3 Weeks in Canada: Which Itinerary for 20, 21 or 22 Days?

You’re planning a 3 weeks trip to Canada and you’re looking for the best Itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this recommended Itinerary for 3 weeks in Canada. You will discover some of the best places to visit in the Eastern and Western parts of the country!

You will arrive in Vancouver, then visit Victoria, Whistler, and the world famous Wells Gray, Jasper, and Banff national parks.

You’ll wrap up your journey through Western Canada with a visit to Calgary, before flying off to Montreal. From there, you’ll starting visiting Eastern Canada by going to Toronto, Ottawa and making your way back to Montreal.

That’s quite an awesome plan, right? 😎

Quick notes:

You can also tweak this Canada itinerary by spending your last week in Quebec. I’ll explain how at the end of this article.

If you prefer to spend 3 weeks visiting only eastern Canada, particularly the province of Quebec, you should check my other itinerary: The Perfect 3-week Itinerary in Quebec.

For this itinerary, in addition to the best things to do and must-see attractions, I will also give you all my best tips as well as my list of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Canada in 20, 21 or 22 days? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1) Vancouver (2 days)

To explore Canada in 20 or 21 days, you should land in Vancouver to begin unveiling the western Canadian highlights for the first 15 days.

Vancouver is easily navigable on foot or by public transport, but you’ll definitely need to rent a car for the next stages of this 3-week Canada journey. It’s up to you whether to pick it up upon your arrival or when leaving Vancouver.

To book your car, you should go for Rentalcars.com. I use it all the time for my travels in America, Asia or Europe.

It’s incredibly handy as you can compare rates from all rental companies and see exactly what’s included in the rental.

Their comprehensive protection insurance system is super effective in case of an accident or theft. You’re guaranteed to be reimbursed! (tested and approved, they’ve already refunded me over 1,300 euros in total).

To score the best deal and if you’ve already got your vacation dates locked in, I highly recommend reserving your car now. And here’s the best part: it doesn’t require any commitment on your part, modifications and cancellations are free.

Here’s the itinerary for your inaugural day in Vancouver (in sequential order):

• The historic neighborhood of Gastown with a photo stop at the Steam Clock
• Chinatown and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s Chinese Garden
• Canada Place for its panorama over Stanley Park and the mountains
• Fly Over Canada: a 4D tour of Canada. It’s crucial to book your Fly Over Canada session in advance by clicking here!
• Stanley Park: check out the Totem sector and the view of the Lions Gate Bridge
• Head to Vancouver Lookout where you can admire the city view from the panoramic platform. Tickets can be booked by clicking here!

• Finish off with a dinner at one of the excellent restaurants in Yaletown neighborhood.

Spend the night in Vancouver.

The next day, continue your three-week trip to Canada with a unique experience that is really worth the detour: a seaplane flight over the city.

For 20 minutes, you’ll get to gaze at Vancouver from the sky and live a truly extraordinary experience!

To book this seaplane outing, just click on the button below:

Then, continue with a stroll in the city to see:

• Granville Island which houses a large covered market
• The Anthropology Museum dedicated to the history of the indigenous peoples
• Wreck Beach
• Van Elsen Botanical Garden, considered one of the most beautiful gardens in North America
• Robson Street and its numerous shops.

 Spend another night in Vancouver.

You’ll find all the details about the must-see places in Vancouver in my article: Best things to do and see in Vancouver!

