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Your Essential Guide to Planning a Canada Girls’ Trip [That’s Better than Therapy!]

Clever Canadian Written By: December 2024

Vacations are fun and exciting, but do it with the girls and you’ll surely have a memorable trip that’s impossible to recreate! There’s just something special about spending time with your best friends, away from worries and boys!

And when you’re planning your trip, remember that Canada is a destination like no other! No wonder my sisters love dashing through town, exploring new places, trying out diverse cuisine, and partying it up like they’re in their 20s!

Just for you, we did the research for the ultimate girls’ vacation how-to! Check out these cool destinations, things to do, and travel tips for uninterrupted fun!

Best Destinations for a Girls’ Trip in Canada

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Montreal

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Montreal has always been beautiful. Its old-world architectural charm, stunning landscapes, and cultural heritage make it a top destination in Canada for sightseeing!

Girls’ trips will be fun here, no matter which way you go. Mount Royal Park is a perfect spot for morning jogs that will give you gorgeous views of the city— it’s particularly magical in the fall during the turning of the leaves.

If you want cultural experiences, the city is home to streets lined with charming shops, arts and culture museums (the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is a must-visit!), and beautiful churches filled with rich histories.

If you’re looking for something to do with the girls at night in Montreal, click here!

Vancouver

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If you want the perfect blend of nature and city life, Vancouver is the place to go! This gorgeous city in BC offers so many natural attractions, which is perfect for adventurers who want to see Canada’s beauty.

Stanley Park is home to several landmarks that are popular with locals and tourists—you can enjoy a morning stroll with the girls while ticking off a few items on your bucket list.

Just 15 minutes from downtown is the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, a 450-foot-long bridge above the Capilano River, where you can admire the stunning beauty of lush forests.

If you want a camping trip, Vancouver is home to many parks that allow you to do just that! For the adventurous girlies, check out this guide on the best places to go camping in Vancouver!

Toronto

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A Canada girls’ trip isn’t complete without a stop in Toronto—it’s one of the most popular cities in the country, after all. Ontario’s capital city is the urban destination for shopping, food, festivals, and nightlife, all while offering scenic places.

If you want a lively girls’ trip, Toronto hosts many festivals each year, so there’s something new for the group to experience. It’s also home to a fun nightlife, where you can watch the spiciest burlesque shows and visit the most electric bars.

Just because Toronto is a bustling city doesn’t mean you can’t have outdoor plans. Toronto Islands is only a 13-minute ferry ride from downtown, where you can swim, kayak, or canoe! No tan lines at Hanlan’s Point because it’s a nude beach!

Banff

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Canada’s first national park is the perfect girls’ trip destination any day of the week— winter is magical, but the best time to go is around the summer when the weather is warm but still comfortable (and the lakes are not frozen).

The town has views of the mountains, which is not bad to wake up to! Many hotels in Banff offer activities that will let you experience the true beauty of the place. Don’t miss out on Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Banff Gondola.

Banff doesn’t disappoint when it comes to food. The streets are lined with many restaurants offering meals from different cultures.

The Banff Upper Hot Springs is also not to be missed! You can relax and rejuvenate your body in the outdoor hot tubs while admiring the snow-capped mountains.

Check out this guide before making that trip to Banff for a smooth travel.

Pro Tip:

Choose a destination that matches your group’s vibe to ensure everyone will have a fun time. Do you crave adventure, relaxation, or nightlife?

What to Do in Canada’s Top Spots

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Dance the night away in Montreal

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The beautiful city of Montreal actually has a thriving nightlife scene where you can vibe with the music, drink the most creative cocktails, and dance the night away. You and the girls can explore the town for the hottest bars.

You’ll find diverse choices in the city, including cocktail lounges, speakeasies, dive bars, pubs, and nightclubs. After a fun night out, head over to the historic neighbourhood of Old Montreal.

Explore Vancouver’s natural landscapes

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If your idea of a girls’ trip is outdoor adventures, Vancouver will not let you down. Escape the city noise and explore BC’s lush landscapes, and it doesn’t matter if you’re a pro adventurer or not!

There are tonnes of places to hike and kayak in Vancouver. Bring the girls to Deep Cove, a seaside village that’s perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding, or to The Grouse Grind, a 2.5 km uphill trail in North Vancouver in Grouse Mountain.

Shop ‘til you drop in Toronto

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No girls’ trip is complete without shopping. There are so many choices to shop for souvenirs, clothing, jewellery, and knick-knacks in Toronto.

