How much does it cost to go to Canada and travel around the country?

What is the average cost of a trip to Canada?

Most travelers should budget between $150 and $200 USD per day, depending on their travel style. Travelers often find Canada expensive, so planning your finances is essential for a smooth trip. You'll spend most of your money on:

• Accommodation costs
• Transportation costs
• Dining and groceries
• Entrance fees for activities

Don't forget the paperwork costs before you even leave home, like visas and permits. Also, keep an eye on the exchange rate—a strong or weak Canadian dollar can make a big difference in how far your money goes. Everyday things might cost more than you're used to, so watch your budget. Trust me, those small daily purchases add up faster than you’d expect.

What is a typical daily budget for traveling in Canada?

How much you spend comes down to the comfort level you choose. Accommodation ranges from $20 USD for camping or hostels to over $200 USD per night for hotels. When it comes to food, costs vary widely, from $11.50 USD for grocery shoppers to $30 USD per meal at mid-range restaurants.

Your transit budget hinges on whether you choose public transit, car rentals, or domestic flights. Activity fees range from free visits to natural sites like Niagara Falls to $133 USD for specialized whale watching tours. Total spending rises during peak summer months if you don't stick to cheaper options.

What are the pre-travel costs for visiting Canada?

You'll need to sort out some paperwork and fees before you land. Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a temporary resident visa depending on their nationality.

Work or study visas cost more to process than standard tourist permits. You may also need to pay biometrics fees for identification. Don't skip travel insurance—it's essential if you get sick or injured.

How much does a Canadian visitor visa or eTA cost?

The processing fee for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is just CAN$7. You'll mostly need this if you're flying in from a visa-exempt country. Travelers from non-exempt regions need a visitor visa, which costs CAN$100 per person. Families of five or more applying together qualify for a maximum total fee of CAN$500.

A super visa for parents and grandparents carries the same CAN$100 application cost. U.S. citizens are exempt from these specific fees for standard border crossings but must hold valid travel documents. You might also have to pay extra for biometrics (fingerprints and photos).

What is the cost of travel insurance for Canada?

Basic coverage starts around $1.50 USD per day for younger travelers, though comprehensive plans for families or older visitors will cost significantly more. This covers risks like medical emergencies, flight cancellations, and lost luggage. Healthcare for non-residents is expensive. Without it, you could face huge bills.

Premiums depend on things like age, pre-existing conditions, and trip length. While a standard visitor visa doesn't strictly require this for entry, programs like the super visa mandate specific coverage levels. Having a policy saves you from paying expensive Canadian medical bills with your own money.

How much does accommodation cost in Canada?

Where you stay makes a huge difference to your total travel budget. Canada offers a full spectrum of lodging, from $20 backcountry camping permits to luxury resorts charging over $500 a night.

Mid-range hotels are available, though rates climb in metropolitan hubs like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Booking early is essential for popular locations such as Banff or Niagara Falls, especially during peak seasons. For the adventurous with flexible schedules, housesitting can significantly reduce lodging costs, though you'll need to pay an annual platform fee and compete for the best spots months in advance.

What is the average price for hotels?

Mid-range hotels typically charge between $150 and $200 per night. Rates change depending on where you go, and they're often higher in major cities. Accommodation costs in tourist hotspots like Banff also skyrocket during peak travel times.

Visiting Western or Eastern Canada during the summer means facing the highest prices, so reserve rooms early to keep costs down. I’ve seen rates double just by waiting a week too long to book. Off-peak travel offers reduced rates. Boutique hotels provide unique lodging alternatives, though pricing varies by luxury level. And remember, the exchange rate will affect how much you actually pay.

What is the cost of staying in hostels?

Travelers on a budget often choose hostels, where dorm beds typically range from $25 to $50 per night. You can find them in major cities like Toronto and Montreal, as well as near specific national parks. Private rooms are available but cost more than shared dormitories.

Choosing a hostel leaves you with way more cash for activities. Solo travelers frequently use hostels to lower their expenses and meet people while exploring the country.

How much does camping cost in national parks?

Camping is one of the most affordable ways to stay, with nightly rates often starting at $20. Camping slashes your daily costs. This leaves you more cash for adventures in the vast Canadian landscape. You must book ahead through Parks Canada for popular destinations like Banff.

Expect extra costs for entrance fees and campfire permits. Even with these additions, camping remains significantly cheaper than hotels, keeping your trip affordable.

What are the transportation costs for getting around Canada?

Canada's sheer size means you will likely need a mix of flights and car rentals to see it all. Since distances are vast, flying is often necessary to reach distant hubs like Halifax or Vancouver. Car rentals offer flexibility but drive up your costs.

