How much does a trip to Canada cost? 

Welcome to a new post where we're going to reveal how much a trip to Canada costs.

We're going to tell you about it through our own experience during our last 21-day trip through the Canadian Rockies.

Planning your budget is important for every trip. But especially for a trip to Canada, budgeting is crucial to avoid overspending and fully enjoy your experience.

The main factors that influence the cost of a trip to Canada are flights, accommodation, transportation, food, and activities.

This will determine our travel budget to Canada from Spain or from anywhere else we travel to Canada.

Therefore, in this post we will review all these costs one by one and advise you on what to do to save money and travel cheaply to Canada , as much as possible to make an economical trip to Canada and above all without extra costs.

About us

Is Canada expensive? 1st premise: Currency and currency exchange, a plus

The first thing you should know is that, luckily for us, the euro is stronger than the Canadian dollar , and that's the key to why traveling to Canada is currently quite affordable and not as expensive as it was rumored to be for years.

100 Canadian dollars are currently worth 66 Euros in 2024.

Having a card that does not charge you exchange fees is the first key to not paying more

After the good news about the currency exchange, it's time to carefully review everything related to the Euro to Canadian dollar exchange rate to avoid overpaying in fees.

In Canada, everything can be paid for by card , so we recommend withdrawing very little cash on the first day and then always paying by card and in dollars to get the best deal.

We do recommend having cash on hand, because in many places you'll find that payment is made in cash via a drop box —for honesty, as they say there. For example, to rent a canoe on a lake, there might not be anyone around or an office, just a drop box and a sign indicating that payment is in cash.

Regarding cards, it's a whole new world, each one charges you what they want in commissions, exchange rates and cash withdrawals.

We recommend the Evo smart account card , which is the one we've had since it was Nova Caixa Galicia and which has 0 fees for everything worldwide, but on the other hand you have to have your salary or a minimum monthly income in that account, or the Revolut card.

A card that can be activated in minutes from the internet in an easy way and that allows unlimited top-ups so that you can pay at the currency exchange rate with 0 commissions and the best currency exchange. In addition, you can carry it digitally in your mobile wallet and it is great for paying with your mobile. We did not have a single problem paying with our mobile phone with Revolut. The only bad thing we see is that you can only withdraw 200 euros per month at ATMs without commission. Otherwise, it is one of the best commission-free cards for traveling around the world.

 

The cost of flights from Spain to Canada: when to travel and stopovers are key

The main airports in Canada with connections to Spain are Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver , where we can find direct flights without stops.

Average flight prices between these Spanish cities and these major airports can vary greatly depending on the season you travel, and this is the first major point to consider.

Therefore, when you're going to travel is the first thing to plan in your travel budget. And the second thing to consider is layovers.

Both the day and time as well as the number of stopovers will greatly influence the price of the flight.

Tips for finding cheap flights to Canada

Our main advice for getting the cheapest flight at the best price is: Book a year in advance, travel outside of peak season, on weekdays , and make stopovers from European cities that have more frequent flights to Canada, such as London.

If you do everything described above, the round trip flight can cost you around €400-500 on average.

However , if you travel during peak season , even if you book well in advance and have layovers, round-trip flights on average cost around €800-900 for the cheapest.

Therefore, the biggest price difference, more than the number of stops you make, lies in the dates you choose.

Then, with layovers, you can save between 100 and 300 euros as well, but on the other hand, you could lose many hours or even a day during the layover, which you also have to weigh carefully in terms of costs. And remember, time is money.

Finally, booking well in advance is another major factor. Booking at least six months in advance can save you half or more compared to booking less than a month in advance, especially if you're flying during peak season, when round-trip fares can jump from €900 to over €5000 .

The best airlines to travel to Canada from Spain

As for airlines that fly to Canada from Spain, you'll find Air Canada , which we consider the best in terms of quality and the only one with more direct flights from Barcelona and Madrid.

For cheaper but quality options, where you will always have to make a stopover at a European airport, you have: Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways and Air Europa.

Finally, as cheaper options with low-cost companies , where you have to make stops, there are companies like: Tap Air Portugal or Ita Airways.

The best thing to do is compare prices carefully and evaluate the extra costs of the cheapest flights ( overnight stays and meals during layovers, extra baggage fees or food during the flight with low-cost airlines, lost time, etc. ) and finally buy the flight that best suits your budget.

