Itinerary Summary
Fly open-jaw into Toronto (YYZ) and out of Vancouver (YVR) — Beijing and Shanghai have direct flights. VIA Rail or domestic flights link Toronto–Quebec–Montreal; BC Ferries cross Vancouver Island. Day…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Toronto arrival and a first look at the downtown core
14:00
3h
Toronto Pearson arrival and Union transfer
Land at YYZ, clear customs, then take the UP Express to Union Station in about 25 minutes. Buy a PRESTO card from the machine in arrivals before boarding, as the fare gates take cards but not cash.
📍 Toronto Pearson (YYZ)
18:00
2h
Front Street evening walk and poutine dinner
Stretch your legs along Front Street past Union Station and the Hockey Hall of Fame, then eat poutine at a diner near Yonge and Front. Portions are generous, so one bowl easily feeds two people.
📍 Front Street, Toronto
💡 Pro Tip: Toronto runs on Eastern Time (UTC-5 in winter, UTC-4 from March to November). Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the Canada visa section before booking; some visitors need an eTA, many others a visitor visa. Tipping of 15 to 20 percent is standard on sit-down meals. The UP Express train from the airport is the fastest way into the centre.
Days 2-11 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$1,60035%
City hotels, 10 nights
Food & DiningUS$91020%
Smoked-meat sandwiches and poutine
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa or an eTA to visit Canada on this Toronto to Vancouver route?+
It depends on your passport. US, UK, EU, Australian and Japanese citizens can visit visa-free for up to six months, but most air arrivals still need an eTA approved before boarding. Mainland Chinese passport holders need a visitor visa. Check IRCC for your nationality well before booking flights.
What is the best time of year for an 11-day trip from Toronto to Vancouver?+
June to August gives the warmest weather on both coasts, roughly 20-28 C, with long daylight hours for Niagara and Whistler. Late September to early October brings fall colour in Ontario and Quebec, but hotels fill quickly, so book rooms early. Spring and late fall are cheaper but wetter in Vancouver.
How much should I budget for 11 days across Canada beyond international flights?+
The itinerary is priced as a Comfort trip at roughly $3,890-5,230 or EUR 3,380-4,550 per person, excluding international flights. That covers mid-range hotels, VIA Rail or domestic flights between cities and BC Ferries. Add meals, park passes and the Maid of the Mist separately. Peak summer and leaf season push costs to the top of that range.
Should I fly into Toronto and out of Vancouver, or book a round trip?+
An open-jaw ticket, arriving at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and leaving from Vancouver (YVR), saves a long return flight west and is the reason this route works in 11 days. Search multi-city fares rather than two one-ways. If an open-jaw fare is too expensive, fly into Toronto and take a domestic flight west mid-trip.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 11 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $3,890–5,230 (≈ €3,380–4,550), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best for: City Explorers
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