Travel Budget for Ontario Visit Ontario on a Budget or Travel in Style

Ontario, Canada

Ontario is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Ontario?

A typical traveler spends $14,222 (CA$19,600) per day on a trip to Ontario. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Ontario based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $4,568 (CA$6,296) on meals
  • $2,216 (CA$3,055) on local transportation
  • $15,445 (CA$21,285) on hotels

A one-week trip to Ontario for two people costs, on average, $199,107 (CA$274,400). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $14,222
    CA$19,600
  • One Week Per person
    $99,554
    CA$137,200
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $199,107
    CA$274,400
  • One Month Per person
    $426,659
    CA$588,000
  • One Week For a couple
    $199,107
    CA$274,400
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $398,215
    CA$548,800
  • One Month For a couple
    $853,317
    CA$1,176,000
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Ontario cost?

A one week trip to Ontario usually costs around $99,554 (CA$137,200) for one person and $199,107 (CA$274,400) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Ontario on average costs around $199,107 (CA$274,400) for one person and $398,215 (CA$548,800) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Ontario will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Ontario on average costs around $426,659 (CA$588,000) for one person and $853,317 (CA$1,176,000) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Ontario expensive to visit?

In Ontario, budget travelers spend $3,108 (CA$4,271) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $14,260 (CA$19,600) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $72,876 (CA$100,165) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Ontario.

Ontario is a smaller destination that attracts a broad range of travelers, encompassing various travel styles, spending practices, and budget options. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.

You may find Ontario to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like looking for discounts and coupons.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Ontario is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in North America for its travel costs. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Ontario.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Ontario Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Ontario?

The average Ontario trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Ontario travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Ontario cost?

Ontario on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$1,724
(CA$2,376)
$7,722
(CA$10,643)
$38,866
(CA$53,563)
Local Transportation1 $518
(CA$714)
$2,216
(CA$3,055)
$10,814
(CA$14,903)
Food2 $938
(CA$1,293)
$4,568
(CA$6,296)
$24,179
(CA$33,322)
Entertainment1 $356
(CA$491)
$1,547
(CA$2,131)
$7,624
(CA$10,507)
Alcohol2 $96-287
(CA$132-396)
$438-1,314
(CA$604-1,811)
$2,235-6,704
(CA$3,080-9,239)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people assume they can visit Ontario on a minimal budget, but most find that style of travel to be uncomfortable. Think about what makes a vacation enjoyable for you. Do you like staying in budget hostels, regular hotels, or high-end resorts? Do you want to experience the local attractions? Do you enjoy dining out? Your budget and itinerary will be determined by your answers to these questions.

What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?

While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $3,108 per day that backpackers often spend.

Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.

What Makes You an Average Traveler?

Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. Exploring the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks is a must for most visitors to Ontario. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $14,260 per person, per day.

Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?

If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $72,876. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination will require a more luxurious budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as High Adventure Rafting Day Trip - offered by Viator.



Accommodation Budget in Ontario

Ontario offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $, but during peak season, they can average $. Prices range from $ to $, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Ontario for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $15,445 (CA$21,285). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $7,722 (CA$10,643) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $7,722
    CA$10,643
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $15,445
    CA$21,285

Hotels in Ontario

Looking for a hotel in Ontario? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Ontario

Choosing to travel outside of and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.



Transportation Budget in Ontario

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $2,216 (CA$3,055) per person, per day, on local transportation in Ontario. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Ontario is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $2,216
    CA$3,055

Ontario is a large region, so car is the most convenient and practical way to get around the province. If you plan on traveling Northern Ontario, a car is pretty much your only option along the TransCanada Highway. Driving in Ontario is much like driving in most Western areas of the world.

If you plan on staying in the Golden Horseshoe, the GO Transit bus system is an option. Your fare is determined by the distance you are traveling, and the buses provide inter-city travel. If buses are not available, some routes are covered by the VIA Rail services.

Transportation Tips

Check that your hotel has convenient parking if you're planning on driving.

A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:

  • Private Toronto Airport Transfer Service to City centre Toronto for $159 details
  • Private Transfer Toronto Hotels to Toronto Pearson Airport YYZ for $39 details
  • Private-Safe Transfer from Niagara Falls, Canada to Buffalo Intl, Airport (BUF) for $110 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Ontario
How much does it cost to go to Ontario? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Ontario
The price of renting a car in Ontario will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Ontario

One of the biggest draws for travelers is the food, so be sure to savor the local flavors.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Ontario can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Ontario is $4,568 (CA$6,296) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $4,568
    CA$6,296

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Ontario is around $4581 (CA$6296) per person, with previous travelers spending from $941 to $24244. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Ontario are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $458 to $1374
  • Lunch: $687 to $1832
  • Dinner: $1374 to $3207
  • Coffee: $366
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $687

Given the massive popularity of the Ontario Province, the cuisine has been influenced by almost every major culture in the world. The Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Golden Horseshoe and Niagara Falls regions all offer wide varieties of cuisine from Indian, Chinese, Thai, Italian, Latin American, Japanese, fast food and French. With so many tourists flowing in and out of Toronto and Ottawa, you'll likely find the most variety in those cities.

