Explore Canada with Confidence: Travel Money and the Canadian Dollar
12/05/2025
Ready to holiday in the Great White North? We hope you’ve been practising your best Canadian “aye!” But before you pack your bags and head off to the colourful streets of Toronto or the iconic French charm of Montreal, there’s something else you need to prep for your trip. Your Travel Money. Lucky for you, Hays Travel has got your back both online and in branch, so you can save your pennies for that extra helping of poutine!
Cash or Card: What’s Best for Canada?
So, what’s the deal—should you take cash or rely on your card? Well, Canada is a pretty card-friendly country, and most places accept debit or credit cards (woo-hoo!). But, it’s still a good idea to have a little Canadian Dollar cash in your pocket for small purchases like street food, tips, or when you’re just out and about exploring.
Here’s the best part: You can order your Canadian Dollars in advance at Hays Travel! Whether you’re buying in-store or online, we’ve got you covered, and you’ll get a solid exchange rate too. No more scrambling at the airport—just grab your travel money ahead of time and hit the ground running.
So, What Does Stuff Cost in Canada?
If you’re used to UK prices, you’ll find that the Canadian Dollar is pretty close to the British Pound. Here’s a quick peek at how much everyday stuff costs in the land of poutine and hockey:
💰 A coffee at a café - Perfect for that morning caffeine boost, a coffee will set you back around $3 - $5 CAD. (Lover of sweet stuff? We recommend the maple latte!)
💰 A meal at a mid-range restaurant - Expect to pay between $15 - $30 CAD pp. Time to treat yourself to that maple-glazed salmon!
💰 A pint of beer at the pub - You’ll be paying around $6 - $8 CAD. So, cheers to that cold one after a busy day of exploring!
Just keep in mind that the bigger cities like Toronto or Vancouver might be a tad pricier than rural spots.
Savvy Cash Saving Tips in Canada
Now, who doesn’t love a good money-saving hack? Let’s face it—travel can be expensive, but with a little planning, you can keep your Canadian Dollar in check and enjoy all the amazing experiences Canada has to offer. So, beyond buying your Canadian Dollar in advance, what other savvy tips can you try?
1. Trade the Taxi for the Tram
Want to rest your legs? Canada’s cities have awesome public transport systems, and they’re way cheaper than taxis. A single metro ride in Toronto is only $3.25 CAD, so hop on and save those Canadian Dollars for the fun stuff, like visiting the CN Tower or checking out the local food scene.
2. Do Some Free Stuff
Who doesn’t love a good freebie? Canada’s best experiences don’t always come with a price tag. You can hike through Banff National Park, stroll the Seawall in Vancouver, or explore the Old Port in Montreal—all for free! After saving so much on fun things to do, you’ll be laughing all the way to the maple syrup store.
3. Bring a Reusable Bottle
Tap water in Canada is totally clean and safe—so skip the bottled water! You’ll find refill stations in airports, parks, and most public buildings. It’s not only a win for your wallet, but also a win for the planet. That’s one less thing to spend your Canadian Dollar on. Plus more savings = more maple lattes!
Tap like a Tourist and Make the Most of Your Cards
It’s always good to carry a mix of cash and cards. But the ease of a card is just too tempting, especially when you know how to tap and go like a travelling pro.
✔ Always pay in CAD: When offered the option to pay in your home currency or Canadian Dollars, always choose dollars to avoid poor exchange rates and hidden transaction fees.
✔ Notify your bank: If you have opted to use your normal bank card before you travel, make sure your bank knows you’ll be in Canada to avoid any issues with your card.
✔ Choose the right card: Want a way not to worry about the above issues? Look for a card with no foreign transaction fees to avoid extra charges. Our Hays Travel Money Card is a great option as it has no hidden fees, multiple currency options, and you can top it up and tap whenever, wherever using the handy App.
Order your travel money via click and collect today to secure a great rate!
Whether you’re hitting the slopes in Whistler, exploring the urban jungles of Toronto, or chasing waterfalls in Niagara Falls, don’t forget to stop by Hays Travel for the best rates on your Canadian Dollar. With the convenience of Click & Collect or Home Delivery, plus expert advice with dedicated forex staff in-store, it's never been easier to purchase your travel money.