Where to stay in Vancouver

• Samesun Vancouver: This funky youth hostel is right in the middle of the city, a stone’s throw away from Yaletown district. Bunk in a dorm from €40, breakfast included. Strong points: location in the city centre, the vibrant atmosphere, comfy beds, and a cracking breakfast with muffins and bagels. A top-notch pick for budget-friendly accommodations in Vancouver!
• The Sylvia Hotel: Located just a two-minute stroll from Stanley Park and a minute from the beach. Spacious and bright double rooms starting at €120 per night. Strong points: prime location, friendly staff, and the authentic charm of the place.
• Blue Horizon Hotel: This gem is on Robson Street, the main shopping artery of Vancouver. Super spacious, comfy double room with a killer view from €170. Strong points: fantastic location to explore Vancouver by foot, the view, plenty of shops and restaurants close by, room comfort. My favorite for its value for money In my opinion, the best hotel in Vancouver.
• The St Regis Hotel: Nestled right in downtown, a hop, skip, and a jump away from Vancouver Lookout. Spacious and cozy double rooms from €240 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: optimal location, helpful and warm staff, room comfort, and a scrumptious and plentiful breakfast.
• Rosewood Hotel Georgia: A splendid 5-star hotel in downtown Vancouver offering beautifully decorated rooms from €350 per night. Strong points: indoor swimming pool, spa, and top-notch services. The best hotel in Vancouver for a luxury stay!

2) Victoria (2 days)

Let’s kick-off your 3 weeks Canadian road trip by heading to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.

For this, head south from downtown to catch the ferry at Tsawwassen. The crossing is around 1h30 at a cost of about $60 per car and $18 per passenger.

The boat will drop you 30 km from the center of Victoria, at Swartz Bay.

Before getting to the city, I recommend you stop halfway to visit the Butchart gardens. Organized into various themed gardens, the park houses stunning flower beds.

Then drive back up to reach Victoria, 30 minutes away. You can end the day with a walking tour:

• Chinatown, one of the oldest chinese neighborhood in North America
• Market Square, for shops and restaurants
• Bastion Square
• The Inner Harbour where the most famous hotel in Victoria, the Fairmont Empress, is located.

Spend the night in Victoria.

On your second day in Victoria, I strongly recommend you go on the boat trip to observe the orcas and whales. From May to September, departures every hour for a 3-hour cruise.

Since this excursion is highly popular, it’s crucial to secure your spot in advance by clicking here:

In the afternoon, you can visit Victoria’s most popular museum: the Royal BC Museum. It focuses on the history of the province and is really well done, with meticulous staging.

End the day with a walk in Beacon Hill Park, by the sea.

Spend a second night in Victoria.

Where to stay in Victoria

• Ocean Island Inn | Backpackers | Suites: A centrally-located hostel. Dorm beds start from 30€, breakfast and dinner included. It’s the most budget-friendly option in the city. Perfect for backpackers.
• Robin Hood Inn and Suites: A mere 5-minute drive from the heart of Victoria. Double rooms are spacious and super clean, starting from €100. Strong points: the helpful staff, location, tranquillity.
• Oak Bay Beach Hotel: Seafront location, 5 minutes drive from Victoria. Cozy double rooms with large windows start from €200. Strong points: the view, heated outdoor pool, spa, hotel comfort and prestige.
• Hotel Grand Pacific: Just 100 meters from Parliament and 5 minutes from Beacon Hill. Modern, bright double rooms from €250, breakfast at €15. Strong points: the large indoor pool, bay views, location.
• Fairmont Empress Hotel: A 5-star hotel in the heart of Victoria. Elegant double rooms with exquisite decor from €350, breakfast included. Strong points: the indoor pool, Spa, location.

3) Whistler (2 days)

For your third stop on this Canadian itinerary, you’ll leave Vancouver Island for the town of Whistler.

It’s a bit of a trek, so plan for a full day of travel. Here’s the breakdown:

• From Victoria, head to Nanaimo – a 1h45 drive
• Next, board the ferry for a 1h40 journey to Horseshoe Bay
• Finally, drive for 1h30 to reach Whistler

Spend the night in Whistler.

The following day, you’ll have plenty of activities to choose from, depending on the season:

• Skiing or snowboarding: Whistler is one of Western Canada’s top ski resorts
• Sledding, dog sledding, snowmobiling round off the winter activities
• Hiking
• Mountain biking
• Zip-lining, and not just any zip line: You’ll be flying down the largest one in all of Canada! Book your spot by clicking right here!
• Oh, and guess what else? Seaplane rides! Yes, you can soar over the Whistler glacier! No need to mention that this will blow your socks off!

And for a more chill day, you can also take the Peak to Peak gondola which will whisk you up to the tops of Whistler. The view is nothing short of phenomenal!

