12 CHEAP Places to Fly from Canada This Year

I just spent a ridiculous amount of time hunting for flight deals from major Canadian airports, and I found some prices that made me do a serious double take. When I spotted round-trip tickets to Cancun for less than my monthly grocery bill, I knew I had to share these finds with fellow Canadians looking to escape winter.

I’ve searched through the best places in Canada to fly from, and trust me, the deals are wild right now. Want to be lounging on South Beach in Miami or exploring Old San Juan in Puerto Rico without emptying your savings? From Vancouver to Toronto (where I found flights to New York for under $300), these 12 destinations prove you don’t need to spend your entire tax return on travel. Let me show you exactly where you can fly without breaking the bank.

#1 tip for finding cheap flights from Canada

For the past 5 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to find cheap flight deals. It’s free and super easy to use. All you have to do is enter in your home airport (i.e. YYZ, YVR, or YYC) and where you want to go, and they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals.

In 2024 alone, I saved thousands of dollars thanks to their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $285 roundtrip fare from Toronto to London. On average, I save about $300 roundtrip on selected flight routes. So, I’m a huge fan and couldn’t recommend them more!

If you’re a frequent flier, consider getting their premium version. It costs $49 per year, but it will easily save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars if you fly just 1-2 times. I recommend signing up for the free trial (which you can cancel at any time) to test it out for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!

Affordable Travel Destinations from Canada

Looking for travel destinations from Canada? Visit Buffalo for its iconic Niagara Falls, vibrant arts scene, and famous Buffalo wings. Explore Seattle, known for the Space Needle, bustling Pike Place Market, and stunning waterfront views. Fly to Dublin to experience rich history, lively pubs, and landmarks like Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse. Head to Lisbon for its charming streets, historic castles, and delicious pastel de nata. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or cuisine, these are top destinations to visit from Canada.

Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel in 2024…so I couldn’t recommend it more!

1. Canada to Buffalo ($180-$260 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour (from Toronto)
• 🛫 Airlines: Air Canada, Porter Airlines, United (6+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October 🍁 for pleasant weather and outdoor activities
• 🏆 Perfect for: Shopping enthusiasts 🛍️, sports fans 🏈, Niagara Falls visitors 🌊

Buffalo isn’t just Toronto’s shopping mall across the border. This surprising city offers architectural masterpieces, passionate sports culture, and incredible food beyond the famous wings, all while serving as the perfect budget gateway to America for Canadian travelers.

Canalside has transformed the once-abandoned waterfront into a vibrant district where the historic Erie Canal meets Lake Erie with outdoor concerts, ice skating, and kayaking depending on the season. Architecture buffs can explore multiple Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings including Darwin Martin House and Graycliff Estate, while art lovers shouldn’t miss the Albright-Knox Gallery with its world-class collection of modern works. 

For Canadian travelers, Porter Airlines from Toronto offers regular sales with roundtrip fares below $200, providing a civilized alternative to the border traffic jams at Peace Bridge or Rainbow Bridge. The late spring and early fall sweet spots offer perfect weather for exploring without winter’s lake effect snow or summer’s occasional humidity.

2. Canada to Seattle ($70-$120 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour (from Vancouver), 5 hours (from Toronto)
• 🛫 Airlines: Air Canada, WestJet, Alaska Airlines, Delta (15+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: July to September ☀️ for minimal rain and outdoor activities
• 🏆 Perfect for: Coffee enthusiasts ☕, outdoor adventurers 🏔️, tech pilgrims 💻

Seattle is where Pacific Northwest cool meets stunning natural beauty. This laid-back city gives you amazing mountain views, incredible food scenes, and unique cultural attractions without the insane prices of other West Coast hotspots.

Pike Place Market is the city’s most famous spot for a reason. This massive farmers market has everything from the original Starbucks to vendors literally throwing fish across crowds. The Space Needle offers spectacular views of the city skyline with Mount Rainier looming in the background on clear days. Kerry Park gives you that classic Seattle postcard shot for absolutely free. 

