Canada’s best senior discounts come from banks, transit systems and governments, not coffee shops. At 60 or 65 you can get free or cheaper bank accounts, free or half-price transit in many cities, free fishing in four provinces, free university tuition at several schools and 20% off at Shoppers Drug Mart on Thursdays. A handful of chains start at 55.
Every discount below was checked on the company’s or government’s own website in September 2026, and each row links to that page. If a deal couldn’t be confirmed on an official page, it isn’t listed. Offers change, so check the link before you plan a trip or a shopping day around one.
Jump to a section:
- The best deals at a glance
- Age thresholds by chain
- Bank accounts
- Pharmacies
- Stores and thrift shops
- Restaurants
- Public transit
- Travel and parks
- Museums and ski hills
- Phone and internet
- Government discounts: fishing, driving, property tax, health
- University tuition for seniors
- How to ask for a senior discount
- Common questions
The best senior discounts at a glance
| Category | Best confirmed deal | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Banking | No monthly fee on CIBC Smart (65+), RBC Day to Day Banking (65+), BMO Practical and Scotiabank Basic (60+), Vancity Chequing Plus (65+) | 60+ or 65+ |
| Pharmacy | Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix: 20% off regular-priced items every Thursday | 65+ |
| Transit | Free transit in Montreal, Laval, Mississauga and (for residents) Brampton; free in Ottawa on Wednesdays and Sundays | 65+ |
| Travel | BC Ferries: free passenger fare Monday to Thursday for B.C. residents | 65+ |
| Parks | BC Parks: half-price camping from the day after Labour Day to June 14 | 65+ B.C. residents |
| Fishing | No licence needed in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba | 65+ residents |
| Health | Quebec: free prescription drugs if you get 94% or more of the maximum GIS | 65+ |
| Education | UBC and University of Manitoba waive tuition fees | 65+ |
| Shopping | Value Village: 30% off every Tuesday | 60+ |
Age thresholds by chain
Senior discount ages are not the same everywhere. This table puts the store, pharmacy, restaurant and hotel deals in order of age so you can see which ones you already qualify for.
| Chain | Age | Day | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denny’s | 55+ | Thursdays, 2 to 10 p.m. | 15% |
| Michaels | 55+ | Every day | 10% (Rewards members) |
| Goodwill Ontario Great Lakes | 55+ | Second Monday of the month | 25% |
| Best Western | 55+ | Every day | Discounted room rates |
| Value Village | 60+ | Every Tuesday | 30% |
| Canadian Goodwill (Manitoba) | 60+ | Every Tuesday | 20% |
| Goodwill Industries of Alberta | 60+ | Every Wednesday | 15% |
| Salvation Army Thrift Store | 60+ | Every day | 10% |
| Giant Tiger | 60+ | First Monday of the month | 10% on select products |
| Uniprix (Quebec) | 60+ | Every day | 10% with the 60+ card |
| Brunet (Quebec) | 60+ | Every day | 10% with the Privilege Card |
| Marriott | 62+ | Every day, participating hotels | Varies by hotel |
| IHG (Holiday Inn and others) | 62+ | Every day, participating hotels | Varies (IHG One Rewards members) |
| Shoppers Drug Mart / Pharmaprix | 65+ | Every Thursday | 20% |
| London Drugs | 65+ | Occasional seniors days (check the flyer) | 15% |
| Smitty’s | 65+ | First Tuesday of the month | Double rewards points |
| Bulk Barn | 65+ | Every Wednesday | Discount on regular-priced products |
| Hilton | 65+ | Every day, participating hotels | Up to 6% |
Banks use 60 or 65, and almost every transit system and government program uses 65. Details for each are in the sections below.
Bank account discounts for seniors
Bank fee rebates are often the biggest yearly saving on this page: $4 off a month is $48 a year, and a free account can save more than $150. Some banks apply the discount on their own once your birth date is on file. Others need you to ask, so call or visit a branch after your 60th or 65th birthday.
