Budget Travel to Canada

If you haven’t looked a map lately, let us begin by telling you this – Canada is big.

Trying to tell someone what it costs to visit Canada is nigh unto impossible, with the varying prices from city to city and province to province – but we can give you some tips to help you save money on a Canada trip no matter where your travels take you.

>> Tips for budget travel to Banff National Park and budget travel to Gwaii Haanas National Park

Flying to Canada

This is the biggest expense of any trip, so saving money on your flight to Canada will go a long way to saving you money on your trip overall. If you’ve got a particular destination in mind, then you’ll need to check out which airports are closest to that spot (remember – Canada is big) – but if you’re open to suggestion, then you can save money by flying to an airport that’s closer to you.

If you’re starting from the eastern part of the U.S., finding cheap airfare to Toronto or Montreal will be easier than finding cheap flights to the western parts of Canada. On the flip side, those of you coming from the western part of the U.S. will have more luck finding cheap airfare to Vancouver or Calgary than airports further east.

No matter which airport is your target, you’ll pay quite a bit more for your ticket if you’re not planning in advance by at least a couple of months – meaning you’re ready to purchase your ticket at least a month before your trip. Spontaneous travelers can try their luck with last minute deals, but the list of last minute bargains may not include the places you want to go.

Other ways to save money on airfare to Canada include avoiding the peak seasons (which are summer, Christmas, late October, and spring break), look at airports that are big hubs for more frequent flights and therefore potentially more deals, and don’t overlook charter flights. Charter airlines don’t always come up in search engines, but they’re roughly the equivalent of no-frills airlines – the difference is they often operate on a seasonal schedule rather than a regular one.

>> Search for cheap flights to Canada

Accommodation in Canada

You’ll find all kinds of accommodation options in Canada, with the larger cities offering the most variety, so you’ll have very little trouble finding a bed. And unlike some places where there are specific terms for budget accommodation, in Canada if you’re familiar with the words “hostel” and “B&B” then you’re well on your way to a cheaper night’s sleep.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Accommodation will vary enormously depending on where you are. As you get further away from population centers (especially as you go north) your options dwindle, and even the fanciest places aren’t fancy. B&Bs in the cities can be expensive and luxurious, and in more rural areas can be like hunting lodges.
• Camping is popular and very budget-friendly. As long as you’re visiting when the weather’s suitable, camping – either in a tent or in a camping vehicle – is an excellent way to save money on accommodation. Canadians are fond of camping, and campgrounds throughout the country are known for having amenities you won’t find at many hotels (including WiFi!).
• Vacation rentals are a great option if you’re staying in one place for more than a few days. It’s an especially good idea if you’re traveling with a family or any kind of group, and the savings from cooking some of your own meals combined with the accommodation savings really adds up.

>> Search for hotels in Canada and hostels in Canada

Transportation in Canada

The method of transportation that’s best for your trip will vary depending on where you want to go, but – like its neighbor to the south – Canada is one of those places where having your own car will make getting around much easier.

You can certainly fly from city to city within Canada if you’re crossing large distances, but that won’t be cheap. Buses and trains are both expensive, and the trains especially don’t have the same intricate network you’ll find in other countries – neither of these methods is a particularly effective way to get around most of Canada. If your specific itinerary is well-served by trains or buses, then that’s fantastic – but otherwise, you’ll need to rent a car or drive your own into the country.

Keep in mind that if you’re planning a Canadian road trip and you’re renting a car, you’ll pay quite a bit more for a one-way rental than you will for a round-trip rental. And it’s also important to remember that you’ll be paying for gas by the liter, not the gallon – so while the price posted may look cheap compared to what you’re used to paying in the U.S., there are nearly four liters in every gallon – so multiply that price by four and you’re more in the range of the price per gallon.

>> Be sure to check out all the travel tips and money-saving advice on the WhyGo Canada Travel Guide.

photo by mckaysavage