Sitting just to the north of the U.S., Canada is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. From world-class Alpine skiing to old-world French charm, Canada has everything. Like its companion to the south, Canada is a vast geographical area with a wide range of animals and local human cultures.
Traveling across Canada in a car is perhaps the most personal way to travel. Many travelers drive and camp their way across Canada for as little as $20 a night. Of course, the budget-minded traveler might consider the bus or the train. Whether by car, bus, or train, it takes days to cross Canada. There are hostels and cheap roadside motels. Feeling adventurous anyone?
If you take a Greyhound nonstop from Vancouver to Montreal you won’t need any sleeping accommodations. Unless you count leaning against a stranger passenger in the middle of the night because you can’t stay awake any longer. The bus schedules never rest more than a few hours and you’re back on the road.
From the wide-open Monanitoba plains to New Foundland’s wild coast, Canada was made to see and experience with all your senses.
Things to Consider for Budget Travel in Canada
- Try to think like a consumer-spending Canadian – This might sound strange. However, Canada has different money and different spending traditions. The exchange rate is an important consideration when looking at the cost of travel on a budget. Unfortunately, the exchange market can potentially eat up a budget if you don’t plan for it. Always consider the Canadian cost in real-time before any exchange calculations. This is crucial for managing a debit card across the border.
- Book travel tickets in advance – Most people already do this. However, airline ticket prices can be volatile so locking in good prices will help bring down the cost of travel, especially travel in Canada. If you’re doing a multi-day trip to many places in Canada (or even that dream cross-country trip), consider local bus trips between destinations that are less than 12 hours apart.
The best advice for traveling in Canada on a budget is to plan, plan, and then plan more. Always know where you’re going to eat and sleep. Avoid tourist traps that can drain money quickly if you’re not careful.
Canadian Accomadation Options
There are always budget-minded hotel rooms available on some of the main travel planning sites. However, think about alternatives. For example, checking with campgrounds throughout your itinerary.
Not many Americans know about hostels. Nonetheless, they are a budget-minded alternative that can be very cheap if you plan it right
Vancouver and Montreal are worthy Canadian destinations. However, there are too many worthy Canadian destinations to mention here. Mentioning a handful should give you an idea of Canada’s value as a travel destination.
Can’t Miss Canadian Destinations
The best tourist attractions are free and Canada has much to see on a budget.
- Banff National Park occupies the northern reaches of the Rocky Mountains. The Park has some of the most pristine wilderness in the world.
- If you have the chance, experience Niagara Falls from both sides of the border. The American side seemed dirtier than the Canadian side. You can cross a bridge and have one foot in each country. Just don’t forget your passport.
- As Iconic skyscrapers go, it doesn’t anymore iconic than the CN Tower in Toronto. At the top is a rotating restaurant and a chance to go out on the edge in a thrill ride edge walk, harnessed in of course.
- Anyone visiting Canada should not skip a visit to Old Quebec. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Quebec takes visitors back to a time centuries ago. Old-world charm abounds.
- If you’re really adventurous you’d take the journey to Churchill, Manitoba when the polar bears are out. These majestic animals may not be around much longer due to global warming.
These are just a few of the things to see in Canada. Remember, plan ahead to find the best bargains for sleeping. Avoid tourists traps that tend to drain money easily. Traveling in Canada on a budget doesn’t need to be boring.
