Cheap places to travel from Toronto

Living in Canada’s biggest city isn’t cheap, which makes it a bitter pill to swallow when travelling from Toronto is just as expensive.

Between all of Pearson Airport's lovely fees, high demand and the simple fact that Canadians often have fewer low-cost carriers to choose from, escaping the city can sometimes feel pricier than it should be.

But here’s the good news: there are still plenty of cheap places to travel from Toronto. Whether you want a warm winter getaway, a quick weekend trip or a budget-friendly international adventure that won’t obliterate your travel fund, Torontonians have a wide variety of affordable travel options at their disposal.

Everything from tropical Caribbean beaches to under-the-radar gems in Europe, the world is your oyster. In this article, we’ll discuss 10 cheap places to travel from Toronto that should be on your vacation list now, before the prices start to rise!

1. Cancún, Mexico

Average flight cost from Toronto: Between $300 and $400 round trip

Why it's cheap:

• High demand leads to lots of flight deals and vacation packages
• A lot of Canadian airlines serve Cancún through Toronto
• Competitive all-inclusive resort industry

What makes it a great trip:

It’s Cancun! White sand beaches, crystal blue water and access to incredible cultural sites like the Mayan Ruins make Cancun a favourite travel destination of many Canadians. The best part is you won’t need to break the bank for a family vacation. Flights are direct and affordable, and so are the all-inclusive resorts.

Best time to go:

You can find some good deals for the winter months if you book early enough. Head there in the spring for a real value trip, but don’t worry, there’s still plenty of heat and sunshine no matter when you go.

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2. Montego Bay, Jamaica

Average flight cost from Toronto: Between $350 and $500 round trip

Why it's cheap:

• High volume of flights from multiple Canadian carriers
• Popular all inclusive resort destination with competitive package deals
• Direct flights keep travel time under four hours

What makes it a great trip:

Jamaica offers that classic Caribbean experience, white sand beaches, turquoise water, and a laid-back island vibe that makes you forget about winter the second you land. Montego Bay (or MoBay, as locals call it) is the tourist hub with easy access to Seven Mile Beach, Dunn's River Falls and the famous Doctor's Cave Beach.

Beyond the beaches, you can explore Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft, visit coffee plantations in the Blue Mountains, or sample jerk chicken at roadside stands (trust us, it's better than any resort version). The all-inclusive resorts here are affordable and plentiful, making it easy to budget your trip. Plus, the reggae music, rum punch and warm Jamaican hospitality make this a no-brainer for Torontonians looking to escape the cold.

Best time to go:

December to April is the peak season with the best weather but higher prices. Late spring (May/June) and fall (September/October) offer great deals and still-warm temperatures, though fall is hurricane season, just keep an eye on the forecast.

3. Montreal, Quebec

Average flight cost from Toronto: Between $150 and $300 round trip

Why it's cheap:

• Super short flight (just over an hour)
• Tons of competition between airlines on this route
• You can also drive or take the train if you find an even better deal

What makes it a great trip:

Montreal feels like a European escape without the transatlantic flight. The city is packed with cobblestone streets, French bistros and some of the best bagels and smoked meat you'll ever taste. Old Montreal will transport you back in time with its historic architecture, while neighbourhoods like Plateau and Mile End offer trendy shops, cafes and street art.

The nightlife is legendary, the food scene is world-class, and you can easily fill a long weekend exploring Mount Royal, hitting up local breweries, or catching a Canadiens game at the Bell Centre. Plus, everything feels more affordable than Toronto, your dollar goes further for food, drinks and accommodation.

Best time to go:

Summer is festival season (think Jazz Fest and Just for Laughs), but spring and fall offer great weather with fewer crowds and better prices. Winter can be brutally cold, but if you can handle it, you'll find the cheapest flights and hotel rates.

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4. Varadero, Cuba

Average flight cost from Toronto: Between $400 and $600 round trip

Why it's cheap:

• Popular resort destination with a high volume of visitors
• Package deals include flights, hotels and meals
• Fewer visa/entry complications for Canadians

What makes it a great trip:

You may think Cuba would be a longer flight from Toronto, but you can get there flying direct in about four hours. Varadero is a bit like Cancun: A tropical beach paradise with plenty of all-inclusive resorts at a reasonable price.

It’s more of a beach town and less of a city like Havana is, so for those looking to lie on the beach and catch some rays, Varadero is the place for you. For those seeking a bit more adventure, there are plenty of nearby caves and hiking trails to explore.

Best time to go:

December to April is peak sun, but late spring and early fall can net you some incredible deals, while still being decently warm.

5. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Average flight cost from Toronto: As cheap as $300 round trip

Why it's cheap:

• Tonnes of direct flights out of Toronto
• Another popular destination for vacation packages
• Highly competitive resort pricing

What makes it a great trip:

Another tropical paradise with beautiful beaches and plenty of activities to keep you occupied. Punta Cana is widely known for its 32-kilometre stretch of some of the most stunning beaches in the world. This area abuts the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, and provides some of the clearest, crystal blue water you will ever see.

Punta Cana has all sorts of activities both in and out of the water. The Dominican Republic is known for its snorkelling and scuba diving with a vast species of tropical marine life. Enjoy a stay at one of the resorts along the Coconut Coast and soak up that Dominican sun.

Best time to go:

Winter is ideal, but booking offseason like spring or fall can get you some amazing deals on flights and packages.