And why not wind down with a lovely spa session in one of the luxury hotels?

Stay another night in Whistler.

Where to stay in Whistler

Whistler is the ultimate famed ski resort in Western Canada. Even if you book as early as possible, expect somewhat hefty prices. In the peak winter season, the rates I’m about to give you could likely double.

• Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel Whistler: Located a 10-minute walk from the slopes. A cozy, modern studio equipped with a kitchenette. Starts at €170 per night. Strong points: the comfort and decor of the rooms, super-friendly staff, pool, and hot tub. It’s my favorite for its value for money in Whistler!
• Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside: Only 150 meters from the gondola departure. Spacious studio, very well equipped with oven, microwave, dishwasher – handy for cooking up your own meals. Starts from €200 per night. Strong points: location, amenities, friendly staff.
• Four Seasons Resort Whistler: Upscale hotel located in the upper part of Whistler. This 5* hotel offers very comfortable, cozy double rooms with mountain views, starting from €400 per night, breakfast at €37. Strong points: heated outdoor pool, SPA, hot tubs, complimentary shuttle service. The best hotel in Whistler for a luxury stay!

For a slightly more economical alternative and if you’re okay with bunking in a dormitory, I recommend staying at the Hi Whistler Hostel. Dormitory bed from €40 per night.

4) Wells Gray Provincial Park (2 days)

Let’s continue this trip to Canada with a trek a bit further north to Wells Gray Provincial Park.

You’re in for a hefty day of travel as it’s a 5.5-hour journey. But this is still the most convenient option since Wells Gray is halfway between Whistler and Jasper (your next stop).

Plus, Route 99, which leads to the park, is considered one of the most beautiful roads in the country, so the journey itself will be a feast for the eyes! And let’s not forget that the park is a must-visit in Western Canada!

Stay one night in Wells Gray.

The following day, among the must-see sights in Wells Gray, you can choose from:

• Helmcken Falls, just a 10-minute walk away, very popular among visitors
• Bailey’s Chute, Spahats Falls and also Dawson Falls are definitely worth checking out
• Clearwater Lake for a swim and some canoeing
• Searching for black bears, mandatory guide required!
• Hiking: the Trophy Mountain trail is one of the prettiest

Where to stay in Wells Gray Park

Just a heads up – the park’s hotels aren’t necessarily the most up-to-date and some may have slightly dated decor or facilities. But for a brief stopover, they’ll do just fine.

And in any case, there aren’t many other solutions.

• Wells Gray Inn: Located at the park entrance. Basic but clean double rooms from €60 per night, breakfast at €10. Strong points: location, outdoor hot tub, friendly reception. An economical and convenient hotel for a night in the park.
• Ace Western Motel: Located 4 km from the park. Double rooms from €120 per night. Strong points: friendly staff, parking space, close to restaurants.
• Best Western Plus Gateway to the Falls: Brand new hotel situated in the heart of Clearwater. Modern, spacious, and comfortable rooms starting at €180, breakfast included. Strong points: great location, comfort, free parking.

5) Jasper National Park (2 days)

On the fifth leg of this three-week journey through Canada, let’s head over to Jasper National Park.

You can’t possibly explore Western Canada in three weeks without making a stop at this park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From Wells Gray, it’s about a 4-hour drive, which includes a stop at the foot of Mount Robson to marvel at the highest peak of the Canadian Rockies.

In the afternoon, you absolutely mustn’t miss the two most beautiful lakes in Jasper:

• Maligne Lake and its small central island, one of the most photographed lakes in the world. There are 1.5-hour boat tours that you should definitely book in advance by clicking the button below:

• Medicine Lake, a must-visit on the way back between Maligne and Jasper.

After an exhilarating day, spend the night in Jasper.

Day two in Jasper National Park is dedicated to hiking. Nothing beats the fresh air after yesterday’s road trip!

Your best bet is to swing by the visitor center to catch a trail map and find out which trails are right up your alley.

