Whether you’re after some leisurely sightseeing or want to get your adrenaline pumping with exciting activities, we got you covered!
10 days in Canada Itinerary (7 samples): Planning your trip
10 day itinerary Canada
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Now, Canada is HUGE! It is the second largest country by area and there is a lot to cover in a short 10-day trip. To make the most of your visit, we have combined different cities and nearby regions.
Most of the Canada itineraries listed in this guide have a good blend of nature and culture. If you prefer to skip the cities and just concentrate on the national and provincial parks then feel free to alter them to suit your personal taste.
In order to kickstart your 10-day Canada itinerary, consider the arrival airport as it will determine your sightseeing agenda.
Each of the suggested airports below will provide car rental options that you can hire to explore the country and drop it off at a nearby location (or another province aka state, if you prefer).
Toronto Airport Duty free
Popular international airports to fly into (frequency and availability of flights option)
Toronto, Ontario (YYZ, busiest in the country)
Vancouver, British Columbia (YVR, one of the most popular on the west coast)
Calgary, Alberta (YYC, for exploring the Canadian Rockies and nearby)
Other airports to make connections on, depending on your Canada road trip itinerary are – Montreal (AirCanada hub), Edmonton, and Saskatoon (for Prairie’s sightseeing).
Sightseeing when in Canada , is best done by renting a car. This will allow you to cover cities and parks with ease. All of our national parks have an entry fee which can be paid for online, or at the gate (per adult, per vehicle, or family rates are available).
Renting a car in Canada
Most of our larger cities have an efficient public transportation network consisting of LRTs (Light Rail Transit), and buses. This is one of the cheapest ways to explore a city, plus you will also find walking and sightseeing food tours as well.
Popular national parks such as Banff, also offer shuttles and transit buses to get to various attractions (such as the ROAM bus).
Now, that we have got the travel basics out of the way, let’s dive into the Canada itinerary samples (we will share more travel tips with regards to visa, safety, budget, etc. towards the end of the post).
10 days in Canadian Rockies Itinerary: Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Yoho, Jasper, and Edmonton
Day 1 : Arrive in Calgary and spend one-day sightseeing. Pick up a rental car from the airport
Day 2 : Drive to Banff National Park with a stop in Canmore
Day 3 : Explore Banff town
Day 4 : Day trip to explore lakes – Vermillion Lakes, Two Jack Lake, short hike Minnewanka trail, Minnewanka Lake, and cruise
Day 5: Moraine Lake (early hours), and Yoho National Park
Day 6 : Explore Lake Louise
Day 7 : Drive the Icefields Parkway towards Jasper National Park to the Athabasca Glacier
Day 8 – 9 : Jasper National Park
Day 10: Explore Edmonton
This 10-day Canada itinerary covers the BEST of the Rockies – checking off 3 national parks – Banff, Jasper, and Yoho, as well as 2 of the popular cities in the province of Alberta!
Read : Canadian Rockies Itinerary
Day 1: Calgary
Kick start your Canada itinerary by arriving at the Calgary international airport. Plan to spend one day in Calgary downtown and explore the city highlights.
Calgary Downtown from Scotsmen Hill
Top attractions include – Calgary Tower (ride to the top to soak in views of downtown and nearby areas), Stephen Avenue Walk, Calgary Fort, Peace Bridge, and more.
You can pick up the car rental the same day or the next day before heading to Banff.
For hotels, consider staying in Downtown Calgary for sightseeing (you can walk to various sites or opt for a hotel by the airport if picking up your rental on day 1).
Day 2: Canmore and Banff National Park
On Day 2, hit the road and drive towards Banff National Park with a stop in Canmore along the way.
Once you arrive in Canmore , enjoy a stroll at the Policeman’s Creek, town centre and grab a nice lunch at one of the local cafes.
Banff Avenue
Next, drive to Banff town, and check in to your hotel . Wander Banff Avenue, grab a coffee, and check off some of the popular Banff photography spots.
In the evening, head to a restaurant with views such as Juniper and enjoy a lovely dinner.
Read : Best places to eat in Banff | Where to stay in Banff National Park
Day 3: Explore Banff town
After breakfast, it is time to check off all the cool things in Banff National Park. Hit the Banff welcome sign, ride the Banff Gondola to take in the views from the Sulphur Mountain (spend 2 hours), and Bow Falls, and go for a walk downtown Banff for lunch.
View from Banff Gondola/Sulphur Mountain
Cascade Gardens in Banff
Other popular attractions to visit include Cascade of Time Gardens and Cave and Basin Historic Site.