| Bank | Discount | Age | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIBC | No monthly fee on the CIBC Smart Account and Everyday Chequing, with unlimited transactions | 65+ | Automatic when you turn 65. cibc.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| RBC | Day to Day Banking free; Advantage Banking $12.95 cut to $8.95 | 65+ | One rebate per account owner. Can’t be combined with the RBC Value Program rebate in the same month. rbcroyalbank.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| TD | $3.75 off Every Day, $6 off Unlimited, $8.50 off All-Inclusive | 60+ | Minimum Chequing is free for seniors getting the GIS, with proof. td.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| BMO | Practical plan free; $4 off Plus, Performance, Premium and Blue Rewards | 60+ | Applied automatically at 60 if your birth date is on file. Not on older, discontinued plans. bmo.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| Scotiabank | Basic free; $4 off Basic Plus and Preferred; $7 off Ultimate | 60+ | scotiabank.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| National Bank | $5 off The Connected and The Total | 60+ | The Minimalist account ($3.95) is free at 65+ if you show you qualify for the GIS. nbc.ca fee guide (PDF), verified Sept 2026 |
| Desjardins | $4 a month off everyday account fees or a monthly plan | 60+ | desjardins.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| Vancity (B.C. credit union) | Chequing Plus for Seniors: no monthly fee, with unlimited everyday transactions | 65+ | Also 50 free personal cheques or U.S. dollar drafts per order and $5 off a safety deposit box. Book an appointment to open it. vancity.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| UNI Financial Cooperation (N.B.) | $4 a month off the monthly fee of available transaction plans | 59+ | The Basic plan ($3.95) is also free for seniors who show proof. Fee guide in effect since July 1, 2025. uni.ca fee guide (PDF), verified Sept 2026 |
| Laurentian Bank | $5 a month off the Preferred or Unlimited account (60+ Advantage) | 60+ | Fee schedule in force as of March 12, 2026. laurentianbank.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
No seniors account: Tangerine says it offers “fair fee banking” to all clients, including seniors, rather than a separate seniors account. Its regular chequing account has no monthly fee (tangerine.ca, verified Sept 2026).
The catch: a discount on a pricey plan can still cost more than a cheaper plan. If you only pay a few bills and use a debit card, a free basic seniors account is often all you need.
Pharmacy discounts for seniors
Pharmacy seniors days almost always exclude prescriptions, and most apply only to regular-priced items. Bring your loyalty card, because several chains tie the discount to it.
| Pharmacy | Discount | Age | When and conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shoppers Drug Mart (Pharmaprix in Quebec) | 20% off regularly priced items | 65+ | Every Thursday. Show your own PC Optimum card. Some exclusions apply, and some stores choose a lower age. Shoppers help centre, verified Sept 2026 |
| London Drugs | 15% off regular-priced merchandise | 65+ | London Drugs runs occasional one-day Seniors’ Appreciation Days, in store only. The most recent was Tuesday, September 29, 2026, and no next date has been announced, so check the flyer or ldextras.com/seniors. You need an LDExtras membership and government photo ID. Pharmacy, electronics, Apple, Sony, gift cards and more are excluded. ldextras.com, verified Oct 2026 |
| Uniprix (Quebec) | 10% off eligible regular-priced products | 60+ | Every day with the Carte privilège 60+, which you ask for in store with proof of age. Medications, gift cards, lottery, transit fares and post office items excluded. Participating stores. uniprix.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| Brunet (Quebec) | 10% off regular-price merchandise | 60+ | Every day with the Privilege Card from your Brunet store. Prescriptions, baby formula and diapers, lottery, stamps and bus tickets excluded. brunet.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
Pharmasave, Guardian and I.D.A. stores are independently owned, so each one sets its own seniors day, if any. Rexall, Lawtons and Jean Coutu couldn’t be confirmed on their own websites for this update, so ask at the counter. Familiprix’s Familiplus rules mention a seniors’ discount for customers 60+ “if applicable” but give no amount, and it can’t be combined with Familiplus, so ask your store (familiprix.com (PDF), verified Sept 2026).
