Experience the best of Eastern Canada with our 10-day itinerary covering Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City. From the roaring Niagara Falls to the cobblestone charm of Old Montreal, we travelled entirely by train and public transport, soaking up Canada’s culture, food, and history along the way.

Perfect for first-time visitors looking to explore comfortably without a car.

Overview

Canada had long been on our travel list — a place that perfectly blends modern cities, stunning nature, and multicultural charm. When we finally made the trip, we crafted a 10-day Canada itinerary that let us experience a bit of everything: urban Toronto, the natural spectacle of Niagara Falls, the refined atmosphere of Ottawa, and the French flair of Montreal and Quebec City.

We travelled mainly by train and public transport, so this itinerary is ideal for those who prefer to explore independently without needing to rent a car.

10-Day Eastern Canada Itinerary Overview

Days 1–3: Explore Toronto
Day 4: Day trip to Niagara Falls
Day 5: Travel from Toronto to Gananoque (Thousand Islands)
Days 6–7: Ottawa
Days 8–9: Montreal
Day 10: Day trip to Quebec City

Days 1–3: Explore Toronto

Our adventure began in Toronto, Canada’s most cosmopolitan city. It’s a place where neighbourhoods each have their own identity — from the glass skyline of the Financial District to the bohemian spirit of Kensington Market.

We spent our first afternoon strolling along Harbourfront and catching our first glimpse of the CN Tower towering above the city. The next day, we visited the Distillery District, a beautifully restored area with boutiques, art galleries, and cobbled lanes that feel distinctly European.

For food lovers, St. Lawrence Market is a must. We tried the famous “Montreal Sandwich” with smoked meat and discovered just how multicultural Toronto’s cuisine really is.

🏨 Where we stayed: Residence Inn by Marriott Toronto Vaughan

Day 4: Day Trip to Niagara Falls

No trip to Ontario is complete without witnessing the thunderous beauty of Niagara Falls. It’s important you time this visit with the weather forecast so you make sure you get the best possible experience.

We set off early from Toronto for a full-day trip. The journey takes around two hours by bus or train, and it’s easy to do independently.

We started at Table Rock Centre for a close-up view of the Horseshoe Falls, then joined the Hornblower Niagara Cruise, which takes you right into the mist — an unforgettable moment. Later, we walked along the promenade towards Rainbow Bridge, admiring the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.

If you’re planning your own visit, check out our full article:

Day 5: Toronto → Gananoque (Thousand Islands Stop)

On the fifth day, we left Toronto and travelled east along Lake Ontario, stopping in Gananoque, the gateway to the Thousand Islands. The small-town atmosphere was a refreshing contrast after the big city buzz.

We were scheduled for a helicopter flight around the islands but unfortunately a big storm hit and that got cancelled.

Instead, we took a boat cruise through the islands which offered fantastic views and stories about the islands and houses scattered along the St. Lawrence River.

Days 6–7: Ottawa – Canada’s Capital Charm

Arriving in Ottawa, we instantly noticed a calmer, more elegant vibe. The city’s mix of English and French culture is visible everywhere, from the architecture to the food.

We began with Parliament Hill, whose Gothic Revival buildings are Canada’s political heart. We also walked along the Rideau Canal, which turns into the world’s largest skating rink in winter.

In the afternoon, ByWard Market was our go-to spot for dining and a food tour. The Canadian Museum of History and National Gallery of Canada were both well worth the visit.

🏨Where we stayed: The Business Inn & Suites — a comfortable and well-equipped hotel that made our stay easy and convenient.

➡️Our Review of the Hotel: The Business Inn & Suites Review

Days 8–9: Montreal – Old Town Meets Modern Flair

We continued our journey by train to Montreal, where old-world charm meets North American energy. We stayed near Old Montreal, which made it easy to explore cobblestone streets, visit Notre-Dame Basilica, and enjoy the riverside paths of the Old Port.

Climbing up to Mount Royal Park rewarded us with sweeping views of the city — a perfect spot for sunset. Montreal’s food scene is another highlight: don’t miss trying poutine or bagels at Fairmount Bagel.

🏨Where we stayed: Quality Inn Centre-Ville

Day 10: Day Trip to Quebec City – A Taste of Europe in North America

Our final day took us to Quebec City, one of the oldest settlements in North America. Even for a day trip, it was a rewarding experience. Walking through Old Quebec feels like stepping into a French village, with cobbled streets, ramparts, and charming shops.

