Canadian summer is finally here and there’s nothing better than basking in the sun and enjoying our own backyards (so to speak). Here’s a few ways to make the most of the Canadian outdoors this summer — whether a local staycation or a beach escape — on a budget.
Canada Strong … and free!
First, the long-awaited Canada Strong Pass is here and offers major discounts and freebies to Canadians this summer, from June 20 to Sept. 2. Targeted at youth, teens and young adults, the pass is a great way to spend more time outdoors and travel in our own backyards.
Here’s what’s free:
- Admission to all national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada is easy — all you have to do is show up.
- Youth aged 17 and under travel free when accompanied by an adult on Via Rail.
- Free admission to national museums and galleries for youth aged 17 and under.
Here’s what’s discounted:
- Twenty-five per cent off camping and roofed accommodations at national parks operated by Parks Canada, for everyone (regardless of age).
- Young adults age 18 to 24 receive 25 per cent off Escape or Economy Via Rail fares for all routes across Canada.
- Fifty per cent off national museum and gallery admission fees for young adults age 18 to 24.
There are six national parks in Ontario you can visit with the pass: Bruce Peninsula National Park, Point Pelee National Park, Rouge National Urban Park, Georgian Bay Islands National Park, Pukaskwa National Park, and Thousand Islands National Park.
Make a day out of it
Heading to ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ or Niagara Falls for an event like a concert, sports competition or the CNE? Stay a bit longer and make a day of it in the city with some budget friendly tips:
Take GO Transit. GO offers $10 one-day weekend passes on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays with unlimited travel on its entire network. That means you’re only paying $10 to go from Hamilton or Niagara all the way to downtown ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ or beyond. If you’re connecting with WEGO — the hop-on, hop-off visitor transportation system that connects popular hotels and attractions in the Niagara area — GO Transit offers a GO+WEGO pass starting at $20 that gets you a roundtrip Niagara Falls GO ticket, plus 24-hour WEGO bus service is included.
If you are attending an event on the CNE grounds, chances are you also have free, same-day access to the CNE as well.Â
DreamstimeExperience the CNE … for free. Did you know if you have a Budweiser Stage, BMO Field or ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ Argonauts ticket, you can get free admission to the CNE for that same day? Makes sense, since you have to go through the CNE grounds to get to those venues anyways. Take advantage of any games or concerts you want to see happening during the CNE. And remember, the CNE usually has free under-12 kids’ passes every summer, stay tuned for those.
Have a beach day without leaving the province
You don’t need a flight out of the country to enjoy a good beach. Here’s a few of my favourite summer spots across southern Ontario:
Crystal Beach: On the shores of Lake Erie in southern Ontario, this beach — you guessed it — has crystal clear waters and white sand to go with it. Admission is $5 per person Monday to Thursday, $10 per person Friday to Sunday and public holidays, and children under 12 are free. The beach is free to all on Mondays to Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Fridays to Sundays and on public holidays from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Sauble/Saugeen Beach: Located on the shores of Lake Huron, about three hours from ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½, it boasts beautiful white sand beaches (yes, in Ontario). It’s the second longest freshwater beach in the world and has even been named Canada’s No. 1 Freshwater Beach.
Long Point Beach: Still on Lake Erie, Long Point Beach is located within Long Point Provincial Park and is a great place to see nature and wildlife while enjoying your time in the sun. You need to pay day-use fees for Long Point Provincial Park to enjoy the beach.Â
Whatever your vibe is this summer, you now have a few more ideas on how to enjoy yourself without spending a ton of money.
Diana Skakavac, @havecouponswilltravel, is a Canadian deal expert, dedicated to helping you save money with the best discounts, offers and insider shopping tips. Follow her for more savings on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube or check out her latest finds at campsite.bio/havecouponswilltravel.