Store and thrift shop discounts for seniors
| Store | Discount | Age | When and conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value Village | 30% off | 60+ | Every Tuesday. Excludes new merchandise (red tags). Shown on store pages. savers.com store page, verified Sept 2026 |
| Salvation Army Thrift Store | 10% off | 60+ | Every day at participating stores. Can’t be combined with other offers. thriftstore.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Goodwill Ontario Great Lakes | 25% off | 55+ | Second Monday of each month (next open day if it’s a holiday). Participating stores in Ontario. Tell the cashier before you pay. goodwillindustries.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Goodwill Industries of Alberta | 15% off regular-priced items | 60+ | Every Wednesday. Tell the cashier. Coloured-tag sale items excluded. goodwill.ab.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Canadian Goodwill (Manitoba) | 20% off regular-priced items | 60+ | Every Tuesday with ID showing your birth date. Not with other sales or auction items. canadiangoodwill.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Giant Tiger | 10% off select products, before tax | 60+ | First Monday of each month (first Tuesday if the store is closed Monday). In store, select stores only. gianttiger.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| Bulk Barn | Seniors’ discount on regular-priced products (the page doesn’t show the percentage) | 65+ | Every Wednesday with valid ID. Restrictions may apply during some promotions. Gift cards excluded. bulkbarn.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Michaels | 10% off | 55+ | Every day in store and online. Join Michaels Rewards and verify your age, or show ID. Sale, clearance, custom framing, Cricut and many brands excluded. canada.michaels.com, verified Sept 2026 |
Many hardware stores (Home Hardware is dealer-owned), grocery stores and local co-ops run their own seniors days. They vary by location, so they aren’t listed here. RONA and Pet Valu also advertise seniors days, but their current terms couldn’t be checked on their websites for this update. Ask customer service at your local store.
Restaurant discounts for seniors
Only two national restaurant chains publish a seniors deal on their own website.
| Restaurant | Discount | Age | When and conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denny’s Canada | 15% off regular menu items | 55+ | Thursdays, 2 to 10 p.m. Kids’ menu and alcohol excluded. Dine-in only; not at 4 locations (Nepean, Woodbridge, Brampton, St. Thomas). dennys.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Smitty’s | Double MySmitty’s Rewards points | 65+ | First Tuesday of each month, participating locations. Points, not a price cut. smittys.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
Tim Hortons says it does not offer a year-round seniors discount, though a restaurant may offer one at the manager’s discretion (Tim Hortons help, verified Sept 2026). McDonald’s, A&W, Humpty’s and other chains don’t show a current seniors deal on their official sites. Some individual franchises still give one, so it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Public transit fares for seniors
Transit is where senior discounts get biggest. In several cities, seniors ride free. You usually need a fare card set to the senior fare type and photo ID that shows your age. Paying cash or tapping a credit card often gets you the adult fare.
| Transit system | Seniors’ fare | Age | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| STM and Montreal area (ARTM) | Free in the Montreal agglomeration (zone A) | 65+ residents | For zone A residents with the “65+ Tous modes A” fare on a photo OPUS card ($15, valid 7 years). Register in person. Laval residents ride STL free; Longueuil-area residents ride RTL free off-peak. artm.quebec, verified Sept 2026 |
| TTC (Toronto) | $2.25 a ride on PRESTO, $2.30 cash (adult $3.30) | 65+ | Tapping a debit or credit card charges the adult fare. Seniors’ monthly and 12-month passes ended August 31, 2026; rides are now free after 47 paid fares in a calendar month (not cash). ttc.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| OC Transpo (Ottawa) | $3.28 a ride on Presto (adult $4.10); free on Wednesdays and Sundays; monthly pass $59.75 (adult $138.50) | 65+ | Presto card set to the senior fare needed, including for free days. No discount when paying cash. octranspo.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| GO Transit (Ontario) | 55% off the adult fare | 65+ | PRESTO set to the seniors fare type, or a GO E-ticket. gotransit.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| MiWay (Mississauga) | Free | 65+ | PRESTO card set to the senior fare type. You may be asked for photo ID. mississauga.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Brampton Transit | Free for Brampton residents; $1.85 on PRESTO for others | 65+ | Residents need a Brampton Transit Senior ID card and PRESTO with the free annual pass. Brampton buses only. brampton.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Hamilton HSR | $2.35 on PRESTO (adult $2.85); $47.50 monthly | 65+; free at 80+ | The Golden Age PRESTO pass is free from your 80th birthday. hamilton.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Grand River Transit (Kitchener-Waterloo) | One free day pass a week (pilot) | Turning 65 this year or older | Through the GRT Pay app after a one-time ID check. Pilot runs July 1, 2026 to January 5, 2027. grt.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| London Transit (LTC) | $2.00 a trip (5 tickets for $10); cash $3.50 | 65+ | londontransit.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| TransLink (Metro Vancouver) | Concession fare: $2.30 for 1 zone; monthly pass $66.95; DayPass $9.75 | 65+ | Carry photo ID proving age. translink.