We visited Château Frontenac from the outside, strolled along Dufferin Terrace, and admired views of the St. Lawrence River. The city’s European influence, evident in both language and architecture, made it a fitting finale to our Canadian adventure.

How Long Should You Stay in Eastern Canada?

One of the questions we often get asked is how much time you really need for this route. In our opinion, 10 days in Canada works very well for a first-time visit covering Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal with a day trip to Quebec City. It gives you enough breathing room without feeling rushed.

If you have 7 days, you could focus just on Toronto and Niagara Falls, adding either Ottawa or Montreal. With two weeks, you could extend your stay in each city, explore more of Quebec Province, or even add destinations like Kingston or extend further east.

Canada is vast, so the key is to avoid trying to do too much. Distances are longer than they appear on the map, and part of the enjoyment comes from travelling at a comfortable pace.

Travelling in (Eastern) Canada

We chose to explore Canada mainly by public transport, which turned out to be both convenient and enjoyable. We travelled by train from Toronto to Gananoque and then onwards to Ottawa, before continuing by train from Ottawa to Montreal.

For our day trip to Quebec City, we opted for a comfortable coach journey.

Overall, the experience was a comfortable one. The VIA Rail trains are clean, punctual, and modern — very much on par with European standards, and quite different from the older Amtrak experience south of the border.

We also discovered that every Tuesday, VIA Rail sends out special offers and discounts via their newsletter to encourage train travel, which can make journeys even more affordable.

Getting Around: Public Transport vs Renting a Car

When planning a Canada itinerary, many travellers wonder whether to rent a car or rely on public transport. We chose to travel by train and coach, and for this particular route, it worked very well. City centres are compact and walkable, and train stations are conveniently located.

Why Public Transport Worked for Us

• Comfortable and modern VIA Rail trains
• No need to worry about parking in city centres
• Relaxed journeys with scenic views
• Frequent promotional fares (especially Tuesday newsletter deals)

When Renting a Car Makes Sense

• If you want to explore rural Ontario or smaller towns
• If you’re planning national park visits
• If travelling with a family and lots of luggage

For this specific Eastern Canada itinerary, we genuinely didn’t feel a car was necessary. Public transport was reliable, comfortable and stress-free.

Best Time to Visit Canada

The best time to visit Canada largely depends on your interests. For sightseeing and pleasant weather, May to October is ideal. Spring (May–June) offers blooming parks and manageable crowds, while autumn (September–October) brings stunning fall foliage.

We visited in May, and the weather was perfect — sunny days around 25°C or more, truly t-shirt weather, making sightseeing and long walks very comfortable.

Winters are cold but magical, particularly if you plan to experience Winterlude in Ottawa or ski in Quebec.

Mobile Data in Canada

Canada’s mobile data can be expensive compared to Europe. We used Nomad eSIM for internet and in the past we have used Airalo multiple times, so would certainly recommend either of these, check for prices below:

Public Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, and transport hubs, but a local or international eSIM is handy for navigation and communication.

Payments and Currency

The local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Card payments are widely accepted, even for small purchases, and contactless payments work almost everywhere. We rarely needed cash, though it’s useful for smaller cafés or tips.

If you’re using a European or UK bank card, check whether it supports fee-free international transactions — it can save a lot over the course of a long trip.

We used our 0% fee cards throughout this trip to make sure we always got the better rates. Read more here about managing your finances when travelling.

Visa Requirements for Canada

For UK and most European travellers, entering Canada is remarkably straightforward. The country offers a visa-free entry system, making it easy to plan a trip without lengthy paperwork.

Travellers simply need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) online before departure. It’s all online and approval is done almost instantaneous. It cost us only £2 per person, and once approved, the eTA remains valid for two years, allowing multiple entries during that period.

Final Thoughts

This 10-day Canada itinerary gave us a taste of the country’s vast diversity — from the urban pulse of Toronto to the bilingual charm of Ottawa and Montreal. The distances between cities are long but manageable, and the scenery along the way is part of the journey.

Canada surprised us with its warmth, culture, and incredible variety. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, it’s a country that stays with you long after you leave.