Flights from Canada vary widely depending on your departure city. From Vancouver, you can score amazingly cheap 30-minute flights on Alaska Airlines or Air Canada for as little as $70 roundtrip. August brings perfect sunny weather with minimal rain (rare for Seattle!), while April offers spring blooms and fewer tourists.

3. Canada to Dublin ($350-$450 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 6.5 hours (from Toronto/Montreal)
• 🛫 Airlines: Aer Lingus, Air Canada, WestJet (direct from Toronto, Montreal)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May and September 🍀 for ideal weather without summer crowds
• 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 📚, pub crawlers 🍺, budget European travelers 🇪🇺

Dublin wraps a thousand years of history in a compact, walkable package where Georgian doors add splashes of color to stone streets, literary giants haunt every corner, and locals treat storytelling as both sacred tradition and competitive sport.

The magnificent Long Room Library at Trinity College houses the ancient Book of Kells beneath a barrel-vaulted ceiling lined with 200,000 books, creating a cathedral to literature that feels like stepping into a Harry Potter film. While tourists flock to Temple Bar, locals know the authentic Irish music happens at The Cobblestone in Smithfield, where traditional sessions showcase musicians who play for the love rather than the euros.

For Canadians seeking European adventure without breaking the bank, Dublin offers incredible value. Aer Lingus frequently runs sales with Toronto/Montreal departures sometimes dropping below $400 roundtrip, especially for May or September travel when you’ll enjoy mild weather without competing with summer crowds. 

4. Canada to Lisbon ($500-$600 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 7 hours (from Toronto/Montreal)
• 🛫 Airlines: TAP Air Portugal, Air Canada, Azores Airlines (direct options available)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to June 🌷 and September to November 🍂 for perfect weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Foodies 🍽️, history lovers 🏰, budget European travelers 💰

Lisbon is where old-world charm meets coastal cool. This colorful Portuguese capital delivers stunning hillside views, incredible food, and authentic culture without the tourist crowds or prices of Paris or Barcelona.

The historic Alfama district is a maze of narrow streets and hidden viewpoints where you can hear traditional Fado music drifting from tiny bars. Tram 28 gives you the perfect city tour for just a few euros as it rattles up and down the steepest hills. What makes Lisbon special is its stunning location. The city is built on seven hills with the Tagus River flowing into the Atlantic, creating gorgeous viewpoints (miradouros) around every corner.

Flight deals from Canada require some planning. Toronto offers the most direct options with TAP Air Portugal and Air Transat providing the best value around $500-550 roundtrip if booked 2-3 months ahead and traveling midweek. 

5. Canada to Warsaw ($650-$750 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 9 hours (from Toronto/Montreal)
• 🛫 Airlines: LOT Polish Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa (various connections)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September ☀️ for outdoor markets and pleasant weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: History lovers 🏛️, budget-conscious Europe travelers 💰, foodies 🥟

Warsaw rises from historical ashes as Europe’s phoenix city where meticulously reconstructed baroque facades hide modern interiors, communist-era monuments stand alongside glittering skyscrapers, and the cost of living makes Western European capitals seem like daylight robbery.

The Old Town represents one of history’s greatest rebuilding projects – completely destroyed in WWII then painstakingly recreated brick by brick until it earned UNESCO status despite being essentially a perfect replica. The powerful Warsaw Uprising Museum uses interactive exhibits including a simulated flight over 1944’s destroyed city to convey Poland’s resilient spirit through tragedy. When museum fatigue sets in, Łazienki Park offers 76 hectares of manicured gardens where peacocks strut past classical palaces and free Chopin concerts fill Sunday afternoons throughout summer.

For Canadians seeking European adventure without Swiss, French or British price tags, Warsaw delivers extraordinary value. LOT Polish Airlines connects Toronto directly to Warsaw with regular sales dropping below $700 roundtrip, especially for shoulder season travel in late spring or early fall. These periods provide perfect weather for exploring without peak summer tourist crowds at major attractions.

