Canada on a budget

Cheapest months to go

Peak is June, July, August, September. The weeks either side of that window usually carry most of the weather with much less of the price.

Getting around for less

Realistic options in Canada:

• A rental car is close to essential for the Rockies, Atlantic Canada and northern routes
• Domestic flights are needed between regions — the country is wider than Europe
• Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver have usable public transit for city stays
• Rail links the eastern corridor and offers long scenic routes elsewhere, but is slow
• Winter driving needs appropriate tyres and route checks; some seasonal roads close

Where to base yourself

Fewer bases means fewer paid transfers. Banff, Jasper & the Rockies, Vancouver, Toronto cover a lot between them.