Which place is cheaper, Ontario or British Columbia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit British Columbia or Ontario?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between British Columbia and Ontario can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: British Columbia or Ontario?
British Columbia
The westernmost province in Canada, British Columbia, is four times the size of Great Britain with less than one tenth of the population. This is due to the vast mountain ranges just ready to be tackled including the Rockies, Selkirks and the Coastal Range. With vibrant cities and ambitious outdoor activities, British Columbia is ready for any traveler.
Ontario
Chances are when you think of Canada, the things that come to mind are all located in the province of Ontario. Ontario has the highest population of any province in the country, and is the heart of Canadian tourism. As the home of Toronto, Niagara Falls and Lake Superior, this area is a major tourist destination.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, The Best Eco Tours in Canada, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada.
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British Columbia Prices
Canada PricesOntario Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBritish Columbia $155Ontario $13,599
The average daily cost (per person) in British Columbia is $155, while the average daily cost in Ontario is $13,599. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for British Columbia and Ontario in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBritish Columbia $77Ontario $7,392
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBritish Columbia $154Ontario $
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Compare Hotels in British Columbia and Ontario
Looking for a hotel in British Columbia or Ontario? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.British Columbia $21Ontario $2,114
Hired Cars and Shuttles in British Columbia
Some specific examples of transportation prices in British Columbia:
- Field to Calgary Airport (YYC) - Departure Private Transfer: $292
- Whitewater Rafting from Vancouver with Lunch and Transfers: $286
- Private Transfer from Vancouver City to Vancouver (YVR) Airport: $283
- Vancouver Airport YVR Round-Trip Private Transfer by Luxury SUV: $279
- Whistler to Vancouver Scenic Seaplane Transfer: One Way: $261
- Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Mount Washington - Arrival Transfer: $260
- Vancouver to Whistler Scenic Seaplane Transfer: One Way: $254
- Vancouver International Airport and Cruise Port Private Transfer: $249
- Private Port Transfer Canada Place Cruise Terminal to Richmond BC: $246
- Canada Place Cruise Port to Vancouver hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $231
- Private Vancouver To Whistler Transfer One Way: $215
- Vancouver Airport (YVR) to White Rock - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $206
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ontario
Also for Ontario, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer Toronto to Niagara region: $286
- Arrival Private Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Luxury Car: $177
- Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls in Luxury SUV: $205
- Arrival Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto by Luxury SUV: $182
- Arrival Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Sedan Car: $159
- Departure Private Transfer: Niagara Falls to Toronto Airport YYZ in Luxury SUV: $205
- Departure Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ by Luxury SUV: $182
- Highlights of Toronto city tour with private transfers: $251
- Low Cost:-Private Transfer: Niagara Falls Canada to Toronto Pearson Airport: $206
- Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) to Ottawa - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $117
- Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) to Ottawa City - Arrival Private Transfer: $58
- Ottawa Parc Omega Private Tour with Hotel Transfer: $243
Is it cheaper to fly into British Columbia or Ontario?
Prices for flights to both Ontario and British Columbia change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayBritish Columbia $51Ontario $4,361
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in British Columbia
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in British Columbia.