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| BC Transit (Victoria) | 30-day pass $45 (adult $85) | 65+ | Single fares are the same as adult. bctransit.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| Calgary Transit | Annual seniors’ pass $169, or $34 for low-income seniors | 65+ residents | Low-income pass needs Fair Entry approval. calgarytransit.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| Edmonton Transit | $3 a ride on Arc, capped at $10.50 a day and $36 a month | 65+ residents | Free for the rest of the year after $396. edmonton.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Regina Transit | Monthly pass $33 (adult $97); annual $297 | 65+ | Buy your first seniors’ pass at the Transit Information Centre, 2124 11th Ave. regina.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Saskatoon Transit | Monthly pass $30; 3 months $90; 6 months $176; annual $329 | 65+ | Rates from July 1, 2026; another increase is set for January 1, 2027. Single cash fares are the same as adult ($3.25). saskatoontransit.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Winnipeg Transit | $1.55 e-cash, $2.95 cash; monthly $59.70 | 65+ | Show photo ID when you board. winnipegtransit.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| RTC (Quebec City) | $3.15 a ride vs $3.85; monthly $68.35 vs $102.50 | 65+ | Photo OPUS card required. rtcquebec.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Halifax Transit | $2.25 a ride, $66 monthly; free Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and after 6 p.m. | 65+ | Free Tuesdays include ferries. halifax.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
Travel and park discounts for seniors
| Company or park | Discount | Age | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIA Rail | 15% off Economy Plus, Business and Business Plus fares | 65+ | Limited-time offer. Book at least 30 days ahead by January 5, 2027, for travel September 9, 2026 to April 30, 2027. Not on Escape, Economy or Sleeper Plus fares. viarail.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| BC Ferries | Free passenger fare Monday to Thursday | 65+ B.C. residents | Show a BC Services Card, B.C. driver’s licence or B.C. ID. Not on North Coast, Central Coast or Haida Gwaii routes, and not on listed holidays. Vehicle fares still apply. bcferries.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| Marine Atlantic | Seniors’ passenger fare: $20.11 one way vs $21.92 adult (Port aux Basques to North Sydney) | 65+ | Includes fuel surcharge and security fee. marineatlantic.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Parks Canada | Discovery Pass $71.50 vs $83.50 adult; Banff daily entry $10.75 vs $12.25 | 65+ | Seniors are not free. Youth 17 and under are. parks.canada.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Ontario Parks | About 20% off camping (for example $42.00 vs $52.50 base for an electrical site) and cheaper day-use permits | 65+ Ontario residents | Choose the senior rate when you book and show proof on arrival. Fees for April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. ontarioparks.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| BC Parks | Half the peak-season base camping fee | 65+ B.C. residents | Off-season only: the day after Labour Day to June 14. Frontcountry campgrounds. Every adult in the party must be a B.C. senior or a senior’s spouse. bcparks.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Alberta Parks | 25% off camping at 140+ select campgrounds | 65+ Alberta residents | The senior must be the main occupant and be there. One site at a time. albertaparks.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Sépaq (Quebec parks) camping | 10% off camping stays, Sunday to Thursday | 60+ | Use promo code CAMPING-60ANS online or by phone. Conditions apply. Daily entry to Quebec national parks has no seniors’ price ($10.30 for adults). sepaq.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| Sépaq fishing trips | 10% off a fishing trip with a cabin stay | 60+ (one angler in the group) | Use promo code PECHE-60ANS. Conditions apply. sepaq.com, verified Sept 2026 |
Hotels
The big hotel chains set seniors’ rates as a small discount off the regular rate at participating hotels. Compare it with other rates before you book, since a sale or member rate can be cheaper.
| Hotel chain | Seniors’ rate | Age | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Western | Discounted room rates | 55+ | Proof of age at check-in. The page doesn’t give a percentage. bestwestern.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| Marriott | Senior Discount rate; the amount varies by hotel | 62+ | Up to 2 rooms a night, booked in the senior’s name. Proof of age at check-in. No AARP membership needed. marriott.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| IHG (Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza and others) | Member Senior Discount off the Best Flex rate, more when you book 3+ days ahead | 62+ | For IHG One Rewards members (free to join). Discount varies by hotel; blackout dates apply. ihg.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| Hilton | Up to 6% off the Best Available Rate | 65+ | Leisure stays, up to 2 rooms (second room for family). Proof of age at check-in. hilton.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| Choice Hotels (Comfort, Quality, Radisson and others) | 10% off the Best Available Rate | CARP members (no age limit) | Choice’s Canadian seniors page is a CARP-member rate, not an age-based one. Show your CARP card at check-in. choicehotels.com, verified Sept 2026 |
No seniors’ fares are listed on the Air Canada, WestJet or Porter websites for travel in Canada. The Canada Strong Pass, which made national parks free for everyone, ended on September 7, 2026.
