Canada’s story stretches from Indigenous nations to French settlers and British rule, resulting in a country that’s both deeply rooted and forward-looking. In one week, you’ll taste that blend—from Toronto’s global food scene and glassy skyline to Quebec City’s stone ramparts and café culture.

Expect a dynamic mix of big-city attractions (CN Tower, Distillery District), natural wonders (Niagara Falls, Montmorency Falls), and culinary standouts ranging from peameal bacon sandwiches to boreal-inspired cuisine. You’ll walk historic lanes, ride boats into the mist, and sip coffee in cafés where time seems to slow.

Practical notes: the Canadian dollar is the currency; tipping generally ranges 15–20%. English is widely spoken across Toronto, while Quebec City is bilingual with French predominance. Canada’s seasons are real—pack layers, and check travel advisories and event calendars if visiting during peak festivals or winter.

Toronto

Toronto is Canada’s most multicultural city, a mosaic of neighborhoods where dim sum sits next to taco joints and third-wave coffee roasters. The core is walkable, with preserved Victorian lanes, a revitalized waterfront, and PATH—the underground pedestrian network that locals use especially in winter.

Top sights include the CN Tower, St. Lawrence Market (arguably the city’s pantry), the red-brick Distillery District, Graffiti Alley in Queen West, and the Art Gallery of Ontario. Sports, theater, and live music thrive here—catch the Maple Leafs, a Broadway touring show, or a late set on Queen Street.

• Where to stay (Toronto): Browse VRBO Toronto stays or Hotels.com Toronto hotels. Favorites: The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto (spa, Lake Ontario views), Chelsea Hotel, Toronto (family-friendly, central), or The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar (budget-friendly with nightly live music).
• How to get there: Fly into Toronto Pearson (YYZ) or Billy Bishop (YTZ). Compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. From major U.S. hubs, nonstop flights often run 1.5–5 hours, commonly $200–$600 round-trip depending on season.

Day 1: Arrive in Toronto, Skyline First Impressions

Afternoon: Land and check in. Shake off the flight with a waterfront stroll along Harbourfront Centre and HTO Park’s urban “beach.” If time allows, ride the CN Tower elevators for a sweeping orientation—try the glass floor for a quick adrenaline jolt.

Evening: Dinner at Richmond Station (Top Chef–founded, seasonal Canadian plates) or PAI (Northern Thai classics—khao soi is a favorite). Cap the night with a cocktail at Bar Raval (Gaudí-inspired room; sherry and gin-forward) or live jazz downstairs if you’re staying/visiting The Rex.

Day 2: PATH, Markets, and the Distillery District

Morning: Coffee and a maple pecan croissant at Dineen Coffee Co. on Yonge. Then dive beneath the city on the tour below:

Discover Toronto's Underground - PATH walking tour

It’s a smart winter-friendly way to see financial-district landmarks and hidden nooks locals actually use.

Afternoon: Lunch at St. Lawrence Market: grab the famous peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery, fresh oysters at Buster’s Sea Cove, and Portuguese custard tarts from Churrasco’s. Walk to the Distillery District for Victorian industrial architecture, galleries, and small-batch chocolate at SOMA.

Evening: Dinner on King East at Canoe (book ahead; elevated Canadian tasting menus and skyline views). For a lower-key option, Aloette serves a superb burger and lemon meringue pie. Nightcap at Civil Liberties (no menu—tell them your mood).

Day 3: Full-Day Niagara Falls Adventure

Join a guided day tour—door-to-door transport, viewpoints, and a seasonal boat cruise that sails into the mist:

Niagara Falls Canada Day Tour From Toronto + Boat Cruise Option

Expect 1.5–2 hours each way by coach, stops at the whirlpool and scenic overlooks, and free time in Niagara-on-the-Lake when included. Pack a light rain layer for the boat segment.

Back in Toronto, grab a late dinner at Giulietta (wood-fired Italian), Buca (house-cured salumi, pastas), or fresh shucked oysters at Rodney’s Oyster House.

Day 4: Neighborhood Hopping—Kensington, Queen West, AGO

Morning: Breakfast at FIKA Café (Swedish-inspired in Kensington) or a breakfast banh mi at Banh Mi Boys. Wander Kensington Market for vintage shops and murals; dip into Chinatown for fresh buns at Mashion Bakery.

