Budget-friendly travel tips in Toronto, Ottawa and Niagara

Toronto

There is so much to see and do in Toronto. Save on admission at museums and attractions and visit beautiful parks. From Luminato to Nuit Blanche, the city is hosts several free cultural and art festivals. Find more free things to do in Toronto.

Discount packages and passes

Toronto CityPASS

This discounted ticket package saves you money on admission to top attractions in Toronto. It includes admission to the iconic CN Tower, plus your choice of three more attractions:

• Royal Ontario Museum: A museum showcasing art, culture and nature from around the world and across the ages.
• Casa Loma: An urban castle and heritage landmark of Toronto built in 1914.
• City Cruises Toronto: A 60-minute Toronto Sightseeing Harbour Tour. Operates April to November. 
• Toronto Zoo: The largest zoo in Canada with over 3,000 animals.

Sign up for PRESTO Perks

PRESTO is a reloadable payment system that allows you to ride public transit, such as the TTC in Toronto, by scanning your physical card or with your Apple or Google mobile wallet. Get information on how to buy a PRESTO card.

PRESTO Perks also discounts sporting events, various forms of entertainment, tours and attractions. Check for current offers.

Save on admission to museums and galleries

Art Gallery of Ontario

One of the top art museums in North America, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) offers two versions of an annual pass: a free annual pass for those 25 years and under and a $40 annual pass for guests who are 26 years and older. Both passes allow unlimited visits to the gallery for a year.

In addition, the AGO hosts First Wednesday Night Free on the first Wednesday night of each month from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Location: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto

Royal Ontario Museum

The ROM offers Plan Ahead Pricing, which provides a discount on tickets purchased in advance. The earlier you book your tickets, the more money you save.

On the third Tuesday of each month, admission is free from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Location: 100 Queens Park, Toronto

Bata Shoe Museum

The Bata Shoe Museum explores a 4,500-year history of footwear with fascinating permanent and special exhibitions. 

General admission is free on Sunday.

Location: 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Aga Khan Museum

The Aga Khan Museum provides a window into the artistic, intellectual and scientific contributions of Muslim civilizations to world heritage. 

Admission is free every Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Location: 77 Wynford Drive, North York

Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is an artist-focused museum that displays rotating exhibitions and hosts special events.

Admission is free every Friday from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Location: 158 Sterling Road #100, Toronto

The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery 

The Power Plant is a public art gallery in Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre devoted exclusively to contemporary visual art. It features different exhibitions throughout the year, and admission is free.

The Harbourfront Centre promotes contemporary arts, culture and ideas through year-round programming. Many of the exhibitions and events throughout the year are free.

Locations:

• The Power Plant: 231 Queens Quay West, Toronto
• Harbourfront Centre: 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto

Gardiner Museum

The Gardiner Museum displays incredible ceramics from around the world, with a collection of over 5,000 objects. 

Admission is free every Wednesday evening from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Location: 111 Queens Park, Toronto

Explore neighbourhoods and parks 

Take a self-guided walking tour

Explore architectural marvels and hidden gems around Toronto. Choose from free, self-guided tours that include itineraries by neighbourhood, nature walks and cultural hotspots.

Location: Across Toronto

Kensington Market

From Caribbean and Latin American cuisine to Middle Eastern and Asian flavours, this colourful neighbourhood offers a wide range of affordable eateries, cozy cafes and unique shopping. Browse vintage clothing stores, vinyl record shops, bookstores and arts and crafts boutiques. 

Visit the market on the last Sunday of each month from May to October for Pedestrian Sundays, a car-free festival with live entertainment.

Location: Kensington Market, Toronto

Little Portugal

With its rich tapestry of culture, Little Portugal invites you to savour authentic culinary delights like fresh pastel de nata and flavourful grilled sardines at affordable bistros and cafes. 

Don’t miss Do West Fest, an annual celebration transforming Little Portugal into a lively hub of food, music and the arts.

Location: Little Portugal, Toronto

Visit parks and islands 

Spend a day exploring the Toronto Islands, just 15 minutes from downtown by ferry.

