Are you dreaming of a cross-Canada road trip? The great Canadian adventure is on the bucket list of many travelers.
Canada is the second-largest country in the world, and exploring the vastness of its land can be an unforgettable experience. But how much does a cross-Canada road trip cost? Let’s break it down.
Transportation
The most significant expense of any road trip is transportation. The cost of gas, vehicle rental, or maintenance depends on several factors such as distance, vehicle type, fuel efficiency, and travel time.
- Gas: The cost of gas varies across Canada. The average price per liter is around $1.36 CAD.
A cross-Canada road trip can cover approximately 7,821 km from Victoria to St.John’s. If your vehicle has an average fuel efficiency of 9 L/100 km, you will spend around $1,000 CAD on gas.
- Vehicle rental: Renting a car for a cross-Canada road trip can cost anywhere between $500 to $1500 CAD per week depending on the car size and rental company.
- Maintenance: If you plan to use your car for the road trip, make sure it’s in good condition. You may need to get an oil change or do some repairs before hitting the road.
Accommodation
Accommodation expenses depend on your travel style and preferences. Here are some options:
- Camping: Canada has many national parks that offer camping facilities for around $20-$40 CAD per night.
- Budget hotels/motels: Expect to pay around $70-$120 CAD per night for budget accommodations like motels or hostels.
- Mid-range hotels: Mid-range hotel prices can range anywhere from $120-$250 CAD per night.
Food and Drink
Food expenses depend on your eating habits and preferences. Here are some average costs:
- Groceries: If you plan to cook your meals, expect to spend around $200-$300 CAD per week on groceries.
- Restaurants: Eating at restaurants can cost around $15-$30 CAD per meal, depending on the restaurant type and location.
- Coffee and drinks: A cup of coffee costs around $3-$4 CAD, and a bottle of beer costs around $5-$7 CAD in most Canadian cities.
Activities
Canada is known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Here are some activity costs:
- National park fees: Visiting a national park can cost up to $10-$20 CAD per person per day.
- Museums and attractions: Admission fees vary from attraction to attraction. Expect to pay around $10-$25 CAD per person per visit.
- Tours and experiences: Tours or adventure activities like whale watching or hiking tours can cost anywhere between $50-$150 CAD depending on the type of experience.
Total Cost
The total cost of a cross-Canada road trip depends on several factors such as transportation, accommodation, food, drink, and activities.
Here’s a rough estimate based on a two-week trip for two people:
- Gas: $1,000 CAD
- Vehicle rental: $1,000 CAD
- Lodging: $1,680 CAD
- Food and drink: $1,400 CAD
- Activities: $800 CAD
The total cost of the trip would be approximately $6,880 CAD.
Conclusion
A cross-Canada road trip can be an adventure of a lifetime. The cost of the trip depends on several factors such as transportation, accommodation, food, drink, and activities. With proper planning and budgeting, you can have a memorable experience without breaking the bank.