Budget airlines offering flights to Canada. Canada, with its vast landscapes and vibrant cities, is a dream destination for many. Fortunately, several airlines offer budget-friendly options to explore this beautiful country. Here’s an in-depth look at the most affordable airlines for flying to Canada, including details on their best deals, popular routes, and tips for securing the lowest fares.
Budget airlines offering flights to Canada
1. WestJet
- Best Deals & Routes: WestJet frequently offers discounted flights to major Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal. They are known for seasonal sales, particularly around Canadian holidays.
- Tips for Low Fares: Utilize WestJet’s ‘Low Fare Finder’ on their website to spot the best deals. Also, consider signing up for their email alerts to get early access to special promotions and offers.
2. Air Canada Rouge
- Best Deals & Routes: As Air Canada’s budget-friendly counterpart, Air Canada Rouge offers more affordable flights to Canadian destinations, including leisure-oriented routes to Victoria, Kelowna, and Quebec City.
- Tips for Low Fares: Check Air Canada’s main website for ‘Rouge’ flights, which are often cheaper. Booking during airline sales, typically announced on their website and social media, can also lead to savings.
3. Flair Airlines
- Best Deals & Routes: Flair Airlines is an ultra-low-cost carrier that focuses primarily on domestic Canadian flights. They offer very competitive fares to cities like Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Halifax, along with newer routes to the U.S.
- Tips for Low Fares: Booking directly through Flair’s website is usually the cheapest option. Being flexible with travel dates and avoiding peak travel times like holidays and weekends can result in lower fares.
4. Swoop
- Best Deals & Routes: Swoop provides low-cost flights not only across Canada but also to the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean. Key Canadian destinations include Hamilton, Edmonton, and Halifax.
- Tips for Low Fares: Swoop often has promotional fares and ‘seat sales’ which are great for snagging a deal. Flying mid-week and outside of school holidays can also help find cheaper tickets.
5. Porter Airlines
- Best Deals & Routes: Porter Airlines offers affordable flights primarily in Eastern Canada, with Toronto’s city airport as a convenient hub. They also fly to Montreal, Ottawa, and Thunder Bay.
- Tips for Low Fares: Look out for Porter’s frequent sales, which are advertised on their website and via email newsletters. Booking in advance and traveling during less busy times can also lead to savings.
6. Sunwing Airlines
- Best Deals & Routes: Known for its vacation packages, Sunwing Airlines offers budget-friendly flights to Canadian cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary, often bundled with hotel deals.
- Tips for Low Fares: Sunwing’s last-minute deals can be very affordable, particularly in the off-season. Booking a flight and hotel package can also be more economical than booking separately.
7. Air Transat
- Best Deals & Routes: Air Transat provides competitively priced flights to several Canadian destinations, including Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto, mainly from European cities.
- Tips for Low Fares: Keep an eye on Air Transat’s seasonal sales, especially during the Canadian winter. Booking round-trip flights can sometimes offer better deals than one-way tickets.
8. Jetlines
- Best Deals & Routes: Jetlines is a newer entrant in the Canadian budget airline market, focusing on providing low-cost services to several Canadian cities. They often have introductory fares to destinations like Calgary and Vancouver.
- Tips for Low Fares: Keep an eye on Jetlines’ promotional offers, especially as they expand their routes. Booking flights during non-peak hours and avoiding weekend travel can lead to more affordable prices.
9. Lynx Air
- Best Deals & Routes: Lynx Air, another relatively new low-cost carrier, offers competitive fares for flights within Canada. They aim to expand their network across major and regional cities, providing more options for budget travel.
- Tips for Low Fares: Subscribe to Lynx Air’s newsletters and follow them on social media to stay updated on their latest deals and route expansions. Early bookings and flexible travel plans can help secure the best rates.
10. Canadian North
- Best Deals & Routes: Primarily serving the northern parts of Canada, Canadian North offers unique routes to destinations like Iqaluit and Yellowknife. While not the cheapest, they provide essential services to more remote areas.
- Tips for Low Fares: For travel to the northern regions, booking well in advance is key. Keep an eye on their special offers section for occasional deals.
11. Allegiant Air
- Best Deals & Routes: While primarily a U.S. airline, Allegiant Air offers affordable flights to several Canadian border cities, which can be convenient for travelers willing to drive the remaining distance. Destinations include cities close to the border like Niagara Falls and Plattsburgh, which are near Montreal.
