Are These Cities Worth Seeing?

Short answer: absolutely. Longer answer: each city adds something unique to the mix. Visiting just one gives you a glimpse of Canada’s cultural diversity, but seeing all three paints the full picture.

Ottawa - As Canada’s capital, Ottawa blends history and modernity. You’ll find the iconic Parliament Hill, world-class museums like the Canadian Museum of History, and scenic spots along the Rideau Canal (which doubles as the world’s largest skating rink in winter). Ottawa has a quieter, more refined vibe compared to its neighbors, making it a perfect starting point.

Montreal - If Ottawa is stately, Montreal is lively. This is the city of festivals, poutine, and vibrant neighborhoods like Old Montreal and Plateau Mont-Royal. It’s bilingual in every sense - you’ll hear both French and English, often in the same sentence. From Notre-Dame Basilica to trendy Mile End cafes, Montreal effortlessly mixes history with creativity.

Quebec City - Often described as the most European city in North America, Quebec City is all cobblestone streets, fortified walls, and fairytale charm. Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and landmarks like Château Frontenac are postcard-perfect. If you’re into history, culture, and breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River, this city is a must.

How Many Days Do You Need for a Ottawa-Montreal-Quebec City tour?

The classic question for trip planners is: how much time is enough? While it depends on your travel style, here’s a rough guide:

- 3 days: Enough for quick highlights. Think one day per city, moving fast and focusing on the main attractions.
- 5 days: A balanced pace. You can explore each city more deeply and enjoy meals without rushing.
- 7 days or more: Ideal if you want to really soak it in. With a week, you can explore beyond the city centers - like Montmorency Falls near Quebec City or Gatineau Park outside Ottawa.

How to Travel Between Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City

Getting around these cities is straightforward, with several convenient options:

By Car - A road trip through Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City is popular for the freedom it offers. Distances are manageable: Ottawa to Montreal takes about 2 hours, and Montreal to Quebec City about 3 hours. Highways are well-maintained, and you can easily stop at small towns along the way.

By Train - VIA Rail offers frequent service between the three cities. Trains are comfortable, scenic, and let you avoid the stress of driving or parking. For those who prefer relaxing with a book or a view out the window, this is an excellent choice.

By Bus - Companies like Orléans Express and Megabus connect the cities at budget-friendly prices. If you don’t mind longer travel times compared to trains, a bus tour from Ottawa to Montreal and Quebec City is a great way to keep costs low.

Best Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City Itineraries

3-Day Itinerary (Fast-Paced Highlights)
Day 1: Ottawa - Explore Parliament Hill, ByWard Market, and the Rideau Canal.
Day 2: Montreal - Visit Old Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica, and end the day with poutine.
Day 3: Quebec City - Wander Old Quebec, see Château Frontenac, and enjoy views of the St. Lawrence River.

5-Day Itinerary (Balanced Pace)
Day 1-2: Ottawa - Take your time with museums and Gatineau Park.
Day 3: Montreal - Explore Old Montreal and Plateau Mont-Royal, then enjoy nightlife in the Quartier des Spectacles.
Day 4-5: Quebec City - Spend two days covering Old Quebec, Montmorency Falls, and local cafes.

7-Day Itinerary (In-Depth Journey)
Day 1-2: Ottawa - Include a boat cruise on the Ottawa River and cycling along the canal.
Day 3-4: Montreal - Add Jean-Talon Market, Mount Royal Park, and maybe a day trip to Laurentians.
Day 5-7: Quebec City - Explore Île d’Orléans, enjoy traditional Québécois cuisine, and dive deeper into history tours.

Trip Planning Tips

- Best time to visit: Summer (June-September) is festival season, while winter offers unique charm with ice skating and winter carnivals. Spring and fall mean fewer crowds and beautiful scenery.
- Language: French is widely spoken, especially in Quebec City, but you’ll get by with English in all three cities.
- Budgeting: Expect higher accommodation costs in summer. Booking in advance helps, especially for popular events in Montreal.
- Food: Don’t miss Ottawa’s BeaverTails, Montreal’s bagels and smoked meat sandwiches, and Quebec City’s hearty French-Canadian dishes.