CF Toronto Eaton Centre is a massive mall conveniently located downtown where you can discover both local and international brands. The Distillery District is a good place to start for some unique finds, then take a 15-minute walk to St Lawrence Market.

Relax at the spa in Banff

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Just because Banff is known for outdoor adventures doesn’t mean that you can’t have a relaxing girls’ trip there. There are many spas and hot springs in this stunning town, which can be super helpful after a tiring day outdoors.

Take a bus from downtown to reach Banff Upper Hot Springs, which has outdoor pools filled with natural mineral water. The Fairmont Spa is a more luxurious option, where you can rejuvenate your skin and body through massages, facials, and body treatments.

Pro Tip:

For a more balanced itinerary, mix city exploration with local activities, like wine tasting, food hopping, or spa days. This way, you can explore more and experience cool activities in a short time.

What Activities To Do for a Perfect Girls’ Trip

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Adventurous Experiences

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Canada is the ultimate explorer’s paradise! The natural beauty combined with rugged landscapes, lush forests, and mountain peaks make up the perfect setting for outdoor adventures!

Kayak the rivers in Vancouver

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A Canadian trip is not complete without at least trying kayaking! If you aren’t aware, Canadians love this activity, and there are so many places to do it.

Vancouver is a kayaker’s paradise with its gorgeous beaches, lakes, and rivers. Deep Cove Kayak offers paddleboarding tours, which is ideal if you want to avoid DIY-ing your kayaking adventure (and it’s way more convenient!).

Another hassle-free destination for kayakers is Granville Island because you can find rentals and tours there. If you want to do something other than kayaking, you can try SUP paddleboarding or rent a Sea-Doo (a watercraft) and ride the waves!

Ski down the trails in Whistler

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For the winter sports girlies, skiing in Whistler, BC, is a must-try! It’s only an hour and a half drive from Vancouver, which means you can experience more things for only a short drive!

It’s where you’ll find Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America. You and the girls can slide down the many winter trails—beginners and pros have a place to skid down here!

Hike the mountains in Banff

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A Banff visit should be on your bucket list, even if it’s a touristy place. The breathtaking views of the mountains, pristine lakes, and beautiful wildlife are there for you to see with every step you take.

When you hike in Banff, you’ll be rewarded with the most incredible views. You can go on the beginner trails or the most challenging ones. Plan a trip around July to September for a higher chance of snow-free trails.

One of the most popular hikes is the Lake Agnes Trail, a 6.8 km out-and-back route that takes you to a teahouse on the mountain. For a bit of a challenge, Sentinel Pass is a strenuous 11 km hike with steep climbs.

Pro Tip:

Plan your schedule and book outdoor activities in advance, especially during peak season.

Relaxing and Wellness Activities

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Girls’ trips are fun but can be tiring, especially after hitting thousands of steps a day! If you want to relax your body and mind, here are things you can do:

Go on a thermal journey at Scandinave Spa

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Location: 8010 Mons Rd, Whistler, BC
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Unplug during your girls’ trip at Scandinave Spa. Relax in a thermal spa by dipping into a hot pool to improve your blood flow, then hit the cold plunge to loosen your muscles.

Aside from the thermal spa, you and the girls can book massage therapies to complete your spa retreat in Canada! There are different kinds, like deep tissue and restorative massages, to cater to different needs!

Book a yoga session at YYOGA

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Locations List
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If you want to exercise while relaxing during your girls’ trip, we suggest joining a class at YYOGA! It has multiple locations in Vancouver and Richmond—after a yoga sesh, your body will be ready to tackle nature adventures in BC!

There are 10 different styles for all levels—try beginner-friendly classes if not all your friends are yogis. Try to go for the slow-paced classes if you don’t practice yoga regularly.

Pro Tip:

Remember to plan ahead and book outdoor activities in advance. There’s a high chance for activities and tours to run out of slots during peak season.

Where to Eat and Drink During a Girls’ Trip

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No vacation is complete without trying out Canada’s diverse cuisine! Visit trendy cafes, hidden gems, local hotspots, and Michelin-starred restaurants and take your tastebuds on a yummy adventure!

Top Restaurants and Cafes in Canada

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Vacations are where calories don’t count! After all, the best way to get to know a place is by tasting its food!

Pop by trendy cafes in Montreal

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Location: Mile End, Montreal, QC

Sometimes, the happiest trips include enjoying the simple things in life. One of our favourite things to do is sip good coffee while people-watching, sharing stories, and watching time go by in the gorgeous city of Montreal.

