Maybe you live in Canada, or perhaps you’re heading there on a backpacking vacation; either way, you might be interested in what you can discover there without breaking the open piggy bank. The good news is there is plenty to get on with. In reality, you can spend a lot of money visiting Canada if you want, but you don’t have to.
In this post, we will take a look at some of the awesome things you can do in Canada on a budget; there are a load of stuff that will satisfy the outdoorsy types and the city sightseeing types as well; climb aboard, here we go.
Niagra Falls
You simply can’t go to Canada without visiting the Niagra Falls; this ancient and extraordinary wonder of the natural world is right on your doorstep when you visit Toronto. OK, so you’re still 130km or 80 miles away, but in Canadian, or Aussie terms, that’s a hop, skip, and jump.
Niagra fall also makes an awesome budget vacation because you don’t have to buy the Maid of the Mist boat tour to enjoy the sight. Simply stand by the edge of the falls basin and snap some astonishing Instapics.
Whistler Mountain
Hiking is always a great budget option, especially if it’s something you do anyway; you already have the gear, right? You’ve got the boots, the jacket with intelligent design, and the hiking poles. If you’re in Canada, you’ve got plenty to choose from.
One of the most iconic mountains has to be Whistler Mountain, just outside of Vancouver. Famed for its winter ski slopes, whistler is also a blazing summer mountain for hikes and proper views. No wonder the place attracts more than 2 million people every year.
Quebec City
No, wait, you’re a city person, right? I hear you. Canada hears you too; it hasn’t forgotten about those of us who love to spend time in cafes and museum or wander around historic cities soaking in the old buildings and rich culture.
Welcome to Quebec City, one of the most historic cities in Canada and one of the most cultural too. This is the capital of French-speaking Canada, and it doesn’t disappoint. It’s also not a place you need a lot of funds for; just check out this budget guide.
St John’s City
Canada is kind of a modern country, to the west at least, but records still show that it was first “discovered” by an Italian called John Cabot, that’s going back a bit. So the country also has some really old cities – St John’s is the oldest.
This place is also called the San Francisco of the north; why? Because it has colour, vibrancy, and artistic sensibilities. St John’s has loads to offer for the budget traveller, think walks, hikes, and visit the coast to whale-watch while having a picnic.
Tofino
If you love the great Canadian outdoors, but you want something a little fresher for the summer, then head to the west coast and visit Tofino. Tofino is located on Vancouver Island. It faces the pacific, which means it benefits from amazing sunsets and tropical weather.
This is the budget way to have a tropical adventure holiday this year, whether you live in Canada or you need to apply for a Canada eta. Enjoy your luxury budget holiday on a super cool island, hiking, camping, and paddling.
Churchill
One of the best ways to spend your holiday this season in Canada is to hire an RV and explore the country. Seriously, this is the best budget way to get around these days and sample the country as a whole. Like a snail, you’ll be living with your home on your back.
Take your RV up north to polar bear country. Don’t worry; the chances are slim that you will accidentally encounter one of these awesome creatures, that’s unless you go to the polar bear jail in Churchill, where the problem bears are kept.
Old Montreal
Some people love the great outdoors, and other people prefer city life, that’s the way it goes. Thankfully, Canada has something for everyone, and you don’t have to break the bank to experience it for yourself. Old Montreal is the perfect example.
Old Montreal is situated in the heart of French Canada. It has spectacular old buildings and authentic French cuisine. If it doesn’t feel quite like Canada, that’s because it’s not; you’ve entered the land of the French-Canadian.
Banff National Park
On the other hand, you might be one of those people who can’t get enough of the great outdoors; that’s also perfect; it’s what Canada does best, and guess what – it’s totally free. No one can charge you for looking at the mountains and valleys.
Banff National Park is like that. It has the classic Canadian wilderness located around some natural hot springs. OK, you might have to spend some dollars here to bathe in the steamy water, but it’s so worth it.
Stanley Park
If you’re a romantic at all, then you’re going to love Stanley Park in Vancouver. It’s that park that you see in many romantic movies, like Juno, where they walk arm in arm in the falling amber leaves. It’s completely free to visit the park, and don’t forget your camera.
Stanley Park is a big place and quite iconic, a bit like Central Park in New York. It’s awesome to visit any time of the years as the landscape changes with the seasons, and you get new perspectives all the time.
Okanagan Valley
If you do decide to hire an RV and take a budget tour of Canada, chances are you will find yourself on the west coast at some point, around the Vancouver area. That’s great; you’ll find loads of free hikes and beaches around here, but don’t forget to head north.
The Okanagan Valley sits just north of Vancouver and contains the great lake. This region has awesome weather most of the year, which is why it’s home to so many orchards and vineyards. You will love spending time wild swimming in the lake, for free.