As a general rule of thumb, if you’re planning on traveling to 3 or more cities, it’s a good idea to rent a car because you will be traveling longer distances to get to your destinations. If you choose to drive around Canada, try to get gas on Native Reserves because it tends to be cheaper. The reserves are subject to fewer taxes which reduces the overall price of gas. First Nation reserves are marked by signs on the highways, or you can locate them on a map. [2] X Research source
Be aware that the Megabus tends to be slower and run late, so it may not be the most efficient option if you have a tight schedule.
Budget airlines are able to offer low-cost tickets by eliminating the traditional frills of air travel, like checked baggage and in-flight snacks and drinks. Anything considered an amenity comes with a fee from the airline. If you don’t live near a major city, consider driving to the nearest major airport to save on the cost of an additional flight. If you’re located outside of the U. S. and Canada, WOW airlines offers flights from most European cities. Alternatively, you can book a longer flight with a traditional airline, then fly between cities on a budget airline.
You can select to travel in economy class, which secures you a seat; business or touring class, which provides access to refreshments and larger seats; and sleeper class, which gives you a bed for overnight travel. [6] X Research source
Using a website like Airbnb gives you the security of background verification for hosts. Craigslist and Facebook groups don’t provide you with this, but they can be less expensive because they cut out the middleman. Prices will vary based on location and the number of people looking to stay at the home. Most inexpensive Airbnbs can comfortably sleep 2 people at a time.
Using a website like Airbnb gives you the security of background verification for hosts. Craigslist and Facebook groups don’t provide you with this, but they can be less expensive because they cut out the middleman. Prices will vary based on location and the number of people looking to stay at the home. Most inexpensive Airbnbs can comfortably sleep 2 people at a time.
A drawback of couchsurfing is that you normally can’t reserve the couch in advance, so you risk not having a place to stay if an arrangement falls through. Be prepared with extra funds for a hotel in case this happens. If you’re considering couchsurfing, be sure to clarify the arrangement with the host. Try to set up a video or phone call before you arrive to discuss your stay with them and verify that they are who they say they are.
If you’ve never gone camping before, make sure you have a sturdy tent, enough food, a portable cooktop, flashlights and sleeping bags. Always do a trial run of your campsite at home before embarking on your adventure! If you haven’t scoped out your campground in advance, look for signs along roadways that mark designated camping areas, provincial parks, or national parks. You can also consult a map to find these areas ahead of time. Camping might be less viable in the winter, especially for less-experienced campers. Don’t attempt to camp in the snow unless you’ve done it before, as it can be dangerous for your health without the proper protection.
The price of the hostel will vary based on the location and time of year. In the off-season, you can get great deals on hostels, even in downtown city centers. Keep in mind that in cities like Vancouver, which is popular in the winter, the off-season is the summer. Hostels can be great places for making connections with other travelers and getting tips from locals. Don’t be afraid to ask around for suggestions, especially if you’re looking for fellow budget-conscious travelers!
If you’re planning on taking a tour, make sure you wear your walking shoes and dress for the weather! They can be long, sometimes up to 2-3 hours, and the weather in some cities can change unexpectedly.
If you’re traveling in the winter, don’t worry! Since Canada has long winters, they also have many cold weather festivals like the Igloofest in Montreal, WinterCity in Toronto, Festival du Voyager in Winnipeg, and Winterlude in Ottawa. [13] X Research source
Canada is famous for the popular dish poutine, which is a plate of french fries with gravy and cheese curds. Many street vendors offer a variation of this dish, plus meats like hot dogs, sausage, and even veggie burgers!
In the winter, you can go skiing, or rent a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis for a low-cost excursion on one of the many public trails that remain open during the cold weather. In the cities, biking is a great and low-cost way to get around quickly. You can rent bikes for a few dollars a day or based on an hourly rate. Just be sure to return them when you’re finished!
Some museums operate on a donation-basis, but it’s appropriate to give a few dollars to make sure the museum is compensated for their services. At these locations, it’s up to you to decide what’s a fair price!
Sometimes new businesses will offer coupons on these apps to get people to try out their product. Keep your eyes out for new and fun experiences that might not be listed on popular travel blogs just yet! Think about what you want to experience in Canada and how you would like to experience it. Decide your dates of travel. Talk to your travel agent to find out whether you can get what you want in your budget or the closest you can get to it.
