Are you looking to explore Canada on a budget? Exploring Canada might be a dream for many travelers who have already explored a big chunk of the globe. The stunning peaks of the Rockies as well as the lively streets of Toronto are a traveler’s paradise.
Yet, Canada isn’t known for being cheap. It can often cost a lot to travel to just one small part of the region, let alone explore it fully and capture its essence. Fortunately, you don’t need to drain your savings to have an incredible adventure.
With a little bit of planning and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can definitely explore Canada without spending a fortune. Here’s how:
Key Takeaways
- Whether you’re planning on hiking through the Rockies, exploring busy cities, or road-tripping across the country, you won’t need to break your bank to do so
- Pack your bags, grab your map, and get ready for a budget-friendly Canadian journey
Plan Travels During Shoulder Season
One of the easiest ways to save money on your trip to Canada is by visiting the region during the shoulder season which is spring (April to early June) and fall (September to early November). Flights as well as accommodations are significantly less costly during these times and tourist attractions are a lot less crowded.
You can still enjoy beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures. Plus, in the fall, you are able to witness Canada’s breathtaking autumn colors without getting stuck in summer crowds.
Use Budget Airlines or Alternative Transport
Planning to fly across Canada? It can easily get expensive. However, if you opt for budget airlines like Flair Airlines and Lynx Air, these might offer you low-cost flight options between major cities.
Another attractive option for many travels is to book overnight buses with companies like Greyhound or Megabus. These allow you to save on a night’s accommodation as well. If you are looking for an adventure, you can also choose ride-sharing services like Poparide which let you split costs with locals driving between cities.
Go For the Free Attractions First!
Canada is filled with natural beauty and free attractions. You don’t need to pay for a ticket to bask in the heat of the sun or witness the beautiful mountains and valleys in the region. Many cities in Canada offer free walking tours, public beach trips, scenic park adventures, and access to outdoor markets.
Some parks, such as Vancouver’s Stanley Park or even Alberta’s Kananaskis Country are free for everyone. Even if you visit a national park, an annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass ($75 for adults) gives you unlimited access to more than 80 national parks and historic sites.
Certain museums also offer free admission days. The Art Gallery of Ontario, for example, offers free entry on Wednesday evenings. Don’t prefer museums? You can also find free festivals to explore within the city, from Toronto’s Nuit Blanche to Montreal’s Jazz Festival.
Budget Accommodations
Hotels in Canada can make your travel cost pile up really fast. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have any alternatives to rely on. For instance, if you choose to stay at a budget-friendly dorm you can end up saving a lot of unnecessary costs you might have incurred otherwise.
Moreover, you can also explore the option of renting a room or an apartment through Airbnb which might cost you a lot less than a hotel. Couchsurfing is free if you’re open to meeting locals and staying in their homes. Plus, in the summer, many Canadian universities also rent out their dorms to travelers at affordable rates which is a great option too.
If you’re a nature lover and particularly attached to the outdoors, consider camping. Campgrounds in national and provincial parks are a cheap way to stay overnight. Many charge as little as $15-$30 per night.
Find Discount Passes and Coupons
Want to create an itinerary that keeps your budget in mind? Many cities offer tourist discount passes that bundle up various attractions at low costs. For example;
- Toronto CityPASS – This pass provides you admission to five top attractions at lower prices.
- Montreal Passeport MTL – Offers you access to more than 28 attractions and unlimited public transport.
- Student and Youth Discounts – If you are under 30, ISIC and SPC cards can get you discounts on transportation, museums, and restaurants.
Consider a Canadian Rockies Tour on a Budget
The Canadian Rockies are probably every Canadian tourist’s dream location. But guided tours can often be expensive. If you are looking to save money, consider booking a budget-friendly Canadian Rockies tour.
Small group tours or budget-focused tour companies can offer you affordable packages and discounts that you might not be able to access otherwise.
Pro Tip: Consider renting a car and driving through Banff, Jasper, and Yoho National Parks and explore them at your own pace. You can also use affordable shuttle services like the Roam Transit in Banff.
Final Thoughts
Traveling to Canada on a budget is totally doable. You just need to plan ahead. Take advantage of the off-season travel, budget transportation, free attractions, and affordable accommodations.
Whether you’re planning on hiking through the Rockies, exploring busy cities, or road-tripping across the country, you won’t need to break your bank to do so! Pack your bags, grab your map, and get ready for a budget-friendly Canadian journey!
