Itinerary Montreal, Quebec City, Banff & Vancouver

Seasonality: July is an exceptional time to visit Canada, offering warm summer weather, long daylight hours, and optimal conditions for hiking, adventure, and road trips. Wildflowers, festivals, and accessible national parks make it one of the best travel months nationwide.

💰 Budget overview

Category	Amount
✈️ Transport	2200 USD
🏨 Accommodations	2600 USD
🧳 Gear	600 USD
🗺️ On-site	2350 USD
Total	7750 USD

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🗺️ Activities & landmarks

🇨🇦 Montreal - 3 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏙️ Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) ⭐⭐⭐ (~2-3h)

  • Charming cobblestone streets, Notre-Dame Basilica, galleries — visit early to beat crowds.

• [ ] 🏛️ Mont Royal Park ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Panoramic city views, scenic trails, popular for picnics and hikes.

• [ ] 🎨 Montreal Museum of Fine Arts ⭐⭐ (~1.5-2h)

  • Impressive art collections spanning centuries.

• [ ] 🏛️ Jean-Talon Market ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Lively local market for Quebec cheeses, pastries, and fresh produce.

• [ ] 🏛️ Biodôme & Botanical Garden ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Experience diverse ecosystems and lush gardens; family-friendly.

• [ ] 🏙️ Plateau Mont-Royal ⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Hip neighbourhood, colourful murals and boutiques.

• [ ] 🏛️ St. Joseph's Oratory ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Majestic basilica atop the city’s highest point.

• [ ] 🏛️ Pointe-à-Callière Museum ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Fascinating underground history of Montreal.

• [ ] 🌳 La Fontaine Park ⭐ (~1h)

  • Chill out by the ponds and enjoy street performances in summer.

• [ ] 🎨 Chinatown ⭐ (~1h)

  • Explore shops, bakeries, and street snacks.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Quartier des Spectacles ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Festival hub — catch live music, open-air art events.

• [ ] 🍸 Rue Saint-Denis bars & terraces ⭐ (~2h)

  • Relaxed nightlife and cool cocktail spots.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Schwartz’s Deli ⭐⭐⭐

  • Legendary smoked meat sandwich, <$20

• [ ] 🍜 La Banquise ⭐⭐

  • 24-hour poutine paradise, $8–$15

• [ ] 🍜 Bouillon Bilk ⭐⭐

  • Creative Quebecois tasting menu, ~$40-60

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏙️ Little Italy (~1h)

  • Best for coffee lovers and cannoli fans.

• [ ] 🌳 Parc Jean-Drapeau (~1.5h)

  • Relaxing island park, views of the Saint Lawrence.

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🇨🇦 Quebec City - 2 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏙️ Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec) ⭐⭐⭐ (~2-3h)

  • UNESCO-listed: fortified walls, stone streets, Place Royale.

• [ ] 🏛️ Château Frontenac ⭐⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Iconic castle hotel, perfect for photos and afternoon tea.

• [ ] 🌳 Plains of Abraham ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Historic park, battlefields, scenic bike paths.

• [ ] 🏛️ Citadelle of Quebec & Changing of the Guard ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • 17th-century fortress with guided tours.

• [ ] 🏛️ Petit-Champlain District ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Artistic shops and cafes in North America’s oldest street.

• [ ] 🌳 Montmorency Falls ⭐⭐ (~2-3h, includes transit)

  • Dramatic waterfall (taller than Niagara). Cable car & hiking trails.

• [ ] 🎨 Musée de la civilisation ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Engaging and interactive exhibitions.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Rue Saint-Jean ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Cozy bars, street musicians, local craft beers.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Le Chic Shack ⭐⭐

  • Gourmet poutine and burgers, $10–$18

• [ ] 🍜 Aux Anciens Canadiens ⭐⭐

  • Iconic Quebec cuisine, ~$25–$40

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏛️ Île d'Orléans (~2–3h)
  • Taste ciders, berries, and cheeses. Bike-friendly.