Inter-city buses between Toronto and Montreal offer a cheaper alternative, while trains on similar routes cost more. Public transport is efficient for city travel in Ottawa and other metros, costing between $8.15 and $10 for a day pass. Keep an eye on these costs to stay on budget.

How much does it cost to fly within Canada?

Domestic air travel is the quickest way to get across the country. One-way economy fares start as low as $36 USD on budget airlines. Major routes connecting hubs like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary are often cheaper because there are so many flights.

You can get the best deals by using flight comparison tools and booking weeks in advance. While base fares are low, don't forget checked baggage fees. Flights to smaller destinations like Edmonton or Quebec may cost more than main routes.

What is the cost of renting a car?

Economy car rentals typically cost around $124 USD per day. A rental car gives you the freedom to explore big areas in Western and Eastern Canada. Exploring places like Banff National Park often means you'll need a car to get to remote trailheads. Just remember that distances here are deceptive; what looks close on a map can take hours to drive.

The total budget must include significant hidden costs:

• Fuel
• Parking fees
• Comprehensive insurance

High gas prices in remote areas add to the cost. Splitting these costs among a group makes renting a smarter choice. Currency fluctuations also affect what international visitors pay.

How much are bus and train tickets?

Buses are the cheapest option for inter-city transport. Tickets typically cost around $54 USD, which helps keep your daily spending down compared to other options. Train travel offers a more scenic experience but costs more, with fares ranging from $113 to $381 USD.

Long-distance rail journeys, such as Toronto to Vancouver, are slower than flights but offer superior comfort and views. If you want to save money, book tickets well in advance to secure the best rates.

How much should you budget for food in Canada?

Plan to spend about $11.50 USD per day for food if you prepare your own meals. Dining out increases the daily budget, with fast-food meals costing between $7 and $10 per person. A sit-down dinner at a mid-range restaurant typically adds $20 to $30 to your expenses. Cooking is the best way to save money, especially when sourcing fresh produce from local markets.

Visitors often budget extra for iconic treats, such as poutine for around $14 or a sweet beavertail for $9. Quick stops at chains like Tim Hortons offer affordable snacks. Grab a box of Timbits for the road—it’s a rite of passage. Prices in major hubs like Toronto are generally higher than in rural areas, so budget a bit more there.

What is the cost of activities and attractions in Canada?

While natural wonders like Niagara Falls are free, specialized tours will take a larger bite out of your budget. Attractions like the CN Tower charge approximately $32 USD. Nature-based experiences often have fees; the Banff Gondola costs around $43 USD, and the Columbia Icefield Skywalk has similar pricing. Specialized tours, including whale watching in Vancouver, are a big splurge at roughly $133 USD per person.

Museums like the National Gallery of Canada usually charge admission around $14 USD, though some offer free entry on specific days. Historic locations such as Parliament Hill provide affordable alternatives for your itinerary. Save money by mixing expensive tours with free visits to national parks or urban exploration. Personally, I find the free hikes often beat the paid tours anyway.

How can you stay connected with an eSIM in Canada?

eSIMs make staying online much easier since you don't have to fiddle with tiny plastic cards. You can skip the line at airport kiosks and purchase a dedicated eSIM card for Canada online before departure to get online as soon as you land.

Going digital is often cheaper than paying international roaming charges, helping you manage daily expenses. Flexible data plans fit whatever trip you're planning, whether exploring urban Ottawa or the rugged terrain of Western Canada. Avoiding the need to pay in local currency at arrival kiosks makes starting your trip much smoother.

Does the cost of travel vary by region in Canada?

Geography plays a major role in your final bill. Western Canada is generally the most expensive area, with high accommodation rates in tourist hubs like Vancouver and Banff. Visitors here often pay higher prices for activities and dining compared to other parts of the country.

Major urban centers such as Toronto and Montreal also are more expensive for city travel. On the other hand, Eastern Canada and the Maritime provinces frequently offer more affordable expenses. Choosing destinations in the Prairies, such as Winnipeg, helps get more for your money.

How can you save money on your Canada trip?

To save money, you need to be flexible with your itinerary.

• Accommodation is the largest expense, but options like housesitting eliminate this fee entirely.
• Staying in hostels reduces the daily budget, while camping offers a scenic alternative.
• Food costs drop significantly when you purchase groceries instead of dining at restaurants.
• Save on transport by using public transit.
• Inter-city bus travel is cheaper than trains or flying, and sharing rental cars helps manage the budget for groups.
• Prioritizing free activities costs nothing and includes world-class sites like Niagara Falls.
• Traveling during the shoulder season avoids peak prices, making your money go further.

Sources

• https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/canada
• https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html