How to Score Cheap Flights & Travel Deals in Canada
Traveling in Canada doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right approach, a little flexibility, and smart planning, you can find affordable flights for both domestic and international trips. Here’s how to cut costs without sacrificing your travel plans.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Flight prices fluctuate based on demand, season, and day of the week. The more flexibility you have, the better your chances of booking a lower fare.
- Fly Midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have lower fares than weekend departures.
- Avoid Peak Seasons: Holiday periods, summer, and long weekends drive up ticket prices.
- Book in Shoulder Seasons: Late spring and early fall usually offer better rates than peak months.
According to Skyscanner, setting up price alerts helps track fluctuations so you can book when prices drop.
Compare Prices Using Multiple Platforms
Flight search engines use different algorithms, so checking multiple sites can help you find the best deals.
Best Flight Search Engines for Canada
- Skyscanner – Finds the cheapest days to fly and offers price alerts.
- Google Flights – Provides a flexible date grid and tracks fare changes.
- Kayak – Features price forecasting and deal alerts.
- FlightHub – Specializes in Canadian routes and regional discounts.
Using more than one tool increases your chances of spotting a lower fare.
Consider Alternate Airports
Larger airports tend to have higher fares due to demand. Smaller airports nearby can sometimes offer lower prices.
- Toronto area: Compare flights from Pearson (YYZ), Billy Bishop (YTZ), and Hamilton (YHM).
- Vancouver area: Check fares from Vancouver International (YVR) and Abbotsford (YXX).
- Alberta travelers: Consider flights from Calgary (YYC), Edmonton (YEG), and smaller regional airports.
Reddit users mention that driving to a nearby airport with lower fees can sometimes result in better fares.
Use Fare Alerts and Book at the Right Time
Keeping an eye on price trends and booking at the right moment can make a difference.
- Sign up for price alerts on Skyscanner or Google Flights to get notified when fares drop.
- Book in Advance: Domestic flights tend to be cheapest one to three months ahead, while international flights require booking three to six months early.
- Look for Last-Minute Deals: If airlines have unsold seats, they may lower prices a few weeks before departure.
Global News reports that the best time to book varies by destination, but early planning generally leads to better deals.
Leverage Airline Rewards and Points
Frequent travelers can save by using loyalty programs and travel credit cards.
Popular Travel Rewards Programs in Canada
- Aeroplan (Air Canada) – Earn points with flights, credit cards, and partner purchases.
- WestJet Rewards – Offers cash-back-style savings on flights.
- Air Miles – Redeemable for flights on multiple airlines.
- Avion (RBC) and TD Rewards – Flexible points that can be used for travel bookings.
Travel credit cards with sign-up bonuses and high earning rates on travel expenses can help accumulate points faster.
Check Budget Airlines for Lower Fares
Not all low-cost carriers show up on major search engines, so checking their websites directly can reveal better options.
Low-Cost Airlines in Canada
- Flair Airlines – Operates domestic and select U.S. routes at lower prices.
- Lynx Air – A newer budget airline offering competitive rates.
- Swoop (WestJet’s Low-Cost Carrier) – Offers affordable options for domestic and short-haul international flights.
Be mindful of extra charges for baggage, seat selection, and other add-ons.
Sign Up for Travel Deal Alerts
Several websites and email lists provide updates on flight sales and mistake fares.
Best Flight Deal Alerts for Canadians
- YYZ Deals / YVR Deals / YEG Deals – Regional deal sites for major Canadian cities.
- Scott’s Cheap Flights (Now Going) Canada Edition – Notifies subscribers about international discounts.
- Airfarewatchdog – Tracks airline price drops and error fares.
Subscribing to these alerts can help you grab deals before they disappear.
Consider Alternative Routes
Sometimes indirect flights cost less than direct ones.
- Multi-Leg Journeys: Booking separate flights with a stopover may be more affordable than flying direct.
- Fly via the U.S.: For international trips, compare flights from nearby U.S. airports like Buffalo (BUF) or Seattle (SEA).
- Use Budget Airlines for Short-Haul Segments: Combining a budget carrier with a full-service airline can sometimes lower overall costs.
Scoring lower airfare in Canada requires a combination of flexibility, research, and timing. By comparing flight search engines, setting fare alerts, using travel rewards, and considering alternate airports, you can maximize your travel budget.
Sources
- https://www.skyscanner.ca/tips-and-inspiration/how-to-find-cheap-flights?utm_source
- https://www.reddit.com/r/alberta/comments/1e6hs1p/where_do_you_look_for_cheap_flight_within_canada/?utm_source&rdt=40361
- https://globalnews.ca/news/8973662/how-to-find-cheaper-flights-canada-airfare/?utm_source
- https://www.hungry416.com/
