8 days in Canada: route from travel expert
Canada might seem distant and incomprehensible country to most travelers. A lot of people would like to travel to the USA, they have heard a lot about Latin American countries, but Canada…
What is there, on the other half of the globe? What to do, what to see? Our travel expert knows the answers to all these questions perfectly well — and has compiled a detailed guide for you.
Route:
Montreal → Quebec → Ottawa → Toronto
Days 1-4. Montreal
Montreal is the second-largest city in Canada. There are beautiful houses, large cozy parks, and interesting modern buildings.
Old Town
The first thing to do is to go for a walk in the Old Town. Buildings from the XVII, XVIII, and XIX centuries have been preserved here. There are many shops, restaurants, several cathedrals and art galleries in this part of the city. The Old port of the city and its promenade are also pleasant place for a walk.
If you are interested in history, take a look at the Pointe-à-Callière Museum of Archaeology and History. Various exhibitions related to the history of the city are held here. The museum also presents exhibits of archaeological excavations.
The Basilica of Notre Dame
Walking around the city center, be sure to visit the Basilica of Notre Dame. The Gothic temple is a symbol of the city with a stunning colorful interior decoration.
In the evening, a unique light performance takes place here: the vaults of the walls shine with stunning color patterns to the sound of music. To attend the show, check the schedule in advance.
Mont-Royal
Mont-Royal is a huge park area near the city center. Excellent city views open from the observation deck of the Belvédère Kondiaronk. To get there, it will be most convenient to climb the stairs leading to the park.
A great place for a walk in the park will also be the picturesque Castor Lake surrounded by trees and lawns. Here you can also rent a boat for $ 25 for four people (30 minutes).
Jean-Drapeau Park and the Biosphere
There is another Montreal park — Jean-Drapeau on the island of Saint-Helene. The main sight of the park is the unique Biosphere space with exhibitions dedicated to ecology, nature protection, the planet, and the future. Here you can feel like a scientist for a while in a modern interactive laboratory.
Botanical Garden of Montreal
Do not pass by the Botanical Garden of Montreal. Here you can take a walk among flowering shrubs, in Chinese and Japanese villages, an aquatic garden, and an orchid garden.
Days 4-5. Quebec
On the morning of the fourth day of the trip, go to Quebec. Take the train at the Central Station and go to the Gare du Palais station.
Quebec is a charming town with French roots. Here you can walk slowly among the old stone houses, looking at the shop windows with interesting goods.
You can stay overnight at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.
Old Town
The Old Town of Quebec is a charming district with French architecture, fragrant cafes, and an atmosphere of celebration and magic. Go to Place Royale, and from there to Notre-Dame Street. Here you can enjoy a Quebec fresco and the Church of Notre-Dame de Victoire.
It is nice to walk around the city, turning into the streets you like. This way you can see the most interesting buildings, find shops with unique goods and feel the atmosphere of the city.
Quebec Fortress and the Fields of Abraham
Go to the Citadel of Quebec to see the city from the height of its walls. There is a museum just near the fortress, and along the eastern wall, there is a quiet and cozy Promenade De Gouverneur. The fortress is open from 9:00 to 17:00, and the ticket will cost 16 A $.
Not far from the fortress are the Fields of Abraham, a large park where events and concerts are often held. It will be nice to relax here, having a picnic in the meadow or walking along the shady alleys.
Days 5-6. Ottawa
The next day, we suggest you go to Ottawa. Leave early: the journey time by train will be about 6 hours.
An alternative and faster way to get to Ottawa (just an hour away) is by plane.
Ottawa is the capital of Canada. Here you will find modern architecture, picturesque parks, and a few historical buildings.
Attractions in Ottawa
First of all, go to the Downtown center of the city with glass buildings, shops, and business centers. After walking along with it, make your way to the main attraction of the city — Parliament Hill.
Parliament Hill is a Neo-Gothic complex where the Parliament of Canada sits. The Parliament building itself is worth exploring from all sides, and the park nearby offers a great view of Downtown.
After visiting Parliament Hill, go to its embankment. Going to the right, you will reach the picturesque embankment of the Rideau Canal and pass by the Laurier Castle and various sculptures.
Cross the canal and go to the National Gallery of Canada - near it you will be met by a huge statue of the Spider Maman. The gallery houses collections of photographs and works by Canadian artists.
Upper Canada Village
On the sixth day, we offer you to take a trip to the past of Canada, going to Upper Canada Village. The village on the shore of Lake St. Lawrence recreates the atmosphere of 1860.
It is pleasure to walk between buildings that repeat the architecture of those times and try a variety of themed attractions: ride a horse cart or an old train, visit a bakery and a flour factory, milk cows, play with a calf or go to a traditional pub.
How to get there: unfortunately, public transport does not go to the village. We offer you to rent a car and then hand it over at Toronto Airport. By car, take Trans-Canada Hwy/ON-417 E.
Days 6-8. Niagara Falls and Toronto
On the evening of the sixth day from Upper Canada Village, go to Toronto. Take the ON-401 W highway by car.
Then, we suggest you go to Niagara Falls, and the next day — explore Toronto.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is represented by a set of waterfalls on the Niagara River, which connects Lake Erie and Ontario. The complex includes three waterfalls: Canadian Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
A mandatory item of the program when visiting the waterfall is a trip to it by ship.
How to get there: Take the Queen Elizabeth Way/QEW road by car.
Toronto
Toronto is the largest city in Canada. It is located in the smallest lake in the Great Lakes system, on the coast of Ontario.
CN Tower
The symbol of Toronto and a popular observation deck with huge panoramic windows, glass elevators, and floors. Here you can participate in an extreme attraction — take a walk along the edge of the tower, the so-called EdgeWalk.
Toronto Islands
A group of small islands on Lake Ontario, on the territory of which there are parks and beaches. Here you can enjoy a canonical view of downtown Toronto.
High Park
The symbol of the park is a huge maple leaf made up of seasonal flowers. It is located in a very hilly area.
Distillery District
A trendy area with restaurants, shops, and galleries located in Victorian buildings on the site of an old industrial district. Not far from the Distillery is St. Lawrence Market — another place where you can go for delicious food.
Queen Park
On the North there is a small Queen Park. The magnificent Ontario Parliament building is located on its territory. There is an architecturally unusual Royal Museum, part of which resembles a crystal very close to the park. A little to the side, to the north of the park, is the original castle of Casa Loma, made in the Neo-Gothic style.