Food & Dining Tips

Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.

Keep a water bottle handy instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also better for the environment.

While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.

If you want to experience the culture in Ontario, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Must-Do Toronto Food Tour by Toronto's First Food Tour Company for $73 details
  • Guided ByWard Market Food Tour for $107 details
  • Great White North Toronto Food Tour for $55 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Ontario

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Ontario typically cost an average of $1,547 (CA$2,131) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $1,547
    CA$2,131

The most iconic attraction of this region is, of course, Niagara Falls. This "Honeymoon Capital of the World" this area is considered to be one of the most romantic places in the world. On the Canadian side of the falls, most visitors get their first glimpse from Queen Victoria Park. For a real unique experience, hope aboard the legendary Maid of the Mist to go right at the sight of the thunderous foot of the falls. Stay after sunset to see the Falls light up, and in the summer months you'll even catch a fireworks show every Friday and Saturday night.

Another big draw to Ontario is it's most popular city, Toronto. Located on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto is the anchor of the Golden Horseshoe region. Known as the "New York City" of Canada, this city is full of history, culture and energy. There are museums, gardens, shops and night clubs all ready for the eager tourist to explore.



One of the simplest activities you can do in Ontario involves the city of Toronto and your feet. This city is full of so many interesting and eclectic neighborhoods that you can find yourself entertained for a whole day by simply strolling the streets around the city.

You may also consider catching a show at the world famous Toronto location of Second City. This comedy improv theatre has hilarious shows that involve the audience over dinner and drinks.

The city of Toronto is full of exciting activities, but if you're dying to get back to nature, there are plenty of activities available in Ontario. Hiking trails, for example, are available for most experience levels. The Sleeping Giant is a series of flat-topped mountains, or mesas, in the shape of a human body near Thunder Bay. You can also hike through Temagami's Old Growth Forest and canoe Lake Temegami. Should you take a weekend and camp out at Bruce National Park, you can walk the Bruce trail from Tobermory to Niagara Falls.

To visit another world, take a boat tour of shipwrecks of the past at Fathom Five National Marine Park, or take a haunted ghost walk in Hamilton. This spooky tour walks you down dark alleys and haunted buildings where you may encounter a friendly ghost or two.

A nice way to explore destinations in Ontario is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Horseback Riding in Niagara with a Trail Riders Experience for $59 details
  • Toronto Street Art and Graffiti Walking Tour for $30 details
  • Cabbagetown In Colour: A Walking Tour of Toronto for $28 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Ontario

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $876 (CA$1,207) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Ontario per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $876
    CA$1,207
Nightlife Tips

The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Ontario. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Black Glass Wine Tasting for $23 details
  • Guided Bicycle Tour - Toronto Waterfront, Island and Distillery for $81 details
  • Niagara Falls Day Tour from Toronto with Wine Tasting for $73 details

Recommended


Travel cost data last updated: Aug 9, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Ontario

  • Traveling more slowly can help you save some cash while enjoying the beauty of the area. When you fill your days with activities, expenses can skyrocket. But taking it easy often means enjoying yourself more and spending less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • With limited public transportation in Ontario, it could be wise to rent a car or arrange for transportation, such as a tour. Just keep in mind that this might affect your budget in other areas.
  • Ontario isn't known for its abundance of hostels, so if you're hoping to crash in a budget-friendly dorm, you might need to rethink your strategy. Consider looking for an affordable hotel or an apartment rental instead.
Traveling in Ontario

Chances are when you think of Canada, the things that come to mind are all located in the province of Ontario. Ontario has the highest population of any province in the country, and is the heart of Canadian tourism. As the home of Toronto, Niagara Falls and Lake Superior, this area is a major tourist destination.



Regions

Ontario is split into several regions. The largest region, Northern Ontario, is full of vast forests and very isolated communities. The Golden Horseshoe region is the wealthiest of all the areas as it's home to Toronto, Niagara and a large amount of museums, historic sites and metropolitan areas. Eastern Ontario is the land of lakes including the capital of the province, Ottawa. Southwestern Ontario is a region of extensive farmland and charming, historical villages throughout the area. Lastly, Central Ontario quietly includes lakes and rivers earning it the nickname "Cottage Country."

Related:

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Traveling alone to Toronto or Montreal?

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.