6. Canada to Bogotá ($450-$550 roundtrip)

•  Flight Time: 6 hours (from Toronto/Montreal)
• 🛫 Airlines: Air Canada, Avianca, Copa Airlines (various connections)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to March ☀️ for dry season with minimal rain
• 🏆 Perfect for: Coffee lovers ☕, culture seekers 🎭, budget South American travelers 💰

Bogotá sits at a crazy 8,660 feet above sea level where the air is thin but the culture is thick. This high-altitude capital is where you’ll find colonial buildings covered in sick street art, coffee so good it’ll make you question your whole Starbucks existence, and prices that’ll make your Canadian wallet very happy.

La Candelaria is the old-school district where you can wander through narrow streets, pop into quirky museums, and hit up hostel bars where travelers from everywhere swap stories. The Gold Museum is actually worth your time with thousands of gold artifacts that survived the Spanish conquest. For the best views in the city, take the cable car up Monserrate mountain.

Avianca and Air Canada often drop fares below $500 roundtrip during sales, especially December through March which happens to be Colombia’s dry season. Perfect timing to trade -30°C for a consistent 20°C that feels like permanent spring.

7. Canada to Lima ($550-$650 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 8 hours (from Toronto/Montreal)
• 🛫 Airlines: Air Canada, LATAM Airlines, Avianca (daily connections)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to April ☀️ for summer weather along the coast
• 🏆 Perfect for: Food lovers 🍴, history buffs 🏛️, coastal adventurers 🏄‍♂️

Lima is where ancient history meets world-class cuisine. This vibrant Peruvian capital serves up incredible food, colonial architecture, and Pacific Ocean views without the tourist numbers you’d find in other South American hotspots.

Miraflores district hugs the coastline with a gorgeous 6-mile clifftop park where you can watch paragliders soaring over the Pacific. Plaza de Armas in the historic center is surrounded by stunning colonial buildings including a cathedral dating back to the 1500s. What makes this city special is how it works as your gateway to Peru’s mind-blowing attractions from Machu Picchu to the Amazon rainforest.

Finding good flight deals from Canada means targeting the right departure cities. Toronto and Montreal offer the most options, with Air Canada running regular service with fares often dipping below $600 roundtrip during sale periods. The best time to visit is around May if you want dry and sunny days.

8. Canada to Quito ($700-$800 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 7.5 hours (from Toronto with connection)
• 🛫 Airlines: Air Canada, LATAM Airlines, Avianca (multiple connection options)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September ☀️ for dry season with clear mountain views
• 🏆 Perfect for: Adventure seekers 🧗‍♂️, budget travelers 💰, culture lovers 🏛️

Quito is basically South America’s mountain kingdom where you can stand with one foot on each hemisphere, explore colonial streets that look straight out of a history book, and use it as your jumping-off point for ridiculously cheap adventures to the Amazon and Galápagos.

The Historic Center is packed with centuries-old churches and plazas that earned UNESCO status, but the real showstopper is La Compañía de Jesús church where the inside is literally covered in 7 tons of gold leaf. For the best city views, take the TelefériQo cable car up the side of an active volcano where the air gets so thin at 13,000 feet that walking feels like a cardio workout.

June through September brings the driest weather and clearest mountain views. For flights, Avianca and LATAM usually offer the best connections, with occasional fare sales dropping below $750 roundtrip if you book 2-3 months ahead.

9. Canada to St. John’s ($90-$120 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours (from Toronto/Montreal)
• 🛫 Airlines: Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines (multiple daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September ☀️ for iceberg season and hiking weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Nature lovers 🏞️, history buffs 🏛️, coastal adventurers ⛰️

St. John’s is Canada’s most colorful city where houses look like a box of Skittles exploded on a hillside, 500-year-old streets wind past pubs older than most countries, and you can stand at North America’s easternmost point watching whales and icebergs drift by.

