📘 Table of Contents
Budget Road Trip Canada: What’s the Average Trip Cost?
Generally, a budget road trip Canada experience costs anywhere from $65–$120 CAD per day per person. Factors like travel style, gas prices, and camping vs hotel stays all influence the final tally.
- Fuel: $30–$80/day (depending on distances driven)
- Accommodation: $0–$80/day (camping vs budget motels)
- Food: $15–$45/day with groceries
- Activities: $10–$20/day (parks, museums, etc.)
Budget Road Trip Canada Fuel & Transportation Budget
Fuel will likely be your biggest daily expense, especially across long distances. Gas costs fluctuate by province, but expect $1.40–$2.10 per litre on average in 2025.
ℹ️ How Far Are You Driving?
A loop across Alberta and British Columbia might run 2,000–3,000 km. A full cross-country Vancouver-to-St. John’s haul? Just under 7,000 km one way.
To estimate total fuel:
- Figure out your route length in kilometres
- Divide by your vehicle’s fuel consumption (e.g., 8 L/100km)
- Multiply by average fuel cost (e.g., $1.90/litre)
🎣 Borrow a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle
If you’re not already driving a hybrid or compact SUV, consider renting one for the trip. Hybrids can cut fuel costs nearly in half.
Accommodation Costs for a Budget Road Trip Canada
Accommodation can range from $0 (free campsites) to $100/night (modest motels), but budget travellers usually find a middle ground between camping and hostels.
- Provincial Parks Camping: ~$20–$45/night
- Free Crown Land or iOverlander spots: Free (with research)
- Budget Motels or Cabins: $60–$100/night
- Hostels (dorm beds): $35–$50/night
🌟 Highlight
Use sites like Parks Canada and FreeCampsites.net to locate affordable or zero-cost overnight spots.
Road Trip Food: What to Budget and What to Pack
Eating out daily adds up fast, so cooking your own meals is your best bet to stay on budget. Grocery stores like No Frills, Superstore, and Walmart are reliably affordable.
- Groceries: $60–$90/week per person
- Snacks & treats: $10–$20/week
- Occasional restaurant treat: $15–$25/meal
🧰 Gear Spotlight
Invest in a good camp stove (like the Odoland 2-Burner) and an ice-cooled cooler to prep meals on the go.
Budget Road Trip Canada: Park Passes & Attractions
Canada is rich in national and provincial parks, but many require entry fees. Budgeting $50–$75 for activities and passes per province is a safe bet.
- Parks Canada Discovery Pass: $72.25 for unlimited park access
- Provincial park day passes: $8–$15/day
- Museums or local attractions: $5–$20 per stop
🧰 Gear Spotlight
For gear that enhances your camping stops on a budget, check out our list of must-have camping gadgets.
Gear & Essentials to Pack for Road Trip Budgeting
Having the right gear means you won’t have unexpected expenses mid-trip. Think beyond tents and sleeping bags — it’s the little things that save cash.
- Cooking kit + utensils + dish soap
- Refillable water jugs (Safeway and Walmart offer water refills)
- Blankets, headlamp, extra charger cables
- Offline maps app (e.g., Maps.me or Gaia GPS)
How to Really Save Money on a Budget Road Trip Canada
Saving money comes down to smart decisions — where to drive, sleep, and eat. Plan out the heavy costs in advance and stay flexible with everything else.
🎣 Travel Off-Peak
Shoulder seasons (May/June and Sept/Oct) mean lower prices, fewer crowds, and stunning weather — especially in places like Banff or Fundy.
⚠️ Watch for Remote Fuel Costs
Gas in Northern Ontario or parts of Newfoundland can exceed $2.40/litre. Fill up in major towns whenever possible.
Conclusion: You Can Road Trip Across Canada on a Budget
With a little planning and a flexible attitude, a budget road trip Canada adventure is completely doable — even if you’re travelling solo or as a family.
Focus on fuel-saving choices, keep food simple, and explore the many free or low-cost experiences our beautiful country offers.
Want more inspiration? Check out these budget Canadian getaways next!
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This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. As always, I only recommend services or products I trust.