Enjoy themed gardens, walking paths, a zoo and picnic areas for free at High Park. Head toRiverdale Park East for amazing skyline views and sunsets, or Riverdale Park West to visit the horses, pigs and chickens atRiverdale Farm.

Locations: 

• Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, 11 Queens Quay West, Toronto
• High Park:1873 Bloor Street West, Toronto
• Riverdale Park East:550 Broadview Avenue, Toronto
• Riverdale Farm:201 Winchester Street, Toronto

Rouge National Urban Park

One of the largest urban parks in North America, Rouge National Urban Park is an outdoor gem in the Greater Toronto Area.

Trek through forests, meadows and wetlands, go camping, take a free guided walk or enjoy river paddling. Winter activities include hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Admission to the park is free.

Location: 25 Zoo Road, Toronto

Ottawa

Canada’s capital city offers history, culture and unique experiences. Discover more free (and nearly free) things to do in Ottawa.

Discounted admission to museums and galleries

Ottawa Museum Pass

The Ottawa Museums Pass allows you to save on admission to 10 museums and galleries in the city, including the Bytown Museum, Royal Canadian Mint and Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum. 

Canadian War Museum

Discover Canada’s rich military history through artifacts, photographs and personal accounts.

The museum offers free admission on Thursdays from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Location: 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa

Canadian Museum of History

Visit one of Canada’s oldest public institutions just across the Ottawa River to learn about Canadian and world history. 

Enjoy free admission on Thursdays from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Location: 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau

National Gallery of Canada

View one of the finest collections of Indigenous and Canadian art in the world, as well as notable international pieces.

Admission is free on Thursdays from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Location: 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa

Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum

This museum and national historic site was once a top-secret, four-storey underground bunker.

The annual pass provides unlimited general admission to the museum. It is priced at $30 for individuals and $75 for families.

Location: 3929 Carp Road, Ottawa

Canada Aviation and Space Museum

View a collection of over 130 aircraft and artifacts from both civil and military service. Located on a former military air base, this museum displays the history of aviation in Canada from its beginnings in 1909.

The museum offers free admission from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. daily. Book your tickets in advance.

Location: 11 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa

Canadian Museum of Nature

Learn about fossils, mammals, minerals, birds, plate tectonics, Arctic discovery and more at this educational and scientific institution, housed in a historic castle-like building minutes away from Parliament Hill. 

Admission is free on Thursdays from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tickets must be reserved in advance.

Location: 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa

Ottawa Art Gallery

Home to the art and artists of the Ottawa-Gatineau region, the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) is a space for reflection and dialogue through art. Its permanent collection contains over 1,000 works including paintings, sculpture, graphic arts, photographs and new media. Admission to the OAG is free.

Location: 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

As the world’s only working farm in the heart of a capital city, enjoy the unique opportunity to see diverse breeds of farm animals and learn about the food they eat. 

Take advantage of free admission daily from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Tickets must be reserved in advance.

Location: 901 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa

Canada Science and Technology Museum

Discover Canada’s story of science, technology and innovation. This immersive museum allows visitors to discover, play and experience innovation in an educational and fun way.

The museum offers free admission daily from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Book tickets in advance.

Location: 1867 St. Laurent Boulevard, Ottawa

Explore neighbourhoods, parks and outdoor spaces

Guided tours at Parliament Hill

No trip to Ottawa is complete without visiting Parliament Hill. Free guided tours are offered daily in both English and French. Tours are available for the Senate of Canada Building, the House of Commons at West Block, the East Block and for Parliament: The Immersive Experience. 

The main Parliament Building is currently closed for rehabilitation.

Location: 111 Wellington Street, Ottawa

Ottawa Free Tours

Offering some of the best walking tours in Downtown Ottawa, Ottawa Free Tours makes history exciting with local guides who take you on an entertaining trip around the city.

Location: 150 Wellington Street, Ottawa

ByWard Market

Ottawa’s number one tourist attraction, ByWard Market is a premier destination for shopping, dining, arts and entertainment. Explore the outdoor farmers’ market, specialty shops and colourful street art at this Ottawa gem.

Throughout the year, the market hosts free live music shows, art exhibitions, street performances and more.