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🇨🇦 Banff National Park (Banff & Lake Louise) - 5 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🌳 Lake Louise ⭐⭐⭐ (~2-3h)

  • Jaw-dropping turquoise lake; canoe or hike the shoreline.

• [ ] 🏞️ Moraine Lake ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Turquoise glacier-fed lake, famous for sunrise and hikes.

• [ ] 🏞️ Lake Agnes Tea House Hike ⭐⭐ (~2.5-3h)

  • Scenic trail with reward: fresh-baked treats at summit.

• [ ] 🏞️ Johnston Canyon ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Accessible trails, waterfall plunge pools, catwalks.

• [ ] 🏔️ Sulphur Mountain Gondola & Boardwalk ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Panoramic summit views, interpretive centre.

• [ ] 🏙️ Banff Townsite ⭐⭐ (~1-2h)

  • Boutique shops, art galleries, classic Canadian souvenirs.

• [ ] 🏞️ Bow Valley Parkway ⭐⭐ (~1-2h)

  • Scenic drive, likely to spot wildlife and epic viewpoints.

• [ ] 🏞️ Tunnel Mountain Hike ⭐ (~1-2h)

  • Short, accessible hike with summit panoramas.

• [ ] 🌳 Vermilion Lakes ⭐ (~1h)

  • Tranquil spot ideal for birdwatching and photos.

• [ ] 🏞️ Peyto Lake (Icefields Parkway) ⭐⭐ (~2h, includes drive)

  • Iconic wolf-shaped blue lake.

• [ ] 🏞️ Yoho National Park (Emerald Lake & Takakkaw Falls) ⭐⭐ (~1-3h)

  • Cross provincial border (BC) for even more mountain majesty.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Banff Ave Brewing Co. ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Local craft beer, mountain views.

• [ ] 🍸 The Rose & Crown Pub ⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Lively bar with mountain-town vibe.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Bear Street Tavern ⭐⭐

  • Stone-baked pizza, hearty Canadian fare, $20–$30

• [ ] 🍜 Wild Flour Bakery ⭐

  • Mountain-inspired breakfasts, $10–$18

• [ ] 🍜 Park Distillery ⭐⭐

  • Local spirits, campfire cuisine, $25–$40

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏙️ Canmore (~1-2h)
  • Charming nearby mountain town with less crowds.

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🇨🇦 Vancouver - 4 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🌳 Stanley Park & Seawall Loop ⭐⭐⭐ (~2-3h)

  • Iconic forested park, cycling/jogging paths, First Nations totems.

• [ ] 🏙️ Granville Island Public Market ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Artisanal food hall, craft shops, lively atmosphere.

• [ ] 🏞️ Capilano Suspension Bridge Park ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Walk high above the rainforest canopies, especially scenic in morning.

• [ ] 🏞️ Lynn Canyon Park & Suspension Bridge ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Quieter alternative, short hikes and swimming holes.

• [ ] 🏙️ Gastown ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Trendy historic neighbourhood, Steam Clock, shops.

• [ ] 🏙️ Yaletown ⭐ (~1h)

  • Ultra-modern district, patios, cocktail lounges.

• [ ] 🌳 Queen Elizabeth Park & Bloedel Conservatory ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Highest point in the city, gardens and great vistas.

• [ ] 🏞️ Grouse Mountain (Skyride & hiking trails) ⭐⭐ (~2-3h)

  • Gondola views, wildlife refuge, ziplining in summer.

• [ ] 🌳 Pacific Spirit Regional Park ⭐ (~1h)

  • Lush rainforest trails west of downtown.

• [ ] 🏙️ Kitsilano Beach ⭐ (~1h)

  • Sandy urban beach, mountain views, lively in summer.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Davie Street / West End Bars ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Diverse nightlife, casual pubs and cocktail hangouts.

