Canada Bucket List: From city-hopping to Niagara Falls

Canada's calling, and you're ready to answer! You head out of the airport, quickly check in at your accommodation and find the city lying right at your feet. Time to get exploring!

Welcome to Montreal – new city, same excitement! You start off easy at Jean-Talon Market, full of colourful stalls, local snacks and a babble of French voices. Then it's on to the Plateau neighbourhood for its iconic staircases, vintage shops and little cafés where you can easily lose track of time. You take a deep breath as you sip your espresso and indulge in a bit of people watching. Afterwards, why not check out the industrial vibes and chill spots on a stroll along the Lachine Canal? Then, if you still have energy left, visit the Biosphère on Île Sainte-Hélène, where science meets iconic architecture. Trust us, it's far from boring – just see for yourself!

It's a new day, and there's a fresh city experience in store! Montreal boasts a mix of European charm, urban vibes and peaceful nature – perfect for exploring on two wheels (which costs almost nothing, so go for it)! First stop: the city centre, where the multicultural vibes and hustle and bustle instantly get you hooked. Take it all in before continuing on to the St. Lawrence River, then wind your way through Old Montreal's cobbled streets and past old stone houses – the peak spot for a café stop! And don't miss the Notre-Dame Basilica; its striking interior is set to blow you away. Next, it's off to the Old Port Waterfront, where street performers and food trucks are ready to pull you into that Montreal lifestyle. For a green contrast, hit up Mont Royal! This park was designed by the makers of Central Park, and offers endless trails and the best view of the skyline from the Kondiaronk lookout. Finally, wind down after all those highlights and simply enjoy the moment! 

Today, you're heading out of Montreal’s centre and into its creative side. First up, it's off to the Mile End neighbourhood for indie energy and second-hand finds. Vintage shops are interspersed with little galleries and cute cafés, as well as a few bagel legends! Who wins: St-Viateur or Fairmount? You decide! Afterwards, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts awaits with a mix of classics and modern art – ideal for enjoying a quiet moment and marvelling at the works on display. Even if you're not the museum type, this one's a must-see! Afterwards, dive into the leafy greenery. Spend the afternoon in a quiet, shady spot in Parc La Fontaine or watch the relaxed hubbub of the locals passing by, accompanied by a takeaway iced coffee or just some sun on your face! When evening rolls around, the best way to end the day is on one of the many rooftop terraces – drink in hand, skyline in view, Montreal by night. Get stuck in!

You pop on your headphones, grab a window seat on the train and sit back. Next stop: Canada's capital!

Ottawa delivers fewer high rises, but more heart. Instead of skyscrapers, you're greeted by colourful, Victorian-style town houses, green parks and tons of shimmering water. How chilled out! Although almost a million people live here, your first stroll makes you feel like you're in a small town rather than a capital city. Grab a matcha latte and wander through the wide parks along the Rideau Canal for an easy start. Depending on the time of year, you'll see either small boats or ice skaters cruising along! And when you make it down to the Ottawa River, you'll have the perfect view of the supreme highlight: Parliament Hill. Pro tip: The National Gallery, made of glass, is the ideal Insta spot for the ultimate Parliament view (there's an entrance fee, but it's worth it!). And if you arrive at the right time, you can even catch the changing of the guard – almost like in London, only way more Canadian!