- Take a road trip
Do you live in Montreal and want to discover the splendours of Vancouver? Do you live in southern Ontario and dream of seeing the Northern Lights in Whitehorse? You will need to buy a plane ticket unless your vacation is longer than 4 weeks. However, if your destination is closer to where you live, why not opt for a road trip? This is an ideal low-cost solution for families of 2 or more. The price of gasoline is not too high this year. Plus, you can bring as much luggage as your car can hold and avoid airports and car rental agencies.
My family and I lived near Toronto and took a two-week road trip to Charlottetown and three weeks to Victoria. Of course, we spent long hours on the road. However, my children were able to admire the Rockies, the azure skies and flax fields of the Prairies, the breathtaking scenery of Mount Robson and the unique atmosphere of the market on Saltspring Island. They tasted bread baked in an outdoor oven near Quebec. They also beat the beat by listening to folk music at a party in Prince Edward Island. Discovering Canada using all your senses is priceless!
- Enjoy s’mores over a campfire
Whether for a tent or an RV, camping is a quintessentially Canadian experience. You can live an authentic outdoor experience by canoeing and portaging or turn to “glamping” (luxury camping) to enjoy good meals in a fully equipped yurt. The option that best suits families and their budget falls between the two. Consider borrowing or renting camping gear if you want to give it a try before you start spending. You can also find a used tent or RV at a discount. We also did some camping in the suburbs of Quebec, Fredericton and Ottawa, a less expensive alternative to a hotel. - Stay at the hostel
If you don’t mind sharing a dorm and bathroom with other travellers, staying in a hostel can save you a lot of money. Previously called “youth hostels”, however, they are not just for people in their twenties. Over the past few years, I’ve spent the night in hostels in St. John’s, New York and London, among others. Most hostels are located near tourist attractions since their customers usually travel without a car. You can even book a private room if you book well in advance. Hostels are a great option if you’re travelling alone or with another person, although some can accommodate families. Visit the websites of Hostelling International Canada and Hostelworld (youth hostels in Canada). - Rent a house
Renting a cabin for a week is a long-standing Canadian tradition, but why limit yourself to this sometimes costly option? It is possible to rent a house in a village or a big city. Since you have a kitchen, you can save money by shopping for groceries and cooking some of your meals on-site. You can save more by packing a picnic for dinner (you can do the same while camping). In addition, it is possible to rent a large house and share it with one or two other families to save more. - Find free activities
Across Canada, you can find various free annual concerts and festivals and even outdoor plays. Visit local and provincial tourism and travel websites. You will be amazed by the multiple options available to you! You could even discover an accessible and exciting event by chance, so do not hesitate to travel the back roads from time to time to find the sometimes unsuspected beauties of our vast country.
Finally, remember that it is sometimes necessary to make sure expenses now to avoid even higher costs later. If you plan to visit another province or territory, ask about travel insurance, as health insurance coverage varies by region.
