Have you ever wondered if travelling to Toronto on a budget is possible? Maybe you’ve been to Toronto before and been prey to luxurious vacation packages. Whether you’re an avid Toronto tourist or you’ve never been to Canada, this guide is for you! We are here to help you plan your next trip to Toronto so you can travel confidently, safely, and within your budget. With a small amount of proper planning, you can keep your next trip to Toronto, Canada, under budget by staying at a low-cost hotel, eating out at affordable restaurants, and enjoying inexpensive excursions. We will even briefly discuss finding cheap flights to Toronto. If you’re searching for how to travel to Toronto on a budget, you’ve found the right post!

Why Should You Travel to Toronto, Ontario, Canada?

Toronto is not your average bustling metropolitan. With over half of the residents being born outside the city, Toronto is a central hub for cultural diversity. From food and lodging to various experiences, you can enjoy many cultures in one area. So if you’ve been searching for your next adventure in Canada, Toronto is a can’t-miss location! It’s recommended to spend at least a weekend, or up to one week, in this big and beautiful city so that you have time to explore all of the wonders Toronto has to offer.

Can You Travel to Toronto, Canada, on a Budget?

If you haven’t heard, Toronto is the most expensive city in Canada. It is in the top 100 most expensive cities in the world! So, is it possible to travel to this exorbitant metropolis on a budget? The answer: Yes! Even though living in Toronto may not be considered budget-friendly, you can easily travel to this lively city on a budget by carefully planning your lodging, dining, and adventures. Luckily, there are many affordable hotels, restaurants, and things to do in Toronto.

How to Find Cheap Flights to Toronto, Canada

The most effective way to get a great deal on cheap flights to Toronto, Canada, is to book your flights with plenty of advance notice. The most expensive month to fly to Toronto is July, and January is the least costly. Since January is not a popular season for Canadian tourists, you’ll find the best rates on flights to Toronto during winter!

Budget Hotels in Toronto

Even though Toronto is filled with luxury hotels, not all travellers are seeking or willing to pay for these costly accommodations. Luckily, Toronto also has plenty of budget hotels suited to the needs of every traveller!

What Qualifies as a Budget Hotel in Toronto, Canada?

Budget hotels provide basic necessities and minimum amenities for travellers seeking low-cost lodging.

Budget hotels provide basic necessities and minimum amenities for travellers seeking low-cost lodging. Budget hotels provide basic necessities and minimum amenities for travellers seeking low-cost lodging. This is an excellent option for those who plan to spend the majority of their time adventuring in the city rather than relaxing in a hotel. Depending on where you want to stay and room availability, budget hotels in Toronto range in price from $80 to $300 per night. Hostels are also a great way to travel to Toronto on a budget, as the lodging is specifically designed for budget travellers looking for a clean and safe place to stay. Here are a few of our budget choices in Toronto. You can save big by booking here.

Park Inn

Address: 118 Shuter Street, Toronto, ON M5A 1V8, Canada The Park Inn is highly rated for its convenient location and cozy guest house rooms. All units have access to a shared kitchen, and some even have a balcony! With private parking, free Wi-Fi, tea, and coffee, the Park Inn is an excellent option for travellers seeking affordable lodging close to downtown Toronto. Check out more information on the Park Inn here. Rates run as low as $67 per night!

The Planet Traveler

Address: 357 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1S5, Canada This Toronto hostel is located near Kensington Market in the city’s center. With scenic views and free internet, storage, and breakfast, The Planet Traveler is among the best budget hotels in Toronto! Check out more information on The Planet Traveler here. Rates run as low as $45 per night!

The Clarence Park

Address: 7 Clarence Square, Toronto, ON M5V 1H1, Canada Located only two blocks from the Ritz Carlton and the Thompson Hotel, you can’t beat the prime location of this hotel! Guests of The Clarence Park can choose to stay in private or dorm-style rooms, depending on budget and preference. This pet-friendly lodging offers private parking, free Wi-Fi, and an in-house restaurant. Check out more information on The Clarence Park here. Rates run as low as $32 per night!

The Palmerston

Address: 650 ½ Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M6J 1E4, Canada This budget hotel in Toronto is a bit further from the city than other hotels on our list, but not by a lot! If you’re willing to walk a little over a mile to get to the Four Seasons Center for the Performing Arts and just under a mile and a half to Hanlan’s Point Beach, this might be a great option! Guests at The Palmerston can enjoy private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and express check-in and check-out. Check out more information on The Palmerston here. Rates run as low as $23 per night!

The Only Backpacker’s Inn

Address: 966 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON M4J 1L9, Canada Just 350 feet away from Donlands Subway Station, The Only Backpacker’s Inn is in the ideal location for travellers seeking budget hotels in Toronto. Private and dormitory-style rooms are available, and all stays include complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and access to on-site dining. This hostel is known for its friendly staff and delicious food! Check out more information on The Only Backpacker’s Inn here. Rates run as low as $45 per night.

Cheap Places to Eat in Toronto, Ontario

Whether you’re on a budget or not, experiencing food goes hand-in-hand with travel. Since Toronto is a cultural hub in Canada, there are many different cuisines to choose from. Even though the prices of these inexpensive dining options are minimal, the flavours are known to be exceptional. Here are our top picks when travelling on a budget.

