3-Day Canada Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Canada itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaCanada travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Canadian Rockies Itinerary, incl. Banff and Jasper National Parks

  The Canadian Rockies showcase their majesty over 2 days across 4 key destinations: Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Jasper National Park, and Columbia Icefield. The 325-kilometer Icefields Parkway connects Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake, and Athabasca Falls.

  

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  • Day 1

    Banff to Lake Louise

    Leave Banff in the evening for a 45-minute drive to Lake Louise on the Trans-Canada Highway. "The scenery was beautiful, and stopping at Lake Louise just before sunset gave us amazing photo opportunities without the daytime crowds." Remember to pack warm clothes even in summer. The temperature at Lake Louise can be 10-15°C cooler than Banff.

    
  • Day 2

    Lake Louise to Icefields Parkway

    Get to Lake Louise early, around 7:30 AM, before tour buses fill the area. You'll catch beautiful morning light on the turquoise water and avoid parking issues that start around 9 AM. Next up is Moraine Lake, but note it's only accessible from June to September. The road often closes by 6 AM due to crowds, so arranged transport is your best bet. "Seeing both lakes in the early morning was magical - having a guide handle the tricky parking situation made it stress-free." The Icefields Parkway drive takes about 3 hours. Stop at Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake (15-minute uphill walk to the viewpoint), and Mistaya Canyon. Watch for wildlife like elk, bighorn sheep, and bears, especially during early morning or late afternoon. Your day ends at a wilderness hostel with sauna and campfire options. Bring food to share at the potluck dinner since there aren't any restaurants nearby.

    
  • Day 3

    Icefields Parkway to Banff

    Start your final day exploring Jasper National Park. The morning drive to Columbia Icefield takes about 1.5 hours. For the Athabasca Glacier hike, wear shoes with good grip since the trail can be slippery. "The glacier hike was challenging but doable. Pack water and sun protection - the reflection off the ice is intense." In the afternoon, visit Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls. Try to reach Sunwapta before midday in July and August to avoid parking issues. The return drive to Banff takes about 4 hours with stops. Give yourself flexible evening plans since mountain weather and wildlife can slow you down.

    

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• 3 Day Western Canada Itinerary, incl. Banff and Vancouver

  The Canadian Rockies unfold over 3 action-filled days across 7 destinations. From Banff's peaks to Yoho National Park's natural wonders, through Revelstoke's mountain terrain, to Whistler's Olympic village, before descending the Sea to Sky Highway to Vancouver.

  

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  • Day 1

    Banff to Revelstoke

    Start your day early in Banff and head to Yoho National Park. Visit Takakkaw Falls before 10 AM to beat the crowds. Standing at 254 meters (833 feet), it's one of Canada's tallest waterfalls. Next up is Emerald Lake, where you can admire the stunning turquoise waters. The Natural Bridge is just 10 minutes away by car. Make sure to wear good shoes since the rocks can get slippery. After lunch drive about 3 hours to Revelstoke. You can spend your afternoon at the Aerial Park or try out the Mountain Coaster. One visitor said: "The Mountain Coaster was an unexpected highlight – go for the 'fast' option if you're feeling brave!"

    
  • Day 2

    Revelstoke to Whistler

    Have breakfast at Denny's in Revelstoke at 6:30 AM to get an early start. The drive to Whistler takes 6-7 hours through beautiful mountain landscapes. If you get car sick bring some motion sickness pills. The Rogers Pass has lots of twists and turns. You should reach Whistler by late afternoon and have time to walk around the car-free village. For dinner and drinks head to the Upper Village. The locals like Dubh Linn Gate for its live music and selection of craft beers.

    
  • Day 3

    Whistler to Vancouver

    Start your day with breakfast at Cheaky's Cafe at 9 AM. Your first stop is the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre. Set aside 2 hours to explore the Indigenous exhibits and take a guided tour. Plan to leave for Vancouver by 2 PM to avoid traffic on the Sea to Sky Highway. Stop at Brandywine Falls (15-minute walk from parking) and Shannon Falls (short paved trail). The drive offers great views of Howe Sound. Sit on the right side of the car to get the best photos.

    

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• 3 Days in Algonquin Park, incl. Canoeing and Hiking

  Algonquin Park opens its northwestern treasures over three days. Paddlers glide across Surprise Lake and Otter Bay, while hikers climb Lookout Bluff and Kitchie Island. Dawn canoe trips and evening bonfires bookend each day at a cozy log cabin, total costs around $500.

  

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  • Day 1

    Log Cabin Arrival & Introduction to Canoeing

    Arrive at the Algonquin Log Cabin by 12:15 PM. The gravel access road takes longer than GPS suggests so budget extra time. After lunch you'll get hands-on paddling instruction that makes even beginners feel confident on the water. Take an easy paddle around Kitchie Island or explore Otter Bay to spot beavers. A recent visitor shared: "The guides were very knowledgeable and made the hikes really interesting. The accommodations were even better than I expected."

    
  • Day 2

    Lookout Bluff & Sunset Paddle

    Take a moderate morning hike to Lookout Bluff. Bring proper hiking shoes since the trail gets slippery after rain. The climb rewards you with beautiful views across Algonquin's lakes. Back at the cabin you can swim, fish or just relax. Bring binoculars to watch wildlife from the deck. In the evening paddle out to a campfire point for sunset. Pack warm clothes since the water gets chilly at night, even during summer.

    
  • Day 3

    Sunrise Wildlife Viewing & Departure

    The early morning mist paddle offers your best chance to spot moose near the shore. One guest noted: "Seeing the night sky and paddling in the early morning mist were incredible firsts for me." Enjoy a classic Canadian breakfast with maple syrup before a final swim or sauna. The trip ends after lunch at 3 PM. You can catch the 4:45 PM Ontario Northland bus to Toronto from South River if needed.

    

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