Canada in two weeks: Vancouver to Montreal

Canada in September 

When deciding where to go, one country clearly shone out — Canada. I had dreamed for years of seeing the glacial lakes, dramatic mountains, rushing rivers, and deep canyons of the Canadian Rockies. Even though I’d visited friends in Toronto several times, I’d never experienced Canada’s breathtaking natural landscapes. This felt like the perfect moment. 

Canada’s summer is short, and September is the very tail end of the season. Travelling in September brings extra benefits: cheaper flights, lighter crowds, and peaceful walking trails in the national parks. The quieter roads, gentler sunshine, and uncrowded viewpoints make for a far more relaxed experience.

Arriving in vibrant Vancouver 

We flew directly from Gatwick to Vancouver on a 10-hour British Airways flight. The journey couldn’t have been easier. After dropping our bags at the hotel, we headed straight into the city. Vancouver truly blends urban life with nature, and it’s a brilliant starting point for a trip to Western Canada. You could easily spend a week or more in Vancouver, as there’s so much to see and do.

Exploring Granville Island 

First, a short ferry ride took us to Granville Island, famous for its bustling Public Market. It’s a paradise for window shoppers, full of fresh produce, gourmet treats and artisan crafts. The area’s cosy shops and lively brew pubs, including Granville Island Brewing, make it a lovely place to spend an afternoon. Be sure to try some fresh lobster!

Watching Canadian Football at BC Place 

Later that evening, we went to BC Place to watch Canadian Football. The atmosphere felt like watching an NFL game in the States. It was full of fanfare, but with a more relaxed feel. You can also catch a Vancouver Whitecaps Major League Soccer match here, if that’s more your style.

History, cycling and city views 

Our second day started with a guided tour of Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest district, where we learned about the city’s prohibition era history. Next, we rented bikes and cycled along Stanley Park’s seawall, enjoying spectacular mountain views. We also headed up the Vancouver Lookout for 360-degree views over the city, before taking a free shuttle to the breathtaking Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Our road trip into the Rockies 

After Vancouver, we flew to Calgary, where we picked up a car and stocked up on road trip essentials at Costco. Your UK membership works at Costco too, which is a real bonus! We were planning on long walking days, so we picked up plenty of water, electrolytes, and trail mix. 

We began with a drive north to Lake Peyto, arguably one of the most impressive lakes in the Rockies. After a short walk to the viewpoint, we returned to Lake Louise Lodge, stopping at Bow Lake and Hector Lake Lookout along the way.

For me, the joy of a road trip is the anticipation of what lies around each bend—something this route delivered in spades. Having driven New Zealand from top to bottom and the Carretera Austral in Chilean Patagonia, I have to say this drive holds its own. It must be one of the most beautiful places for a road trip in the world.

Sunrise at Moraine Lake 

Jetlag worked in our favour as we woke early for a shuttle ride to Moraine Lake. Arriving in darkness with head torches, we walked from the shuttle to one of the viewing platforms. It took a while for the sun to come up, but it was so peaceful and serene.

Sunrise itself was a magical moment, with the light dancing against the Ten Peaks. Walking the lakeside trail gave us a deeper appreciation of the area’s beauty, with mist-kissed valleys in the early morning light.

White-water rafting on the Kicking Horse River 

After a simple lunch in the small Lake Louise “town”, we headed to Yoho National Park to see Takkakaw Falls and Emerald Lake. Next, we began an afternoon of exhilarating white water rafting on the icy Kicking Horse River. 

The glacial waters are more than chilly, but the rapids were thrilling. It’s cold, you get soaked, and it’s a bumpy ride, but it’s also so much fun! One of the highlights of the trip was being thrown about on Grade III and IV rapids, which was a white-knuckle experience!

Hiking around Lake Louise 

The next morning, we returned to Lake Louise for sunrise and began a seven-hour hiking loop linking three iconic trails. We climbed to the historic Agnes Tea House via Mirror Lake, then continued up the Big Beehive for breathtaking views over the lake. The uninterrupted panorama here is sure to take your breath away (if the hike hasn’t done that already!).

Most people stop here, but (after a nip of whiskey) we pressed on to the Plain of Six Glaciers. On the way, we stopped at another tea hut for a hearty bowl of chickpea soup with a bread roll. The steep, rocky path to the Plain of Six Glaciers was a challenge, but it rewarded us with dramatic glacier vistas and was 100% worth the effort. That evening, we enjoyed a well-earned dinner and a glass of wine in Banff.

A relaxing day in Banff 

After several early starts, we spent a leisurely day exploring Banff’s shops, restaurants and viewpoints. We visited the Banff National Park Administration Building Gardens, walked to the lower falls of Johnston Canyon, and rode the Banff Gondola for incredible mountain views. It was a relaxing day that brought some much-needed balance to our trip.

Ending in Magical Montreal 

After returning the car, we caught an overnight flight to Montreal, which is a city that exceeded all my expectations. Montreal feels like a European on a super-sized North American scale. 

Although I don’t speak French, I brushed off my dusty GCSE skills to navigate the French language signs, menus, and neighbourhoods. There’s a tour for everyone in this city: Old Montreal walks, street art excursions, and easy day trips by train to Ottawa, Quebec City or even Toronto, with Niagara Falls just beyond.

A food lover’s dream 

Montreal is the home of poutine—fresh fries, squeaky cheese curds and rich meat gravy, with optional (and highly recommended) toppings like Montreal smoked sausage. It’s indulgent, comforting, and absolutely delicious. One serving and you’ll be hooked.

The city is a melting pot of cultures, with incredible bagels, pizza, and coffee, especially in Little Italy. Food lovers shouldn’t miss the Time Out Food Hall, which showcases independent kitchens offering global flavours. If you visit Montreal, be sure to arrive hungry!

My thoughts about Canada 

You can cover a lot of ground in Canada over two weeks. I felt like our trip was brilliantly paced, balancing cities and culture with wilderness and adventure. Canada is a destination that has something for everyone, from families to honeymooners. The scenery is staggering, the people are incredibly friendly, and the food is awesome. If you have two weeks spare in September, Canada is the perfect place for you.

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