If interested, soak in the warm waters of Banff Hot Springs in the evening.
Read : 5 day Banff itinerary guide
Day 4: Day trip to explore lakes from Banff
On day 4, venture out for a day trip to explore the beautiful lakes of Banff National Park. Take a drive along Vermillion Lakes and Two Jack Lake with a short hike on the Minnewanka trail and enjoy a scenic cruise across Minnewanka Lake.
Day 5: Moraine Lake and Yoho National Park (day trip)
Head to the prettiest Moraine Lake in the early hours. This is super important so that you can find a good parking spot, go on a short hike and enjoy the drive. Access to Moraine Lake is open during the warmer months only.
Lake Moraine
From there drive to Yoho National Park (30 min drive from Moraine Lake). You can break for lunch in the town of Field, and explore the Natural Bridge over the Kicking Horse River, Emerald Lake, and Takakkaw Falls. Access to most of the attractions in Yoho is open all year round.
Tip: If you are unable to make it to Moraine Lake, you can head straight to Yoho National Park and spend an entire day there.
Golden BC 10 days in Canada itinerary
Golden SkyBridge Mountain Coaster
Alternatively, you can split your time between Yoho/Field and Golden BC.
At the Golden SkyBridge, you can enjoy suspension bridges, zip lining, axe throwing, and ride Canada’s largest and fastest mountain coaster! (spend 2-4 hours/half a day).
Day 6: Explore Lake Louise (day trip or stay overnight in Lake Louise)
Spend a day at the majestic Lake Louise. Enjoy a lovely stroll by the lakeside, in the summers you can rent a canoe and hit the Lake Agnes Tea House trail.
In the afternoon, relax with high tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Afternoon tea at Fairmont Lake Louise
Lake Louise in winter
In the winter months, you can still go on winter hikes, have afternoon tea, enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow, or ice skating. If interested, you can also add a visit to the Lake Louise Ski Resort.
Day 7: Icefields Parkway
Enjoy a drive on one of the most scenic routes in Canada – Icefields Parkway, starting from Lake Louise to Jasper National Park. You can stop at the Athabasca Glacier (for a guided tour), or check off places like the Sunwapta Falls along the way.
Arrive in Jasper National Park and stay overnight for the next 3 days.
Read: 3 days in Jasper National Park
Day 8 – 9: Jasper National Park
Start your day with a lovely breakfast in Jasper town, and then make your way to two of the beautiful lakes – Patricia and Pyramid Lakes. Enjoy kayaking on Patricia Lake, horseback riding in the meadows, and mountain biking along the trails.
Pyramid Lake Island
There are hikes that you can enjoy in each (and they are open all year round). You can also spend a day at Maligne Lake, and take a cruise to see the Spirit Island (seasonal activity).
More sightseeing and easy trails are available at the Athabasca Falls, and Maligne Canyon (in the winter you can also enjoy ice walks here).
Athabasca Falls: National Park Jasper
For wildlife enthusiasts, there’s the chance to spot grizzlies, moose, and elk in their natural habitat.
At night, relax at one of Jasper’s cozy lodges or campgrounds and enjoy some stargazing – with no light pollution here, you’re sure to have a magical experience!
Day 10: Edmonton
On day 10, make your way to Alberta’s capital city. It will be a 4 hour drive to get here from Jasper.
You can visit the Alberta Legislature Building, river valley, and the West Edmonton Mall (one of the largest in the country), before bidding adieu to Canada.
Free sample : Canadian Rockies Road Trip Itinerary
10 days in British Columbia and Alberta: Vancouver, Whistler, Banff, Lake Louise, Yoho, Calgary
Day 1 – 2 : Arrive in Vancouver and spend 2 nights
Day 4 : Whistler
Day 5 : Kamloops (1 night)
Day 6 – 7 : Lake Louise and Yoho National Park
Day 8 – 9 : Banff National Park
Day 10 : Calgary, car drop off and fly
Vancouver Itinerary Canada
This Canada 10-day itinerary begins in Vancouver, in the province of British Columbia. From BC’s cities and towns, it takes you to Alberta and the Rockies. We will outline the main spots to visit on this 10-day road trip.
Day 1 – 2 : Arrive in Vancouver and spend 2 nights
Start your 10-day Canadian adventure in Vancouver! Spend two nights exploring this vibrant city, taking a stroll along the Stanley Park Seawall, admiring the views from Grouse Mountain, Chinatown, and Canada Place, and sampling delicious cuisine.
