Budget-friendly Ontario travel tips

Save on accommodations

When searching for affordable city accommodations, hotels located just outside the downtown core often offer significantly lower rates. Many properties also offer discounts for early reservations, mid-week stays, or bookings during the off-season, from late fall to early spring.

Popular travel booking platforms are great for comparing rates, but also check hotel websites for exclusive promotions, value-added packages and deals.

Resorts of Ontario

Search for seasonal offers and package deals at some of Ontario’s favourite resorts.

Budget-friendly fishing resorts and lodges

Ontario is home to some of the world’s best freshwater fishing experiences. Plan your next family or friends fishing trip in Northern Ontario.

Romantic winter getaway packages

Plan ahead for a memorable getaway for two next winter with customized packages and special offers at top resorts, hotels and inns in Ontario.

Dining on a budget

Explore the rich culinary scenes in Ontario’s largest cities at affordable restaurants, local markets and food festivals. Food trucks are a great dining option while road tripping across Northern Ontario.

Local farmers’ markets

From seasonal community gatherings to year-round downtown venues, Ontario is home to a variety of farmers’ markets. In addition to local produce, enjoy the friendly, bustling atmosphere and affordable, home-made and ready-to-eat treats.

Bib Gourmand restaurants

The esteemed MICHELIN restaurant guide has recognized over 20 restaurants in Toronto and beyond for exceptional cuisine at a reasonable price.

Kensington Market, Toronto

From Caribbean and Latin American cuisine to Middle Eastern and Asian flavours, this colourful neighbourhood offers a wide range of affordable eateries and cozy cafes. Additionally, browse eclectic shops for vintage clothing, vinyl records, books and jewelry.

Location: Kensington Market, Toronto

ByWard Market, Ottawa

Ottawa’s number one tourist attraction, ByWard Market, is a premier destination for dining, shopping, arts and entertainment. Explore the outdoor farmers’ market, specialty shops and colourful exhibits and shows.

Location: ByWard Market, Ottawa

Summer food festivals

Ontario’s summer food festivals celebrate flavours, music and cultures from around the world, offering the opportunity to sample diverse cuisines without a restaurant price tag.

Northern Ontario food trucks

From classic comforts like burgers, fries and hot dogs to fish and chips, tacos, poutine and more, Northern Ontario’s food trucks serve up simple, satisfying eats that are big on flavour and easy on the wallet.

Cost-saving transportation

Many of Ontario’s downtown cores in cities are walkable, with well-connected transit systems, making it easy to get around without the hassle and cost of parking. Bus and train services provide budget-friendly options for travelling throughout the province.

Local city transit

Use public transit systems to get around Ontario’s largest cities, including the Toronto Transit (TTC) in Toronto, OC Transpo in Ottawa and NRT in Niagara. Look for day passes or unlimited rides on weekends for a low flat fee.

If you plan to use public transit frequently during your trip, it may be worthwhile to obtain a PRESTO card. In addition to saving money on regular transit trips, PRESTO cardholders can take advantage of PRESTO Perks, which offer discounts at various Ontario attractions, restaurants and entertainment options.

Regional travel

GO Transit offers affordable routes between major cities, including Toronto, Hamilton, Niagara Falls and Barrie. Ontario Northland connects northern destinations and communities with safe and reliable bus service. Senior, student and child discounts are available. Travelling by train with VIA Rail is another convenient and cost-effective alternative to renting a car. Find promotions, special offers and discounts such as Discount Tuesdays.

Bike rentals

Bike-sharing programs such as Bike Share Toronto and Bike Sharing in Niagara-on-the-Lake offer a fun, healthy and affordable way to explore a city or community.

Free attractions and events

Take advantage of savings on admission at popular museums and attractions. Check out zero-cost things to do in Toronto, more free (and nearly free) things to do in Ottawa and beyond in Ontario.

Festivals and events in Toronto

From Luminato to Nuit Blanche, Toronto hosts numerous cultural, culinary and art festivals, several of which are free to attend.

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), Toronto

One of the top art museums in North America, the AGO hosts First Wednesday Night Free on the first Wednesday night of each month from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

For frequent visitors, the AGO offers two versions of an annual pass: a free annual pass for those 24 years and under and a $40 annual pass for guests who are 25 years and older. Both passes allow unlimited visits to the gallery for a year.

Location: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto

Harbourfront Centre, Toronto

A vibrant arts and culture hub on Toronto’s waterfront, Harbourfront Centre offers free admission for exhibitions, festivals and public events year-round. Enjoy everything from art installations to live music, dance performances and family-friendly programs.

Inside the centre, The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery is devoted exclusively to contemporary visual art. It hosts different exhibitions throughout the year, and admission is free.

Locations:

• The Power Plant: 231 Queens Quay West, Toronto
• Harbourfront Centre: 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto

Toronto parks and islands

Spend a day exploring the Toronto Islands, just 15 minutes from downtown by ferry. There is a modest cost to ride the ferry, but the island trails and beaches are free.

Enjoy themed gardens, walking paths, a zoo and picnic areas for free at High Park. Head to Riverdale Park East for skyline views and sunsets and visit the horses, pigs and chickens at Riverdale Farm in Riverdale Park West.

Locations:

• Jack Layton Ferry Terminal: 11 Queens Quay West, Toronto
• High Park: 1873 Bloor Street West, Toronto
• Riverdale Park East: 550 Broadview Avenue, Toronto
• Riverdale Farm: 201 Winchester Street, Toronto

Ottawa’s national museums

Select galleries and museums in Ottawa are open for free on Thursday evenings from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., including the National Gallery of Canada.