Check out the trendy neighbourhood of Mile End, which is brimming with cool cafes that will make you want to skip Timmies altogether! We suggest Café Alphabet on Clark Street and Café Olimpico on Rue Saint-Viateur.

Satisfy your cravings in Kensington Market in Toronto

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Location: Kensington Market, Toronto, ON
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Toronto is a multicultural city, which means you also get to taste a diverse food scene! Head over to Kensington Market, a charismatic neighbourhood and a foodie hotspot!

Taste the most delicious local eats, such as smash burgers, homemade pastries, sweet treats, creative cocktails, and more! Join Pedestrian Sunday from May to October every the last Sunday of the month.

Taste delicious seafood in Vancouver

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Location: 1535 Johnston St. Creekhouse #102, Vancouver, BC
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If you want fresh seafood, fly to Vancouver for oysters that taste like the ocean, rich salmon, and sweet and salty sea urchins. It is also home to Michelin-starred restaurants that will elevate the way you dine!

Check out The Sandbar on Granville Island for incredible views and delicious meals. It has an oyster bar!

Pro Tip:

Make reservations for popular restaurants to avoid long waits, especially in Montreal and Toronto. If you’re going to a reservation-only restaurant, book it before your trip.

Nightlife and Bars Perfect for a Girls’ Night Out

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Night outs are a must, especially when you’re with the girls. Add vacation to the equation, and you’re sure to have the coolest and most memorable time, whether you get wasted or not!

Taste the best cocktails in Toronto

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Location: King Street W & Ossington Avenue, Toronto, ON

When in Toronto, head over to King Street West to find the trendiest cocktail bars, a street brimming with the coolest places for locals and tourists. Ossington is also worth checking out, as well as Dundas West, if you want to visit lively bars.

Check out our article on the best cocktail bars in Toronto we’ve tried. Maybe you’ll find your new favourite!

Experience Montreal’s vibrant nightlife scene

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Location: Crescent Street, Montreal QC

Sure, Montreal is known for its rich culture and history. But did you know it has a lively nightlife that will teach you how to enjoy life? And if you compare it to other major cities in Canada, it’s not bad, budget-wise.

After a day of touring Old Montreal, go downtown to Crescent Street for a fun night out with the girls! This long stretch is packed with nightclubs and bars, like Jet Nightclub, which has the sickest beats and talented DJs.

Enjoy the intimate vibe of a Vancouver speakeasy

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Location: 518 Main St, Vancouver, BC

There’s something exciting about finding the hidden door that opens into a dark, intimate atmosphere. If you want a really cool experience with the girls, we suggest Bagheera in Chinatown.

To get in, enter the unmarked door of Happy Valley Turf Club (a horse betting club). Then, place a bet on a horse, and if it wins, you get in! A little insider’s tip: place your bet on King Louie (shh, don’t tell anyone!).

Pro Tip:

Many bars in Canada have happy hour deals. You can save money during your girls’ trip and taste the most delicious cocktails!

Where to Stay on a Girls’ Trip in Canada

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Best Hotels and Airbnbs in Canada for Groups

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When choosing hotels in Canada for girls’ trips, we recommend booking group-friendly accommodations so everyone can stay in one place. Hotels in city centres or downtown areas are convenient because you’re closer to shops, restaurants, and attractions.

But sometimes, hotels only allow 2 to 4 guests per room, which isn’t ideal for large groups. So, if you’re travelling as a group of 5 or more, why not check out Airbnbs?

You can find apartments and houses here, which are also perfect for bachelorette trips and long vacations.  To give you ideas, check out our recommendations for the best hotels in Banff and staycations in Quebec!

Pro Tip:

Look for accommodations with communal spaces for quality hang-out time, like a spacious living room, outdoor patio, or pool.

Unique Stays and Glamping Options

Hotels are convenient—they have everything you need and you don’t have to make your bed every morning—but sometimes, it’s nice to look for something unique. Glamping (basically, glamorous camping) has remained a popular trend nowadays.

Instead of the usual hotel rooms, you can stay in unique accommodations in Canada by checking out yurts, tents, and treehouses—it’s a conversation starter, no doubt! If you’re staying somewhere near or in the wilderness, glamping will give you modern comforts!

Check this out for glamping spot suggestions in Ontario.

Pro Tip:

Add a special touch to your trip by booking a unique stay for a night or two.

Seasonal Guides for a Girls’ Trip to Canada

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Best Times to Visit Canada for a Girls’ Trip

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The best time to visit Canada is during the summer, from June to September when the snow has melted and many local experiences are available. But if you want to avoid hot weather and large crowds, May is ideal.

