What budget to travel Canada? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings Canada?

Admission is usually between $10 and $30 CDN for an adult ticket. Discounts are almost always available for children, students and seniors, or even free admission. For example, admission to national parks and historic sites is always free for those under 18. Many points of interest are also completely free, although some may require a voluntary contribution. In cities such as Montreal and Toronto, passes combining various museums and attractions allow you to save a lot of money, as long as you are there for at least 2-3 days.

There are ways to stretch your legs without spending a dime. City and town halls provide a variety of sports facilities, from swimming pools to baseball fields. Access is usually free or for a small fee. There is also a network of free multi-purpose trails in Canada for hikers, cyclists and cross-country skiers. However, there is a small fee for access to national parks and some nature reserves. For adventures such as rafting, heli-skiing and snowmobiling, however, you will need to budget accordingly.

If the cost of living in Canada is relatively low, it is quite different in Vancouver and Toronto, the most expensive cities in the country, not to mention the Far North where the long transportation of goods makes their cost explode. As far as shopping is concerned, you can get by quite well thanks to a favorable exchange rate. However, some products are more expensive, especially in the gourmet sector (cheeses, alcohols...). Although the price may seem attractive, you should not forget that sales taxes are never included, unless you are advised otherwise. You must therefore add between 5 and 15% tax on your purchases (some products are partially or totally exempt 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. Please note that there has not been a tax refund program for visitors for many years.

Going out to a club is generally less expensive in Canada than in Europe (it must be said that you don't necessarily find the same standard of service there either). As everywhere, the entrance is often free before a certain hour (usually 11pm) or by registering on the guest list. Ladies also get free admission on ladies nights(at least one night a week). For movies, discounts are offered on the weekly discount day (usually Tuesday).

Good deals for shows: several websites offer last minute tickets for shows and sports events. For example, Gametime offers last minute tickets to shows and sporting events in several major Canadian cities (gametime.co), TodayTix offers last minute theater rates in Toronto (todaytix.com/toronto), and La Vitrine offers special deals and low pre-sale rates for all kinds of shows and events in Quebec (lavitrine.com).
Remember that the prices listed 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 15% service charge when applicable. All methods of payment are accepted, but it may happen that the bar in a theater, for example, only accepts cash and/or debit cards.

What budget to eat Canada?

You can easily eat on the run for less than 10-15 CAN $. You should expect to pay at least 20-25 CAN$ for lunch and at least 30-40 CAN$ for dinner. The daily lunch menu and the table d'hôtes in the evening allow you to save some money and include appetizer, main course, dessert and coffee. More upscale restaurants often offer a multi-course tasting menu. The cost can range from $60 to $150 CDN or more, and a wine pairing is offered as an extra.
All methods of payment are accepted, but smaller restaurants may limit themselves to cash and/or debit card.

Prices for food and beverage breaks are relatively similar to those in Europe, although a bit more expensive, even with the exchange rate. To save money, there are low-cost passports that allow you to visit a predetermined number of participating establishments and get a free or ridiculously priced tasting or drink (plus tip). This is the case with the Craft Beer Passport in Ontario (craftbeerpassport.ca) and the Je bois local passport in Quebec (jeboislocal.ca) for microbreweries and craft breweries.
It is important to remember that the prices listed are always exclusive of taxes. Not only must you add the 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 businesses sometimes limit themselves to cash and/or debit cards.

What is the budget for accommodation Canada?

Of course, prices vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation chosen. For example, a dormitory bed in a youth hostel will not cost the same as a suite in a 5-star hotel. In the low season, a nice room in a hostel or hotel can be found in a price range of $80 to $150 CAN, a price that increases - and can even double or more in major cities - in high season or during major events. It is also important to note that accommodation in Vancouver and Toronto is generally expensive compared to other major Canadian cities. And this applies to all types of accommodation.
Remember that the 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 differs from one city or province to another (for example, 5% of the nightly rate for Winnipeg, 4% for Calgary, Ottawa and Toronto, 3.5% for Montreal, etc.). All forms 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 while you are there, here are three examples that fit everyone's financial means.

Small budget: $80-100 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: $200-250 CAD 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 remember that most consumer goods and services are subject to one or two sales taxes (5-15% depending on the province or territory), which are usually not included in the 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...