In addition, the Ottawa Museums Passes allow you to save on admission to 10 museums and galleries in the city, including the Bytown Museum, Royal Canadian Mint and Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum. Passes are priced for a one-day or three-day time frame.

Guided tours at Parliament Hill, Ottawa

No trip to Ottawa is complete without visiting Parliament Hill. Free guided tours are offered daily in both English and French. Tours are available for the Senate of Canada Building, the House of Commons at West Block, the East Block and for Parliament: The Immersive Experience.

Location: 111 Wellington Street, Ottawa

Trails at Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG), Hamilton

Canada’s most extensive botanical garden contains over 850 hectares of gardens, trails and nature sanctuaries between Hamilton and Burlington.

Admission fees apply to the main gardens; however, several nature trails showcasing the region’s natural beauty are open to the public year-round at no cost.

Location: 680 Plains Road West, Burlington

Gardens at Dundurn National Historic Site, Hamilton

While guided tours of the historic Dundurn Castle grounds require paid admission, the surrounding grounds and gardens are open to the public at no charge. Stroll through the scenic parkland, explore the Kitchen Garden and take in views of Hamilton Harbour from the castle’s elevated setting.

Location: 610 York Boulevard, Hamilton

Hamilton Waterfalls

Coined the “City of Waterfalls,” there are over 100 waterfalls along scenic trails and wooded ravines in and around Hamilton. Popular spots like Webster’s Falls and Tiffany Falls are easily accessible and perfect for a day of hiking, photography and forest bathing.

Museums in Niagara Falls

For a unique perspective into the history of Niagara Falls, visit the Battle Ground Hotel Museum and Willoughby Historical Museum. The Niagara region was a key battleground during the War of 1812. View artifacts and exhibits that highlight this conflict. Admission for both museums is by donation.

Locations:

• Battle Ground Hotel Museum: 6151 Lundy’s Lane, Niagara Falls
• Willoughby Historical Museum: 9935 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls

Niagara Botanical Gardens

Located along the Niagara Parkway, the Niagara Botanical Gardens cover 40 hectares and feature award-winning landscapes and vibrant seasonal blooms. Admission to the gardens is free; guided tours are available for a fee.

Location: 2565 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls

Summer Fireworks Series and Niagara’s Winter Festival of Lights

Catch Canada’s longest-running fireworks series set against the backdrop of the majestic Niagara Falls. This stunning free display is held throughout the summer and during Niagara’s Winter Festival of Lights.

Location: Niagara Falls

Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Preserve

This privately owned wilderness features over 70 kilometres of maintained hiking, skiing and snowshoeing trails through mixed forest and along unspoiled lakes. It is open year-round and admission is free.

Location: 1002 Buck Lake Landing Road, Huntsville

Promotions, passes and packages

Local promotions, tourism passes and special offers can help you save on popular experiences.

Attractions Ontario

Check out Attractions Ontario for coupons, discounts and gift certificates at top Ontario attractions.

Toronto CityPASS

Visit five of Toronto’s best attractions with the Toronto CityPASS. The Pass includes admission to the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, plus your choice of three of the following four attractions: The Royal Ontario Museum, City Cruises Toronto, Casa Loma and the Toronto Zoo.

Visit Ottawa Pass

Make the most of your time in Ottawa with the Visit Ottawa Pass, providing admission to your choice of five of the city’s top attractions like the Bytown Museum, the National Gallery of Canada, the Royal Canadian Mint, Parc Omega, Water Taxi Eh, the Canadian Museum of History and more.

Niagara Falls Adventure Pass Plus

The Niagara Falls Adventure Pass Plus includes access to some of the city’s top attractions, such as the Niagara Parks Power Station, Whirlpool Aero Car, Butterfly Conservatory, Floral Showhouse and more. It is offered in three tiers: Adventure Pass Classic, Niagara Falls Pass and Adventure Pass Plus.

Kingston’s K-Pass

Explore Kingston and the 1000 Islands with a K-Pass. This pass includes the renowned 1000 Islands Cruise, unlimited access to the Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour, exclusive deals at select restaurants and admission to many of the city’s museums and attractions. Choose from a 24-hour, 48-hour or 72-hour pass. Available from May to October.

Barrie Coupon Pass

Get exclusive deals at various attractions, restaurants, shops and accommodations in Barrie with the Barrie Coupon Pass. Save on meals at eateries, such as Cocina Mexicana and Lazy Tulip Cafe, as well as admission to attractions like Rainbow View Farms, Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, and more.

Mississauga’s Sauga Saving Pass

The Sauga Saving Pass awards you with special offers and discounts at popular spots across the city, including restaurants, retailers and recreation attractions.

Sault Ste. Marie Cultural Attractions Pass

One easy pass provides entry to four top attractions in Sault Ste. Marie. These include the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre and Entomica, Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site, Sault Ste. Marie Museum and the Art Gallery of Algoma. The pass is valid for 30 days from the date of purchase.

Markham Savings Pass

When booking one of Markham’s “be our guest” packages at a participating hotel, you’ll receive a $50 DMC cash card. Use the card along with your #MyMarkhamSavingsPass to enjoy discounts and restaurants, attractions, retailers and more.

Muskoka Packages

Browse overnight offers and special deals in Muskoka, including golf vacations, girlfriends getaways and family fun.

Getaway Packages in London

From weekday savings to pet-friendly deals and family specials, London Tourism has curated a list of great summer packages.

Travel deals in Hamilton, Halton and Brant

Find discounts, free admission offers, special passes and more savings at hotels, restaurants and accommodations throughout this region.

Budget-friendly programs and packages, along with discounts and free experiences, make it easy to travel farther and experience more in Ontario.