Fair prices in Canada — what things really cost

A brewed coffee is cheap, while a cappuccino or specialty drink at an independent cafe costs a little more. Toronto has a strong local coffee scene, and a neighbourhood cafe is better value than a tower-side tourist spot.

A main course at a mid-range restaurant is normal big-city value, and Toronto's incredible range of immigrant cuisines — Chinese, Italian, Greek, Middle Eastern, Caribbean — is where the real value and flavour are. Note that tax and a 15–20% tip are added on top of menu prices.

The best cheap eats are at St Lawrence Market, Kensington Market and the ethnic neighbourhoods, where a filling lunch costs only a few dollars. Far better value and more interesting than the chain restaurants around the main attractions.

One flat fare covers the subway, streetcars and buses with free transfers for two hours, one of the best transit deals of any big city. Tap a contactless card or buy a PRESTO card; a day pass pays off if you make more than three trips.

The UP Express train links Pearson airport with downtown Union Station in about 25 minutes for around C$12 (cheaper with a PRESTO card). Faster and far cheaper than a taxi, it is the best value way in from the airport.

A licensed taxi or rideshare from Pearson to downtown runs about C$50–60 plus tip. Only use the official taxi rank or the rideshare pickup area, agree it is metered or a set airport rate, and consider the UP Express train instead for a fraction of the price.

General admission starts around C$25 if you book online in advance, with the SkyPod and EdgeWalk costing extra. If you plan to see several big attractions, the CityPASS bundle can save a good amount over buying tickets separately.

The Canada Line reaches downtown in about twenty-five minutes and is by far the best-value airport link. Note the trip includes a YVR AddFare (C$6.50 as of July 2026) on top of the normal fare, for a total near C$10.50 — still a fraction of a taxi. The AddFare only applies leaving the airport, not on the way back.

A casual sit-down meal or a plate from a food hall or food truck is the best-value way to eat, and Vancouver's Asian food especially offers superb quality for the money. Step away from the cruise-terminal and Gastown tourist strips and you'll eat better for less.

Vancouver has a strong independent coffee culture and a cappuccino or latte at a good local cafe is normal value. Prices climb at waterfront and hotel-lobby spots, so a block or two inland gets you the same drink for less.

A single adult fare covers SkyTrain, bus and SeaBus for 90 minutes of transfers; buses are a flat one-zone fare at all times, while SkyTrain and SeaBus add zones at peak hours only. Just tap a contactless bank card or phone at the gate — you don't need to buy a Compass Card. Day passes cap a busy day of travel.

Skip buying it — Vancouver's tap water is clean, excellent and free, and public fountains are everywhere including along the seawall. Carry a refillable bottle rather than paying convenience-store prices for something you can get from any tap.

A main at a decent mid-range restaurant is reasonable for a big city, though drinks and BC wine add up quickly. Remember that a tip of 15-20% is expected on top, and menu prices are shown before the 5% GST and any alcohol tax, so the final bill runs higher than the sticker.

Taxis from YVR charge a set zone flat fare to downtown (about C$36-46 depending on the exact area), which protects you from meter games. Uber and Lyft are usually a little cheaper off-peak but can surge well above the taxi price on busy nights and in rain — check the estimate first, or just take the SkyTrain.