But, among the crowd-pleasers, here are my recommendations:

• The Maligne Canyon Trail: round-trip distance is 4.4 km with moderate difficulty
• The Cavell Meadows Trail in the Mount Edith Cavell area: round-trip distance of 7 km, moderate difficulty
• The Sulphur Skyline: 8 km round-trip with a hard level because it’s a steep climb of 700 m.
• The Old Fort Point Loop offers superb panoramas of the Athabasca River: distance of 3.8 km with medium difficulty
• The Valley of the Five Lakes: 4.5 km distance and medium difficulty.

And there’s nothing like unwinding after a hike with a dip in Miette Hotsprings’ hot springs. Chill in the water while soaking in a stunning mountain view.

But hey, if hiking isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of other fabulous options for your day in Jasper:

• Take the sky tram up to an elevation of 2,260 meters for a 360° view of the Canadian Rockies
• Take a guided bus tour exploring the park’s wildlife. You could spot moose, elk, and if you’re lucky, even a few bears.
• Take a bus excursion into Maligne Valley complete with photo stops + wildlife viewing + a guided 4 km hike
• Raft down the Athabasca River
• Take a helicopter flight over the Rockies for an unforgettable experience!
• In winter, there’s also a special tour for exploring wildlife.

Where to Stay in Jasper

Here’s a tip: book your Jasper accommodation ASAP! Most places are fully booked months in advance, even the campgrounds.

Also, prices can fluctuate wildly from week to week: a room that costs 120€ one week could skyrocket to 350€ the next. So, the hotel prices I’m suggesting are more or less ballpark figures.

• Chateau Jasper: This hotel offers spacious, well-equipped double rooms starting from €110 a night. Strong points: the pool and SPA area, room comfort, value for money.
• Mount Robson Inn: A hotel close to downtown Jasper, just a two-minute drive away. Super quiet double room with mountain views starting from €200 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: tranquility, the two hot tubs.
• Best Western Jasper Inn & Suites: The hotel offers various types of suites with a living area, some with a kitchenette. They’re all super cozy and spacious. Prices start at €230 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: sauna, steam room, pool, good location, warm welcome.
• Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge: Situated 7 km from Jasper, on the shores of Beauvert Lake. Cozy, comfortable double room starting from €400 per night. Strong points: the stunning lakeside location, the heated outdoor pool, the dedicated and attentive staff.

If you’re on a tight budget for sleeping in Jasper National Park, I recommend the Jasper Downtown Hostel. This hostel offers dormitory beds from 30€ a night. Everything is super clean and modern.

6) Banff National Park (2 days)

Another must-see park during your 3 weeks road-trip in Canada: Banff National Park.

To get there, take the legendary Icefields Parkway. It’s undeniably one of Canada’s most beautiful scenic routes!

Over nearly 230 km, Route 93 (Icefields Parkway) is home to stunning landscapes. Throughout this scenic route, you’ll encounter several conveniently located viewpoints, each equipped with parking lots.

Be sure not to miss:

• The Athabasca Falls, over 20 meters high
• The Sunwapta Falls
• The Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefield. You can visit on foot or by taking a giant-tire bus tour. Book this activity directly by clicking on this button:

• Walk on the glacier’s glass walkway. The bus tour automatically includes access to the walkway, but if you don’t want to take the bus and just want to go on the platform, this is the ticket you need!
• Peyto Lake, which you can reach on foot in just 15 minutes. The water’s incredible color is a sight to behold!

You can find more details about these places on the official website.

At the end of the day, head to the town of Lake Louise to spend the night. That’s where you’ll find the most famous lake in Banff: Lake Louise with its stunning water color!

Just like with Jasper, the best way to visit Banff National Park is to go hiking.

You’ll find several hiking routes starting from Lake Louise or Moraine Lake. The most popular ones are the trails that allow you to walk around them or climb to the Fairview Lookout to admire the lake.

More challenging, you can also choose the Plain of Six Glaciers trail.
About 4 hours round trip.

I recommend you check out the Parks Canada website for detailed routes.