Museum and ski hill discounts for seniors
Museums
National museums all have a seniors’ price. Several also have free hours for everyone, which can beat the seniors’ rate.
| Museum | Seniors’ price | Age | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Museum of History (Gatineau) | $23 vs $25 adult | 65+ | Free Thursdays 5 to 7 p.m. historymuseum.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Canadian War Museum (Ottawa) | $21 vs $23 | 65+ | Free Thursdays 5 to 7 p.m. warmuseum.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Canadian Museum of Nature (Ottawa) | $19 vs $26 | 65+ | Free Thursdays 5 to 8 p.m. nature.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Canada Science and Technology Museum (Ottawa) | $15 vs $19.50 | 60+ | Free every day after 4 p.m. ingenium.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Canadian Museum for Human Rights (Winnipeg) | $18 vs $23 | 65+ | Free for everyone the first Sunday of each month. humanrights.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 (Halifax) | $15 vs $19, tax included | 60+ | pier21.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Montreal Museum of Fine Arts | Free entry to the collection (a $32 value) | 65+ | Tuesdays, arrive 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Major temporary exhibitions not included. mbam.qc.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Aquarium du Québec (Quebec City) | 10% off the daily adult entry fee and membership | 65+ | Run by Sépaq. sepaq.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| Royal BC Museum (Victoria) | $22 vs $32 | 65+ | Prices can change by season. royalbcmuseum.bc.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
The Art Gallery of Ontario and the Vancouver Art Gallery have no seniors’ price, only adult rates plus free evenings once a month.
Ski hills (2026-27 season passes)
| Ski hill | Seniors’ pass | Age | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Louise (Alta.) | $1,149 (regular $1,319); $40 at 80+ | 65-79; 80+ | Sale price until October 15, 2026. skilouise.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| Sunshine Village (Banff) | $1,278 plus GST; $119 plus GST at 80+ | 65-79; 80+ | Early-bird price until October 15, 2026. Photo ID may be required. skibanff.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| Big White (B.C.) | Club 65 pass $769 to October 18, $879 to November 25, then $1,309 | 65+ | Taxes extra. bigwhite.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| Tremblant (Que.) | Master Pass $285 at 80+; seniors’ lift tickets from $90 a day (adult from $104) | 80+ (pass); 70+ (tickets) | The Master Pass is unlimited all 2026-27 season; you must be 80 on the day you buy. Ticket price is for 2- to 7-day tickets bought by October 15, 2026. Royalty and taxes extra. tremblant.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
Whistler Blackcomb has no seniors’ price on the Epic Pass. Its help centre says a Whistler Blackcomb Unlimited pass for “Super Seniors” (75+) is sold at the ticket window or by phone, but the price isn’t posted online (whistlerblackcomb.com help, verified Sept 2026).
Cineplex, Landmark and other cinema chains don’t publish a national seniors’ price on a page that could be checked for this update. Seniors’ pricing usually shows up at the ticket step for your local theatre.
Internet and cellphone plans for seniors
Rogers sells cellphone plans for people 65 and older. The other low-cost options are for seniors who get the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
| Program | Discount | Who qualifies | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecting Families (federal) | Home internet for $10 a month (10 Mbps, 100 GB) or $20 a month (50 Mbps, 200 GB), plus tax | Seniors getting at least 80% of the maximum GIS | You join through an invitation letter from the Government of Canada. ised-isde.canada.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| TELUS Mobility for Good | $25 a month for 10 GB or $35 for 20 GB of 5G+ data, with unlimited Canada-wide talk and text | Seniors getting the GIS | Free certified pre-owned Samsung Galaxy S23 FE on a 2-year term, or bring your own phone, or $75 off a phone at Mobile Klinik. No contract for SIM-only. Proof: your T4A(OAS) slip. telus.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| TELUS Internet for Good | Home internet $10 a month (25 Mbps, 300 GB), $20 (50 Mbps, unlimited) or $35 (150 Mbps, unlimited), plus tax | Seniors getting at least $6,500 a year in GIS, in B.C., Alberta and parts of Quebec | Same TELUS page. |
| Rogers Connected for Success | Internet $10 (25 Mbps), $20 (50 Mbps) or $35 (150 Mbps) a month with unlimited usage; 5G mobile $25 for 10 GB or $35 for 15 GB | Includes seniors getting the GIS, where service is available | Taxes extra. Proof needed; renew every 2 years. rogers.com, verified Sept 2026 |
| Rogers 65+ plans | 5G+ Essentials 65+ $65 a month (100 GB), Popular 65+ $80 (unlimited) or Ultimate 65+ $95 (unlimited), after the auto-pay discount | 65+ | Before discounts: $85, $100 and $115. Includes a $5 a month seniors’ discount on the first line. New activations only, up to 2 lines, bring your own phone. Government ID with your age needed. rogers.com, verified Sept 2026 |
Zoomer Wireless, a seniors’ phone brand often listed in older discount guides, closed on December 31, 2024.
