Canada isn’t just about maple syrup and hockey, although those are pretty great too. It’s an adventurer’s playground. Fall is the season when this vast and diverse country truly shines. Fall in Canada is a beautiful season filled with harvest festivals, fall leaves, cozy pumpkin spice lattes, eerie Halloween celebrations, Canadian Thanksgiving, and the list goes on.
And here’s the surprise: luxury hotels and accommodation rentals are competitively priced during the fall. So you can rest well without emptying your wallet.
From the icy tundra of the Yukon to the rugged beaches of the East Coast, this country offers diversity like no other. Venture northward for giant glaciers, majestic mountains, and perhaps a glimpse of polar bears.
Explore the eastern provinces—Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island—for coastlines that’ll leave you speechless. Or head west to British Columbia and Alberta, where beautiful beaches, crystal-clear lakes, and iconic national parks like Banff and Jasper await.
Got vacation days saved up? Perfect! Fall means fewer crowds, vibrant foliage, and that unmistakable scent of adventure.
6 Quebec City, Quebec
Flight cost: From $144
View of historic lower Quebec City in Canada
Quebec City, with its rich history, is one of Canada’s most affordable gems to visit during the fall. Picture cobblestone streets winding through historic neighborhoods, cathedrals reaching for the sky, and the iconic Chateau Frontenac perched dramatically above the St. Lawrence River.
As summer fades, Quebec City embraces milder temperatures. By mid-September, the city begins to don its fall wardrobe. This is when you truly experience Quebec’s unique spirit (or “joie de vivre”).
As you explore the Old Town—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—17th-century architecture surrounds you, and hidden courtyards invite curiosity. And then there’s Quartier Petit Champlain, a magical district where cheese shops, cozy bistros, and crêperies line the streets.
Also, the winter high season hasn’t kicked in yet, so hotel rates drop by as much as 45 to 50% compared to peak-season prices. You’ll also find decent flight discounts to Quebec City or even the bigger Montreal airport during this month.
5 Halifax, Nova Scotia
Flight cost: From $142
Halifax is Canada’s oldest incorporated city. It was formally founded in 1749 by the British, although European settlers had already made their home there as early as the 1600s. Every tourist who visits this historic harbor city falls in love with it.
If you’re a foodie, Halifax and the rest of Nova Scotia is a seafood haven with some of the greatest lobster in the world. It’s almost obligatory to indulge in a quintessential lobster supper. For activities, the Harbor Hopper tour, which is a modified amphibious vehicle becoming a tour bus boat, is a must-do activity upon arrival. If you’ve never been to Halifax before, this is an excellent opportunity to see the city from both land and water.
Halifax boasts a lower cost of living compared to major Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver. During fall, hotels and rentals are notably cheaper, allowing you to get by comfortably with less expenditure.
4 Calgary, Alberta
Flight cost: From $72
Calgary, often passed over for coastal cities, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Don’t be fooled by its nickname, “Cow-town”, this city is full of harvest festivals, stunning natural beauty, and colorful hikes. You’ll have no trouble staying inside your budget during your vacation.
You can glide on rollerblades across the dedicated roller skating rink or set up a picnic blanket in one of the city’s many parks. For a true Canadian experience, attend a local hockey game, where you may even see a flying puck. All of these things can be enjoyed on a tight budget.
Calgary is also a great launching pad for epic adventures in the Canadian Rockies. Take a day trip to iconic destinations like Banff National Park and marvel at the breathtaking turquoise waters of Moraine Lake. Hike amidst majestic scenery, spot wildlife like moose and bears, or get your adrenaline pumping with kayaking, skiing, water rafting, or camping.
For the perfect fall activity, take a pumpkin-picking adventure to local favorites like Butterfield Acres or the Calgary Farmyard.
3 Winnipeg, Manitoba
Flight cost: From $98
Winnipeg, Canada, isn’t just famous for its winter wonderland; it also shines brightly during the fall months. From exploring captivating museums to enjoying leisurely days at Assiniboine Park, there’s something for every traveler.
Don’t miss the chance to step back in time at the Hudson Bay Company trading fort. And when it comes to dining, Paterson GlobalFoods Institute offers healthy and affordable meals that won’t strain your wallet. For a comfortable stay, consider Lakeview Signature, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, where excellent service and great amenities await.
While you’re here, make sure to visit The Forks—a meeting point of two rivers and cultures—where history and retail blend seamlessly. Saint-Boniface’s charming French quarter adds another layer of intrigue. Winnipeg’s abundant activities come at a fraction of the cost compared to other cities.
2 Saskatoon, Saskatchwan
Flight cost: From $53
Drone view of Saskatoon with highrises and office buildings in a distance, Saskatchewan, Canada
Saskatoon dubbed the “Paris of the Prairies,” is among the most affordable cities in Canada, so visitors can be guaranteed a fantastic trip without going over budget. It’s undoubtedly among the top budget destinations in Canada that should be on everyone’s itinerary.
According to Numbeo, it ranks as the fifth most affordable city in Canada, making it budget-friendly for travelers, so prices for meals, groceries, and transportation are reasonable.
Saskatoon is one of the best places to see the fall colors in Canada as the golden larch trees extend the autumn season, often into the first weekend of October. Free activities like walking trails and parks are in abundance but consider visiting Wanuskewin Heritage Park, just 5 minutes from the city, for a cultural experience and affordable admission.
Explore neighboring hiking trails, meet residents at the bustling farmers’ market, or simply relax in the river valley. Saskatoon has a variety of cultural and historical attractions, including the popular Remai Modern Museum and the Western Development Museum.
1 Niagara Falls, Ontario
Flight cost: From $62
Do you want to see one of the world’s wonders during your next trip to Canada? Then visit Niagara Falls. This is one of the most popular attractions on the entire continent. It’s far larger than you could ever conceive until you get a close-up look.
This stunning sight consists of three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Horseshoe Falls is the largest and most iconic, forming a horseshoe-shaped curve. It straddles the border between Canada (Ontario) and the United States (New York). The other two falls are located in the U.S.
Travelers from all over the world drive up hotel package prices in the summer, making this trip extremely expensive. However, as the temperature drops in the winter, so does tourism, which lowers average lodging costs and leads to some amazing offers.