Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver: choosing your city
A first trip to Canada often starts in one of these three cities, the country's main air gateways. They are very different, and very far apart: Vancouver is about a five-hour flight from Toronto.
Montreal, French-speaking North America
A large French-speaking city, Montreal blends a European feel with North American energy. It is also a natural starting point for Quebec City.
- What to see: Old Montreal, Mount Royal, the Plateau and Mile End neighbourhoods, the summer festivals.
- Nearby: Quebec City and its historic centre, about three hours by road or train.
- How many days: three to four, plus two days for Quebec City.
Toronto, the metropolis
Canada's largest city, Toronto is cosmopolitan, lively and well connected to the rest of Ontario.
- What to see: the CN Tower, the Lake Ontario waterfront, museums and neighbourhoods such as Kensington Market.
- Nearby: Niagara Falls, about an hour and a half by road.
- How many days: three, including a day for Niagara.
Vancouver, between sea and mountains
On the Pacific coast, Vancouver is the gateway to the wide open spaces of the West.
- What to see: Stanley Park, Granville Island, the beaches and the North Shore trails.
- Nearby: Whistler and its mountains, about two hours by road, and Vancouver Island by ferry.
- How many days: three to four, more if you continue to the Rockies.
Getting between the cities
Montreal and Toronto are linked by train in about five hours, or by plane. To reach Vancouver from the East, flying is the only sensible option. If you combine several cities, a multi-city ticket avoids backtracking.
Before booking, check the rules for your passport on the page for your nationality.