• [ ] 🍸 Granville Street Live Venues ⭐ (~2h)

  • Music clubs, comedy, dance floors.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Go Fish ⭐⭐⭐

  • Famous fish & chips by the waterfront, $15–$20

• [ ] 🍜 Miku ⭐⭐

  • Sushi & aburi specialties with a view, $30–$50

• [ ] 🍜 Japadog ⭐

  • Japanese-style hotdogs, $7–$10

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏞️ Bowen Island (~4-5h)
  • Day trip: ferries, kayaking, village cafes.

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🎬 Films & series to watch

🇨🇦 Montreal

• [ ] 🎬 Incendies (2010) — ⭐ 8.2 — Gripping drama partly set in Montreal — Prime Video
• [ ] 📺 Plan B (2017) — ⭐ 8.0 — Hitchcockian time-travel series in French — SBS

🇨🇦 Quebec City

• [ ] 🎬 The Red Violin (1998) — ⭐ 7.6 — International drama, sweeping shots of Quebec City — Hulu
• [ ] 📺 Fortier (2001) — ⭐ 7.6 — Gritty crime drama set in Quebec — YouTube

🇨🇦 Banff National Park

• [ ] 🎬 The Revenant (2015) — ⭐ 8.0 — Oscar-winner, Alberta’s wild landscapes — Hulu
• [ ] 🎬 Brokeback Mountain (2005) — ⭐ 7.7 — Striking Alberta Rockies — Prime Video

🇨🇦 Vancouver

• [ ] 🎬 Everything’s Gone Green (2006) — ⭐ 6.2 — Comedy set in Vancouver’s quirkier quarters — Prime Video
• [ ] 📺 Travelers (2016) — ⭐ 7.8 — Sci-fi series filmed around Vancouver — Netflix

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🍜 Local specialties

🇨🇦 Montreal

• [ ] Smoked Meat Sandwich
• [ ] Poutine
• [ ] Bagels (Montreal style)

🇨🇦 Quebec City

• [ ] Tourtière (meat pie)
• [ ] Maple syrup treats
• [ ] Cretons (pork spread)

🇨🇦 Banff National Park

• [ ] Alberta beef steak
• [ ] Bison burger
• [ ] Bannock bread

🇨🇦 Vancouver

• [ ] Pacific salmon
• [ ] Japadog (fusion hotdog)
• [ ] Nanaimo bar

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📍 Maps - places to pin

🇨🇦 Montreal

1. 🌤️ Old Montreal
2. 🌙 Quartier des Spectacles
3. 🛍️ Jean-Talon Market
4. 🏨 Plateau Mont-Royal Airbnb
5. 🍽️ Schwartz’s Deli

🇨🇦 Quebec City

1. 🌤️ Old Quebec
2. 🌙 Rue Saint-Jean
3. 🛍️ Petit Champlain
4. 🏨 Old Town Airbnb
5. 🍽️ Le Chic Shack

🇨🇦 Banff National Park

1. 🌤️ Lake Louise
2. 🌙 Banff Ave Brewing Co.
3. 🛍️ Banff Townsite boutiques
4. 🏨 Banff Airbnb
5. 🍽️ Bear Street Tavern

🇨🇦 Vancouver

1. 🌤️ Stanley Park
2. 🌙 Davie Street
3. 🛍️ Granville Island Public Market
4. 🏨 Kitsilano Airbnb
5. 🍽️ Go Fish

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✈️ Transport to book

• [ ] ✈️ London → Montreal
• [ ] 🚅 Montreal → Quebec City
• [ ] ✈️ Quebec City → Calgary (Banff access)
• [ ] 🚗 Calgary → Banff (rental car/road trip)
• [ ] 🚗 Banff → Calgary
• [ ] ✈️ Calgary → Vancouver
• [ ] ✈️ Vancouver → London

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🏨 Accommodations

City	Nights	Accommodation	Price
Montreal	3	Airbnb (central)	600 USD
Quebec City	2	Airbnb (Old Town)	400 USD
Banff	5	Airbnb (Banff town)	1200 USD
Vancouver	4	Airbnb (Kitsilano)	1000 USD
Total	14		3200 USD