6. San Juan, Puerto Rico

Average flight cost from Toronto: Between $300 and $400 round trip

Why it's cheap:

• The flight is short, and it is a popular destination that is in high demand
• Well-served by multiple airlines from Pearson Airport
• No travel visa required for Canadians

What makes it a great trip:

San Juan offers a little bit of everything for people who are seeking a warm and tropical destination. The city is beautiful, with colonial architecture, a vibrant nightlife and a culture that is friendly and welcoming to tourists.

Surrounding San Juan is a wide range of natural landscapes. Whether you are looking for a sunny Caribbean beach or the tropical rainforests of El Yunque, Puerto Rico is a wonderful escape from a cold Canadian winter.

Best time to go:

As always, spring and fall provide the best value for going to Puerto Rico. Winter is popular, and not as expensive as other Caribbean destinations.

7. Reykjavik, Iceland

Average flight cost from Toronto: Between $600 and $800 round trip

Why it's cheap:

• Low cost and seasonal airlines fly to Iceland
• Iceland Air has aggressive seat sales
• People transit through Iceland for other European destinations

What makes it a great trip:

At first, you might be wondering what there is to do in Iceland. Once you get there, you’ll understand why it’s been an under the radar European hotspot for years now. Iceland has one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world. From giant glaciers to waterfalls, to geothermal sights, and black sand beaches, Iceland is so much more than just, well, ice!

On a budget, you can even go camping at one of the over 200 campsites across the country. You can even pay up to get a luxury campsite with hot tubs, yurts and even domes where you can watch the night sky and perhaps even be lucky enough to catch the Northern Lights.

Best time to go:

Summer is more expensive but gives full daylight, which can maximize your time there.

8. Lisbon, Portugal

Average flight cost from Toronto: Between $600 and $800 round trip

Why it's cheap:

• Competitive transatlantic routes
• Airlines like TAP, Air Canada, and others run discount or promo fares
• Portugal is more affordable on the ground than many Western European capitals

What makes it a great trip:

Portugal is an incredible country and one that many Europeans will visit on their own vacations. Enjoy some of Lisbon’s incredible architecture with beautiful pastel coloured buildings and bright yellow street trams. Portugal is warm for most of the year and provides a tropical, European getaway for a fraction of the price of other countries.

The one thing that you have to try in Portugal is the food. Lisbon offers some of the world’s freshest seafood. It also offers wonderful local dishes like the caldo verde soup, passionfruit mousse and of course, their world famous pasteis de nata egg tarts.

Best time to go:

Spring (April/May) or fall (September/October) for good weather and the lowest airfare prices.

9. Mexico City, Mexico

Average flight cost from Toronto: Between $550 and $800 round trip

Why it's cheap:

• Major hub in Latin America
• It is a popular tourist destination and a major international metropolis
• A reasonably quick flight from Pearson Airport

What makes it a great trip:

Mexico City is the largest city in Latin America and one of the most populous in the world. While most people may think of all-inclusive resorts and beaches, Mexico City provides a rich cultural experience at a lower cost than other tourist destinations.

Take in the sights and sounds of a long list of interesting neighbourhoods or head out to explore the Aztec ruins. There are also numerous museums, castles and historic colonial architecture to explore. We also can’t say enough about the food. The Mexican food is incredible, but like any major city, Mexico City has amazing restaurants that represent cuisines from around the world.

Best time to go:

November to April is dry and ideal, but the offseason months can yield better airfare deals.

10. St. John's, Newfoundland

Average flight cost from Toronto: Between $250 and $450 round-trip

Why it's cheap:

• Direct flights available several times per week
• About three hours in the air
• Off-the-beaten-path destination means less demand and better deals, especially in shoulder seasons

What makes it a great trip:

St. John's is Canada's hidden gem — literally the easternmost city in North America. The downtown area is famous for its colourful row houses on Jellybean Row, giving the city a quirky, vibrant character that feels nothing like Toronto. The people are incredibly friendly (you'll hear "yes b'y" more times than you can count), and the local culture is unlike anywhere else in Canada.

You can hike Signal Hill for stunning coastal views, visit Cape Spear (the most easterly point in North America), or explore the dramatic coastline and icebergs if you visit in late spring. The food scene is surprisingly strong — fresh seafood, fish and chips, and toutons (fried dough) are must-tries. Plus, George Street has one of the highest concentrations of bars per capita in the country, so the nightlife punches well above its weight.

Best time to go:

Late spring to early summer (May to July) is ideal for iceberg and whale watching. Summer offers the warmest weather and longest days. Fall has fewer tourists and cheaper flights. Winter is cold and stormy, but you'll find rock-bottom prices if you can brave the weather.

FAQs

Where is the cheapest place for Canadians to travel to?

Of the cities on our list, Cancun and Punta Cana are likely the cheapest to fly to regularly from Toronto. If you can find the right flight deal, tickets to New York can be dirt cheap from Toronto as well.

What is the closest tropical destination to Toronto?

The closest tropical destination to Toronto is Cancun, Mexico. Flying to Cancun from Toronto takes about four to five hours directly, and you can easily find tickets in the $350 price range, especially during the off-season months.

Which country is best for travel on a low budget?

On our list, the best countries for low budget travelling are probably Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Portugal is cheap relative to other European countries, but Latin America is certainly the best place to travel on a budget.