You can also hike in the park with a guide. By clicking the button below, you can choose between 4 trails:

For those who don’t fancy too much walking, you also have other options for the day:

• Take the cable car (click here for tickets) that brings you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, 2,281 meters above sea level. You’ll be treated to a stunning view!
• Embark on a cruise on Lake Minnewanka
• Go horseback riding along the river
• Go on a traditional canoe ride on the Bow River
• In winter, take a guided ice cleat hike in the Johnston Canyon.

Spend a second night in Banff.

Staying in Lake Louise / Banff National Park

Here, I’m going to echo my advice for Jasper National Park: book early! And, similarly, brace yourself for the high prices.

• Baker Creek Mountain Resort: Located a breezy 20-minute drive from Lake Louise. This resort offers suites and chalets bedecked in classic mountain style, complete with wood paneling and fireplaces, starting from €280 a night.
  Strong points: the riverside location, the natural setting, the charm of the chalets. My recommandation for a romantic stay in Banff Park!
• Paradise Lodge and Bungalows: Situated 1 km from Lake Louise village. Wooden suites and bungalows that are both typical and cozy, starting from €300 a night. Strong points: the ideal location, the beautiful setting, and the outstanding welcome.
• Fairmont Château Lake Louise: This is the renowned hotel located by Lake Louise! Elegant and well-decorated double rooms with views of the lake or the chateau park starting from €470 a night. Strong points: the panoramic terrace for lake viewing, the location, the warm staff. The best hotel in Banff National Park for a luxury stay!

For a much more budget-friendly option, consider a night in a hostel. I’d recommend the HI-Lake Louise Alpine Centre. Dormitory beds start at €40 a night – you’ll be hard-pressed to find cheaper! They also offer double rooms starting from €100 a night.

7) Calgary / Flight to Montreal (1 day)

Continuing on with this 21-day Canadian road trip. Today, I suggest you make your way to Calgary, marking your final stop in the West of the country. You’re looking at around a 2-hour drive from Banff.

From Calgary, you’ll be able to catch a flight to Montreal and continue your journey exploring Eastern Canada! There are roughly 4 direct flights daily and the flight time is around 4 hours.

Spend the night in Montreal (you’ll find a list of accommodations below).

8) Montreal (1 day)

Continuing with this 3-week Canadian holiday, I now suggest you dedicate a week to Eastern Canada.

On the first day, I recommend you tour Montreal:

• Old Montreal: the historic district where you’ll discover the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, Bonsecours Market, Clock Tower Quay, and Jacques-Cartier Square.
• Old Port of Montreal for a stroll along the Saint Lawrence River
• Lunch at “L’arrivage” restaurant located in the Pointe-à-Callières museum, at the end of the Old Port promenade. It’s one of the city’s best restaurants with an unbeatable view of the Old Port! And the full menu is less than 25$!
• Mount Royal Park from where you can enjoy the best view of Montreal
• Mount Royal Plateau with its typical houses featuring colourful facades and spiral staircases
• Dinner at “La Banquise” to taste the most traditional of Quebec dishes: poutine!

Stay the night in Montreal.

Where to stay in Montreal

• M Montreal: A youth hostel just a 5-minute walk away from Berri Uquam metro station on Sainte Catherine street. You can grab a bed in a modern, cozy dorm for just 25€ a night, breakfast included. You can also book a double room if you prefer. Strong points: Super friendly staff, modern facilities, basement bar with occasional live performances. A fantastic choice for budget-friendly accommodations in Montreal!
• Best Western Plus Hotel Montreal: Located in the bustling Quartier des Spectacles. You can book a warm, spacious double room starting from €150 per night. Strong points: Perfect location for exploring Montreal, clean and comfy beds.
• Le Dauphin Montréal Centre-Ville:: Just 200 meters away from the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal and a 5-minute walk from the Old Port. Double rooms starting from €170, breakfast included. Strong points: Great location, spacious rooms, and large beds.
• Le Petit Hotel Montreal:: Located in the historical center of Montreal. Rooms with character (think stone walls and exposed brick) starting from €250, breakfast included. Strong points: Excellent service, a delicious breakfast, and the charming ambiance of the hotel.
• Le St-Martin Hotel Centre-ville – Hotel Particulier:: Just 50 meters away from Saint Catherine West Street. Stylish, cozy double rooms starting from €290. Strong points: An enchanting pool with waterfalls and jets, delightful staff, prime location, and comfort. My recommendation for a high-end stay in Montreal!
• Hôtel Birks Montréal: Located in the city center, this 5-star hotel offers beautifully decorated rooms starting from €500, with breakfast at an additional €19. Strong points: Prime location, beautiful architecture, friendly staff, and a luxurious spa. The best hotel in Montreal for a luxury stay!

