The impressive array of domestic flights available here means that most of the nation’s smaller urban areas are within reach of regular services. However, you will generally have to fly to the major city in the area, principally Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal, and then take a connecting flight.

Some of the smaller airlines are connected with Canada’s major carrier, Air Canada , and it is often possible to book your connection through the national airline. The majority of the country’s long-haul domestic routes run east-to-west, connecting the cities: from Halilfax on the east coast, through to Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Calgary, and Edmonton to Vancouver in the west. Longer north-to-south flights to places such as the Yukon and Northwest Territories usually originate from Edmonton and Winnipeg. In the remote north, light aircraft are the best way to reach a destination such as Baffin Island, (which can be reached by boat only in good weather) with the exception of Churchill, Manitoba, which is connected by train.

There are several kinds of bargain tickets available within Canada, and low-cost airlines such as WestJet  have increased competition and forced prices down. Charter airlines such as Air Transat  fly between Canadian cities much like scheduled airlines. However, they are usually up to 20% cheaper than scheduled tickets and can be booked through tour operators. To take advantage of the reductions available through Apex (advanced purchase excursion) fares, you must book between 7 and 21 days in advance: the earlier the booking, the larger the discount. Each fare will have its own set of rules, which include restrictions on length of stay and time of travel (such as between certain hours or on certain days). Be aware that refunds are seldom given and it might be difficult to change your dates.

Seat sales are another bargain option whereby an airline will advertise exceptionally cheap tickets to boost travel on popular routes during quiet times of the year. There is, however, very little flexibility on these deals, and you have to fly within a specific period of time.

Air Canada offers pass deals for visitors who want to travel all over the country, as well as to the US. The passes are available only outside of North America. Most of the offers involve paying for a number of coupons, each of which represents a single flight within either the continent or a specific region. The passes also usually specify a period of time (7 to 60 days) for which they are valid.

A good way to make the most of a visit to Canada is to book a fly-drive vacation. The deal invariably involves a substantial cut in the cost of the car rental. Arrangements can also be made to pick up and drop off your vehicle in different places. It would be possible, for example, to pick up a car in Toronto, tour Ontario, dropping the car off in Ottawa before flying on to Vancouver on the west coast. Known as one-way car rental, these deals may involve large drop-off fees: from Toronto to Ottawa costs around Can$200. Travel agents offer a wide range of such packages.

Passengers traveling economy on domestic flights should be aware that there are restrictions on the amount and weight of baggage that can be taken on board. The type of aircraft determines what can be carried, and light aircraft usually accept only hand-baggage.

In general, passengers are entitled to have two suitcases, each with an average weight of 32 kg (70 lb) per item. Hand-baggage must fit safely under aircraft seats or in overhead lockers. Garment bags may be carried on board some aircraft but must be soft-sided and comply with size restrictions – length 112 cm (45 ins), depth 11 cm (4.5 ins) – so remember to check with your airline or travel agent when puchasing your ticket.

Security is a necessity nowadays and can make the boarding procedure take longer. Within Canada you must check in at least 30 minutes prior to departure; for flights to the US, allow 90 minutes; and for international flights, leave at least 2 hours. Visitors from other countries traveling within Canada should carry a passport to verify that he or she is the traveler named on the ticket.

It is also worth noting that the daily peak periods at the larger Canadian airports are usually from 7am to 9am and from 3pm to 8pm. Passenger volume also increases significantly during the winter holiday season, March break, and the summer, so it is wise to allow extra time for parking, check-in, and security screening during these periods.