Canada is a big place. By land area, it’s the second largest country in the world, just behind Russia. The land stretches for thousands of miles into the Boreal tundra, most of which remains unexplored and uninhabited by people.
Seeing it all, though, is a challenge. Visiting Canada is not the same as taking a trip to Monaco. The latter you can absorb in an afternoon. Canada takes years!
It can also get expensive. Traveling thousands of miles can get costly. Canada is massively bigger than any European country. Public transport is scant in some places, and non-existent in others.
So how can you view this magnificent country on a budget? Well, you’re about to find out. This post explores how to see Canada on a budget, giving you options, even if money is tight.
We’ve deliberately chosen innovative ideas. This post is meant for the most adventurous among you.
However, the results are worth it. Becoming a seasoned Canadian traveler will introduce you to bears, sea lions, moose, whales, and impressive fall colors if you travel later in the year.
Start Planning
The first step is to start planning your trip. Think about where you want to go and what you want to see. Consider the time of year and how that’s likely to coincide with your goals.
Remember, Canada can get pretty hot in the summer. If you go between July and September, it’s unlikely you’ll see snow.
By contrast, if you’re looking for a sunny vacation or travel experience, don’t go in the winter. Temperatures can plummet significantly below zero, sometimes making it impossible to go outside or leave your vehicle.
The best time to see the fall is in late September or early October. The leaves display a variety of colors at this time from bright red to deep brown, before falling off the trees.
Wildlife tends to be most active in the spring and summer. Most animals migrate or hunker down in the winter months, reducing their visibility. Hence, if you’re someone looking to spot rare mammals or birds, you should go at this time.
Choose Your Transportation
The next step is to choose your transportation method. Most people fly around Canada because of the sheer distances involved. However, traipsing in and out of airports isn’t everyone’s idea of fun.
As a highly developed and industrialized country, Canada also offers other options, such as trains, buses, or car rentals. Trains are a great way to enjoy the scenery along the way, and they often offer discounts for students, seniors, or groups. Buses are cheaper than trains, but they can be less comfortable and more crowded. Car rentals are a good option if you want more flexibility and freedom, but they can also be costly depending on the season and the distance.
You might also want to consider exploring options like those Commercialdriver.ca sets out. If you’re planning on staying in the country for several months or you have a work permit, you can see most of the country as a truck driver. Truckers travel thousands of miles to far-flung destinations, driving vast distances between townships to get to their delivery points. It’s not a lifestyle that suits everyone, but it could be a great option if you’re on a budget and looking for ways to earn money and see Canada at the same time.
Find Affordable Accommodation
Next, you’ll want to look for affordable accommodation options. Like other wealthy countries, Canada’s hotels aren’t always cheap. However, there are other options you can explore, such as hostels, Airbnb, and camping. These avenues are great for meeting other travelers and can be significantly cheaper than conventional alternatives.
If you have family in Canada, you can also ask to stay with them. Properties in the country are larger than in most other parts of the world, meaning there’s plenty of space to put you up.
Camping is naturally the most adventurous option. Just be aware that getting anywhere in Canada by road takes a long time. You might have a seven-hour drive to your campsite and need to set up the tent late. Also, be wary of the slow speed limits on most roads. While you might be able to travel a significant distance on the highway in Europe, you might not be able to go more than 50 miles in Canada without breaking the speed limit.
Naturally, if you decide to go camping, you’ll need additional preparation. You’ll have to pack your car with all the equipment you need or take it with you on public transport. If you try to get a bus to your campsite, you may find that you need to hike the final few miles to reach the destination. Fortunately, when you do find camping grounds, they are often in spectacular locations of natural beauty, including the country’s National Parks.
If you want to find out more about how much your trip is likely to cost, you can use sites like https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/canada.
Be Smart About Your Activities
Lastly, you should be smart about which activities you undertake. Canada has numerous free and low-cost attractions, such as skiing, biking, and kayaking. You can also go snowshoeing in the later winter months and early spring.
If you plan your routes properly, you can find numerous stop-offs along the way. Canadian cities are home to numerous museums, art galleries, and cultural events. And the best bit is that you don’t have to pay for most of them. Entry is often free.
If you’re still trying to save money, you may get a discount booking online. Zoos, aquariums, and amusement parks may offer money off the full ticket price if you go on certain days or take advantage of web-based deals. Don’t just show up at the entrance and expect the best deal. That’s unlikely.
In summary, Canada is a beautiful but vast country. However, you can still see it on a budget if you plan ahead and use low-cost options. Be smart about your activities and choose exploration and nature above human-made activities and experiences. Seek pleasure in the simple things and watch how everything else falls into place.