Conclusion: How much does a flight from Madrid to Canada cost or how much does a flight from Barcelona to Canada cost?

In conclusion, if you want to know how much a flight from Madrid to Canada or from Barcelona to Canada costs, you should know that it depends a lot on how far in advance you book, what dates you book, which airline you fly with, and how many layovers there are.

The cheapest round-trip prices are around 400 euros , and the most expensive can even exceed 5000 euros per person.

Example of the cost of our last flight from Barcelona to Canada

For your reference, I will give you the costs of our last trip to Canada as an example.

During our last trip to Canada, we paid an average of €850 per person for a round trip with Air Canada . We traveled from Barcelona to Calgary, with a layover in Toronto , traveling outbound in August and back in early September. We booked the flight six months in advance.

Accommodation in Canada: Variables to take into account that influence prices

Regarding accommodations, the first thing you should know is that prices vary greatly from city to city.

What influences the variation are the rates and taxes of each city and province in Canada . Calgary's taxes, which are very low, are completely different from Quebec's, which are among the highest in Canada.

On the other hand, the significant price difference is related to the type of accommodation . The price of a hostel is obviously nothing like that of a 5-star hotel.

Hostels and guesthouses are the cheapest options for backpackers , especially in cities. These accommodations typically cost around €30 per person on average. On the other hand, the cheapest way to travel in Canada's natural areas is to camp in a tent . A campsite costs between €15 and €30 maximum, so the price per person can be very low.

As a mid-range option , we find Airbnb-style apartments, which, especially for longer stays, can reduce costs and are a great way to save on meals during your trip. The price per person here is around €50.

Cabins and rural guesthouses, including bed and breakfasts , are also mid-range options in natural areas like the Rocky Mountains. The average price per person in this case is also €50.

Finally, apart from the type of tourist accommodation you choose, there is another important factor in finding cheap accommodation in Canada : choosing accommodations between tourist areas and less tourist areas.

Table of cheapest accommodations in Canada

Type of budget accommodation	Description
Hostels and hostels	Cheaper option for backpackers, available mainly in cities. 20-30 € average/person
Campings (tent)	Cheaper option in natural areas; camping pitch between €15 and €30 (very low price per person).
Apartments (Airbnb)	Good option for long stays and saving on meals. €50 per person on average.
Cottages and rural houses (B&B)	Intermediate option in natural areas such as the Rocky Mountains. €50 per person on average.
Cheaper hotels	Outside tourist areas.

Best Budget Hotels in Canada

In Canada, we haven't seen any large, low-cost hotel chains that we can recommend, like those found in other countries. Generally, they are family-run hotels and hostels, or large hotel chains with mid-to-high price points, such as Marriott.

Therefore, recommending the best budget hotels in Canada would not depend on the cities and destinations you are going to visit.

What's clear is that if you're looking for the cheapest hotel , always look for hostels, guesthouses, campsites, and places outside the main tourist areas . You're sure to find the best option at the best price that way.

Food and Drink: How much does it cost to eat out in Canada?

One of the things that drives up the price of a trip to Canada is eating out. Restaurants, bars, and cafes are a major source of the extra costs you might encounter on a trip to Canada.

First of all, it must be said that Canadian cuisine leaves much to be desired . Very similar to American cuisine, Canadian restaurants offer little variety, always opting for menus featuring hamburgers and pizzas.

Apart from the more traditional Canadian restaurants, the rest of the offering is Chinese, Vietnamese and Mexican restaurants. 

They all have something in common: there are usually no set menus, and a typical dish costs around €15 . Drinks are also incredibly expensive, unless you order tap water. For example, a beer can cost €10 and significantly increase the price of any meal. To top it all off, tipping is mandatory in Canada . It's often charged directly, or you're expected to leave a 15% tip . Even when paying by card, you'll see the option to add a tip before you pay.

Regarding the average cost of eating out in Canada, I can tell you that you can expect to pay at least €20 per person per lunch or dinner at a decent restaurant.

If you go for food trucks or fast food, you might be able to lower your cost to around €10 per person for lunch or dinner.

Without a doubt, the best advice I can give you here to save money is to shop at the supermarket and prepare your own meals . Besides being much healthier, it will significantly reduce the cost of your trip to Canada, and your average cost per meal per person could end up being between €3 and €5.

