10 Budget-Friendly Cities From Canada: Best-Value March Destinations

Canadians looking to travel in March 2026 don’t have to overpay for spring break hotspots. New data from Skyscanner shows that affordable flights still exist — but many of the cheapest routes lead to unexpected destinations.

After analyzing thousands of routes and millions of fares, Skyscanner identified the most budget-friendly cities Canadians can fly to in March, with roundtrip prices starting as low as $263.

While airfare may be lower, travellers should still factor in accommodation and on-the-ground costs before booking.

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Here’s a breakdown of the cheapest March destinations and why they’re worth considering.

🇨🇦 Edmonton, Canada

Average Roundtrip: $263
Cheapest Day to Fly: Friday

Edmonton tops the affordability list this March. The city’s North Saskatchewan River Valley features over 160 kilometres of trails — the largest urban park system in Canada.

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Visitors can explore West Edmonton Mall, enjoy multicultural dining, or take day trips to Elk Island National Park for bison sightings and dark-sky stargazing. Jasper’s mountain scenery is also within reach.

🇺🇸 New York, United States

Average Roundtrip: $391
Cheapest Day to Fly: Wednesday

New York remains a strong-value city in March. With mild early-spring weather, travellers can explore Central Park, world-class museums like the Met, and neighbourhood food scenes across Brooklyn and Queens.

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Budget-friendly dining — from $3 pizza slices to street food — helps keep daily costs manageable.

🇦🇼 Oranjestad, Aruba

Average Roundtrip: $539
Cheapest Day to Fly: Thursday

Located outside the hurricane belt, Aruba offers dependable sunshine in March. Eagle Beach and Palm Beach stretch along turquoise waters, while Arikok National Park showcases desert landscapes and limestone caves.

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Although flights are relatively affordable, accommodation can be pricier during peak season.

🇵🇹 Faro, Portugal

Average Roundtrip: $590
Cheapest Day to Fly: Saturday

March marks Portugal’s shoulder season, making Faro a gateway to the Algarve’s dramatic coastline without summer crowds.

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Visitors can wander Cidade Velha, explore Ria Formosa Natural Park, or relax along limestone cliffs and Atlantic beaches.

🇵🇹 Ponta Delgada, Azores

Average Roundtrip: $619
Cheapest Day to Fly: Saturday

Located midway between North America and Europe, the Azores offer volcanic landscapes and geothermal springs. March temperatures average around 15°C, with fewer crowds and shoulder-season pricing.

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Whale migration season also begins offshore.

🇫🇷 Paris, France

Average Roundtrip: $638
Cheapest Day to Fly: Tuesday

Paris transitions into spring in March, with fewer tourists than peak summer months. Gardens begin blooming, museum lines shorten, and airfare drops compared to May or June.

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🇲🇶 Fort-de-France, Martinique

Average Roundtrip: $672
Cheapest Day to Fly: Monday

Fort-de-France blends French and Caribbean influences. March sits in the island’s dry season, with 27°C temperatures and trade winds keeping humidity manageable.

Hiking trails, rum distilleries, and local markets offer affordable experiences.

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🇵🇹 Lisbon, Portugal

Average Roundtrip: $694
Cheapest Day to Fly: Wednesday

Lisbon’s seven hills, historic trams, and riverside seafood markets offer strong value in March.

Budget-friendly bakeries and affordable transit make it a cost-effective European capital. Day trips to Sintra and Cascais are easily accessible.

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🇪🇸 Barcelona, Spain

Average Roundtrip: $758
Cheapest Day to Fly: Wednesday

Barcelona combines Mediterranean beaches with Gaudí architecture. Tapas culture helps travellers eat well on a budget, and March avoids peak tourist season.

🇮🇪 Dublin, Ireland

Average Roundtrip: $821
Cheapest Day to Fly: Friday

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Dublin offers walkable streets, literary history, and affordable local food. March airfare remains lower than summer peak pricing, though accommodation should be booked early.

Why March Flights Are Cheaper to Europe

Many European cities fall into shoulder season pricing in March:

  • Fewer tourists
  • Cooler but manageable temperatures
  • Lower airfare demand compared to summer

For Canadians willing to skip all-inclusive resorts, these cities provide strong value.

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Smart Travel Planning Tips

  • Book midweek flights (Tuesday–Thursday often cheaper)
  • Compare flexible date options
  • Budget for accommodation separately
  • Monitor exchange rates
  • Purchase travel insurance

Affordable airfare is only part of the total trip cost.

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