5 Days in Canada - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Explore Canada's National Parks: Banff & Jasper

Perfect for nature lovers, this Canada itinerary explores the bucket list highlights of Banff and Jasper national parks. In just five days, you'll drive through the Canadian Rockies, visit Lake Louise, explore Athabasca Glacier, and go in search of deep canyons and roaring waterfalls. 

Welcome to Alberta! Your nature-packed itinerary begins with a scenic drive through the Canadian Rockies to Banff, stopping to check out Bow River and climb Tunnel Mountain. Once you've arrived in Banff, you'll have the evening to wander the town or ride the gondola up Sulphur Mountain. Wake up early the following morning for a half-day private tour of Banff National Park, ticking off the highlights of the Hoodoos, Bow Falls, and Surprise Corner. Before calling it a day, visit the strikingly blue, glacier fed Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.

Day 3 of your adventure brings you along Icefields Parkway, deemed one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Along the way, stop for a trip up the Athabasca Glacier on the all-terrain Ice Explorer, then continue to Jasper, your home for two nights. After a relaxing evening, you'll be ready to explore Jasper National Park. Hop on a boat and visit Spirit Island on Maligne Lake, ride the Jasper Tramway to Mount Whistler's summit, or take a hike along The Valley of Five Lakes. Before you know it, it'll be time to journey to Edmonton to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Canadian Culture & Nature: Toronto & Niagara Falls

Split your time between Toronto's museums, bustling streets, and beautiful islands, and Niagara Falls' impressive landscapes on this fast-paced itinerary. Crafted for those who enjoy a mix of city and natural wonders, you'll have plenty of time to take in Toronto's highlights and hidden corners while also spending an entire day marveling at Niagra Falls and its surrounding beauty.

Your Canadian adventure begins in Toronto, where you'll have three days to explore the city's shores, bustling streets, and beautiful nearby islands. On your first afternoon, you'll split your time between Queen Street West, the Distillery District, Chinatown, and Kensington Market, then end your day with a glass elevator ride up CN Tower for views over Lake Ontario. Settled in, you'll spend the following morning walking the boardwalks and trails of the Toronto Islands, then, once back in the city, tour the castle-like Casa Loma, built in 1914.

With plenty more to explore in Toronto, you'll spend Day 3 of your trip wandering the Royal Ontario Museum, home to everything from ancient fossils to contemporary art collections, and walking the cobblestone streets of the historic Distillery District. Wake up early the following morning and transfer to Niagara Falls, where you'll hop on the Hornblower to get close to the might waterfall. Before returning to Toronto to catch your flight home, spend your final evening on a wine tour and tasting session in the nearby town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Spot Canada's Northern Lights in the Wild Yukon

Perfect for those looking to get off the beaten path and witness the beauty of the northern lights, this five-day Canada itinerary brings you on an epic journey to Whitehorse. After a full day ticking off the highlights of Vancouver, you'll trade the city for uninterrupted nature and spend four days enjoying wildlife-focused excursions and evenings spent chasing the aurora borealis.

After arriving in Vancouver, your adventure begins with an exciting day checking out the city's highlights. Opt for a Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour and split your time between Canada Place, Coal Harbour, and the Entertainment District, or explore Gastown's cobbled streets and Stanley Park's oceanfront views. The next day, you'll fly up to Whitehorse in the Yukon territory. Take a deep dive into the wild region's history at the MacBride Museum before settling in for a night searching for the dancing aurora borealis on a five-hour tour.

Enjoy a well-earned sleep-in, then prepare for an epic day discovering the natural wonders of the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. Search for arctic foxes, elk, moose, and bison, then visit the reserve's wildlife research and rehabilitation center to learn how injured animals are cared for. Day 4 of your Canada trip brings you on yet another incredible day trip, this time through remote frozen forests on a dogsledding excursion. Before saying your goodbyes to Whitehorse to catch your flight home, spend your last evening on another northern lights viewing tour. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Explore Québec's Food & Culture: Québec City & Montréal

Foodies and history enthusiasts will love this culture-packed itinerary ticking off the highlights of Québec. With two nights each in Québec City and Montréal, you'll have plenty of time to roam museums, sail along the St. Lawrence River, and ride on the La Grande Roue de Montréal. Then, indulge in a range of cuisines at food markets and superb restaurants.