Vancouver 2 day Itinerary: Capilano Suspension Bridge
Set aside a few hours to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and the Lynn Canyon in north Vancouver on day 2. You can read our full 2 days in Vancouver itinerary here
Day 4: Whistler
The next morning, explore Whistler. You can arrive here by car, tour, or shuttle bus from the Vancouver Airport.
Whistler Olympic Park
Whistler Blackcomb
Enjoy a day of outdoor activities at this picturesque mountain resort town – get on the Blackcomb (by cable car), hit hiking or biking trails, wander the cute town centre and indulge in delicious food!
Read: 2 days in Whistler itinerary
Day 5: Kamloops
On day 5, you’ll drive to Kamloops. Whistler to Kamloops is a 4.25-hour drive, you can stop for lunch, and then continue driving to Lake Lousie. Stay overnight here.
Alternatively, you can also make a detour to Wells Gray Park in Clearwater BC (a 1.50-hour drive from Kamloops), and after exploring stay overnight in Kamloops.
Day 6 – 7 : Lake Louise and Yoho National Park
Day 6, takes you to Lake Louise – the ideal spot for some peaceful sightseeing and a few hikes along the surrounding trails.
Yoho National Park – Natural Bridge
Afterward, spend the next day exploring Yoho National Park’s stunning natural scenery, taking a ride on the historic Spiral Tunnels, or simply relaxing in your picturesque surroundings.
Day 8 – 9 : Banff National Park
On day 8, head to the heart of Banff National Park, and pick 2-5 attractions to explore for the next 2 days.
Day 10 : Calgary, car drop off and fly
On day 10, drive to Calgary, and can take a stroll along the city’s iconic Stephen Avenue Walk and browse the many shops and restaurants. Later, drop off your rental car at the airport and fly out!
10 days in Alberta Canada Itinerary: Calgary, Drumheller, Banff & Lake Louise, Fort MacLeod, Waterton National Park
Day 1 – 2 : Arrive in Calgary and spend 2 nights
Day 4 : Drumheller day trip
Day 5 – 6 : Banff National Park
Day 7 : Canmore to Calgary to Fort MacLeod
Day 8 – 10 : Waterton National Park (back to Calgary by evening)
Beautiful Calgary Trip Canada
This 10-day itinerary for Canada is more of a Southern Alberta trip that checks off some of the offbeat places in the province. It includes a mix of national parks and educational sites that you can visit after arrival in Calgary.
You will be spending 2 days in Calgary allowing you to explore the city in-depth.
Day 1 – 2 : Arrive in Calgary and spend 2 nights
Arrive at the Calgary International Airport and spend 2 (-3) nights. Take the time to explore Calgary – a vibrant city known for its amazing art galleries, museums, theatres, and restaurants.
Stephen Avenue Walk in Downtown Calgary
Stroll along Stephen Avenue Walk before heading up to the observation deck at the Calgary Tower to get a stunning view of the entire city.
Also visit some of its top attractions such as Prince’s Island Park, Glenbow Museum, and Heritage Park Historical Village.
Calgary downtown Peace Bridge
In the evening, catch a show at the iconic Saddledome or head out for dinner and drinks in Kensington.
Tip: You can add this itinerary if visiting Calgary during the Stampede as well. Calgary Stampede – a 10-day extravaganza filled with rodeos, livestock shows, and other spectacular events.
Day 4 : Drumheller day trip
Take an exciting day trip to Drumheller . This unique town is located in the badlands of Alberta and boasts incredible geological formations as well as dinosaur fossils from millions of years ago.
Hoodoos in Drumheller
Visit the famous Royal Tyrrell Museum to learn more about Alberta’s dinosaur history and take a guided tour of one of the world’s largest deposits of Cretaceous fossils.
Day 5 – 6 : Banff National Park
Make your way to Banff National Park, and spend 2 days here. This addition is best if this is your first time in Alberta.
If you have already explored Banff, add towns like Sylvan Lake, Mossleigh, and Kananaskis areas for days 5 and 6.
Day 7 : Canmore to Calgary to Fort MacLeod
If you are staying in Banff on days 5-6 , make a stop in Canmore before making your way back to Calgary and Fort MacLeod.
If you are based in Calgary all throughout, then start bright and early for Fort MacLeod via Okotoks.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Located near Fort MacLeod is Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that tells the story of how native tribes hunted buffalo for thousands of years.
Here, you can take a guided tour and learn about the ancient hunting techniques used by Blackfoot people (Native Americans) or explore the interactive exhibits to get an up-close look at the history and culture of this fascinating place.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump look out area
Be sure to take a walk along the interpretive trails as well, which offer sweeping views of the Canadian landscape.
