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Things to do in Canada

13 destinations in Canada, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.

Places to visit in Canada

Best time to visit Canada

When flights to each destination are cheapest.

Banff
The cheapest flights and hotel rates hit in November through early December and again in April, when shoulder-season discounts can be 30-45% lower than peak summer (July-August) or peak ski season (January-February). Flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) rather than weekends typically saves an additional 10-15% on airfare.
Calgary
Flying into Calgary in January-February or late October-November can save 25-40% versus summer peak; midweek departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently run $30-60 cheaper than weekend flights from major US hubs.
Edmonton
January through March is the cheapest period to fly to Edmonton, with round-trip fares from major US cities often 30-40% lower than summer peaks, though temperatures are brutal. If you want pleasant weather, late September and October offer 15-25% savings over July-August peak festival season while still enjoying fall foliage in the river valley.
Halifax
The cheapest months to fly to Halifax are November through early March, with fares often 30-40% lower than the July-August peak; shoulder seasons of May and late September offer the best balance of mild weather and moderate fares. Tuesdays and Wednesdays consistently show the lowest prices regardless of season.
Jasper
Fly in November through April (excluding the holiday window of Dec 20-Jan 5) for the lowest airfares into Calgary or Edmonton, often 25-40% cheaper than the July-August peak. Shoulder season, late September and October, balances decent weather with meaningfully lower flight prices and fewer crowds.
Montreal
The cheapest months to fly to Montreal are January through early March (excluding holidays) and November, when round-trip fares from major US hubs can run 30-45% lower than summer peak prices. Tuesday and Wednesday departures consistently undercut weekend flights by 15-20%, and booking 6-8 weeks out typically hits the sweet spot for fare drops.
Niagara Falls
Flying into Buffalo in late January through early March or mid-September through October yields the cheapest fares, often 30-45% less than peak summer (June-August) prices when falls tourism is at its height; mid-week Tuesday/Wednesday departures save an additional 10-15% year-round.
Ottawa
The cheapest months to fly to Ottawa are late January through February and again in early November, when round-trip fares from major US hubs can run 30-40% below the summer peak. Tuesdays and Wednesdays consistently show the lowest fares; booking 6-8 weeks out tends to beat both last-minute and very-early pricing.
Quebec City
The cheapest months to fly to Quebec City are late January through early February (outside Carnival weekend) and late October through November, where round-trip fares from major U.S. hubs can run 30-45% less than peak summer or Carnival season. Mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) typically save an additional 10-15% over weekend flights.
Toronto
January through March is Toronto's cheapest flight window, with round-trip fares from major U.S. hubs often 30-40% below summer peaks; mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) shave another 10-15% versus weekend travel. September and early October offer a sweet spot of mild weather and fares that are 15-20% below July-August highs.
Vancouver
The cheapest months to fly to Vancouver are January through March (excluding spring break), when round-trip fares from major US hubs can run 30-40% lower than summer peak prices. Flying mid-week (Tuesday/Wednesday) versus Friday or Sunday saves an additional 10-15% on average.
Whistler
Shoulder seasons-late April to May (post-ski) and October to November (pre-ski)-offer the cheapest flights and accommodation, often 30-50% less than peak winter (December-March) or peak summer (July-August). Flying midweek on Tuesday or Wednesday typically shaves an additional 10-15% off fares.
Winnipeg
January through March sees the lowest airfares, often 30-40% cheaper than summer peaks, though expect brutal cold; for milder weather with still-reasonable prices, late April and October hit the sweet spot. Avoid July's Folklorama and the long weekend holidays when both flights and hotels spike.

Is Canada expensive?

A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.

Banff
About $65 a day on a shoestring, about $285 comfortably.
Calgary
About $65 a day on a shoestring, about $271 comfortably.
Edmonton
About $58 a day on a shoestring, about $245 comfortably.
Halifax
About $69 a day on a shoestring, about $260 comfortably.
Jasper
About $65 a day on a shoestring, about $335 comfortably.
Montreal
About $56 a day on a shoestring, about $245 comfortably.
Niagara Falls
About $61 a day on a shoestring, about $275 comfortably.
Ottawa
About $61 a day on a shoestring, about $243 comfortably.
Quebec City
About $55 a day on a shoestring, about $238 comfortably.
Toronto
About $63 a day on a shoestring, about $255 comfortably.
Vancouver
About $66 a day on a shoestring, about $275 comfortably.
Whistler
About $78 a day on a shoestring, about $353 comfortably.
Winnipeg
About $57 a day on a shoestring, about $240 comfortably.

Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.

Free things to do in Canada

  • Banff: Bow River Loop Trail Flat, scenic 4-km walk along the river with Cascade Mountain as a backdrop, great for wildlife spotting at dawn.
  • Calgary: Prince's Island Park Beautiful river island park with trails, festivals, and downtown skyline views, perfect for a sunny afternoon stroll.
  • Edmonton: North Saskatchewan River Valley Trails One of Canada's largest urban park systems with 160 km of trails, ravines, and stunning city skyline views
  • Halifax: Stroll Point Pleasant Park 200 acres of coastal forest trails with ocean views and historic ruins, locals' favourite escape
  • Jasper: Pyramid Lake & Patricia Lake Loop Easy lakeside walk with mirror reflections of Pyramid Mountain, stunning and totally free.
  • Montreal: Explore the Underground City (RÉSO) 33 km of tunnels connecting malls, metro stations, and landmarks, free to wander and fascinating in any weather.

Cheap eats in Canada

  • Evelyn's Coffee Bar in Banff, Breakfast sandwich and drip coffee Plates $8-12
  • OEB Breakfast Co. in Calgary, Eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise Plates $12-18
  • Farrow Sandwiches in Edmonton, The Pilgrim sandwich on fresh-baked bread Plates $9-13
  • Hali Deli in Halifax, Donair (Halifax's iconic spiced beef street food) Plates $8-12
  • Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria in Jasper, Margherita or prosciutto flatbread pizza Plates $14-19
  • La Banquise in Montreal, Classic poutine (La Classique), crispy fries, fresh cheese curds, dark gravy Plates $8-14

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