Canada is a vast and versatile country with acres and acres of natural beauty in its purest of forms which is a treat for any travel buff. The pristine snow clad mountains, shimmering glacial lakes, immaculate beaches, enormous national parks, and some astounding historical monuments; it’s the dream of many people to do a trans-Canadian road trip. Most of us are apprehensive of going on a trip to Canada because of the high travel costs involved. But the good news is that if we do a little planning and research, we can easily travel to Canada on a budget . The local population in the country is very warm and friendly and they welcome tourists from all over the world with an open heart.
The 11 Best Ways To Explore Canada On A Budget
Let’s look at some of the best options to cut down on costs and still have the best time of your life in this incredibly beautiful place.
1. Book your flight tickets in advance
The first thing which you will need to travel to Canada on a budget is cheap flight tickets. Canada is quite far from India and it usually takes around 17 hours to reach on a direct flight. But these are on the expensive sides and go up to INR 1,00,000 approximately for each person in the peak season. May, June or September are the best months to visit Canada when the weather is still warm and the crowds are less. A little advance booking can save up to INR 40,000 which will be a great start to your trip to Canada.
After the ticket bookings are sorted, you can go ahead with the other formalities of getting a visa which generally takes about 15 days to a month to arrive.
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2. Travel on Megabus for going intercity
Canada has very reasonable travel options in terms of Megabus which you can use for going to different cities like Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, to name a few in the country. The tickets are as cheap as INR 300 for one way if booked in advance and if you are lucky you can also get a seat for just INR 100 too. The only hitch is that these buses are not always on time so you may not find it an efficient option if you are on a tight schedule.
3. Wheels on rent
Canada is the second largest country and the long winding roads are a car driver’s dream come true. Renting a car on your trip to Canada can also be one of the most thrilling experience as well as one of the best ways to travel to Canada on a budget. You just need an International driving license and you are all set for a journey of a lifetime. The rates for renting cars start from INR 1000 per day and it depends upon the model and makes of the car. But if you are looking to explore this country in a unique way and that too within budget, then renting wheels is the best option for you.
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4. A train journey along the coasts and across Canada
This large country has an expansive train network which makes connectivity and commuting an easier and affordable thing for going from one place to another. One way journey on a short distance trip starts from INR 1350 and you can also opt for different packages offered including refreshments and seat preferences.
5. Opt for home sharing services
With the commuting part sorted, now comes the accommodation which can really hike your expenses if you go for a regular hotel room. So, if you are really looking for traveling to Canada on a budget, then you can use home sharing facilities. They are mostly available in all the big cities like Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver. If you look for shared homes rather than entire houses, then you can aptly save on daily room rents. Canadians are very friendly and welcoming people. They open their own homes to tourists and offer couches to sleep on for a nominal charge. You can look for such spaces in local Facebook groups, and if you are lucky, you will find a nice and cozy couch to rest for a night or two. This option is very helpful in small towns or cities.
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6. Camping
This is one of the most exciting and stimulating ways to stay if you are planning for Canada vacations in the spring or summer season. The country has some of the most beautiful camping sites across different places where you can set up tents amidst the beautiful natural surroundings, and that too for free of cost. There are some locations where you may have to pay a nominal charge for setting up your tent on the campgrounds. Just make sure that you have all the camping gear ready. This includes a strong tent, food items, portable cooking equipment, sleeping bags and the likes. There are signs all across the main highways for parks and camping areas. Just look for one of those and you are all set for few adventure filled days.
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7. Take a room at a hostel
This is another option to save money during your trip to Canada. Hostels are mostly available in all the cities in different locations. They have shared rooms and bathrooms and also kitchen areas. The prices will differ according to the places and season in which you are traveling. It is also a great way to build friendships with the locals and other budget tourists. You can also ask for some suggestions for local eateries and the best places to visit within budget in the area.
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8. Eat smart and reasonable
The cheapest way to save money on your food expenses is to look at the local supermarkets and street vendors. Not only will you spend less, but you can also taste the authentic cuisine of the place in this manner. The country’s most popular dish is called Poutine which is an assortment of french fries along with cheese cream and gravy. Almost all the street food stalls have their own version of this dish and you will also find sausages, hot dogs and veg option in burgers for the hardcore vegetarians. While choosing the food stall or truck, just look for those which have a long queue in front of them. This way, you will know that they are authentic and popular too.
9. Music, food, and art festivals
Canada is very famous for its various festivals that keep happening in all major cities and towns throughout the year. During the summer and spring seasons, it is a more common occurrence and most of them have free entry. This is the best opportunity to taste the local cuisine and also have a look at the native craftsmanship and artistic work to know more about their culture and traditions. Even if you are traveling in winter, you don’t have to be disappointed as there is an array of festivals lined up especially for the cold season like Montreal’s Igloofest, Toronto’s Winter City, Ottawa’s Winterlude and many such more.
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10. Enjoy the outdoors, museums, and galleries
The country is renowned for its bountiful nature which is laden with lush forests, parks, splendid lakes, and exhilarating hiking trails. If you want to travel to Canada on a budget, then outdoor activities top the list in the things to do. There are many trails for hiking and biking and that too for without any cost. Same is with kayaking and canoeing in the rivers and lakes. The winter season offers a chance to go skiing. You can easily rent a bike or a cycle to travel within the city on a low rental. Another major attraction is Canada’s various museums and art galleries and the best part is that most of them have a free entry or very nominal charges. It is said that a place is best explored on foot so you can join any of the free walking tours conducted in all the big cities in Canada.
11. Look out for discount and deal coupons
There are many websites in Canada where you can get deals and discount coupons for popular restaurants, resorts, theaters, concerts and things alike. Keep an eye on these online sites and grab the right opportunity in the form of these coupons.
Further Read: A Complete Guide To Enjoy Fun-Filled And Rejoicing Family Trips To Canada!
If you are wondering how much does a trip to Canada cost, then you need not fret much. If you have a budget of INR 5500 per day, then you can very easily sustain in this country and have a fun-filled holiday too without worrying too much about the expenses. TravelTriangle can help you in all ways right from flight bookings to planning an itinerary for your trip to Canada on a budget.
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