From here, drive to Pincher Creek and get some early dinner, and stay here (or in Waterton town) overnight.
Day 8 – 10 : Waterton National Park (back to Calgary by evening)
Continue your journey by visiting Waterton National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking lakes, mountains, and wildlife. Enjoy hiking and biking along the trails or head out for a boat cruise on the crystal-clear waters of Upper Waterton Lake.
Prince of Wales Hotel Waterton
Red Rock Canyon Waterton
On day 9, spend time exploring more of Waterton National Park. Take a scenic drive along Red Rock Parkway, visit Cameron Falls, and enjoy some of the best views in Alberta from Bear’s Hump.
Head back to Calgary in the second half of day 10 to fly out (Waterton to Calgary is about 2.50 hours drive away).
10 days in Vancouver Island Trip Itinerary: Victoria, Nanaimo, Campbell River, and beyond
Day 1 – 2 : Arrive in Vancouver and spend 2 days
Day 3 – 4 : Victoria
Day 5 – 6 : Tofino
Day 7 – 8 : Nanaimo
Day 9 – 10 : Campbell River, return to Vancouver (fly out)
Victoria BC
Discover the BEST of Vancouver Island in 10 days – of cities, small towns, provincial parks, and scenic rides!
The trip starts with Vancouver as the arrival airport. You can spend 1 to 2 days in Vancouver before making your way to Victoria.
Day 1 – 2 : Arrive in Vancouver and spend 2 days
Start off your adventure by exploring Vancouver. Arrive in the city, settle in and on your third day take a ferry from Vancouver to Victoria.
Day 3 – 4 : Victoria
Victoria is the capital city of Vancouver Island. Spend 2 – 3 days in Victoria, and visit the BC Parliament Buildings, Royal BC Museum, Craigdarroch Castle and walk the pretty Inner Harbour.
Inner Harbour with the BC Parliament Buildings
High Tea at the Empress Hotel
On one of the afternoons, enjoy high tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Later, spend the day soaking in the views of Victoria from a seaplane ride, or join a whale-watching tour. On the last day of your time in Victoria, explore the beautiful Butchart Gardens, and Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site.
Read: 3 days in Victoria BC itinerary
Day 5 – 6 : Tofino
On day 5, take a drive to Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island, and explore the pristine beaches, rainforest trails, and dramatic ocean views that make this area so special.
Tofino British Columbia
Spend your afternoon exploring Pacific Rim National Park Reserve for endless possibilities in outdoor activities such as surfing, whale watching, kayaking, and hiking.
Day 7 – 8 : Nanaimo
Next, explore Nanaimo (the travel time from Tofino to Nanaimo is 3 hours). Take a stroll through Old City Quarter or shop at one of the many great stores downtown.
If you’re feeling adventurous, hit the trails and walks at Jack Point and Biggs Park, or Harbourfront Walkway. You can also enjoy boating at the Colliery Dam Park.
Don’t forget to sample Nanaimo’s famous treat – the Nanaimo bar!
Day 9 – 10 : Campbell River, return to Vancouver (fly out)
Travel to Campbell River next. Spend the day exploring beautiful area – kayaking, whale watching, and hiking. There are riverside trails, as well as local hot springs where you can take in some breathtaking views of the city.
You can also add a trip to Comox Valley (30 minutes). Take a scenic drive along the coast of Vancouver Island and explore some of the provincial parks along the way.
10 days in Central Canada Itinerary: Toronto, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City, Montreal
Day 1 – 3 : Arrive in Toronto and spend 3 nights
Day 4 : Niagara Falls day trip
Day 5 – 6 : Ottawa
Day 7 – 8 : Quebec City
Day 9 – 10 : Montreal (fly out)
Discover some of the popular cities in Canada across 2 provinces and the iconic Niagara Falls!
CN Tower and Canada Flag
Day 1 – 3 : Arrive in Toronto and spend 3 nights
Head to Toronto – the largest city in Canada!
Spend 3 days in Toronto , exploring one of the trendiest cities in North America with its vibrant art scene and an array of attractions.
Casa Loma
Visit the iconic CN Tower for breathtaking views, check out the Casa Loma, and Royal Ontario Museum, or explore Kensington Market to find unique souvenirs.
If you’re looking for something a bit more active, take a trip to the Toronto Islands for an afternoon of fun activities like kayaking, canoeing, and hiking!
Read : 7 days in Toronto Itinerary
Day 4: Niagara Falls day trip
No Canadian trip is complete without a visit to the famous Niagara Falls! This natural wonder of the world will surely take your breath away with its powerful cascades and stunning scenery.