- Victoria: Old Town & Chinatown Local Food Tour with 7 Tastings: $68
- Delicious Donuts & Holiday Cheer: Victoria's Sweetest Food Tour: $70
- Mount Pleasant Neighborhood Food Tour: $82
- Kelowna: #1 Rated Walking Food Tour with 7 Tastings and 4 Drinks: $83
- Vancouver Gastown's Elite Walking Food Tour Experience: $92
- Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria: $93
- Vancouver Chinatown Elite Food Tour Hidden Gems & Local Tastings: $96
- A Wok Around Granville Island Public Market Food Tour: $108
- Vancouver: Gastown Food Tour with 6 Authentic Local Food Tastings: $113
- Vancouver Foodie Tour: Granville Island Market Food Tour: $118
- Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $119
- Indulge in a Wine & Food Tour - Cowichan Valley: $121
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ontario
For Ontario, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Fun Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Trendy Venue in Toronto: $54
- Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $60
- Downtown London Walking Food Tour: $64
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Guided Food Tour with Ice Wine & Poutine: $64
- Toronto: Niagara Falls Night Tour, Boat, Journey, Dinner & Tower: $71
- 2 Hour Express Toronto Food Tour: Flavors of Kensington Market: $74
- Toronto: Authentic Food Tour with Local & International Flavors: $74
- Oh Canada Eh!? Ottawa Dinner Musical with Live Music and Comedy: $75
- Kingston: Downtown Food Tour with 6 Tastings & Secret Dish: $77
- Niagara Falls Evening Tour with Boat, Journey, Dinner & Fireworks: $78
- Great Canadian Food Tour- St. Lawrence Market + The Distillery: $82
- Kensington Market International Food Tour: $89
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.British Columbia $42Ontario $1,470
Tours and Activities in British Columbia
Here are a few actual costs in British Columbia for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Hour Private Snowmobile Tour in Whistler: $236
- 2 Hour Signature Victoria Pedicab Tour for 2-3 Guests: $113
- 2 Hour Wilderness Adventure Snowmobile Tour in Whistler: $207
- 2 Hours Private Tour of Stanley Park Vancouver: $128
- 2 Hours eBike Whistler Multi-generational Tour with Local Guide: $107
- 24 Hour Hop On Hop Off Double Decker Victoria City Tour: $52
- 2hr City Highlights Private Tour in Victoria BC: $146
- 3.5 hour Sailing Adventure in Nanoose Bay: $144
- 4 Hours Guided Mountain Bike Tour: $257
- 4 Hours Private tour of City of Vancouver.: $287
- 4 Tours Audio Adventure between Whistler & Lake Louise: $22
- 4-Hour Sailing Adventure on The Strait of Juan de Fuca: $129
Tours and Activities in Ontario
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ontario.
- Discover Toronto: A Self-Guided Tour: $1.12
- Ottawa Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.42
- Toronto Essentials 10 Spot Self Guided Walking and Transit Tour: $3.45
- Toronto Iconic Core and Landmarks Walking Tour: $5.00
- Ottawa City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based: $5.00
- Toronto Self Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
- Toronto–Collingwood Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.45
- Explore Canada's Metropolis with Walking Tours Through Toronto: $6.45
- Toronto–Huntsville Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.45
- Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Bracebridge & Toronto: $6.45
- Ottawa Walking Tour 2h20 and 25 audio commentary: $6.75
- Kingston Self-Guided Walking Tour & Scavenger hunt (updated): $7.71
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBritish Columbia $11Ontario $834
Sample the Local Flavors in British Columbia
Also in British Columbia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Amazing Bar Crawl in Vancouver BC: $15
- Pickle Pub Crawl: Victoria Harbour Ferry Pub Crawl: $47
- Whistler Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience: $80
- Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour: $86
- North Vancouver Elite Walking Brewery Tour: $93
- Signature Lake Country Wine Tour: $100
- Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour Led by a Local: $104
- 4-Hour Okanagan Valley Wine Tasting. Wineries of East Kelowna Bench.: $105
- Naramata Half Day Wine Tour (Incl. Tasting Fees & Guide Grat!): $114
- Sunset Sip Wine Tour: $114
- West Kelowna Half-Day Guided Wine Tour With 4 Wineries: $114
- East Kelowna Half-Day Guided Wine Tour With 4 Wineries: $114
Sample the Local Flavors in Ontario
Also in Ontario, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Astounding Bar Crawl: Take On Toronto: $15
- Between The Lines Classic Wine Tasting: $18
- Between the Lines Black Glass Wine Tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $22
- Guided Tasting Activity at Sake Brewery: $28
- 30-Minute Distillery District Segway Tour: $35
- Guided Tasting Activity at Sake Brewery with 7 Kinds of Sake: $43
- Private Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $57
- Blindfold Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier Niagara: $64
- Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Transportation: $72
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tasting Tour: $93
- Relaxing Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $93
- Private Bike Tour Distillery District and Toronto Islands: $104
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between British Columbia and Ontario, we can see that Ontario is more expensive. And not only is British Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to British Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in British Columbia and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Ontario would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ontario than you might in British Columbia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is British Columbia Expensive? and Is Ontario Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, British Columbia or Ontario?
Ontario has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of British Columbia. When comparing the sizes of British Columbia and Ontario, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.