These are the cheapest places to travel in Canada, chosen for affordable stays, free attractions and great value.
The list
1. Winnipeg
Winnipeg sits at the heart of Canada, with The Forks, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and a lively arts scene.
2. Quebec City
Quebec City is the only walled city north of Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with French charm, the Château Frontenac and a famous winter carnival.
3. Halifax
Halifax is a friendly Atlantic port city with a lively waterfront, maritime history and easy access to Peggy’s Cove and the South Shore.
4. Edmonton
Edmonton, Alberta’s capital, has North America’s largest urban park system, West Edmonton Mall and summer festivals.
5. Drumheller
Drumheller, in Alberta’s Badlands, is the dinosaur capital of the world, home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
6. Algonquin Provincial Park
Algonquin is Ontario’s iconic park of lakes, moose and canoe routes, about three hours from Toronto.
7. Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada’s capital, combines Parliament Hill, national museums, the Rideau Canal and a bilingual atmosphere.
8. Montreal
Montreal is a French-speaking city with European flair, cobblestone Old Montreal, festivals and a legendary food scene.
9. Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is Canada’s smallest province, famous for red-sand beaches, Anne of Green Gables, lobster suppers and the Confederation Bridge.
10. Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world, with up to about 16 m between high and low tide, plus sea caves and whale watching.
11. St. John’s
St. John’s is North America’s oldest English-founded city, with colourful Jellybean Row houses, Signal Hill, icebergs and lively George Street.
12. Kananaskis Country
Kananaskis is a quieter alternative to Banff, with lakes, peaks and wildlife, an hour from Calgary.
Tips
Travel in shoulder season and use our budget travel tips.
Before you go: gear checklist
- Power bank buying guide Buyzello
Understand capacity, airline limits and charging speed before you buy. - Outdoor gear picks Buyzello
Headlamps, multi-tools and camping essentials for park trips. - Luxury weekender bags for short getaways Opulique
A refined weekender is perfect for two-night escapes.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Also good value
Prince Edward County
Prince Edward County is a wine-and-beach island on Lake Ontario, known for Sandbanks Provincial Park and farm-to-table food. Read our Prince Edward County travel guide.
- Best time: June to October
- Getting there: About 2.5 hours from Toronto
- Don’t miss: Sandbanks Provincial Park, Wineries and Picton
- Mid-range hotels: C$220–380 a night
Thousand Islands
The Thousand Islands is a scenic archipelago on the St. Lawrence River, with castles, boat cruises and Gananoque. Read our Thousand Islands travel guide.
- Best time: June to September
- Getting there: About 3 hours from Toronto; 1.5–2 hours from Ottawa
- Don’t miss: Boldt Castle, Gananoque cruises and Thousand Islands Parkway
- Mid-range hotels: C$220–380 a night
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require government-issued photo ID; carry a passport if you might cross into the US.
- Money: GST or HST is added to most prices at the till, so budget 5–15% more than the shelf price; tipping 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
- Insurance: Provincial health plans may not pay the full cost of care in another province, and ambulance and air-ambulance costs can be high, so check whether an out-of-province travel insurance policy makes sense for you. Read our guide to out-of-province travel insurance.
- Driving: Most Canadians road-trip in their own car; rentals are widely available, and winter tyres are required on many BC highways and in Quebec in winter. Fuel is usually cheapest in Alberta and most expensive in BC and the North.
- Saving money: see our Canada budget travel and cheapest places to travel in Canada guides.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$150–C$220 | motel, hostel or campsite, casual meals, self-drive |
| Mid-range | C$300–C$480 | good hotel, restaurant meals, some tours |
| Luxury | C$700–C$1,400 | resort or historic hotel, fine dining, guided experiences |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Hit the road prepared
- Best dash cams for road trips VerdictFox
Record scenic drives and protect yourself if something happens on the highway. - Best budget 12V portable fridges VerdictFox
Keep drinks and picnic food cold on long road trips without buying ice every day. - Power stations for camping and road trips VerdictFox
Run a cooler, charge cameras and power a CPAP at campsites without hookups.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest city in Canada to visit?
Winnipeg and Quebec City offer good value.
Is Banff expensive?
Yes; stay in Canmore to save.
Are national parks cheap?
Daily admission is modest.
When is it cheapest?
Spring and late fall.
Is camping affordable?
Yes.
Plan the rest of your trip
- How to Travel Canada on a Budget: 25 Money-Saving Tips
- Best National Parks in Canada
- Best Road Trips in Canada