- Tips for Low Fares: Booking well in advance and monitoring their seasonal sales can lead to good deals. Also, consider flying mid-week and during non-peak hours for lower fares.
12. Spirit Airlines
- Best Deals & Routes: Spirit Airlines, another U.S.-based budget carrier, offers low-cost flights to airports near the Canadian border, such as Detroit and Buffalo, which are viable entry points for those heading to Canada.
- Tips for Low Fares: Keep an eye on Spirit’s ‘$9 Fare Club’ for exclusive deals. Be flexible with your travel dates and book outside of major holidays to find the best prices.
13. Frontier Airlines
- Best Deals & Routes: Frontier provides budget-friendly flights to several U.S. cities close to Canada, such as Seattle and Minneapolis, offering an alternative for budget-conscious travelers.
- Tips for Low Fares: Utilize Frontier’s online deals and consider joining their Discount Den for access to lower fares. Booking directly through the Frontier website often provides the best rates.
14. Southwest Airlines
- Best Deals & Routes: While Southwest Airlines doesn’t fly directly to Canada, it offers affordable flights to U.S. cities near the Canadian border, such as Buffalo (near Toronto) and Seattle (close to Vancouver).
- Tips for Low Fares: Southwest’s “Wanna Get Away” fares are a great deal for budget travelers. Also, keep in mind that Southwest allows two free checked bags, which can save money.
15. WOW Air
- Best Deals & Routes: Though primarily serving Europe, WOW Air offers affordable flights to major Canadian cities like Toronto and Montreal, typically with a layover in Iceland.
- Tips for Low Fares: Booking flights on WOW Air during off-peak seasons can lead to significant savings. Be mindful of extra fees for baggage and onboard services, as traveling light can reduce costs.
Budget Travel within Canada
- Regional Airlines: For travel within Canada, consider regional airlines like Air North, Pacific Coastal, and Central Mountain Air for more affordable domestic flights.
- Rail and Bus Services: VIA Rail and bus services like Greyhound offer scenic and cost-effective ways to travel between major cities if you have a flexible schedule.
Maximizing Rewards and Discounts
- Airline Rewards Programs: Enroll in airline rewards programs to earn miles or points for future travel discounts. Even if you don’t fly frequently, these points can add up over time.
- Student and Youth Discounts: If you’re a student or young traveler, look for airlines offering special discounts, such as STA Travel.
Staying Informed and Flexible
- Newsletter Subscriptions: Subscribe to newsletters from your preferred airlines and travel deal websites to stay updated on the latest deals and offers.
- Flexible Travel Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, use fare calendar tools to find the cheapest days to fly. Often, mid-week flights are cheaper than weekend flights.
- Strategic Layovers: Some airlines offer inexpensive or even free stopovers in their hub cities. This can be a great way to see an additional destination at no extra flight cost.
Combining Flights and Ground Transport
- Border Airports: Sometimes the cheapest way to get to Canada is to fly into a U.S. airport near the border and then drive or take a bus or train into Canada. For example, flying into Seattle and then traveling to Vancouver.
- Mix and Match Airlines: Don’t hesitate to book different airlines for outbound and inbound flights if it saves money. Use price comparison tools to find the best combination.
- Public Transit: Major Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver have excellent public transit systems. Utilize these for affordable travel from nearby U.S. airports if you choose to fly into the United States first.
Additional Tips for Securing Low Fares
- Price Comparison Tools: Use online travel agencies and fare comparison websites to compare prices across different airlines. Tools like Google Flights, Kayak, and Skyscanner can help identify the best deals.
- Off-Season Travel: Consider traveling during the off-peak season. For example, visiting Canada in the fall or spring can be cheaper than the summer or winter holiday season.
- Airline Reward Programs: Joining airline loyalty programs or using travel credit cards that offer air miles can lead to significant savings over time.
- Pack Light: Many budget airlines charge extra for checked baggage. Packing light and sticking to carry-on luggage can save additional costs.
- Alternate Airports: Sometimes flying into smaller, regional airports can be cheaper than major international hubs. Consider alternate airports that may be close to your destination.
Conclusion
Exploring Canada by air on a budget is very much feasible with a bit of planning and flexibility. By choosing the right airline, staying alert for special deals, and employing cost-saving travel strategies, you can make your Canadian adventure both affordable and memorable. Whether you’re flying to the urban centers of Toronto and Vancouver, exploring the natural beauty of Calgary, or adventuring in the northern territories, there’s a budget-friendly option available.
