How to Travel Canada on a Budget: Tips That Actually Work

The second largest country in terms of land area, Canada, is home to a large number of natural landscapes. This makes it a country that most people would want to travel for vacation. However, Canada is a technologically-advanced and well-developed country. It makes us think that Canada is expensive to travel. That statement is true to a certain extent. Nevertheless, you can still travel to Canada on a budget. Here is how to travel Canada on a budget: tips that actually work.

How to Travel Canada on a Budget: Tips That Actually Work

Choose an adventure based on your budget

Canada is a vast country comprising of three territories and ten provinces. It means that there are plenty of places you can travel to. Some parts of Canada are more expensive than others. So, you can plan your visit to travel to the regions that are less expensive. For example, instead of traveling to Toronto or Vancouver you can go to places like Halifax or Prince Edward Island.

Browse before booking

You need to do some research on the internet and know where to look for to get the best deals available. Websites like Skyscanner and Trivago will help you compare air ticket prices and get the best deal available at the time. It is also important to note that traveling in certain months of the year is cheaper than traveling in the other months. Flight prices are cheaper in January, February, and September, which are the quieter months of travel in Canada. July and August months are the season due to the warm weather.

Book your flight in advance

Booking your flight tickets in advance could save you a lot of money. If you have already planned your destination then you can search for flight deals available and book your tickets once you across such deals. Booking your flight tickets too close to the date of departure could cost you a lot. So, it’s always best to book your flights as early as possible.

Find a more affordable airport for arrival

The airport you select to land upon arrival could be a decisive factor in your total cost for the flight. Landing on airports located close to city centers could be more expensive than landing on airports located quite a distance from the city. For example, if you flying to Toronto’s Pearson Airport it could be more expensive because it is a major airport in the region. Instead, opt for an airport like Buffalo Niagara International Airport, located across the border.

Rent a vehicle for long stays

If you’re planning to stay for long time it is best to rent a vehicle. It could be a car, camper van, RV, or bike. Public transport could be cheaper, but for a longer stay a rented vehicle could be better. It gives you the flexibility to travel wherever you want, including exploring off-the-beaten-path locations. If you are traveling in a group renting a vehicle could be cheaper as cost divides between many people.

Use public transport

Using public transport could be cheaper if you are on a vacation for a few days. It is also the best option if you are traveling solo or with your family. Canada’s transport systems is one of the bets in the world and is easy to navigate. You can even go on a cross-country train trip, which could be a fun and enriching experience.

Choose home sharing services

Using home sharing services like Airbnb or Vrbo could cost you a lot lesser than what could cost if you were to rent a hotel or lodge. It is ideal if you are traveling so or as a couple. Renting out someone’s home or apartment this way gives you aces to kitchen facilities. So, you can cook your own meal and save up on food as well.

Book a rental on the outskirts of the city

Accommodation is often the part you spend most on when travelling. In this case, it is best to rent an apartment or hostel on the outskirts of the city instead of in the city center. Prices tend to be higher for rental units within the city center. However, this could cause you addition time for planning out your itinerary. Nevertheless, living in the outskirts of the city could be an enriching experience that exposes you to the local culture of the region.

Consider camping

If you are a nature and adventure-lover, camping could be the best option. Canada has over 10,000 campsites spread across the country. Camping is a lot cheaper than staying in any rented apartment or home. Moreover, you can explore the surroundings and do a plethora of activities, including hiking, fishing, kayaking, biking, and more.

Get a Discovery Pass

Canada has over 80 national parks with numerous activities in line for adventure lovers. So, it is best to get yourself a Discovery Pass that gives you access to most of the national parks, marine reserves, and historic sites that typically charge an entrance fee. The Discovery Pass saves you time and money that you may otherwise spend on getting individual tickets for each attraction.

Eat smart and affordably

Dining out is quite expensive in Canada. So, you can opt to stock up on grocery items and pre-cooked meals and prepare your own food. You can also opt to eat street food if you want to taste Canadian culinary specialties. It could save you on spending hundreds of dollars on dining out at hotels and restaurants.

Save money on local attractions and events

Canada has many national and international festivals that you can attend for free or lower cost. There are festivals for every interest and budget. Some of these festivals are the Canadian Tulip Festival, Calgary Stampede, and the Montreal International Jazz Festival.

Conclusion

Contrary to popular belief, you can travel to Canada on a budget. Follow these tips to have an enjoyable experience in Canada without being broke at the end of it. These are trips that actually work on how to travel Canada on a budget.