Government discounts for seniors
Provinces offer some of the most valuable senior breaks, but you usually have to be a resident and 65 or older. Most are not automatic.
Fishing licences
| Province | What seniors get | Age | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | No Outdoors Card or fishing licence needed | 65+ Ontario or Canadian residents | Carry government ID with your name and birth date while fishing. Catch limits still apply. ontario.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Alberta | No sportfishing licence needed | 65+ Alberta residents | Regulations still apply. alberta.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Saskatchewan | No angling licence needed | 65+ Saskatchewan residents | Carry proof of age and residency. Out-of-province seniors need a licence. saskatchewan.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Manitoba | No angling licence needed since April 1, 2026 | Manitoba seniors | Show acceptable ID to a conservation officer if asked. This replaced the free seniors’ licence. gov.mb.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| British Columbia | Annual freshwater licence $5.71 vs $41.15 | 65+ B.C. residents | Conservation surcharges still extra. gov.bc.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Nova Scotia | Seasonal general fishing licence $6.74 vs $27.41 | 65+ N.S. residents | novascotia.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Seniors’ resident salmon licence $14.95 vs $23.00 | 65+ | Plus a $3 vendor fee. 2026-27 season. dfo-mpo.gc.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
Driver’s licences and vehicles
| Province | What applies | Age | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | 25% off personal registry services, such as $24.50 off a licence renewal and $25 off vehicle registration; 25% back on a driver’s medical exam | 65+ on the day you pay | Applied automatically at a registry agent. alberta.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 5-year licence $65 vs $125; road test $39 vs $78 | 65+ | gov.nl.ca fee list (PDF), verified Sept 2026 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 50% off registering a passenger vehicle, truck or taxi | 65+ | gov.nl.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Driver’s medicals billed to MCP, not to you | 75+ | gov.nl.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Ontario | Renew every 2 years; $36 fee; vision test and short screening at a ServiceOntario appointment | 80+ | A rule, not a discount. ontario.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| British Columbia | Driver’s medical report at 80, 85 and every 2 years after | 80+ | You pay your doctor’s fee. gov.bc.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
Property tax help for senior homeowners
| Program | What you get | Age | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.C. Home Owner Grant (seniors) | $845 grant vs $570 regular | 65+ | Principal residence; 2026 value threshold $2,075,000. The $845 is the amount listed from January 1, 2027, for all of B.C. gov.bc.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| B.C. Property Tax Deferment | Low-interest loan to defer property tax, at prime plus 2% | 55+ | Needs 25% equity. gov.bc.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant | Up to $500 a year | 64+ by December 31 of last year | Full grant for single seniors with income of $35,000 or less, none at $50,000. Claim on form ON-BEN with your tax return. ontario.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Toronto tax increase cancellation or deferral | Cancel or defer this year’s property tax increase | 65+ (or 60-64 on GIS or the Allowance) | Household income $62,000 or less. Apply by November 2, 2026. toronto.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Alberta Seniors Property Tax Deferral | Province pays your property tax as a loan at 4.45% simple interest | 65+ (one spouse is enough) | Not income-tested. Needs 25% equity. alberta.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Manitoba Seniors’ School Tax Rebate | Up to $235 | 65+ by December 31 | Reduced by 1% of family net income over $40,000. Claim on your tax return. gov.mb.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Nova Scotia Property Tax Rebate for Seniors | 50% of 2025 municipal property tax, up to $800 | GIS or Allowance recipients | Apply by December 31, 2026. novascotia.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| PEI Seniors Property Tax Deferral | Defer your property tax with no interest until you sell or the owner dies | 65+ | Household income under $42,000; principal residence for at least 6 months of the past year. princeedwardisland.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| New Brunswick Property Tax Deferral for Seniors | Defer yearly increases; 3.949% interest for 2026 if household income is under $124,178 | 65+ | gnb.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
Health costs