The famous Jellybean Row Houses add bursts of color against typically foggy skies, creating the perfect backdrop for photos that’ll make your followers think you used heavy filters (you didn’t). Signal Hill offers killer panoramic views after a short but steep hike to where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless message. 

Summer is prime time when temperatures finally climb above sweater weather and massive icebergs float down Iceberg Alley from May to July. Porter Airlines often runs flash sales with Toronto departures below $100 each way, while Air Canada offers the most flight options from across the country. 

10. Canada to Bangkok ($750-$850 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 16 hours (with layovers)
• 🛫 Airlines: Air Canada, EVA Air, Qatar Airways (multiple connection options)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to February 🌞 for dry season with lower humidity
• 🏆 Perfect for: Budget backpackers 🎒, street food lovers 🍜, cultural explorers 🏯

Bangkok hits you like a sensory hurricane where ancient temples gleam gold against the Bangkok is where ancient spirituality meets urban chaos in the best possible way. This buzzing Thai metropolis gives you incredible street food, stunning temples, and non-stop energy without the price tags of other major Asian cities.

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) rises dramatically from the Chao Phraya River with its spires covered in colorful porcelain that glitters in the sunlight. Chatuchak Weekend Market is so massive it has its own map with over 15,000 stalls selling literally everything imaginable. The food scene here is unreal. From sizzling street carts to floating markets, you can feast on the most amazing Thai dishes for just a few dollars. 

For Canadian travelers making the long journey, winter provides the perfect escape from snow to Bangkok’s dry season with manageable heat and minimal rain. EVA Air through Taipei and Qatar Airways through Doha typically offer the best combination of price and quality, with occasional sales dropping fares below $800 roundtrip from Toronto or Vancouver.

11. Canada to Reykjavik ($380-$450 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 6 hours (from Toronto/Montreal)
• 🛫 Airlines: Icelandair, Play Airlines, Air Canada (seasonal direct flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to August ☀️ for midnight sun and hiking or September to March ❄️ for Northern Lights
• 🏆 Perfect for: Nature lovers 🏞️, adventure seekers 🧗‍♀️, road trippers 🚗

Reykjavik is the colorful base camp for exploring a country that looks like another planet, where waterfalls crash over volcanic cliffs, geysers shoot boiling water into the air, and you can snorkel between two continents in crystal clear glacial water.

The compact city center features the striking Hallgrímskirkja church with its spaceship-like design towering over colorful houses, while the waterfront Harpa Concert Hall looks like someone built a building out of crystal and Northern Lights. 

Budget airline Play offers incredible deals from Toronto and Montreal with fares sometimes dropping below $400 roundtrip, while Icelandair includes free stopover options if you’re continuing to Europe. Summer brings endless daylight with the midnight sun, while winter offers dark skies perfect for Northern Lights hunting.

12. Canada to Cancun ($300-$400 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 5 hours (from Toronto/Montreal)
• 🛫 Airlines: Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing Airlines (multiple daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to April ☀️ for dry season with perfect beach weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, partygoers 🍹, history buffs 🏛️

Cancun is where Canadians escape winter en masse, trading snow for sugar-white beaches, turquoise Caribbean waters so clear you can see your toes, and a nightlife scene that ranges from spring-break wild to sophisticated cocktails at sunset.

The Hotel Zone is that famous strip of beaches and resorts shaped like a ‘7’ where the Caribbean Sea meets the lagoon, creating perfect swimming conditions on one side and sunset views over the water on the other. Beyond the beaches, the ancient Chichen Itza pyramid stands as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World just a day trip away, while Isla Mujeres offers a more laid-back island vibe accessible by a quick ferry ride. 

Canadian travelers are spoiled for choice with flights to Cancun, especially during winter when Sunwing, Air Canada, and WestJet battle for market share with charter and scheduled services. Last-minute deals can drop below $350 roundtrip from Toronto or Montreal during shoulder seasons (November or May), though peak winter weeks will cost significantly more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Cheapest Flights from Canada

Looking to expand your knowledge about the cheapest destinations from Canada? Here are some common questions I get a lot about cheap flights from Canada to anywhere.

