Planning a visit to our northern neighbor? Canada is one of the largest countries on earth and one with a ton of different environments to explore.
Whether you like world-class cities like Vancouver and Toronto, or miles of unspoiled wilderness, this can be a great getaway. Of course, any international travel requires funds, but the question is, how much will you spend?
While costs vary from city to city, you can get a general idea by looking at a few example destinations and activities.
But don’t worry — we’ve broken down what you can expect to spend when you travel to Canada, as well as a few ways to budget your money. Let us be your guide!
Average Trip to Canada Cost in 2024
A week in Canada costs around $3,800 for two people:
- Average Accommodation Cost: $200 per night
- Average Flight Cost: $400 per person
- Food, Drink & Activities: $100 per person, per day
- Transportation: $25 per day
- Total Cost: $3,800
These are averages based on fares available at the time we were writing this. Your own results are going to vary based on when you go, what part of the country you visit, and what you do while you’re there.
We’ll show off some of the hotels, restaurants, and activities that went into our numbers.
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Figuring out your budget for your Canadian vacation should involve thinking in terms of a range of prices.
The cost of your room and your flight can vary greatly throughout the year. Check regularly to find out what prices look like from where you live to where you want to go.
Accommodation Costs
Hotel prices vary depending on where you visit in Canada. In Montreal, expect to pay over $100 a night for even a room in a basic two-star hotel. For the top-reviewed hotels in the area, you will likely be paying anywhere from $300 to $450 a night.
An example is the Bed and Breakfast du Village Bbv, which is currently the top reviewed Montreal hotel on Skyscanner.
This centrally-located hotel offers complimentary toiletries and slippers, as well as amenities like a dry cleaning service, a terrace with a view, and large rooms with plenty of natural light.
If you are spending time in Toronto, you can find rooms for anywhere from under $70 a night for a small and basic room to $400 or more for a luxury spot on the water.
Vancouver hotel rates tend to be a little higher overall. Lots of rooms between $200 and $400 a night, but very few under that. Even the St. Clair Hotel Hostel comes in around $120 a night.
To get a lower price, consider getting a bit off the beaten path. Muskoka Lakes in Ontario, for instance, has a number of rooms available for under $200 a night.
If you are set on a bargain Canadian adventure, consider camping. In Jasper National Park, sites with a full hookup and fire pit cost around $50 per night.
Flight Cost
Flight cost can vary a great amount depending on where you are flying to and the time of year. A flight from New York to Toronto during peak season can cost around $400 per person.
But, if you wait until the slow time in January, you can find fares as low as $250 round trip. Investigate a few different destinations if you are not set on any specific Canadian city.
Flights from New York to Montreal run around $300 round trip. But, you’ll pay as much around $500 per person for a flight from New York to Vancouver at the same time of year.
Food, Drink & Activity Costs
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Canada has several great food cities, and you can find quality eats at every price point. If you are having lunch on the go in Toronto, consider stopping by North of Brooklyn Pizzeria, where you can get a slice for around $5.
Juicy Dumpling has a variety of dumplings for $4 to $5 a piece. When people think of must-try Canadian foods, poutine is often on the list. Prices vary depending on where you go.
But, a recent study using data from restaurant websites and TripAdvisor found the average price for poutine (a plate of cheese, gravy, and fries) is $23.
Up for a celebration? Fine dining destination Aloette offers a housemade ricotta ravioli for $35 a plate and a ribeye steak for $85. Doing your own cooking will save you some cash.
A loaf of white bread costs under $3, while local cheese will cost about $12 a kg. A midpriced bottle of wine will come in around $15. In most Canadian cities, you’ll pay a bit more at the bar than you do in the US.
In Vancouver, for instance, Hiker’s Bay says you’ll pay around $10 US for a half liter draft. Hop-on Hop-Off tours are a great way to balance the freedom of walking with the ease of catching a ride.
These tours can be found in cities that include Halifax, Montreal and Vancouver for around $50 per person. Walking tours with a local guide start at around $25 per person. In Canada’s coastal areas, day cruises are a popular attraction.
Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $100 per person depending on the carrier and the length of your trip. Most go anywhere from 90 minutes to a full day.
Toronto has a number of museums that make an edifying addition to a trip. The Art Gallery of Ontario, the Museum of Illusions, and the Royal Ontario Museum each run from $20 to $30 per ticket.
Like any other destination, Canada has plenty of free activities for the days you are giving your wallet a much-needed rest. Just outside Vancouver, for instance, is the stunning natural getaway of Lynn Canyon.
The canyon is free to visit and has attractions that include a massive suspension bridge over a river below.
If you visit during the summer, you can often find free concerts and movies in local parks. In Vancouver, Stanley Park is the place to go for free activities. In Montreal, check out free summer festivals at Parc La Fontaine.
Transportation Costs
Each city and region in Canada has its own public transit, generally consisting of a mix of trains and buses. In Toronto, you can buy a PRESTO day pass for under $15. In Vancouver, an all-day pass is a little over $10.
If you are traveling between cities, you may wish to consider renting a car. According to Skyscanner, car rental for the week will run around $250. Be sure to get a car that is up to the weather.
In the winter, you will want something with four-wheel or all-wheel drive in case you run into snow. Discount bus line Megabus also has limited routes available in Canada. For instance, you can get from Montreal to Toronto for a little under $100 per person.
One option is to travel across the country by train. VIA Rail has trains geared toward travelers, with seats that have 360 degree panoramic views. The cost for a trip from Toronto to Jasper is around $450 each way.
I suggest getting the Canrail pass, which covers 7 point to point rail tickets within a 60 day period. It’s a great value, especially if you use it multiple times!
Things to Consider
- Traveling back and forth by car may be the most affordable option. Just be aware of Customs declarations on your way back into the US. For instance, you’re only allowed five ounces of alcohol if you go away 48 hours or less and up to two liters if you go longer.
- Canada’s the second-largest country, by area, in the world. To get the most out of your trip, limit your plans to one or two areas.
- Canada has a federal sales tax to all goods and services. Most provinces will also have their own taxes. Between the two, prices of goods and services are often raised by around 15%.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the cheapest time to visit Canada?
You’ll spend the least going to Canada during the country’s low season, which runs from November to early May. These are also the colder months, so pack accordingly.
What is a good month to go to Canada?
The best month depends on what you want from your trip. If your ideal vacation involves skiing and ice skating, the winter months are great.
For the mildest weather, look at the summer months. Those who are looking to balance warmer weather with lower prices may want to check out Canada between September and November.
Can I use American money in Canada?
Some attractions near the US border may accept US dollars. Once you are further into the country or are in more rural areas, however, it’s unlikely US money will be accepted. You can get Canadian dollars at the ATM using your debit card.
Do I need a passport to visit Canada?
Canadian law requires that everyone who visits brings proof of citizenship. Your US passport is the document most of us will use. If you live in New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont, or Washington and have an Enhanced Driver’s License, you can use that instead.
How can I go to Canada on a budget?
Prices in Canada tend to be higher than in some of the US. But, clever travelers can still find deals. Begin looking far in advance to see if you can find lower prices on hotels and flights.
Consider options like camping, hostels, and traveling by discount bus. Exchange US currency for Canadian dollars when the exchange rate is best.
Over to You — Book Your Trip Today!
| 🛎️ Average Accommodation Cost | $200 per night |
| ✈️ Average Flight Cost | $400 per person |
| 🍽️ Food, Drink & Activities | $100 per person, per day |
| 🚕 Transportation | $25 per day |
| 💲 Total Cost | $3,800 |
Every traveler is different, and how much you spend will depend a lot on how you spend your time while you are in Canada. All that said, on average, the cost of a seven-day trip to Canada will cost about $3,800.
To get the most out of your travel, take the time to identify the activities, foods, and experiences that are most important to you. This way, you get the trip you want and the memories you’ll want to keep. Happy travels!