Juicy Dumpling

Address: 280 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0A1, Canada Juicy Dumpling is a well-loved restaurant bringing classic Shanghai meals straight to the heart of Toronto! There are plenty of cheap and delicious dishes available at this restaurant. You can expect to leave with a full stomach for even under $10. For example, you can order six soup dumplings for a mere $2.99! We have to say it: WOW!

Gale’s Snack Bar

Gale's is a cash-only neighbourhood gem that sells all of its sandwiches under $5, with most even under $3!

Address: 539 Eastern Avenue, Toronto, ON M4M 1C6, Canada If you’ve searched Toronto for inexpensive restaurants, chances are you have already heard about Gale’s Snack Bar. For forty years, Gale’s has been preparing delicious sandwiches and sides that have won the hearts of Toronto, both local and traveller. Since their founding, their prices haven’t changed much either. This cash-only neighbourhood gem sells all of its sandwiches under $5, with most even under $3!

Fresca Pizza & Pasta

Address: 302 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1R9, Canada This New York Style pizzeria offers equally tasty and affordable meals! You won’t miss the food from their delicious wood-burning oven and the immaculate homemade sauces. Fresca Pizza and Pasta is best known for their crispy jumbo pizza slices, which you’ll devour for less than $5 a slice!

Java House

Address: 537 Queen Street W, Toronto, ON M5V 2B6, Canada You have found your spot if you’re looking for a fairly-priced coffee shop with tasty offerings! Java House is filled with friendly staff prepared to serve you coffee, tea, cocktails, breakfast, appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, and… shall we go on?! For under $12, you can get a delicious plate of Chicken Pad Thai. Oh, and don’t forget to try the delightful fried dumplings for just $6!

Allwyn’s Bakery

Address: 404 Queen Street W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A6, Canada Allwyn’s is home to some of the best Jamaican food in Toronto! This bakery has been well-loved for over twenty years with a loyal customer following. Try the jerk chicken and take in all the flavours of their homemade jerk sauce. All meals are under $11, so you can taste the Caribbean without breaking the bank.

Budget Activities in Toronto, Canada

From jaw-dropping nature scenes to an underground shopping complex, Toronto has many fun activities that won’t empty your pockets.

Shopping at St. Lawrence Market

Address: 93 Front Street E, Toronto, ON M5E 1C3, Canada This waterfront street market is a great place to spend a morning or afternoon in Toronto! St. Lawrence Market is best known for great food and locally-sourced products. With nearly 100 different vendors, all visitors of St. Lawrence Market will find shops that resonate with them. Check out the St. Lawrence Market website for the latest events and updates!

Spend a Day at Toronto Island Park

Address: 9 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2H3, Canada (Jack Layton Ferry Terminal) Just a short, 13-minute ferry ride from the city, you will find a surplus of adventure at Toronto Island Park in Lake Ontario. From the Centreville Amusement Park, with over thirty rides and attractions, to the William Meany Maze made out of hedges, there is no lack of fun to be had! There are also lots of shops and restaurants throughout the park. This is an enjoyable, inexpensive adventure for families and people of all ages! Find the latest ferry deals and park activities at Toronto’s official website.

Tour the Castle of Casa Loma

Address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8, Canada This castle has been a Toronto landmark for over a century that was first built as a home of Canadian financier and soldier Sir Henry Pellatt. Today, you can take an in-depth tour of the residence and learn about the history that is just as enthralling as the architecture. We recommend setting aside at least two to three hours to explore this 200,000-square-foot Edwardian castle fully. Learn more about Castle Loma and special events at their website.

Walk and Shop at The Path Underground Shopping Mall

Address: 31 Adelaide Street E, Toronto, ON M5C 1J4, Canada You may know Toronto as an expensive city, but did you also know it is home to the world’s most extended underground shopping complex? The Path is an underground shopping mall with over 28km of walkways. With over 1,000 businesses to visit, we’re sure this will be a full-day experience for you. There are over 125 entrances to the mall, so be sure to enter wherever is most convenient. If you get lost, look to the directional signs inside the walkway or download the official PATH map on your mobile device. You can find the latest updates on Toronto’s downtown pedestrian walkway on Toronto’s official website.

Relax at the Scenic Lookout of Scarborough Bluffs

Address: 61 Undercliff Drive, Scarborough, ON M1N 3Z5, Canada Scarborough Bluffs is a must-see location when visiting Toronto. These 100-meter cliffs are composed of nine parks that surround Toronto’s waterfront. Though Bluffers Park and Beach is the only park within the bluffs with an actual beach, most visitors say the best way to see the Scarborough Bluffs is through Scarborough Crescent Park. Scarborough Bluffs is a great place to spend the day with friends, family, or even yourself, exploring the beautiful scenery. For more information on Scarborough Bluffs, head to Toronto’s official website.

Before you Travel

You should now have a good idea of what your next trip to Toronto will look like. As you can see, even though Toronto is a big, affluent city, you don’t have to spend a ton of money to visit. The best way to travel on a budget in Canada is to have your finances in order. Here at Creditpicks, we help you do just that. For monthly motivation, inspiration, and financial guidance, subscribe to our blog.

One Last Thing

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