12 Hacks to Travel Canada on the Cheap
Canada is known for its jaw-dropping landscapes, multicultural cities, and friendly people—but it’s not always seen as a cheap travel destination. Between transportation, accommodation, and food, costs can add up quickly. The good news? With the right strategies, it’s entirely possible to explore Canada on a tight budget—without sacrificing quality or experience.
This guide is packed with practical, real-world hacks to help you stretch every dollar. Whether you’re backpacking across provinces or spending a few weeks in one region, these 12 tips will help you keep your daily expenses under $50 CAD while still enjoying everything this beautiful country has to offer.
12 Hacks to Travel Canada on $50 a Day
These budget travel tips cover everything from transit and food to accommodations and attractions. They’re based on the realities of travel in Canada—where distances are long, but opportunities to save are many. Here’s how to make the most of your money without missing out.
- Use Megabus and FlixBus for Intercity Travel
- Rely on Public Transit and Walk
- Stay in Hostels or University Dorms
- Use Grocery Stores for Meals
- Visit Attractions on Free Days
- Take Advantage of City Tourism Passes
- Travel with a Reusable Water Bottle and Coffee Mug
- Camp in National or Provincial Parks
- Use Free Walking Tours
- Opt for Budget Airlines with Carry-On Only
- Leverage Couchsurfing and Facebook Travel Groups
- Plan Around Free Events and Festivals
Use Megabus and FlixBus for Intercity Travel to snag fares between major cities for as low as CAD $5. Book in advance for the best prices and take overnight routes to save on accommodation.
Routes between Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal are especially well-serviced. These buses are safe, comfortable, and usually include free Wi-Fi.
Rely on Public Transit and Walk as much as possible. Most Canadian cities have reliable bus, subway, or light rail systems, and day passes typically cost less than CAD $10.
In cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary, transit connects you to major landmarks for a fraction of the cost of taxis or rentals.
Stay in Hostels or University Dorms during summer months. Many universities rent out dorm rooms at discounted rates, and hostels often include free breakfast and kitchen access.
Check options in places like Victoria, Halifax, and Montreal for dorm beds under CAD $35 per night.
Use Grocery Stores for Meals to avoid pricey restaurants. Chains like No Frills, FreshCo, and IGA offer prepared meals, fruit, and snacks on a budget.
Make your own meals in hostel kitchens and look for to-go counters for sandwiches, salads, and soups under CAD $7.
Visit Attractions on Free Days to enjoy museums and galleries without spending a cent. Many institutions offer free admission during select evenings each week.
The Art Gallery of Ontario and Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto both offer free hours. Plan ahead to take advantage of these windows.
Take Advantage of City Tourism Passes like CityPASS or Attractions Ontario coupons to bundle attractions at a discount.
Use these in Toronto, Vancouver, or Quebec City to access several top sites for 30–40% off regular admission.
Travel with a Reusable Water Bottle and Coffee Mug to save on beverages and stay eco-friendly. Most cafés offer a small discount if you bring your own cup.
Refill at public fountains, libraries, and transit hubs. It’s an easy way to cut daily costs.
Camp in National or Provincial Parks where permitted. Campsites start around CAD $16–$25 per night and offer access to nature and hiking trails.
Try camping in Fundy National Park or Algonquin Provincial Park for an immersive and affordable outdoor experience.
Use Free Walking Tours in major cities to get your bearings and learn about local history. These tours operate on a tip basis, so you decide how much to pay.
Available in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City. They’re fun, informative, and budget flexible.
Opt for Budget Airlines with Carry-On Only like Flair and Lynx Air if you must fly. Booking without checked baggage saves up to CAD $50 each way.
Use these for long-distance hops between Calgary, Vancouver, and Halifax when buses aren’t practical.
Leverage Couchsurfing and Facebook Travel Groups to find free accommodations, rideshares, or meet-ups with locals who can offer insider tips and hospitality.
Use Canada Backpackers or Host A Sister groups to connect with budget-minded travelers and hosts.
Plan Around Free Events and Festivals to fill your itinerary with fun, no-cost experiences. Canada hosts dozens of music, food, and cultural festivals every year.
Watch for events like Toronto’s Nuit Blanche or Montreal’s Just for Laughs street shows. Check city calendars for what’s happening during your visit.
What to Expect as a Budget Traveler in Canada
Canada rewards the prepared traveler. With careful planning, a flexible mindset, and a willingness to explore off the beaten path, you can enjoy this beautiful country without going over budget. The public infrastructure is strong, locals are helpful, and many communities support low-cost or free cultural experiences.
- City transportation is safe and budget-friendly with day or weekly passes
- Public parks, beaches, and trails offer high-value nature access
- Many cities offer free Wi-Fi in libraries, cafés, and transit hubs
- Use apps like Too Good To Go or Flashfood to find cheap meals
- Off-season travel in spring and fall means lower prices and fewer crowds
- Look for community centers with free programming
- Pay attention to local bulletin boards for free events and deals
Final Thoughts
Canada may have a reputation for being pricey, but smart travelers know how to stretch every dollar. These twelve hacks prove that you can experience the country’s highlights—from coast to coast—while staying on a tight budget. With the right mix of planning, creativity, and flexibility, $50 a day is not only doable—it can be your ticket to an incredible Canadian journey.