Table of how much it costs to eat in Canada

Appearance	Description
Average prices of dishes	Approximately €15 per dish in restaurants.
Cost of drinks	Drinks are expensive (a beer costs around €10). Free tap water.
Tips	They are mandatory and are usually a minimum of 15%.
Average cost in restaurants	Around €20 per person for lunch/dinner in normal restaurants.
Cost of food trucks/fast food	Approximately €10 per person for lunch/dinner.
Savings advice	Shopping at the supermarket and preparing your own food (cost 3 to 5 € per meal).

Transportation in Canada: How much does it cost? 

First of all, to answer this section, I must tell you that this will vary greatly depending on the type of trip you take through Canada.

A trip in which you only visit one of the major cities is not the same as a road trip through different cities, towns and natural destinations.

If you're visiting cities you can get around using public transport , but if you're going on a road trip, for example through the Rocky Mountains, you'll need to rent a vehicle.

Public transport prices in major cities in Canada

The price of a single ticket for the metro, bus or tram in major Canadian cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary or Quebec is very similar and is around €2.

As a tourist, however, the best option is always to buy unlimited day tickets that cost around €8.

Taxi and Uber prices for getting around cities or from the airport to the city

To get around the cities or from the airport to the city you are going to in Canada, you may consider taking a taxi or Uber. It is really a very good option if you are traveling as a family like us and there are 4 of you.

Taxi and Uber prices are very similar, as we found out on our last trip to Calgary. Taxis are slightly more expensive, but not too much.

The price per kilometer for a taxi is around €1/km, whereas for Uber it's about € 0,80 .

How much does it cost to rent a car in Canada? Daily prices and tips for renting cars in Canada.

Renting a car in Canada is like buying a flight or booking a hotel. It will depend a lot on different factors: whether it's high or low season , where you rent it, what insurance you purchase, the driver's age , and the type of car you rent.

Economy cars typically have a daily rental price of around €40–50.

But if you want something better like a sedan or an SUV, the price will go up to an average of €60-80 per day.

The weekly price drops a little and an economical or mid-range car can cost you around 400-500 euros per week on average.

Most of them are automatic and gasoline cars. 

We recommend you compare car rentals thoroughly and always get full coverage insurance . It's very easy to get a chip in your windshield in Canada from even the smallest stone, especially if you're visiting National Parks. It happened to us; luckily, we had full coverage insurance.

Rent a car or rent a motorhome or camper in Canada?

Many people ask us this question when they're planning a trip to Canada, after seeing our campervan trip through Canada . My answer is always the same: it depends.

Firstly, it depends on your budget , and secondly, on your travel context and preferences.

If you are traveling as a couple, for example , and have a tight budget , it will be much more cost-effective to rent an economical car and stay in tent campsites, hostels, or guesthouses.

If you are traveling with 2 or more people , but with a more generous budget and you really love nature and camping, then a motorhome or campervan could be an option.

On the other hand, if you're going to travel to big cities, for example, I strongly advise against traveling to Canada in a motorhome.

As you can see, it depends on many things, not just the budget.

Renting a motorhome or camper has its advantages and disadvantages. It is not the best option because it is cheap and it does not require much work and headaches either.

Driving and parking a motorhome or campervan is not the same as driving a car. And traveling in a motorhome, where you constantly have to clean, empty and fill the water tanks, etc. , is not the same as traveling in hostels, hotels, or cabins where you avoid all that.

On the plus side, the motorhome or campervan means you only have to pack and unpack once during your trip and you always have a toilet and kitchen available at any time.

Overall, there are many things to consider when making this choice.

How much does it cost to rent a motorhome in Canada?

Renting a car in Canada costs an average of €500 per week, while renting a motorhome costs an average of €1500 per week.

That's the average price, but you should know that prices for both cars and motorhomes vary greatly, especially depending on whether it's high or low season.

TIP: If you want to do this road trip through Canada in a campervan like we did, we recommend renting one. We suggest doing so in Calgary or Vancouver with Roadsurfer , a company we would definitely use again. Roadsurfer gave us a $ 150 discount that you, as readers, can also take advantage of by applying the DISCOUNT CODE: KUCAVANAAMERICA

Activities and tickets: how much they cost in Canada

Activities and tickets for museums or visits in Canada, in general, They are at a very reasonable price and similar to Spain.