| Program | What you get | Age | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program | Free routine dental care; dentures partly covered | 65+ | Net income $25,480 or less (single) or $42,290 (couple). ontario.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Ontario Seniors Co-Payment Program | No $100 drug deductible; up to $2 per prescription | 65+ | Same income limits, August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027. ontario.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Quebec prescription drug insurance (RAMQ) | Free prescription drugs: no premium, deductible or co-insurance | 65+ getting 94% or more of the maximum GIS | If you get less than 94% of the maximum GIS, you pay at most $58.08 a month or $697 a year (rates July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027). ramq.gouv.qc.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| PEI Seniors’ Drug Program | Pay $15.94 per eligible prescription ($8.25 plus $7.69 of the pharmacy fee) | 65+ | Automatic at 65 with a valid PEI Health Card. Drugs must be on the PEI formulary. princeedwardisland.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Nova Scotia Seniors Care Grant | $750 a household toward household services, health services and home heating | 65+ by March 31, 2027 | Household net income $45,100 or less. Costs from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. Apply by December 1, 2026. novascotia.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Canadian Dental Care Plan (federal) | Dental coverage with no co-pay if family income is under $70,000 | All ages | Family income under $90,000 and no private dental insurance. canada.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
Passports have no seniors’ discount. Anyone 16 or older pays the adult fee: $163.50 for 10 years or $122.50 for 5 years, as of March 31, 2026 (canada.ca, verified Sept 2026).
University tuition for seniors
Several universities let older students take courses for free or at a big discount. Most need you to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and many still charge student or course fees.
| University | What’s waived | Age | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of British Columbia | Application, tuition and student fees | 65+ | B.C. residents who are citizens or permanent residents. Law, Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy and some programs excluded. ubc.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| University of Manitoba | Academic fees | 65+ | Citizens or permanent residents. You must be admitted; course and field trip fees still apply. umanitoba.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| University of Saskatchewan | Tuition, credit or audit | 65+ when the class starts | Up to 15 credit units September to April. Proof of age required. usask.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Dalhousie University | Tuition | 65+ at registration | Undergraduate non-professional programs. Other fees still apply. dal.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| University of Calgary | Tuition for direct-entry undergraduate courses | 65+ | Application and general fees still apply. ucalgary.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| York University | Domestic tuition (non-professional) | 60+ | Citizens or permanent residents; up to one undergraduate and one graduate credential. yorku.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| University of Toronto (65+ Program) | Incidental fees only; tuition still charged | 65+ | Arts and Science courses as a non-degree student. utoronto.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| McGill University | Credit of 50% of the Quebec tuition rate | 65+ | School of Continuing Studies courses. mcgill.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Concordia University | Audit courses for $2 per credit plus $29.60 a term | 55+ | No grades. Up to 3 courses a term. concordia.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
| Western University | Bursary up to $1,200 (May 2026 to April 2027) | 60+ | Need-based, part-time study, Ontario residents. uwo.ca (PDF), verified Sept 2026 |
| Mount Allison University | Need-based seniors’ bursary | 65+ | Credit or audit. Apply by November 1 (fall) or March 1 (winter). mta.ca, verified Sept 2026 |
Memberships: CARP and CAA
CARP is a membership group for older Canadians that offers partner discounts. There is no longer a minimum age to join. A one-year membership is $19.95 with a digital card or $24.95 with a physical card. It renews automatically, and fees can’t be refunded.
CAA is not a seniors’ discount. CAA South Central Ontario says it does not offer a discount for senior members. But CAA members get their own discounts, such as 25% off at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.
Government benefits worth more than any discount
A store discount saves a few dollars. A missed benefit can cost hundreds a month. Check these first:
- Guaranteed Income Supplement. If you get OAS and your income is under $22,800 a year (single), you may get up to $1,123.17 a month (July to September 2026). It also unlocks the TD, National Bank, TELUS, Rogers and Connecting Families offers above, and free prescription drugs in Quebec at 94% or more of the maximum. See GIS payment dates and amounts.