Begin your Canada adventure in the historically charming Québec City, where you'll spend your first day on a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Québec and the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec. With another full day in Québec's capital, you'll have time to tour Île d'Orléans, an island famous for its colonial buildings, picturesque vineyards, and scenic overlooks of the St. Lawrence River. Then, enjoy your evening onboard a cruise, taking in the cityscape and the Château Frontenac from the St. Lawrence River before getting ready to hit the road the following day.

On the morning of Day 3, you'll hop on a train bound for Montréal, Canada's second-largest city, and spend your day touring the city's delights. Step back in time and take a horse-drawn carriage tour in Old Montréal, keeping your eye out for the Notre-Dame Basilica, then switch back to two feet for a hike up Mount Royal and a food tour along Mile End. On your last full day, you'll split your time between the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts and the Jean-Talon Market before ending your day with a ride on La Grande Roue de Montréal ("Montréal's Big Wheel"), standing 200 feet (60 m) high. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Western Canada Mountain Road Trip: Vancouver to Whistler

Discover the beauty of western Canada's islands and peaks on this adventure-packed itinerary. In just five days, you'll get your heart pumping as you soar through the air on a zipline adventure, float between two mountains on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, and hike up Chief Peak. Plus, with plenty of time to wander Vancouver and Vancouver Island's cultural highlights, and an overnight trip to Whistler, you'll get a well-rounded introduction to the beautiful splendors of British Columbia.

Start your western Canada trip with a busy day exploring Vancouver's highlights on a Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour, stopping by Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the Vancouver Aquarium. After a relaxing evening, you'll wake early to drive north along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, stopping by Squamish for a hike to Chief Peak or to take the gondola up to Summit Lodge. Once you've arrived in Whistler, spend the rest of the day how you please, relaxing at a spa or riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola to access excellent hiking trails in the Blackcomb Mountains.

Trace your footsteps the next day as your drive back to Vancouver, but this time, stop by the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, then get your adrenaline pumping at the Treetop Adventure. Once back in the city, you'll end your day at Grouse Mountain, famous for its stunning hiking trails. Then, with one more full day on your itinerary, you'll head across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island, home to Butchart Gardens and numerous museums. Then, wake up early the following morning for a last walk around downtown Vancouver before heading to the airport to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Toronto & Montréal by Train

Experience the similarities and differences between two of Canada's major cities on this compact five-day tour. Starting in Toronto, you'll take in the colonial architecture and incredible nature surrounding the city, then hop on a train to Montréal to learn about the city's French influence and secret dark side. 

After settling into your hotel, your culture-packed itinerary begins with a full day exploring Toronto's highlights. Spend your first afternoon digging up the city's history at the Royal Ontario Museum, Fort York, and Casa Loma, then discover life below the horizon at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, home to 16,000 marine creatures. Before calling it a day, dine at the top of the CN Tower, famous for its revolving 360 Restaurant. Next, switch gears and embark on a day trip to Niagara Falls and soak up the warm hospitality at a wine tour and tasting session.

Day 3 of your trip begins with a five-hour train ride east to Montréal. Soak up the French-inspired culture as you roam the streets of Old Montréal and Old Port, or see the city from above with a ride on La Grande Roue de Montréal. Those up to it can also join a Traditional Ghost Walk. Then wake early the following morning for a guided walk through the historic district. You'll also have time to head up Mount Royal, grab a drink at the Café des Amis, and join a food tour of Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy before transferring to the airport. Learn more

More Great 5-Day Canada Itineraries

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