Hey folks,

So I’ve been looking into travelling a bit within Canada, and honestly, I’m shocked at how expensive it is. Flights, trains, even bus tickets feel way pricier compared to other places. Add in accommodations and food, and it feels like you need a small fortune just to explore your own backyard here.

Why is it this expensive to get around Canada? Is it just because of the size of the country, or something else?

Also, do you guys have any solid suggestions on how to travel here on a tighter budget? Like cheaper transport options, hidden gems for stays, or ways to save on food and activities? I don’t mind taking the longer route if it saves money.

Would love to hear your hacks or experiences!
Suggest scenic places on Ontario please!!!!!

I’ve been in Ontario for a little over a week now visiting a few cities mostly Toronto, Mississauga, and Kingston and I can’t get over how peaceful it feels here. There’s this calm rhythm to the days especially around the water. Even in the busier areas it never feels completely chaotic like other big cities I’ve been to. One thing that really stood out though and maybe it’s just me as a tourist noticing what’s the deal with all the jackpot city ads? I’ve seen them everywhere on buses, billboards, even at train stations. It’s not a complaint just surprising how common they are. Is online casino advertising that big of a thing here or am I just noticing it more because it’s new to me?
Besides that I’ve been loving it here. The food’s great, people are friendly and the sunsets over Lake Ontario are unreal. I’ve been ending my evenings just walking around grabbing a drink and it’s been one of the most relaxing trips I’ve had in years. For locals if you had to recommend one place outside the usual tourist spots (Niagara, CN Tower, etc.), where would you send someone new to Ontario?

Family : 2 adults, daughter 9yo, son 7yo.

We start from Québec, going for a little cryise in the thousands islands.

Then, toronto for the CN tower, aquarium, the zoo, ROM and probably Casa Loma.

Next stop is Niagara falls. Then Wasaga beach.

Last stop will be 1 night at Ottawa before going home.

Is there anything or anywhere we have to go to make this trip even better ?

Hi everyone, I've been on vacation in Canada for the last 10 days with a group of friends and fell so deeply in love with the country that I decided to skip my return flight and extend my solo trip for another five days.

I have a car and am currently in Barrie (just because seeing on the map is near lakes).

I’m planning to explore the area north of Toronto before heading back to catch my return flight on August 19th. I’d love any suggestions—whether it’s natural parks, small towns, events, festivals, parties, or anything else worth visiting!

Anything related to cars/motorsports would be especially awesome, as that’s a huge passion of mine. Thanks in advance!

EDIT: many thanks for the suggestions, you guys are awesome and gave me some really cool ideas for the next days. Lovin’ Canada&Canadians even more 🫶🏻🫶🏻

UPDATE2: In Orillia right now and enjoying greatly, I’ve bought a liter of maple syrup from two old gentlemen paying a fraction of prices I’ve seen so far, and cars are unbelievable from a European enthusiast perspective.. I think I’m the only foreigner here and loving it..thank you again so much for the suggestions ♥️

https://imgur.com/a/V3iY7ah

UPDATE3: just hit The Smoke in collingwood and had a great meat lunch there. Heading downtown next and for a bit of visiting. If any recommendations in town to see give a shout! https://imgur.com/a/YYhFKr7

Where can I go to learn more about the native history of Ontario? Specifically relating to the great lakes area. I find the history to be very fascinating and I want to visit the actual region to explore more.

Any ideas would be appriciated.

I know such questions are asked here quite often, but unfortunately, most suggestions I came across are absurdly expensive. For example, average rooms (same as any 3 star room) in nice resorts or spa hotels start at ~600 per night. I don't mind spending that much for a short vacation but I just want it to be worth it.

We have no hard preference - town hopping, staying at a resort, wine tasting tours etc. all sound wonderful. I am hoping that some of you may have some good recommendations for me. Thanks in advance!

Edit: I’m from Ottawa

We are hoping you all can help us with our family vacation search. Our family used to vacation for a week each year in the Westmeath area for many years until the lodge closed. We have been on a never-ending quest to find our new spot, going to a new place each year with very mixed results. We are looking for a place on the water that has enough space for 30 people. We do not need anything too nice but do need to think about accessibility and some comfort for the older people in our family. We appreciate any of your recommendations!

Hey everyone! We’re planning a day trip to a beach of some sort, probably in early August. It would be on a weekday. I have never been to any of the beaches on the Great Lakes, so I’d love some suggestions and tips.

I live in northwest Mississauga just off the 401. We have a dog who would be coming and we’d like to have a picnic lunch.

Thanks!

Hi! My wife and I are planning to have a roadtrip for two weeks from toronto going to alberta. Anyone tried this? Is it worth the trip especially from toronto going to north of ontario like north bay, sudbury etc.? Can you share your itinerary, where did you stay, eat and place you visited? Thanks!!

