes. Ideal for foodies and nature lovers, you'll cover Vancouver's historic district and enjoy a food tour on Granville Island. Ferry to Victoria to go whale watching and browse the exhibits at the Royal BC Museum. You'll have free time to explore Salt Spring Island's farm-to-table scene, the culture of Chinatown, and the Shipyards Night Market. Back on the mainland, you'll check out Whistler and enjoy a gondola ride from Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain. 

In Vancouver, take a guided food tour of Granville Island, sampling snacks from independent farmers and food artisans. You'll have time to explore the city's historic Gastown district before joining a bike tour across Stanley Park along the water's edge. During this active adventure, you'll pass iconic sights like Beaver Lake and Prospect Point before visiting Chinatown and the Shipyards Night Market. Next, take a ferry to Victoria, where you can explore British Columbia's capital at your own pace. Highlights include the Royal BC Museum, Butchart Gardens, and a horse-drawn carriage ride through the charming Vicitorian-era downtown core.

Set out on a thrilling whale watching boat cruise on Day 4, where you might spot orcas or humpback whales. From there, head to Salt Spring Island, known for its arts scene and farm-to-table cuisine. Returning to Vancouver after two days, travel in style on a seaplane, landing directly in the city center. Then, either visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park or Science World. Round off your trip with a morning in Whistler, an outdoor lover's paradise. Ride a gondola, offering views of rugged peaks and lush forests. After a final gourmet meal at a mountaintop restaurant, head to the airport for your flight. Learn more

More Great 6-Day Canada Itineraries

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