It's worth noting, however, that access to major tourist attractions in Canada is free. Why? Because Canada's main tourist activities are nature destinations , and access to them is free.

For example, if you're wondering how much it costs to visit Niagara Falls , the answer is: nothing, it's free . And the same goes for so many other places to visit, like Peyto Lake, Lake Louise, or so many other must-see spots in Canada.

You should know, however, that if you are inside a National Park , of the 48 that exist in Canada, you will need a pass to access with your vehicle , the Discovery Pass, and this does have a cost, although a very reasonable one.

It's like a kind of toll, where for approximately €100 you get a pass that's valid all year for one vehicle in all 48 National Parks of Canada, which also entitles you to visit many museums and historical sites in the National Parks for free for up to 7 people and one vehicle.

On the other hand, activities like rafting, canoeing, whale watching, or guided tours are quite affordable in Canada compared to the United States or other destinations. However, it's true that these activities always represent a significant additional cost for the trip.

Regarding entrance fees to public museums, public hot springs, or public cultural sites , it's worth noting that they are quite affordable. Tickets typically don't exceed €10 per person, and if you're traveling as a family, there are always family ticket options that are very economical.

Free activities in Canada

In short, you will find a lot of free activities in Canada. Basically, all those related to nature, where you don't even have to pay for parking.

Once you have your National Park pass, hiking and exploring the national parks, including visiting museums and historical sites within the parks, will cost you €0 with your Discovery Pass.

Other free activities in Canada include visiting museums on free admission days. Almost all museums have free admission days each month.

And finally, take advantage of festivals and public events where there are tons of free activities. For example, on Canada Day, July 1st, most towns and cities have parades, fireworks, and lots of other free activities.

Travel Insurance for Canada: How much does it cost and is it necessary?

It is certainly more than necessary and in fact on the official website of the Canadian government they tell you that it is a requirement to travel to Canada, since in Canada you will not have any medical coverage.

The cost will depend on what you choose. But if you're wondering how much travel insurance to Canada costs on average, I can tell you that good insurance per person for a week can cost around 50 euros on average.

Regarding the best travel insurance for Canada, I'll explain our experience and advice after comparing many options.

AN IMPORTANT TIP: Don't travel to Canada without a good travel insurance, avoid big problems. It is one of the first requirements that they tell you on the Canadian government website along with the processing of the And so.
We recommend you the Iati Star We hired this insurance after a good comparison and study of the different ones on the market. It is the only one that exceeds one million euros of coverage. Without a doubt, it is the best for North America, where breaking a leg costs you €150.000, as happened to a friend of ours in the USA. Another positive thing is that Iati has an app for virtual visits.
I leave you here a link where you have a 5% off for any Iati travel insurance.

Visas and procedures: eTA costs for travelling to Canada

The eTa, electronic travel authorization from Canada, is like a visa to travel to Canada from Spain. It is mandatory to obtain it before travelling and has a cost. 

Our advice is to avoid falling for scams on the Internet from unofficial websites and to process the application yourself directly on the official website of the Government of Canada.

In our post about requirements for traveling to Canada, I explain everything about how to do it.

Regarding the cost of an eTA for Canada , the answer is around €8 per person , which is considerably cheaper than in the United States.

Total budget for a trip to Canada from Spain: Examples

Below I will show you in a summary table, based on everything explained, the average cost of a trip to Canada:

Appearance	Description	Approximate price
Direct Flights	Round trip, in low season	400-600 €
Accommodations	Hostels, motels and campsites	15-60 € per night
Lunch time	Food in restaurants	€10-30 per person
Transport	Car rental	40-80 € per day
Activities	National Parks Entrance (Discovery Pass)	100 € per year
Travel insurance	The best medical and travel insurance	€50 per week per person
Visa (eTA)	Travel authorization	€ 8 per person

Now, I will show you with examples what a trip to Canada from Spain can cost you depending on the days and accommodation chosen in total with everything included.

How much does it cost to travel to Canada for 10 days on a tight and medium Canada travel budget?

A budget backpacking trip to Canada for 10 days can cost you €1500 per person, traveling in the low-mid season, in a rental car, camping in tents , and eating from supermarkets , for 2 people:

How much does it cost to travel to Canada for 10 days on an average Canada travel budget?