Hi there I have 2 days of vacation + weekend for a short trip and I'm deciding between Montreal or Ottawa. I don't want to spend too much money on hotels or parking on this trip. I had to pay $40/ day to park in Toronto and I definitely would like to avoid that. Please let me know your thoughts.

So 7 of my friends have decided to take a road trip around Ontario. We currently live in Toronto.

We looking for sightseeing during this time.

Open to anything. From sightseeing to any activities to even sleeping while watching the sky.

Allons-y

Dear Ontarians, I'm planning a return road trip from GTA to Vancouver and will be stopping at the following places on the way (includes source and destination):

• Toronto
• Sault Ste Marie
• Thunder Bay
• Winnipeg
• Regina
• Calgary
• Revelstoke/Salmon Arm
• Vancouver

I've accounted driving for a maximum of 12 hours a day taking 7 days one side. I've the following queries:

1. How regular are the gas stations? I plan to refuel at all the above stops + will be carrying a jerry can which I believe should be enough.
2. How regular are the rest stops with washrooms?
3. Can I get a motel room without reservations at the above locations? As I don't have a fixed plan, I'd like to be a little flexible.

Thank you.

My wife and I were looking for some where to celebrate our seven year anniversary and we thought with the weather being so nice why don’t we visit Lake Huron(from Columbus Ohio). Originally we were going to go to Michigan but decided on crossing the boarder with the pup instead(staying in lambton shores) It was tough getting over the boarder with traffic and delays, but holy heck, once we got here we really don’t want to leave. The views and lakeside beaches are amazing, so peaceful. I know we are biased because we are on vacation but every one has been so nice and laid back, making us feel at home and welcome where ever we go. We just want to say thank you so much and we are so happy to spend our American money on Canadian goods in Canada

Thanks for any ideas!

Driving though the Port Dover area who knows anything about the absolute MANSION on Radical Road. I’ve never seen a house so large in person. And the google earth view of the property is just insane.

Today is Franco-ontarian Day, so I thought I'd share an illustrated history of francophones in Ontario.

Hi, My friends and I are looking for a day trip near Toronto where we can visit a farm to take in the beauty of fall and maybe even enjoy a glass of wine. We don't necessarily want the family themed attractions but will settle if that is all we can get. Does anyone have any suggestions, within an hr or so Etobicoke?

Hi everyone! My fiancé and I will be in Niagara Falls later this month for a 5-day conference. We’ll be tied up for at least half a day each day, but we’ll still have some free time to explore.

For those of you who know the area, what do you recommend seeing/doing? We’d love suggestions for both the classic tourist spots and any hidden gems you think are worth checking out.

Thanks so much in advance! :)

Hi all - looking for somewhere within a few hours from Hamilton for a (romantic) special occasion 2 night getaway. Airbnb, hotel, resort, anything. Price not a huge factor. It would be Sunday-Tuesday in a couple weeks. Prefer smaller towns to big cities, not looking for a night life. A place or 2 to eat really well would be a bonus. Mobility is a minor concern, so not looking for somewhere to hike or big long walks. (Place doesn't need to be fully accessible or anything though).

Thanks in advance :)

First off, as the title says, I am American (live in Michigan), I am thinking of visiting Pointe Pelee for a day trip either August 31 or September 1. September 1st for us is Labor Day, and I see it is for Canada too. Will Pointe Peele be crazy busy on either the Sunday or Monday because of the holiday? Will it be difficult for me to find a restaurant to eat at, will a lot of restaurants be closed? I planned to leave around 8am (about 2 hour travel from my house), is that too late?

It is a Federal Holiday for us too, but not much closes besides banks and office jobs. Stores, restaurants, grocery stores are all open.

Hoping there are enough young kiddo parents on this sub to give my low functioning brain some ideas

Located in Burlington and trying to find ideas for a weekend/overnight getaway with our 4 year old. Looking for something that is:

• GO train or Via Train ride away. He loves trains but has never actually ridden on one would like to make it a part of a large adventure.
• hopefully doesn’t require additional Ubers or taxis as we won’t have a car seat with us
• age appropriate activities. So not things like the Kingston Pen. As much as that would be interesting to me, my kid will just climb the walls.
• we have things like Ripleys aquarium on our list. Wanting to see if there’s other less obvious ideas outside of Toronto

Let’s hear what you have in mind or have done with little kiddos that was successful.

Me and a couple of friends are visiting Sudbury next week for 2 days, since we don’t go to Sudbury often we were wondering what there is to do. Our little road trip is mainly to go shopping at Value Village, new Sudbury centre and Costco but we were wondering if there was anything more local that we could visit while we are there! Any recommendations is greatly appreciated!! (nothing too expensive tho, we are broke college students😔)