1

I think your time allocation sounds pretty good - as there's plenty to experience in each of the cities, dividing your time equally between them is probably best.

What kind of things do you enjoy doing?

Here are a few suggestions:

In Vancouver:

-I'd recommend spending some time wandering around East Van (specifically the Commercial Dr and SoMa areas), if you'd like to see a more artsy/alternative side of the city. There are lots of independent stores, cafes, bars etc and it's just a little bit quirky and different.

-Grouse Mountain is only a 20 to 30 min bus ride out of downtown and provides beautiful views. Capilano Rainforest is nearby (a short bus ride from the mountain) which is another beautiful place to see nature and wildlife.

-A day trip to Whistler is a great way to see more if you only have limited time. There are plenty of tour companies if you don't have a car or drive, and some make stops at places of interest along the way. (Driving the Sea to Sky Highway is also amazing!)

-Granville Island is only about a five minute ferry ride from downtown and it's an interesting day of arts, craft, fresh food, markets and so on.

In Toronto:

-Obviously, Niagara Falls. The tour company I went with took us to Niagara on the Lake, a beautiful little town on the way to the falls, as well as several other stops along the way.

-I thought Casa Loma was really beautiful and had an interesting history (also stars in the X-Men films, if you're a fan).

In QuebecCity:

-I would definitely recommend a day trip to the country side as it's a fantastic way to learn about the history/heritage and experience the culture. Again I went with a tour group which took us to a variety of places including Montmorency Falls, a Chocolate factory, a Gallery and a basilica. It's very different from anything else I saw while in Canada.

-If you have time, I would consider Montreal a must see city in Canada, but as it's three hours from Quebec you'd need at least a couple of days to do so.

Hope there's something helpful there for you! And enjoy your trip!
(Sorry the post is so long!)

2

I think it probably depends on what exactly you want to do in each. If you're just staying in the city in Vancouver, I'd give it three days (and I'm from here). If you plan on doing some day trips to Victoria or Whistler, and maybe getting into the outdoors, then 6 is perfect.

4 is good for Toronto in my opinion.

We recently spent 3 days in Quebec City and felt that was enough. And that was even getting outside of QC to Ile D'orleans, Les Chutes Montmorency and Ste Anne De Beaupre.

If there's any way you can fit it in, I'd highly recommend Montreal. For me it would be a must-see city if you're doing a Canada trip. Steal a day from each city and you can fit it in.

Edited by: truenic to say "JINX"! Looks like the above poster and I have the same advice re: Montreal

3

The short answer is that you are spending too much time in Vancouver and Quebec City. Toronto is huge and if one day is spent seeing Niagara then five days would be fine.

As other posters have mentioned you are skipping Montreal which would be a mistake. I would spend about half the time in Montreal. A big issue is whether you plan on driving. Old Quebec city is beautiful but can be seen quickly and if you aren't taking day trips north of the city then six nights would be far too much.

For Vancouver I would recommend a day trip to Whistler and at least an overnight trip to Victoria. As taking the ferry to and from Victoria takes about four hours each way a day trip is not practical. Besides Victoria can't be properly seen in a day. If you had more time I would of course recommend Tofino.

4

I would do four nights in Montreal and two nights in Québec. I agree that some of those six nights in Vancouver should be spent in Victoria or Tofino or the Gulf Islands. You could also steal a night from Vancouver or Toronto and add one in Ottawa or Kingston.

5

For Vancouver, Whistler for sure, Grouse Mountain, Granville Island, Stanley Park.

I would suggest you take a walk around Gastown.

6

Just to confuse the matter, I wouldn't spend more than a couple days in Toronto. A day spent walking around the main sites is more than enough to take in the city. I know most will disagree, but to me a city like Rome or Paris deserves 5 days, Toronto not more than 2.

Montreal, Quebec City, Vancouver and its neighbouring locations, deserve far more. And if I recommend stealing days out of each city, mostly out of Toronto, add in Calgary and get yourself in Banff and do some hiking.

7

I have to agree with spezza - on one of our first visits to Ontario we spent 5 nights in Toronto, and that was 3 nights too many. Yes, there is stuff to do in Toronto but it's just all so... ordinary (N. American big city ordinary).

I now live within a couple hours of Toronto and rarely go in - just for a show or a special exhibit.

Definitely consider trimming down the time in Toronto and adding Ottawa or Montreal or a night in Stratford if you like theatre.

8

Thanks a million fellow travellers!! I will now DEFINTELY include Montreal in my itinerary and factor in all your suggestions. Truly appreciate all your advice! Thank you!!

9

Yay! Thanks for coming back to let us know laura. Bon voyage!

10

Toronto: one day Niagara Falls, one day Zoo, one day St Lawrence Market and Centre Island, one day Annex and Kensington, one day AGO and/or ROM, one day Leslieville and Beaches...it is possible!!!