Sneaky Spring Savings

Ontario attractions, conservation areas, galleries, and museums love when visitors return again and again! Many are so eager to host you for a future visit that they bundle amazing savings and perks into their annual pass programs.

Here are some Ontario passes that really pack a savings punch:

In addition to unlimited admission to the park, African Lion Safari’s 2023 Season Passport offers perks like 20% savings on food and gift shop purchases and exclusive promotions for Season Passport holders. The park opens on May 6. Don’t miss: Birds of Prey Flying Demonstrations seven days a week.

At just $90 for two adults and up to four children/grandchildren, the Art Gallery of Hamilton’s Family/Dual Friends of the Arts Membership offers incredible value. Members enjoy free unlimited admission to AGH exhibits, special pricing on events and courses, a 10% discount in the gift shop and café, and reciprocal benefits to over 100 museums and galleries. Don’t miss: Family Fun Days on Sunday afternoons.

If you have a vehicle, purchasing a Conservation Halton Vehicle Membership can really pay off! Membership benefits apply to anyone who can safely fit in the car when you arrive at any of Conservation Halton’s eight parks. If you’ve got a seven-seater, the membership will pay for itself in just a few trips! Don’t miss: The reconstructed Longhouse Village at Crawford Lake.

GTA residents will be pleasantly surprised by just how quickly the savings stack up when you leave the car at home on a future escape to Oakville, Burlington or Hamilton! GO Transit weekend passes offer one day of unlimited GO Train and GO Bus travel on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays for just $10! Want a night away? Full weekend travel passes are available for only $15!

Spring is a great season to find incredible savings on admission to some very popular Ontario attractions. Here are some events to circle on your calendar for big savings in the weeks ahead:

• The annual Doors Open event on May 6 and 7 is an incredible way to enjoy free access to some of Ontario’s most fascinating architecture. In Hamilton, Doors Open events will be hosted at a wide range of sites, including Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum, Battlefield House Museum & Park, Dundurn National Historic Site, Whitehern Historic House & Garden and Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology.
• Walking tours are another great way to get out and enjoy the spring weather while learning something new. Through June 1, take advantage of pay-what-you-feel walking tours of the Hamilton Waterfront and Downtown Hamilton being offered by Tour Guys.
• Boats In The Park is another pay-what-you-feel event taking place on May 27 and 28 at the Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology. This weekend of boat-filled family fun will feature miniature boats sailing on the pond, miniature train rides, museum tours and more.
• Decoration Day at Dundurn National Historic Site is a free outdoor event on June 11 on the Castle grounds featuring family-friendly activities, military vehicle displays, and historical presentations.
• Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival, Canada’s largest free outdoor music festival, runs from June 11 – 18. The Festival boasts a fantastic lineup of free concerts on three different stages, as well as a street fest, parade and more.

Local food bloggers are a wonderful resource when it comes to finding great food at a great price. @TasteHamOnt recently shared her hot deal picks within Hamilton, which included Rony’s Charcoal Chicken, Maria’s Tortas Jalisco, Springer’s Meats, Nabil’s, and Burnt Tongue.

A family picnic is another creative way to save on food costs. Read this article for four pointers for your next picnic.

A Great Taste of Ontario digital passport is another way you can save on dining costs during your trip. Download a passport for the area you’ll visit, such as Six Nations of the Grand River. For every five check-ins you collect, you’ll be rewarded with a $25 Feast On gift voucher, which opens doors to unique experiences at local-focused restaurants across Ontario.

Just because a hotel room isn’t in the budget doesn’t mean you can’t get away for the night. Hamilton Halton Brant’s many conservation areas and private campgrounds are an excellent option.

Unsure about braving a tent in spring weather? Consider a camping cabin or yurt at Chiefswood Park, Toronto West KOA, Pine Valley Park, or Bronte Creek Provincial Park.