BY: BROOKLYN PINHEIRO
Canada was voted the best place to travel to in 2017, conveniently the same year that the vast country is celebrating its 150th birthday. There is no better time to check out the North without emptying your bank account.
Get yourself a free Parks Canada Pass
As a part of its celebrations the government is granting access to all Parks Canada destinations for free! Trek the trails, go kayaking or camp out in one of the 46 locations across the country.
Keep the fun outside
While the CN Tower is iconic, it’s pretty fair to say it’s overrated for $50. Even while visiting major cities you can find stuff to do on the cheap like the $7.50 ferry to Toronto Islands or skating for free on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa.
Download Passport 2017
This app is your guide to events in Canada this year. It allows you to click on all type of events that you’d be interested in and then uses your location or selected destination to tell you what’s happening nearby. Great if you find yourself in a random place and you want to plan out your trip. With all the excitement that the 150th birthday is bringing you’re bound to find some free events to attend.
Buy a Hostelling International membership
Its $35 plus taxes and while it will save you $4 per night in one of their hostels the real benefit is 25 per cent off the Greyhound bus. With stations across most of the country the Greyhound is one of the better options for travel.
Select your museums wisely
The Royal Saskatchewan Museum accepts donations versus the $34 ticket for the full package at the Royal Ontario Museum. If museums are something you’re into but spending money is not then look outwards from Toronto, Vancouver and Ottawa to find cheap alternatives for your fill of history or art.
Follow the Great Trail
Started in 1992 the Great Canadian Trail is comprised of nearly 500 individual trails spanning all 13 province and territories. The trail is comprised of 26 per cent water routes and can be followed at different parts on foot, bike, snowmobile or kayak. Don’t attempt the whole thing unless you have a couple years to spare.
