Let’s be honest: Canada is considered one of the expensive places to visit on this planet. The word “considered” is used because it will only be expensive as you make it. But it is definitely possible to travel to the Great White North on a budget. Its rich history, culture, lakes, natural beauty and mountain backdrops attracts tourist in every season. And who can deny the beauty of the Canadian Rockies?
Some of the budget-friendly destinations in Canada are Alberta, Halifax, Lake Lpuise, Winnipeg, and British Columbia. Stunning Banff National Park of Alberta, charming Halifax waterfront, gondola rides, wildlife-seeing and adventure activities in Lake Louise, art and culture in Winnipeg, and hiking to beachcombing in British Columbia—you will get everything here. So, get ready to explore Canada on a budget with these tips and tricks.
Booking flight tickets in advance
You have decided on your travel destination: Canada. Now, the first step is to book your flight tickets. Book them months in advance to get good deals and discounts. This is especially important if you are planning to travel during peak season. Take your time using travel search engines or applications to compare prices. It will help you make the best decision.
Be open to the option of connecting flights, as these can sometimes be cheaper than the direct flights. After sorting your tickets, complete the formalities of getting visa. It generally takes 15-30 days for the via to arrive.
Home sharing services
The accommodation comes next after the tickets. Staying in a regular hotel room can skyrocket your expenses. So, if you want to make it to the budget-traveling in Canada, it’s time to look for home-sharing services. Opting to stay in shared homes as compared to the entire house saves you a considerable amount on daily room rents. The friendly community of Canada allows tourists to stay in their homes and sleep on couches for a very nominal charge.
You can search for such spaces through Airbnb or Facebook groups. In addition to renting the apartment, you even get the amenities like a kitchen and a bathroom. So, you can cook your own food instead of dining out every day.
Discovery pass
The great white north is known for its natural beauty and outdoor adventure activities. And what better way to experience this nature’s love than visiting the national parks? But here is the catch: the admission fees to these parks can add up quickly to your cost, in case if you are planning to visit multiple parks. But worry not. Discovery Pass is here to help you out. It allows unlimited access to visit more than 80 national parks and historic sites across the country and is valid for one year.
That being said, you cannot miss out on visiting breathtaking Lake Louise, located in Banff National Park. It is a must-see destination if you want to dive into the beauty of stunning mountainous backdrops, hiking trails, gondola rides, and more. Exploring incredible hiking trails like the Lake Agnes Tea House Trail costs you nothing except energy.
You can buy a gondola ride & lakeshore shuttle ticket combo and save 10% on the whole cost. What can be better than this cost-effective package? You can even rent a canoe at a very nominal price and paddle across the serene waters, making the most of your trip.
Food
The food expenses can be saved by getting your food from local supermarkets and street vendors. It will help you spend less and experience the authentic taste. You can find budget friendly grocery stores in Calgary, Banff, Hinton and Canmore. The most budget friendly and most visited restaurants are in Banff and you will get the things at same prices everywhere as it is a chain of restaurants.
One of the most popular dishes in Canada is Poutine – a dish of deep-fried fries topped with cheese, cream, and gravy. The easiest way to choose the food stall is to look for a long queue in front of it. This way, you will be able to know that they are the authentic ones.
Music and art festivals
There are several festivals that keep happening in Canada throughout the year. And most of them have free entry which gives you the perfect opportunity to taste the local cuisines and know more about the Canadian culture and traditions. For instance – One of the largest jazz festivals in the world, Montreal Jazz festival features free outdoor concerts.
If you think that you have to shed extra dollars in winters, you need not worry. Because several festivals are organized in cold seasons like Toronto’s Winter City, Montreal Igloofest etc. that gives the chance to tourists to immerse themselves in local culture.
Final Thoughts
Canada offers a wealth of experiences for budget-conscious travelers. By booking flights in advance, utilizing home-sharing services, and exploring with a Discovery Pass, you can enjoy the Great White North without breaking the bank. Don’t forget to savor local foods and attend free festivals for an authentic Canadian experience. Happy Exploration!
