Planning a Trip to Canada on a Budget
Canada is a fantastic tourist destination. It offers visitors a diverse range of exciting experiences. Plan an enjoyable holiday on a budget by following this post’s easy steps.
What You Need to See
Canada has vast stretches of pristine wilderness and diverse cultural offerings. The magnificent snow-capped mountains and glistening glacial lakes of the Canadian Rockies; the pristine beaches of Vancouver Island; the roar of Niagara Falls; large, untouched National Parks; and the country’s deep historical roots. Canada has everything to offer prospective tourists.
However, because of the high cost of travelling to Canada, most are reluctant to make the journey. But, if you do your homework ahead of time, you can have an enjoyable vacation in Canada on a budget.
Let’s look at common ways to save money while having a blast in this beautiful country and its fantastic, welcoming people.
Plan and Reserve Your Flight in Advance
A low-cost flight to Canada is the first step of any frugal vacation. You should plan your trip to Canada during May, June, or September when temperatures are warm but the tourist count is lower. July and August are some of the busiest months in Canada.
Once you get your flight out of the way, you should have a good idea of the amount you’ll be able to spend on the rest of the trip.
Use the Megabus for Intercity Travel
Megabus, a bus service in Canada, connects many major cities, including Montreal and Toronto. If you reserve, you can get budget-friendly one-way tickets between cities. The only hiccup could be if you’re on a strict schedule because the buses are often not on time.
Westjet is an affordable Canadian airline. You can usually get tickets between Central (Ontario) and Western (Alberta) Canada for next to nothing. But, again, it does come down to whether you book in advance.
Hire a Rental Vehicle
Canada is the world’s second-largest country, and its winding highways are a motorist’s dream. But, if you can find a budget rental vehicle, the drive may be one of your life’s most thrilling experiences. You only need a valid foreign driver’s license and a credit card to reserve a car or truck.
Use Room-sharing or AirBNB
Once you’ve determined your Canadian destinations, you’ll need to book lodging. Unfortunately, hotels can become prohibitively expensive even with a standard room. However, Canadians are generally friendly and hospitable people. So, booking a private room on an app such as Airbnb may make the most sense, especially if you’re flying solo. There are also hostels throughout Canada. This article provides you with some great options if you’re visiting Toronto.
Restaurants, Take-out, or Groceries
The best places to get deals on food are the supermarkets, and street sellers close within your immediate proximity. What’s better than getting to save money and enjoying the local food? Poutine, a mix of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy, is the national treat. Almost every street vendor sells their unique take on this meal. Canada is also very health-conscious, so you will find Vegetarian and vegan options everywhere you visit.
Final Thoughts
Be sure to take the time to plan your Canadian vacation properly. If you’re staying in shared rooms and have no rental car, you should be budgeting CAD 150/day during your stay. If you’re staying in a hotel, plan on paying more. Canada is a wonderful place to visit. So take the time to visit this beautiful country, even on a budget.
