How much does it cost to travel to Canada?
You should plan to spend around $173 (CA$236) per day on your vacation in Canada. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $39 (CA$53) on meals
- $22 (CA$30) on local transportation
- $188 (CA$256) on hotels
A one week trip to Canada for two people costs, on average, $2,424 (CA$3,302). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Canada expensive to visit?
Canada is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Canada is reasonably affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in North America for its affordability. You can find more affordable countries such as Mexico, but there are also more expensive countries, such as USA.
For more details, see Is Canada Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Canada?
The average Canada trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Canada travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
Category
|
Cost
|
Accommodation 1
(Double Occupancy)
|
CA$256
($188)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
CA$30
($22)
|
Food 2
|
CA$53
($39)
|
Entertainment 1
|
CA$33
($25)
|
Tips and Handouts 1
|
CA$3 -
9
($2 - 7)
|
Alcohol 2
|
CA$12 -
35
($9 - 26)
|
Accommodation Budget in Canada
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Canada is $94 (CA$128). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Canada is $188 (CA$256). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Canada? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Canada
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The cost of a taxi ride in Canada is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $22 (CA$30) per person, per day, on local transportation in Canada.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$22
CA$30
Typical prices for Local Transportation in Canada are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in Canada, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Food Budget in Canada
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While meal prices in Canada can vary, the average cost of food in Canada is $39 (CA$53) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Canada should cost around $15 (CA$21) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Canada is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$39
CA$53
Typical prices for Food in Canada are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Canada, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Entertainment Budget in Canada
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Entertainment and activities in Canada typically cost an average of $25 (CA$33) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$25
CA$33
Typical prices for Entertainment in Canada are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in Canada, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Tips and Handouts Budget in Canada
Calculated from travelers like you
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Canada
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Canada is $2.30 (CA$3.14), as reported by travelers.
-
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
$2.30
CA$3.14
Typical prices for Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps in Canada are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps prices in Canada, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
-
Towel & Mosquito Smoke
CA$10
Alcohol Budget in Canada
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $17 (CA$23) on alcoholic beverages in Canada per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$17
CA$23
Typical prices for Alcohol in Canada are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Alcohol prices in Canada, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
-
Bottle of Wine
CA$15
-
Absolut at Barrie
CA$25
-
Vodka
CA$25
Water Budget in Canada
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, people spend $2.63 (CA$3.58) on bottled water in Canada per day. The public water in Canada is considered safe to drink.
-
Water2
Bottled water for one day
$2.63
CA$3.58
Last Updated: Jan 12, 2024
Canada On a Budget
Prince Edward Island
Canada is the second largest country in the world and offers a diversity of attractions. It covers a range of geographic areas including the stunning Rocky Mountains, the small fishing villages of Nova Scotia, and the beautiful lakes and prairies that spread throughout the country. Canada also has some of the world's most ethnically diverse and cosmopolitan cities including Vancouver and Toronto. The country also offers an abundance of winter sports including skiing, snowboarding and ice skating. Despite the frigid weather, this is a country where people love to be outdoors. While it's generally best to visit in the summer months during the warmer weather, if you head to Canada in the winter you will definitely find no shortage of activities.
Because of its vast size, flying can be the most efficient way to travel around Canada. Alternatively, many people choose to use the train which is a beautiful and fun way to see the country. Driving offers you the most flexibility and accessibility as destinations are often spread out. It is possible to access many areas, particularly the larger cities, by bus as well.
In general, Canada is comparable in cost to the United States. Camping is a great option if you're visiting the national parks. This will definitely allow you to stretch your dollar farther. If you're renting a car, try to pick up and return it in the same location, as the price is typically less. Also consider stocking up on groceries and cooking your own meals. Restaurants can be somewhat expensive and cooking is a fun way to save money. Canada has similar fast food restaurants to the United States. They're not always good, but they are cheap if you find yourself running short of funds. Also consider traveling during the off season when hotels are more affordable and attractions are generally cheaper. Also, like the United States, you'll be able to stretch your money farther if you choose one region to explore. Don't set out to see all of Canada. Instead, pick a few parks and cities and make your trip a regional vacation. This will cut down on costs as well because you won't have to take as many flights. As a rule, national parks are also much cheaper than cities. By visiting the country for its naturally beauty, you'll keep entertainment costs to a minimum. Even if you don't camp, hotels are generally cheaper near parks than in cities, and it's much easier to prepare your own food. So if you're hoping to travel around Canada on a budget, consider skipping some of the cities and instead spend more time in the country's very impressive national parks.
At A Glance
- Canada covers a vast area of land. It is virtually impossible to see it all in one trip, regardless of how much time you have. Definitely choose one or two regions that you can explore in depth. You'll have a more fulfilling experience and you'll save yourself a lot of money. Every region is different so do some research to determine what appeals to you the most.
- If you're hoping to cover vast distances, then flying is the most convenient way to get around the country. It is also one of the most expensive. Other options include taking trains, buses, or renting your own vehicle. Bus connections are decent but not great. They typically connect the largest cities. Having your own vehicle will allow you more flexibility and you will be able to delve into the experience on a different level.
- One fun way to experience the national parks throughout the country is to travel with a RV. This gives you the added flexibility of having your own vehicle, and you have your accommodation with you wherever you go. Many of the campgrounds have adequate hookups for RVs so this is a great way to experience all that the country has to offer.
- Wildlife spotting is a popular activity throughout the country. Whether you're looking for bears, whales, or something else, it's best to make sure you're traveling during the appropriate season. Also make sure you have a good guide with you as that can make all of the difference.
- You'll find most major western chain restaurants throughout the country. Fast food options are abundant and cheap, but generally the quality is quite low. Instead, look for local options. These are everywhere in the larger cities, and available on a smaller scale in the more rural locations.
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party hostel in Montreal or
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Top Tourist Attractions
Whale watching: Whether you're on the Atlantic or Pacific Coast, Canada offers some breathtaking whale watching opportunities. You can see humpback whales or beautiful Orcas on the Pacific Coast. Choose your season wisely as many whales migrate and you want to make sure they are in the area during your trip.
Banff: Beautifully positioned in the Canadian Rockies, Banff offers wonderful skiing in an area that is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
Halifax: Centered in the quaint island of Nova Scotia, Halifax is a wonderful jumping off point to explore the character filled towns around the island.
Popular Foods
Canada is known for its regional specialties and international cuisine. In large cities like Vancouver and Toronto you will find many different international restaurants, and many of the dishes are influenced by European and Asian cooking styles. In smaller towns there are often a good number of chain restaurants available, as well as a few local restaurants that are often quite good and reasonably prices. If you're camping, then grilling is a good option as there are often grocery stores near most of the major parks. This is a great way to keep your food costs low as well.
Poutine: Poutine is a popular Canadian dish that is made of french fries, cheese curds and a brown gravy. It was originally a regional specialty created in Quebec, but is now found throughout the entire country. You'll find it in most diners and cafe style restaurants as well as major fast food chains like McDonald's, KFC, or Burger King.
Croquignoles: This is a delicious homemade version of a donut that is deep fried in shortening. You can find it throughout Canada at various restaurants. Although not exactly healthy, it is tasty.
Nanaimo Bars: A nanaimo bar is a dessert dish that is made from custard or vanilla filled squares. It is made with a crumb base and topped with chocolate. It's a cookie based bar that requires no baking and is ubiquitous in Canada.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.