There’s a bunch of summer activities for the whole group, too! If you’re visiting Montreal, check out this article for summer things to do!

For winter activities, visit from November to March. Toronto hosts fun winter festivals you can participate in. Banff is also magical when it’s snowing because you can enjoy a bunch of winter sports and still relax in the hot springs.

Ultimately, it depends on what you and your friends want to experience. If you can take a long vacation, September to November is best for experiencing fall and winter—many holiday festivities also start at the end of November.

Pro Tip:

Visit during Canada’s shoulder seasons, which are spring and fall, for fewer crowds, stunning scenery, and off-peak rates.

Packing Tips for Every Season

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For a smooth vacation with the girls where you don’t have to spend extra loonies for essentials you forgot to bring, you have to make sure you’re bringing all the things you need. In Canada, bringing an extra jacket is a must!

  • Spring: Weather varies during this season—the days are warmer and the nights are cooler. It starts in March (when the snow is melting or starting to), so bring layers of clothing and a lightweight coat/jacket that can keep you warm.
  • Summer: Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes for city exploration. Bring your new sundress, shorts, shirts, socks, hats, and sunglasses since you’ll be out in the sun most of the time. Don’t forget sunscreen!
  • Fall: Now that the season is heading to winter, bring layers of clothing to protect you from the cold. The weather is generally comfortable, but expect rainy days. You’ll need a toque, gloves, and a waterproof jacket.
  • Winter: We’re notorious for really cold weather, so make sure you have base layers, insulated jackets (down-filled are ideal for icy weather), winter boots, toque, gloves, and earmuffs. 

And of course, don’t forget your essentials, like mini toiletries, gadgets and chargers, medication, printed/digital copies of tickets, and travel documents (if you’re coming from another country, don’t forget your passport and visa, if applicable).

Pro Tip:

Bring a versatile jacket when coming to Canada, even in the summer. Weather can change pretty quickly, so it’s best to have something to cover you up instead of suffering from chilly weather!

Group Travel Tips and Budgeting for Girls’ Trip in Canada

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Travel Tips for a Smooth Girls’ Trip

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When travelling with the girls, safety should be the top priority—save emergency numbers on your phone and have a plan if you get separated from the group. Buy travel insurance in case accidents happen to protect you and your bank account.

Download important travel apps, like Uber and Citymapper for public transportation. Even though most shops have contactless payments, bring cash because some places don’t accept cards.

Plan your itinerary to ensure everyone will have a good time. Consider splitting as a group during experiences that others are not into. You don’t have to always stick together, especially when it comes to activities.

Plan your budget. Book accommodations and attractions in advance for a more organised trip. Decide how much you’re willing to spend on shopping, food, and activities.

As female travellers, always be aware of your surroundings. It’s a hard fact of life, unfortunately.

Share your location with the group and people you trust, and never leave your drinks unattended even for a minute—in case you do, throw them away and buy a new one. And don’t accept drinks from strangers. It’s not worth the risk.

Pro Tip:

Look at car rentals, which can be helpful if you plan to explore national parks or remote areas. 

Budget-Friendly Ideas for a Girls’ Trip in Canada

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Keep the costs down by checking out free places and activities—many festivals don’t require tickets. For an affordable girls’ trip, look for budget-friendly accommodations and avoid luxury hotels.

Check out local shops and farmers’ markets for cheap eats—you can find affordable meals for under $10. Bring your own water bottle to avoid paying for plastic bottled water.

Pro Tip:

Check out Canada’s many free outdoor attractions, like parks and scenic viewpoints.

Special Occasions: Bachelorette Parties and Celebrations

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Planning a Bachelorette Party in Canada

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Sometimes, special occasions are when girls’ trips are planned—that includes bachelorette parties! It’s the last vacation before the bride walks down the aisle, so make it memorable by planning lively and relaxing days.

You can go party in Toronto for a fun, crazy night! If the bride wants something more mellow, book a Nordic spa weekend. If you’re travelling to Ontario, check out these fun bachelorette party ideas.

Pro Tip:

Plan your trip based on what suits her style. What does the bride want? Does she enjoy adventure, relaxation, or nightlife? 

Celebrating Birthdays and Milestones on a Girls’ Trip in Canada

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If you or your friend is celebrating a milestone, like a birthday, promotion, or even a divorce, you can add that to your itinerary!

Milestone celebrations in Canada can be very diverse. Book a private dining experience at a fancy restaurant, plan a memorable group activity, or party it up by hopping across town—a wine tour in Niagara is always a good idea!

Pro Tip:

Look for activities that offer special deals for group bookings. 

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