How Much Does It Cost to Road Trip Across Canada?

By Robert Palmer

Are you planning a road trip across Canada? It’s natural to wonder about the cost involved in such an adventure.

The good news is that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The cost of your trip will depend on several factors, including the duration of your trip, your mode of transportation, accommodation, food, and activities you plan to indulge in. Let’s break down these costs and get a better idea of how much it’ll cost to road trip across Canada.

Transportation

The first cost you’ll incur is transportation. You have several options when it comes to traveling across Canada.

You can drive your car or rent one; you can take a bus or a train or even hitchhike. If you’re renting a car, the average daily rental fee is around $50-$70 per day, depending on the type and model of the car. If you plan to drive your car, factor in gas costs, which will vary depending on the distance you cover and gas prices at different locations.

Accommodation

Accommodation is another significant expense during a road trip. If you’re looking for budget options, hostels and campsites are great choices that offer cheap accommodations for around $20-40 per night. For those who want more comfortable options like motels or hotels, expect to pay around $80-120 per night on average.

Food

Food expenses can vary widely depending on what and where you eat. If you’re cooking your meals at campsites or hostels using groceries from local stores, expect to spend around $30-50 per day on food for two people. However, eating out at restaurants can be expensive with an average meal costing around $15-25 per person.

Activities

If you want to explore different places and experience various activities, you need to factor in the cost of admission fees, excursions, and tours. For instance, a ticket to visit the CN Tower in Toronto costs around $35 per person, while a whale watching tour on the East Coast can cost around $100-150 per person.

Total Cost

The overall cost of your road trip across Canada will depend on how long you plan to stay and what activities you choose to do. Here’s a rough estimate for a 10-day trip for two people:

  • Transportation: $1000 (renting a car and gas)
  • Accommodation: $800 (staying at budget hostels/campsites and some motels)
  • Food: $500 (cooking meals at campsites/hostels and eating out at some restaurants)
  • Activities: $600 (visiting attractions, tours, etc.)

Total Estimated Cost: $2,900

Conclusion

Road tripping across Canada can be an unforgettable adventure if planned well. While it may seem daunting initially, with proper planning and budgeting, it can be an affordable experience too. Don’t forget that these are only estimates based on average costs.

Depending on your preferences and choices, the actual cost may vary significantly. Nonetheless, this breakdown should give you a good idea of what to expect financially when planning your Canadian road trip. Happy travels!