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Toronto on a Budget: Tips For Saving Money On Your Next Trip

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While Canada is slowly reopening for domestic tourism, talk of loosening border restrictions for travelers from other countries has been a hot topic for the government. Earlier this week Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau said it may only be a matter of weeks until Americans are allowed to visit Canada for tourism.

Set on the edge of beautiful Lake Ontario, Toronto is a bustling metropolis in the midst of the Canadian wilderness. With lots to do and see, you might find yourself overwhelmed with options. To make the most of your stay, follow these budget-friendly tips!

Where To Stay:

If you are looking for accommodation that won't break the bank, try one of Toronto’s many hostels. The Planet Traveler is a sustainable hostel run on green energy, making it a great choice for eco-conscious travelers. On the other hand, food lovers might prefer The Only Backpackers Inn & Cafe. The hostel is just above The Only Cafe, where affordable and delicious food is served all day long. If you’re feeling a little more bohemian, head over to College Backpackers Hostel to take advantage of the organic markets, cafes, boutiques, and nightclubs in Kensington Market. These three hostels offer cozy accommodation and free breakfast for affordable prices. For the privacy of a high-end hotel, choose a private room. Or, if you feel like making friends book a bed in the shared dorm room to meet fellow travelers. 

How To Get Around:

Ditch the expensive Taxi and opt instead for a ride-share like Lyft. A local will drive you around the city for a fraction of the price. Or, If you’re not going far, you might want to try Bike Share Toronto. Cycling is a great way to see the city. It’s much less expensive than taking a car, and it’s environmentally friendly! With 625 stations around the city, this is one of the quickest and most convenient ways to get around town. If you’re not in a rush and want to take a stroll, we suggest using PATH: the Toronto underground pedestrian walkway. PATH allows you to get out of the summer sun and avoid traffic while getting from point A to point B. 

Where To Eat:

Food-lovers may find themselves overwhelmed with all of the options in Toronto, so we have narrowed down a list of the tastiest, cheapest, and most authentically Canadian eateries in town. Utopia Cafe and Frankie’s Diner both claim to have the best homemade burger in town; with affordable prices like these, you can afford to try them both and decide for yourself. For a real Canadian experience, try Nom Nom Nom Poutine for some of the best poutine in town. Then pick up your dessert at Beaver Tails, and try the traditional Canadian pastry named for its flat, round appearance. If you want to try your hand at cooking Canadian cuisine, head over to St. Lawrence Market for their Saturday cooking classes with fresh, local produce. 

*Many restaurants are only available for take-away or delivery at this time

What To See:

Toronto is full of free and cheap activities to make your stay exciting and affordable. Baseball fans will want to see a Blue Jays game at the Rogers Center, with tickets on sale for as little as $10.00. History buffs can make their way to the Evergreen Brick Works, a historical site transformed into an environmentally conscious event area. Come on Saturday to see the farmers market, and enjoy the view from the lookout. If you want to stay active: take the ferry to Toronto Island Park and cycle through the scenery, or see more of the city with Free Tours By Foot. Nature-lovers can take advantage of Ontario’s free day-use permits from Monday to Thursday. Explore Ontario Parks for free until September 2, 2021, we recommend Darlington Provincial Park for swimming and hiking on the outskirts of the city. 

Read More:

Canada Extends All Travel Restrictions Until July 21

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2021

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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.