Afternoon: Explore Queen West boutiques and Graffiti Alley for ever-changing street art. Spend an hour at the Art Gallery of Ontario (Frank Gehry redesign; strong Canadian collection). Refuel with an IPA flight at Bellwoods Brewery.

Evening: Dinner with a view at Kōst (rooftop at Bisha; coastal menu) or share plates and natural wine at Grey Gardens in Kensington. Comedy fans can catch a show at The Second City Toronto near the waterfront.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a slice of Europe in North America—walled ramparts, cobblestones, and the copper roofs of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. The old town perches above the St. Lawrence River, and café terraces hum with conversation even in cooler months.

Beyond postcard views, the city tastes distinct: boreal cuisine celebrating wild berries, game, and maple; cozy bistros in stone houses; and creative bakeries. Nearby, Montmorency Falls thunders 30 meters higher than Niagara, and the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré glows with mosaics.

• Where to stay (Quebec City): Browse VRBO Quebec City stays or Hotels.com Quebec City hotels. Look for properties in Old Quebec (Upper or Lower Town) to walk almost everywhere.
• Getting there from Toronto: Morning flight to Quebec City (YQB) is about 1.5 hours; door-to-door with airport transfers is roughly 4 hours. Search fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Trains exist but take most of the day; flying maximizes your time on the ground.

Day 5: Fly to Quebec City, Old Town Orientation

Morning: Depart Toronto on an early flight. Aim to land before noon; taxi or rideshare into Old Quebec.

Afternoon: Settle in and wander the Upper Town: Terrasse Dufferin boardwalk, the Frontenac facade, and the Citadelle ramparts for river views. Coffee at Paillard (grab a butter-forward croissant) or Café La Maison Smith on Place Royale.

Evening: Dine at Chez Muffy (farm-to-table in a historic warehouse, excellent wine list) or cozy Le Lapin Sauté (rabbit specialties; hearty plates). Stroll Quartier Petit-Champlain after dark—lantern-lit streets are especially atmospheric.

Day 6: Savor Old Quebec—Guided Food Tour & Hidden Corners

Morning: Espresso at Cantook Micro Torréfaction. Browse local artisans near Rue Saint-Jean; pop into J.A. Moisan, one of North America’s oldest groceries, for jams and maple treats.

Afternoon: Join this flavorful walk that stitches together history and tastings:

Old Quebec City Food and Drink Walking Tour

Expect a thoughtful lineup from traditional Québécois bites to contemporary takes—arrive hungry.

Evening: Sip Quebec craft beer at La Barberie or natural wine at Kraken Cru. Dinner at Rioux & Pettigrew (market-driven, candle-lit, terrific bread service) or tasting-menu temple Tanière³ if you’re celebrating.

Day 7: Montmorency Falls & Sainte-Anne, Departure

Morning: Take a half-day countryside excursion—higher than Niagara with an easy boardwalk network, then continue to the basilica:

Half-Day Trip to Montmorency Falls and Ste-Anne-de-Beaupre from Quebec City

Bring a light shell for waterfall spray; views from the suspension bridge and base trail are different and both worthwhile.

Afternoon: Quick lunch back in town—classic poutine at Chez Ashton or seasonal salads at Chez Boulay – Comptoir Boréal. Transfer to YQB for your afternoon flight home; search options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: In transit. If you have a late departure, take a final river-view stroll along the Promenade des Gouverneurs above the cliffs.

Optional Add-Ons and Tips

• Seasonal edge: In winter, Toronto’s PATH tour shines; in summer, allocate more time on Toronto Islands (ferry from Jack Layton Terminal) and on Quebec’s terraces.
• Transit: Toronto’s TTC (subway/streetcar) and Quebec City buses cover most sights; rideshares are plentiful in both.
• Dining reservations: Book Canoe, Tanière³, and popular weekend spots 2–4 weeks out.

In sum: This Canada itinerary pairs Toronto’s urban buzz and food markets with Quebec City’s historic romance and riverside scenery, plus two unforgettable waterfall experiences. Thoughtful pacing and short flights keep logistics smooth so the focus stays on views, flavors, and neighborhoods you’ll talk about long after you’re home.