Location: ByWard Market, Ottawa

Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular spot for walking, biking, paddling or relaxing by the water. When the river freezes in winter, the canal becomes the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest free skating rink, stretching almost eight kilometres.

Capital Pop-Up Cinema

Originally a backyard movie night with close friends, Capital Pop-Up Cinema has expanded to present over 100 free movies throughout the summer in Ottawa. Most films are selected for a general audience, with families in mind. Get comfortable by bringing a blanket or folding chair.

 Location: Various spots in Ottawa

Niagara Falls

Home to the world-famous Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls is the ultimate destination for spectacular nature and endless fun. Make the most of your visit with the best free things to do in Niagara Falls.

Save with discount packages and passes

Find coupons, discounts and special offers for savings at top attractions in Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls Wonder Pass

Save money at attractions, shops and restaurants, including the popular Journey Behind the Falls, The Tunnel and the Butterfly Conservatory.

Clifton Hill Fun Pass

Enjoy fun for all ages at up to six iconic Clifton Hill attractions with The Fun Pass, including the Niagara SkyWheel, Dinosaur Adventure Golf and Movieland Wax Museum.

Location: Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls

Ripley’s Combo Tickets

This three-attraction combo provides admission to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, an interactive display of oddities, Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks, a wax museum of your favourite stars and the very Instagrammable Ripley’s Selfie Studios.

Location: Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls

Free admission to museums and galleries

Niagara Museums

For a unique perspective on the city’s history, visit the Battle Ground Hotel Museum and Willoughby Historical Museum. The Niagara region was a key battleground during the War of 1812. View artifacts and exhibits that highlight this conflict. Admission for both museums is by donation.

Locations:

• Battle Ground Hotel Museum: 6151 Lundy's Lane, Niagara Falls
• Willoughby Historical Museum: 9935 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls

Explore parks and outdoor spaces

Niagara Botanical Gardens

Located along the Niagara Parkway, the Niagara Botanical Gardens cover 40 hectares and feature award-winning landscapes and vibrant seasonal blooms. 

Admission to the gardens is free; guided tours are available for a fee. 

Location: 2565 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls

Dufferin Islands

Escape from the city’s bustling downtown to four hectares of pristine greenspace at Dufferin Islands. Enjoy a picnic, spot various birds and explore winding paths and wooden footbridges that connect to small islands, all for free.

Location: Dufferin Islands, Niagara

Oakes Garden Theatre

Nestled at the base of Clifton Hill, this garden offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Falls. Decorative iron gates, stone gardens, water features, ponds, shrubs and more create its formal garden design and offer a relaxing escape. Admission to the garden is free.

Location: 5825 River Road, Niagara Falls

Summer Fireworks Series and Niagara’s Winter Festival of Lights

Catch Canada’s longest-running fireworks series set against the backdrop of the majestic Niagara Falls. This stunning display is held throughout the summer and during Niagara’s Winter Festival of Lights. 

Location: Niagara Falls

Cycle through Niagara

Bring your bike aboard the GO train to Niagara Falls and explore the beautiful scenic trails that stretch across the entire region. From the picturesque Niagara Parkway to paths along the waterfront, enjoy leisurely rides through lush parks and hidden gems in this iconic destination.

Skylon Tower

Standing 236 metres above the Falls, this iconic observation tower offers a 360-degree view of Niagara Falls and its surrounding area. It is the perfect spot for taking photographs.

Skylon Tower offers combo packages for daytime and nighttime views up the tower and access to the 3D/4D movie theatre.

Location: 5200 Robinson Street, Niagara Falls

Ontario-wide

Browse a wide selection of Attractions Ontario coupons from across the province.

Many Ontario cities and towns also offer exclusive savings passes. Pick up a timed K-Pass to explore the highlights of Kingston. Find special discounts in Mississauga with the Sauga Savings Pass and uncover unique deals with the Barrie Coupon Pass. 

Find great savings with coupons in Sault Ste. Marie and ongoing travel deals in the Hamilton, Halton and Brant region.

Discover more tours and promotions in Ontario.