What budget to travel Ontario? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings Ontario?

Generally, between $10 and $30 CDN is required for adult admission. Discounts are almost always offered to children, students and seniors, or even free admission. For example, access to national parks and national historic sites is always free for those under 18 years of age. Several points of interest are also entirely free, some of which may require a voluntary contribution. In cities such as Ottawa and Toronto, passes combining various museums and attractions offer great savings, as long as you are there for at least 2-3 days.

There are ways to stretch your legs without paying a penny. The town halls of towns and villages provide a variety of sports facilities, from swimming pools to baseball fields. Access is usually free or at a very low cost. There is also a network of free multi-use trails in Ontario for both cyclists and cross-country skiers. A few dollars are required in national parks and some nature reserves. However, to embark on adventures such as rafting or snowmobiling, you need to budget for them.

While the cost of living in Canada is relatively low, the same cannot be said for Toronto, now the most expensive city in the country. However, the rest of the province is much more affordable. On the shopping side, we're doing quite well, thanks in part to a very favourable exchange rate. On the other hand, some products are more expensive, especially in the gourmet sector (cheese, alcohols...). While the price displayed may seem attractive, you should not forget that sales taxes are never included, unless otherwise stated. You must therefore add 13% tax on your purchases (some products benefit from a partial or total exemption from taxes such as printed books, unprocessed food, etc.). Payments by debit or credit card are generally accepted everywhere, even in the most remote areas. It should be noted that there has not been a tax rebate program for visitors for many years.

Going out clubbing is generally less expensive in Ontario than in Europe (although it must be said that it is not necessarily the same in Europe either). As everywhere, admission is often free before a certain time (usually 11pm) or by registering on the guest list. Ladies also benefit from free admission on ladies nights (at least one night a week). For the cinema, discounts are offered on the weekly reduced price day (usually Tuesday). Great deals on entertainment: Gametime offers last-minute tickets to shows and sporting events in Ottawa and Toronto (gametime.co), and TodayTix offers last-minute theatre rates in Toronto (todaytix.com/x/toronto), among other things.
Please remember that prices are always quoted exclusive of taxes. Not only is the 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) added, but also the 15% service charge where applicable. All methods of payment are accepted, but there may be occasions when the bar counter in an auditorium, for example, will only accept cash and/or debit card.

What budget to eat Ontario?

You can easily eat on the go for less than $10-15 CDN. At least $20-25 CDN for lunch and a minimum of $30-40 CDN in the evening. The daily lunch menu and the table d'hôte in the evening allow you to save some money and include the starter, main course, dessert and coffee. More upscale restaurants also often offer a multi-course tasting menu. The cost can range from $60 to $150 CDN or more, and a pairing with selected wines is offered in addition.
All methods of payment are accepted, but smaller restaurants sometimes limit themselves to cash and/or debit card.
In Ontario, you can also take home the rest of your meal or bring your own bottle of wine - or beer - to the restaurant. The "bring your own wine" concept may not be as widespread as it is in neighbouring Quebec, but many restaurants allow it. However, the corkage fee can be quite expensive, up to $50 CDN in large restaurants.

The price of gourmet breaks and alcoholic beverages is relatively similar to what is found in Europe, although higher than in neighbouring Quebec. Some things are more expensive, however, such as baked goods and wine. To save money, the famous Happy Hour offered in bars in the middle or at the end of the day is a good idea. There are also passports sold at low prices that allow you to visit participating establishments and obtain drinks at ridiculous prices (tip not included). This is the case with the Craft Beer Passport (craftbeerpassport.ca) for Ontario's micro and craft breweries.
Remember that prices listed are always exclusive of taxes. Not only must the 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) be added, but also the 15% service charge. All methods of payment are accepted, but small businesses sometimes limit themselves to cash and/or debit cards.

What is the budget for accommodation Ontario?

Of course, rates vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation chosen. It will therefore not cost the same if you opt for a dormitory bed in a youth hostel rather than a suite in a 5-star hotel. In low season, you can find a nice room in an inn or hotel in a price range of $80 to $150 CAN, a rate that increases - and may even double or more in large cities - in high season or during major events. You should also be aware that accommodation is generally expensive in Toronto compared to neighbouring Ottawa and Montreal. And this applies to all types of accommodation.
It is also important to remember that the prices posted are always exclusive of taxes. In addition to the 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), there is also the hotel tax, which differs from city to city (for example, 4% of the price per night for Ottawa and Toronto). All methods of payment are accepted, but small hotels may limit themselves to cash, traveller's cheques and/or debit cards.

Travel budget Ontario and cost of living

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

Small budget:

$80 CAD per day per person (camping/hostel accommodation, meals on the run or groceries, public transportation or carpooling, free activities or less than $10 CAD).

Medium budget:

$200 CAN per day per person (B&B or hotel accommodation, good food, public transportation or car, paid or package activities).

Large budget:

from $400 CAN per day per person (accommodation in a more luxurious hotel or condo/chalet, good food, transportation by car, package activities/expeditions).

It isalso important

to keep in mind that most consumer goods and services are subject to a 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), which is usually not included in the listed price. Also, the 15% tip must 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 in cinemas and theaters.

As forhaggling , it is not a common practice in the country. Prices are fixed and generally non-negotiable. However, shopkeepers will sometimes be generous and offer you something if you buy items from them for a significant amount. In the same way, and although it is strictly forbidden, small shops sometimes accept not to charge you taxes if you pay your purchases in cash and without possibility of return...