- The Allowance (60 to 64). For low-income people whose spouse gets OAS and the GIS, or who are widowed. See Allowance payment dates.
- OAS and CPP. Know when your pensions arrive with OAS payment dates and CPP payment dates.
- Provincial top-ups. Ontario GAINS, the Alberta Seniors Benefit, the B.C. Senior’s Supplement and the Saskatchewan Seniors Income Plan add money for low-income seniors.
Most of these depend on filing your taxes every year, even with little or no income. The benefits checkup shows what you may qualify for, and payment dates this month lists when each one pays. To see which programs start at which age, read what age you’re considered a senior in Canada. If you have a disability, disability discounts in Canada covers more savings.
Senior discounts that have ended
Older lists still mention these. They are gone or have changed:
- TTC seniors’ monthly and 12-month passes ended August 31, 2026. Monthly fare capping replaced them.
- Parks Canada’s Canada Strong Pass (free entry for everyone) ended September 7, 2026.
- Brampton’s $15 seniors’ monthly pass and $1 cash fare are gone. Brampton residents 65+ now ride free.
- Marine Atlantic’s seniors’ promotion with 20% off food is no longer offered. The lower seniors’ passenger fare remains.
- Manitoba’s free seniors’ angling licence was replaced on April 1, 2026: seniors no longer need a licence at all.
- Zoomer Wireless closed December 31, 2024. Hudson’s Bay and Peavey Mart have closed their stores, so their seniors days are gone.
How to ask for a senior discount
- Ask before you pay. Most store and restaurant discounts are not applied automatically. Say “Do you have a seniors’ discount?” before the cashier rings you through.
- Carry photo ID with your birth date. A driver’s licence or provincial photo ID card works almost everywhere. Some deals need a specific card too: PC Optimum at Shoppers, LDExtras at London Drugs, the Uniprix 60+ card or Brunet Privilege Card, or a senior-set PRESTO or OPUS card for transit.
- Set up your fare card once. PRESTO, OPUS and Compass cards must be set to the senior fare type, often in person with ID. Tapping a credit card usually charges the adult fare.
- Check the day and the fine print. Many deals run one day a week or month, at some stores only, and leave out sale items and prescriptions.
- Tell your bank your age. BMO and CIBC apply the discount on their own if your birth date is on file. At other banks, ask a branch to switch you to the seniors’ rebate.
- Compare with free times. A museum’s free evening or a transit fare cap may save more than a seniors’ price.
- Watch for scams. Real companies and governments never ask for fees, gift cards or passwords to give you a discount or release a benefit. See current scams.
Common questions
At what age do senior discounts start in Canada?
It depends on the company. Denny’s, Michaels, Goodwill Ontario Great Lakes and Best Western start at 55; banks, Value Village and Quebec pharmacies at 60; Marriott and IHG hotels at 62; and Shoppers Drug Mart, Bulk Barn, transit systems and most government programs at 65.
Does Shoppers Drug Mart still have a seniors day?
Yes. Shoppers Drug Mart (Pharmaprix in Quebec) gives 20% off regularly priced items every Thursday to customers 65 and older who show their own PC Optimum card. Some exclusions apply, and some stores use a lower age.
Do seniors ride transit free in Canada?
In some cities, yes. Montreal-area and Laval residents 65+ ride free, as do seniors on MiWay in Mississauga and Brampton residents 65+. Ottawa’s OC Transpo is free for seniors with a Presto card on Wednesdays and Sundays, Hamilton is free at 80+, and Halifax is free for 65+ on Tuesdays at set times.
Are national parks free for seniors in Canada?
No. Seniors 65+ pay a lower price, such as $71.50 for the Discovery Pass instead of $83.50. Admission is free only for youth 17 and under.
Which bank is best for seniors?
For a free basic account, CIBC and RBC waive the fee at 65, and BMO and Scotiabank waive it at 60. In B.C., Vancity’s Chequing Plus for Seniors has no monthly fee at 65. If you get the GIS, TD’s Minimum Chequing and National Bank’s Minimalist account are also free.
Can seniors go to university for free in Canada?
At some schools. UBC waives tuition and student fees for B.C. residents 65+, and the University of Manitoba waives academic fees at 65. Saskatchewan, Dalhousie, Calgary and York waive tuition but charge other fees.