9) The Thousand Islands (1 day)

Today, it’s time to jump back in the car for the next leg of this 21-day Canadian itinerary, leave Montreal behind and head for the Thousand Islands (Mille-Îles in French), a 3-hour drive away.

As the name suggests, the Thousand Islands are a group of various-sized islands (1,865 in total) scattered across the Saint Lawrence River. The best way to explore them is to opt for a cruise and trust me, the landscapes are profoundly breathtaking!

You’ll have several durations to choose from.

To book your 3-hour cruise around the Thousand Islands, just click the button below:

The same cruise also comes in a shorter 1.5-hour version:

If your budget is a little higher, you also have the option to fly over the Thousand Islands in a helicopter. You can choose from routes ranging from 10 to 30 minutes.

You can book this activity by clicking on the button below:

Spend a night in the Thousand Islands.

Where to stay in the Thousand Islands

• Howard Johnson Gananoque: A motel located 1.5 km from the cruise departure point. Spacious and comfortable double room starting from €70 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: location, outdoor swimming pool, cleanliness, comfortable bedding, good breakfast, free parking. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money!
• Comfort Inn & Suites Thousand Islands Harbour District: Located a 5-minute walk from the boat departure point. Comfortable double room starting from €100 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: indoor swimming pool, free parking, breakfast, quality of service, location.
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites 1000 Islands: Located 2 km from the cruise departure point. Modern and cozy double room starting from €150 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: indoor swimming pool, sauna, room comfort, good breakfast, tranquility.

10) Toronto (3 days)

Pack your bags, folks! For the tenth leg of our thrilling three-week journey through Canada, we’re heading to Toronto, the buzzing capital of Ontario province.

The drive from the Thousand Islands is a breezy 2.5 hours, so you’ll be there before you know it!

Here are my top picks of must-see sights for your first day:

• Kensington Market, one of Toronto’s oldest neighborhoods, chock-full of stories. To delve deep into its history, there’s no better option than a guided tour.
• Chinatown, the ultimate spot to scoop up some quirky souvenirs – magnets and mugs are a real steal here.
• The Distillery District, a car-free haven filled with hip boutiques and trendy coffee shops. It’s also a brilliant idea to book a guided tour right here.
• St. Lawrence Market, where local goodies reign supreme. Book your tasting tour here.
• Ripley’s Aquarium: the biggest aquarium in Canada. Grab your tickets here.

Round off the day by ascending to the top of the CN Tower to behold a jaw-dropping panorama of Toronto’s skyline.

Feeling bold? It’s actually possible to walk along the tower’s outdoor edge – harness included, of course! Just a teeny, tiny $225 to check off that bucket-list item.

Settle in for the night in Toronto.

On your second day in Toronto, I’d suggest:

• Exploring Casa Loma, a genuine medieval-style castle right in the middle of Canada, thanks to the whims of a wealthy industrialist…

You can purchase your Casa Loma ticket right here:

• Visiting the Royal Ontario Museum: An absolute must-see, it’s the biggest museum in the country! Exhibits span natural history, world cultures, and of course, the history of First Nations. Pick up your tickets here.

In the afternoon, hop on the ferry at Queens Bay and head over to Toronto Islands in a quick 10 minutes. The crossing offers a spectacular view of the city skyline.

Once there, rent a bike to explore the islands. Loads of beaches await for those impromptu swim sessions.

Cruises are also available:

Spend a second night in Toronto.

On the third and final day in Toronto, it’s time to experience one of the most iconic tourist sites of this three-week Canada tour: Niagara Falls!

They’re just 1.5 hours by car from Toronto.

