What budget to travel Canada? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings Canada?

Admission is usually between CAN$10 and CAN$35 for adults. Children, students and seniors almost always benefit from discounts or even free admission. For example, access to national parks and historic sites is always free for under-18s. Many points of interest are also completely free of charge, although some require a voluntary contribution. In cities such as Montreal and Toronto, passes combining various museums and attractions can save you a lot of money, as long as you're there for at least 2-3 days.

There are plenty of ways to stretch your legs without spending a penny. Town and village councils provide a variety of sports facilities, from swimming pools to baseball diamonds. Access is generally free or at a nominal charge. There's also a whole network of free multi-purpose trails in Canada, for hikers, cyclists and cross-country skiers. A few dollars, on the other hand, are required in national parks and certain nature reserves. For adventures such as rafting, heliskiing and snowmobiling, however, you'll need to budget accordingly.

While the cost of living in Canada is relatively low, it's a different story in Vancouver and Toronto, the country's most expensive cities, not to mention the Far North, where the long haul of goods makes the cost skyrocket. When it comes to shopping, you'll do quite well, thanks in part to a favorable exchange rate. On the other hand, some products are more expensive, particularly in the gourmet sector (breads, cheeses, spirits, etc.). While prices may seem attractive, sales taxes are never included, unless otherwise specified. You'll need to add between 5% and 15% tax on your purchases (some products, such as printed books and unprocessed food, are partially or totally tax-exempt). Debit and credit card payments are generally accepted everywhere, even in the most remote regions. Please note that there has been no tax refund program for visitors for many years.

Clubbing in Canada is generally less expensive than in Europe (although not necessarily to the same high standard). As everywhere else, entry is often free before a certain time (usually 11pm) or by joining the guest list. Ladies also benefit from free admission on ladies' nights(at least one night a week). For cinema, discounts are offered on the weekly discount day (usually Tuesday).

Good deals for shows: several websites offer last-minute tickets for shows and sporting events. For example, Gametime offers last-minute tickets for shows and sporting events in several major Canadian cities (gametime.co), and La Vitrine offers special offers and advantageous rates on pre-sales for all kinds of shows and events in Quebec (lavitrine.com).
Remember that the prices shown are always exclusive of tax. Not only must you add sales tax (between 5% and 15% depending on the province or territory), but also the 15% service charge when applicable. All methods of payment are accepted, but it may happen that the bar in a concert hall, for example, only accepts cash and/or debit cards.

What budget to eat Canada?

You can easily eat on the go for less than CAN$10-15. You should expect to pay at least CAN$20-25 for lunch and at least CAN$30-40 for dinner (main course before tax and tip). The menu du jour at lunchtime and the table d'hôte in the evening offer some savings, and include starter, main course, dessert and coffee. More upscale restaurants often offer a multi-course tasting menu. The cost can vary from $60 to $150 CAN, or even more, and a selected wine pairing is offered as an extra.
All methods of payment are accepted, but smaller restaurants sometimes limit themselves to cash and/or debit card.

The price of gourmet breaks and alcoholic beverages is higher than in Europe, despite the favorable euro exchange rate. To save money, low-cost passports allow you to visit a pre-determined number of participating establishments and obtain a free or ridiculously-priced tasting or drink (plus tip). This is the case with the Toronto Craft Brewery Passport in Ontario (societyclubhouseto.com/craftbrewerypassport) and the Je bois local passport in Quebec (jeboislocal.ca) for microbreweries and craft breweries.
Remember that prices quoted are always exclusive of tax. Not only must you add sales tax (between 5% and 15% depending on the province or territory), but also the 15% service charge. All methods of payment are accepted, but small shops sometimes limit themselves to cash and/or debit card.

What is the budget for accommodation Canada?

Of course, rates vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation you choose. A dormitory bed in a youth hostel will not cost the same as a suite in an upscale hotel. In the low season, you can find a nice room in a hostel or hotel for between $80 and $180 CAN, a price that rises - and can even double or more in major cities - in the high season or during major events. It's also worth noting that accommodation in Vancouver and Toronto is generally more expensive than in other major Canadian cities. And this applies to all types of accommodation.
It's important to remember that prices quoted are always exclusive of taxes. Not only must you add sales tax (between 5% and 15% depending on the province or territory), but also the hotel tax (or tourist tax), which varies from one city or province to another (e.g. 5% of the nightly rate for Winnipeg, 4% for Calgary, Ottawa and Toronto, 3.5% for Montreal, etc.). All methods of payment are accepted, but smaller hotels may limit themselves to cash, traveler's cheques and/or debit cards.

Travel budget Canada and cost of living

To help you plan your daily budget on site, here are three examples to suit everyone's financial means.

Small budget: 100-125 CAN $ per day per person (accommodation in camping/youth hostel, meals on the run or groceries, public transport or carpooling, free activities or activities costing less than 10 CAN $).

Medium budget: $250 CAN per day per person (B&B or hotel accommodations, fine dining, public transit or car, paid or package activities).

Large budget: from $350 CAN per day per person (more luxurious hotel or condo/chalet accommodation, fine dining, car transport, package activities/expeditions).

And don' t forget that the prices of most consumer goods and services are plus one or two sales taxes (5 to 15% depending on the province or territory), generally not included in the posted price. A 15% tip must also be added to the bill in restaurants and bars. Tipping cab drivers, hotel cleaners and hairdressers is also recommended (but may be less than 15%). No tips at cinemas or theaters.

As forhaggling , this is not a common practice in the country. Prices are fixed and generally non-negotiable. However, shopkeepers can sometimes be generous and offer you something if you buy items from them for a large sum. Similarly, even though it's strictly forbidden, small shops sometimes agree not to charge you taxes if you pay for your purchases in cash and without the possibility of returning them...