Which destinations are typically the cheapest to fly to from Canada?

Popular destinations such as Cancun, Buffalo, and Reykjavik frequently pop up with competitive flight deals. However, the affordability of destinations can vary based on factors like the season, specific airline promotions, and global events. It’s also worth noting that regional flights within Canada or to nearby U.S. cities can be more affordable due to shorter flight durations and frequent service.

When is the best time to book cheap flights from Canada?

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, booking a few months in advance often yields better prices. Mid-week flights, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tend to be cheaper. Additionally, traveling during the off-peak seasons or shoulder seasons of a destination can offer more affordable rates and fewer crowds.

Which airlines offer the cheapest flights from Canada?

Major carriers like Air Canada and WestJet often have sales and promotions. Budget airlines such as Flair Airlines and Swoop can offer consistently low fares. It’s essential to compare services, as budget airlines might have additional fees for luggage and in-flight amenities.

What is the cheapest day to fly internationally from Canada?

Traditionally, midweek flights—especially those on Tuesdays and Wednesdays—are your best bet for scoring a deal. Why? Business travelers typically fly out on Mondays and back on Fridays, while leisure travelers often prefer weekend-to-weekend trips. This leaves a midweek lull that airlines are eager to fill, often resulting in lower fares.

However, let’s sprinkle in a dash of reality. These are general trends and can vary greatly depending on your destination, the season, and even the specific airline. For example, if you’re flying to a popular vacation spot during peak season, you might find that flights are expensive every day of the week. Similarly, if you’re flying to a business hub, you might find better deals on weekends when the corporate crowd is away.

So, what’s the secret sauce for snagging that elusive cheap flight? Flexibility is key. If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you’ll have a better chance of finding a deal. Use fare comparison websites, set up price alerts, and don’t forget to factor in any additional fees and taxes when comparing prices.

How can I find the best deals on flights from Canada?

Flight comparison websites such as Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights are invaluable tools. Subscribing to airline newsletters and joining frequent flyer programs can also provide early access to sales. Setting up price alerts for specific routes will notify you when prices drop.

Do budget airlines fly out of Canada?

Yes, several budget airlines operate from major Canadian airports, offering both domestic and international routes. While they provide competitive rates, it’s crucial to be aware of their fee structures for baggage, seat selection, and onboard services.

Is it cheaper to book one-way flights or round trips from Canada?

Historically, round-trip flights have offered better value. However, with the rise of budget airlines and flexible travel plans, one-way tickets can sometimes be just as cost-effective. Always compare both options before finalizing your booking.

How does the time of year affect flight prices from Canada?

Flight prices are influenced by demand. For instance, tropical destinations might see a spike in prices during Canada’s winter months when many seek a warm escape. Conversely, European destinations might be more affordable during the fall or spring, outside of peak tourist seasons.

Are last-minute flight deals from Canada a good option?

While there’s potential for significant savings with last-minute deals, they’re not always available and can be a gamble. If you have flexible travel dates and are open to various destinations, you might snag a great deal. However, for specific plans, booking in advance is safer.

How do Canadian airport taxes and fees impact flight prices?

Taxes and fees can vary significantly between airports and can add a substantial amount to the overall cost of a flight. These charges cover everything from airport maintenance to security. When comparing flight prices, ensure these costs are included to get an accurate picture of the total fare.

Can I get cheaper flights from smaller Canadian airports?

Occasionally, flying out of a smaller or secondary airport can offer cost savings due to lower demand or specific airline promotions. However, it’s essential to weigh these savings against the convenience of the location and any additional transportation or parking costs.

When seeking the cheapest flights, it’s essential to balance cost with convenience, comfort, and overall travel experience. Always read the fine print, especially with budget airlines, to avoid unexpected fees and ensure a smooth journey.