And, c’mon, you know as well as I do that the best way to see them is by choosing the cruise that takes you right up to the base of the falls. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance to avoid the dreaded lines!

For those seeking an extra thrill, you can soar over the falls in a helicopter. Sure, it’s a bit pricier, but trust me, it’s a memory for a lifetime! After all, you don’t visit Niagara Falls every day, right? 😄

After the boat trip, ascend the Skylon Tower for a birds-eye view of the falls from its panoramic terrace. Tickets can be booked right here!

The “Journey Behind The Falls” activity (click here to book your tickets) also allows you to reach an observation deck, but this time it’s located at the foot of the falls, via tunnels, 40 meters underground.

For the rest of the day, I suggest taking the scenic Niagara Parkway route. This drive offers stunning views and a pit-stop at the quaint village of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Return to Toronto for one last night’s sleep.

I’d recommend you check out my dedicated article on Toronto for even more details on these activities: Best things to do in Toronto!

Where to stay in Toronto

It’s not so easy to find a hotel that offers good value for money in Toronto. To help you out, I’ve prepared a list of the best hotels depending on your budget.

One last tip: If the place you’re attracted to is available, book it right away. Demand is very high in the city, and the best accommodations disappear (very) quickly!

• The Clarence Park: This youth hostel is located a 10-minute walk from the CN Tower. Dormitory bed from €35 per night. Strong points: the location, the conviviality, curtains for dormitory beds, modernity. An excellent choice for budget accommodation in Toronto!
• Margie Townhome Suites: This guesthouse is located a 5-minute walk from the Eaton Centre. Cozy and pleasant rooms starting from €110. Strong points: the location, the calm, proximity to the metro.
• The Novotel Toronto Centre: Located right next to St. Lawrence Market. Contemporary and very spacious double rooms starting from €150. Strong points: indoor pool, location, excellent breakfast.
• One King West Hotel and Residence: Nestled in Old Toronto, a mere 5-minute walk from the St. Lawrence Market. This joint boasts modern, spacious and elegant suites, complete with stunning city views, starting from €190, with a breakfast option at €17. Strong points: Prime downtown location, top-notch bedding, and the breathtaking views.
• The Omni King Edward Hotel: For anyone looking to treat themselves during their Toronto escapade. This upscale hotel resides in the financial district, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Eaton Centre. Cosy double rooms with tasteful décor start from €300, with breakfast at an extra €23. Strong points: prime location, attentive staff, room décor, and comfort, as well as an excellent breakfast. A perfect choice for a luxury stay in Toronto or a romantic night with your partner!
• Bisha Hotel Toronto: A 5-star hotel just 500m from the CN Tower. This establishment boasts superb rooms designed by none other than star Lenny Kravitz’s designer studio. Starting at a cool €390. Strong points: the infinity pool on the rooftop with views of the CN Tower, the hotel’s excellent restaurants, and an ideal location. The best hotel in Toronto for a luxury stay!

You may have noticed, staying in downtown Toronto isn’t exactly cheap, but that’s to be expected given it’s a bustling Canadian tourist hub.

If you’re looking to save a bit and don’t mind staying a bit further out, hotels near the Toronto Airport (about 17km from downtown) generally offer lower rates.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Doubletree by Hilton Toronto Airport
• Best Western Plus Travel Hotel Toronto Airport
• Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Airport
• Hampton Inn by Hilton Toronto Airport Corporate Centre

11) Ottawa (1 day)

Continue your three-week Canadian adventure by hitting the road to Ottawa, Canada’s capital city.

Your best bet is to head out early from Toronto as the drive is about 4 hours and 15 minutes between the two cities.

Best things to see and do in Ottawa:

• The Byward Market: the perfect spot to start your tour, as you can grab lunch here. Don’t forget to try a traditional Canadian dessert: a beaver tail pastry.
• Parliament Hill, home to the Canadian Parliament buildings.
• The Canadian Museum of History, one of the most interesting museums I’ve ever visited. It chronicles the entire history of Canada in a super engaging way. Also, don’t miss out on the world’s largest totem pole collection! Feel free to book your tickets in advance by clicking here!
• The Rideau Canal, perfect for a walk along the banks.