An average 10-day trip to Canada can cost you €2000 per person, traveling in high season, using a rental car, staying in motels and hotels up to 3 stars, and eating half from supermarkets and half from restaurants, for 2 people:

How much does it cost to travel to Canada by motorhome for 21 days: our experience and real travel costs

Here are the costs and prices of travelling to Canada that we paid on our last trip to Canada, which we made for 21 days in a family motorhome:

• Cost of the flights per person on average (2 adults and 875 children): €6 round trip with Air Canada, with a stopover in Toronto, from Barcelona. Purchased XNUMX months in advance
• Daily cost of motorhome rental: €275/day (for the 4 of us travelling and in August, high season, if you book in medium or low season you can save more than half).
• Average daily cost of accommodation, campgrounds: €25/night (for the 4 of us and a motorhome). This is the average price of campsites there.
• Average daily costs for activities, food, souvenir shopping, restaurants, etc: 40 € (for the 4 of us)

In total, the total cost of the trip we have made per person for 21 days in Canada in a motorhome has been € 2.550.

Keep in mind that we are two adults and two children, and the price of the motorhome and campsites is split four ways. Between two adults, the same trip would cost almost double per person; it could cost you around 4500 euros per person for 21 days in Canada in a motorhome.

How to save on a trip to Canada: tips for travelling cheap to Canada from Spain 

Traveling to Canada cheaply is possible, yes and no, it depends. 

It depends on each person what is cheap for them and what you compare it to.

Of course, if you want to travel to Canada cheaply, you should do the following:

• 1 Buy flights as soon as possible, ideally 1 year in advance, which is when the flights leave.
• 2 Compare flight options a lot. Sometimes it is cheaper to take a flight to London and then from there take a flight to Canada, which is usually cheaper.
• 3. Go camping in a tent at public campsites. There is a very good infrastructure, they are very cheap and you reduce the cost of accommodation a lot, and the weather is not so bad if you go in August.
• 4 If tent camping is not your thing and there are 4 of you in the family, renting a motorhome will be very cost-effective, especially because you will save a lot on food. For less than 4 people, motels and hostels will probably be more cost-effective.
• 5 Have picnics and save money on restaurants where the food is neither good nor healthy.
• 6 Buy in large supermarkets like Walmart in big cities and don't buy in national parks, where everything is much more expensive.
• 7. Fill your gas tank outside of National Parks where it is more expensive.
• 8 Travel outside of high season, outside of July and August

Frequently Asked Questions about the costs of a trip to Canada

To resolve your doubts about the budget for Canada and how to make a cheap trip to Canada, I am going to try to answer here some frequently asked questions that we have been receiving. If you have any other questions, remember to put them in the comments below or write to us by email.

How much does a trip to Canada cost for two people?

If you're on a backpacker's budget , traveling outside of peak season and staying in a tent at a campsite, a 15-day trip to Canada for two people could cost you around €3000 .

On the other hand, if you're going to stay in motels and mid-range hotels and eat in more restaurants, it could cost you around €5000 for both of you.

Is it expensive to travel to Canada from Spain?

It's not a cheap trip compared to a closer trip around Europe, but mainly because of the cost of flights , which is what makes the trip more expensive compared to another trip you could take around Europe.

It all depends on what you compare it to. It's not cheap because the flight alone costs around 1000 euros per person to go and return in summer, even if you book well in advance and with stopovers.

But starting from the cost of the flight, it will depend on what you choose for accommodation and travel. You can make it cheaper or more expensive depending on your budget.

The cost of living there, food, accommodation and activities are not much more expensive than in Spain, so depending on what you compare it may even seem cheap to you.

How can I reduce the cost of my trip to Canada?

Clearly, eating supermarket food first and second, staying in campsites and hostels.

Conclusion: Is Canada an expensive destination? Final Budget Analysis

In short, Canada can be an expensive destination, but that's due to its distance from Spain and because the flight costs significantly increase the overall trip price. This is especially true when compared to other trips within Europe.

But on the other hand, aside from flight costs, the rest of the expenses are very similar to those in Europe , or even a little cheaper in some aspects such as public campsites. Food, activities, and accommodation—the price—is very similar to what you might pay in Germany or France.

I hope I have helped you with this article, remember that our effort is a pleasure, but we also like to read your comments below.