If you’re traveling to Canada, you may be wondering how to save money on your trip. There are several ways you can do that. We’ll discuss a few of them in this article. 

Book your tickets ahead of time.

One of the first things you need is cheap airline tickets for a budget trip to Canada. Traveling from the US to Canada can be expensive, depending on how far ahead you book your tickets. The earlier you can book, the better ticket price you’ll get. The ticket price also depends on the number of stops and the layover length. For example, a June flight from Charlotte, NC, to Quebec City could cost as little as $301 or $809.  

Use the Megabus in between cities. 

Canada has affordable travel options like Megabus, which allows you to visit places such as Montreal, Toronto, or Vancouver. Tickets cost as little as $44 one way, depending on where you’re going. However, these buses don’t always run on schedule, so they may not be a good option if you’re pressed for time. 

Rent a car. 

Canada’s scenic routes are perfect for road trippers. The experience of renting a vehicle can be thrilling and a cost-effective way to visit Canada. All you need is an international driver’s license. 

Take a train trip across Canada and along its coasts. 

Canada’s extensive train network is a convenient and cost-effective means to get around. Amtrak Vacations has a package that starts at $3,699 and lets you visit Halifax, Nova Scotia; Quebec City, QC; Montreal, QC; Toronto, ON; Niagara Falls, ON; Jasper, AB; and Vancouver, BC. This is still kind of steep, however, if you plan in advance, you would only have to save about $300 a month for a year to afford this trip. 

Choose a home-sharing service.

Now that you’ve figured out how to get there, it’s time to figure out how you’re going to save money on accommodations. One option you can choose is home-sharing services. You’ll find them mostly in large cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa. If you’re looking for shared housing instead of entire houses, you’ll be able to save on rent. 

Camp. 

If you’re planning to visit Canada in the spring or summer, and you enjoy being outdoors, this is an excellent opportunity to save money. Some camping sites allow you to pitch a tent around natural surroundings for free or low cost.  Bring all the necessary camping equipment, such as tents, food, cooking gear, and sleeping bags. You’ll see signs pointing to campgrounds and parks along the main highways. Find one, and you’re ready for a few days out in nature. 

Rent a room in a hostel.

Here’s another way to save money when traveling to Canada. The bathrooms and bedrooms are shared, as well as the kitchens. Rates vary depending on the season and location. It’s a good way to meet fellow budget-conscious travelers. Ask your host for recommendations for local restaurants and cheap activities nearby. 

Make sensible food choices. 

Checking supermarkets and street vendors in the area is the best strategy for saving money on groceries. This way, you’ll save money, but you’ll also get to try the local cuisine. Poutine is Canada’s signature dish. It consists of French fries topped with cheese sauce and gravy.

Street food vendors usually offer their version of the dish. They also sell sausages, hot dogs,  and veggie burgers for hardcore vegetarians.  Choose food trucks and stalls with long lines. You’ll have to wait longer, but the lines are longer because they’re more popular.

Take part in food, music, or art festivals. 

Canada has music, food, and art festivals all year long. They’re more common in the spring and summer, and most are free. This is a great time to sample local food and look at local artwork to learn more about the local culture. You can attend festivals such as Igloofest in Montreal, Winter City in Toronto, and Winterlude in Ottawa during winter. 

Check out galleries, museums, and the outdoors. 

The forests, lakes, and hiking trails of Canada are well known. If you want to save money while visiting Canada, outdoor activities should be on your itinerary. Many biking and hiking routes don’t cost much. You can also kayak or canoe on lakes and rivers or ski in the winter. For cheap travel within a city, you can easily rent a bike. You can also find free or cheap museums and art galleries. 

Find a discount or a deal coupon that you can use.

Many websites are available where you can find deals and coupons for popular restaurants, theatres, concerts, and resorts. Watch these sites for great deals. 

These are just some tips you can use when traveling to Canada on a budget. As you plan your trip, decide what you want to save money on and what you’re willing to speed a little more on. Also, be sure to plan your trip in advance to get the best rates possible if you’re traveling by plane.