To discover all the points of interest in Ottawa, you should read my dedicated article:Best things to see and do in Ottawa.

Spend the night in Ottawa.

Where to stay in Ottawa

While Ottawa may be the capital of Canada, it’s still a small city.

So, the selection of accommodations is somewhat limited. You should book a room from my selection in advance and not to dally too long.

• HI Ottawa Jail Hostel : This youth hostel is housed in a restored old jail. You’ll be sleeping in upgraded cells (I assure you!) Dorm bed from €30, breakfast included. Strong points: the uniqueness of the place, excellent location, and delicious breakfast. A great affordable choice for lodging in Ottawa!
• The Business Inn: Hotel located 1.3km from Parliament Hill. Well-equipped studio with a kitchen starting from €100 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: prime location, spacious rooms, an in-room computer with printer, and the ability to cook for yourself. My absolute favorite for its unbeatable value for money in Ottawa!
• Andaz Ottawa Byward Market-a concept by Hyatt: Located in the Byward Market neighborhood. Double room with modern and sleek decor from €190 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: great location, friendly staff, rooftop terrace, and an extensive and varied breakfast buffet.
• Fairmont Château Laurier: 5-star hotel (the only one in Ottawa) located a 10-minute walk from Parliament Hill. Spacious and comfortable double room from €365 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: high-quality services, room comfort, indoor swimming pool, attentive and helpful staff. The best hotel in Ottawa for a luxury stay!

12) Montreal (2 days)

And here we are, at the final stop of this recommended itinerary for a three-week trip to Canada.

I suggest you head to Montreal, which is just 2 hours and 15 minutes drive from Ottawa.

The rest of the day will be dedicated to exploring Montreal:

• Climb to the top of the Olympic Stadium’s inclined tower to take in the view over the entire region
• Visit the Montreal Biodome to immerse yourself in the various ecosystems of the American continent
• Take a stroll in the botanical garden
• Wrap up with a shopping spree on Saint Catherine Street, Montreal’s main commercial thoroughfare. This is your last chance to spend those Canadian dollars!

Stay the night in Montreal.

The following day sadly marks the end of your three-week road trip through Canada. It’s time to think about catching your return flight.

An alternative for this three-week Canada itinerary:

It’s entirely possible to adapt this three-week Canada itinerary if you’d rather visit Quebec instead of Ontario.

You simply need to follow this journey up to the 7th stop in Calgary, and then catch a flight to Montreal.

You’ll then have a whole week to explore Quebec. You could visit Montreal, Quebec City, and the Mauricie National Park.

You’ll find everything you need to know in my article: One week itinerary in Quebec.

If you have any inquiries or need further information about exploring Canada in 3 weeks, don’t hesitate to ask your questions in the comments below. I’ll be more than happy to assist you!

You’re traveling in Canada? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Canada: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Canada are listed there.

• 20 Best Things to do in Canada
• 20 Best Things to do in Quebec – All best places to visit in the French-speaking province!

• Itinerary: One week in Canada: The perfect itinerary to visit Canada in 6, 7 or 8 days!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Canada: All my best tips for organizing your 10-day trip to Canada
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Canada: How to visit Western Canada in 15 days.
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Canada: My epic itinerary to visit Western and Eastern Canada in 21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Canada: How to visit Eastern Canada in a month!

• Itinerary: One week in Quebec: How to visit Quebec in 6, 7 or 8 days, with all my best tips!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Quebec: An amazing 10-day itinerary in Quebec
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Quebec: All my best tips to visit Quebec in 14, 15 or 16 days
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Quebec: the perfect 3-week road trip in Quebec!

• Road trip in Canada: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month
• Road trip in Quebec: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15 and 21 days

• Calgary: Top 11 things to do during your visit
• Montreal: 33 best things to see and do
• Ottawa: 15 epic places to visit
• Quebec City: Top 17 things to do and see
• Toronto: The 17 things to do during your stay
• Vancouver: Top 25 places to visit and activities

• Toronto in 3 days – The perfect itinerary to visit the city in 72 hours!

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