What Are Senior Discounts In Canada?

by
senior discounts

Senior citizens often depend on a limited income even with the higher chances of having medically-related expenses due to their age. Thankfully, a lot of retailers, restaurants, travel companies, and related companies provide great discount rates on their goods and services to senior citizens. 

These companies offer these discount rates as a way of supporting and showing their care to seniors. So as a senior citizen trying to raise funds for retirement, senior discounts are avenues to save every dollar possible. Even though it is uncommon to see a senior discount being advertised, it is always recommended to ask if they are offered so as not to miss out on any savings.

What Are Senior Discounts In Canada?

In Canada, Senior Discounts are special offers and exclusive deals tailored for individuals of a certain age, typically 65 and older. These discounts acknowledge and celebrate the life experiences and contributions of seniors by providing them with unique opportunities to save money on a wide range of goods and services.

From everyday essentials to leisure activities, seniors can enjoy reduced prices, promotions, and perks that cater specifically to their needs and preferences. These discounts can span various industries, including retail, dining, travel, entertainment, and more. Many businesses and service providers in Canada recognize the value of seniors in their customer base and offer these tailored discounts as a way of expressing appreciation.

Senior Discounts not only contribute to financial savings but also enhance the overall quality of life for seniors, allowing them to enjoy various products and experiences at more affordable rates. As Canada continues to age demographically, the availability and popularity of these discounts are expected to grow, providing seniors with additional incentives to explore, indulge, and make the most of their golden years.

About Senior Discount Age

Generally, most companies offer senior discounts to people aged 62 years and above. However, some companies tend to offer these discounts to people as young as 55 years while others offer discounts to people aged 65 years and above.

This implies that the senior discount age varies from one establishment to the other. Unfortunately, senior discounts are not offered by all companies as there is no legal legislation compelling all companies to do so. Furthermore, rates are unstable and so you should make sure to ask for information wherever you go shopping.

senior discounts

Getting the best out of Senior Discounts

  • Register for the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP): CARP is an association established for Canadians (aged 50 years and above) to provide access to great discounts in various stores, hotels, restaurants, and so on. However, to enjoy these benefits, an annual fee of $19.95 is to be paid by each CARP member.

  • Always ask: As mentioned earlier, senior discounts are not always advertised. So It is recommended that you always ask whether or not the store offers a discount anytime you make purchases.

  • Always be prepared: Always carry along with you a government-issued identification card that proves that you are of senior status. Any of these identification documents may be your passport, driver’s license, provincial health card, or Old Age Status (OAS) card.

Discounts available for senior citizens

There are lots of available senior discounts at retailers, restaurants, hotels, transport, and entertainment destinations across Canada.

To make it easier for you to determine your eligibility and find different businesses offering senior discounts, we’ve made an organized list of companies (based on each industry) offering these discounts.

The list will start from the youngest age requirement to the oldest.

Retail Discounts for Canadian Seniors

55 years and above

  • Lawtons Drugs: Citizens aged 55 years and above get a 20% discount at Lawtons Drugs once every month. However, exclusions apply to this discount as not all store locations offer the discount.

60 years and above

  • Giant Tiger. Citizens aged 60 years and above are eligible for senior discounts at Giant Tiger. However, availability is also dependent on the store location

  • Goodwill Alberta: Citizens aged 60 years and above get a 15% discount on every purchase every Wednesday at Goodwill in Alberta

  • Pet Valu: A 10% discount is offered here to citizens above 60 years last Thursday of every month provided they sign up for the Pet Valu Your Rewards program.

  • Salvation Army Thrift Stores: Senior citizens above 60 years are offered a 10% discount on their purchases as long as a valid ID is provided.

65 years and above

  • Goodwill Amity: Senior citizens over the age of 65 years are offered a 10% discount on all purchases at Goodwill Amity every single day of the week. A valid ID card is expected to tender.

  • Shoppers Drug Mart: A 20% senior discount is offered to senior citizens above the age of 65 only on selected Thursdays. Some exclusions also follow this discount.

Age not specified

  • Home Hardware: A 20% senior discount is offered to senior citizens on selected days. To get more information on this, contact the Home Hardware outlet closest to you.

  • Rexall Pharma Plus: A 20% senior discount is offered only to members of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons. Some exclusions also apply to this discount.

  • Value Village: A 30% discount is offered to senior citizens every Tuesday at all Value Village thrift stores. However, it is compulsory to hold a valid ID card before you’re deemed eligible.

Transportation Discounts for Canadian Seniors

50 years and above

  • Budget: Seniors aged 50 years and above, who are also CARP members are eligible for a 25% discount off car rental rates at Budget using the code A668600. However, some exclusions may still apply.

  • Hertz: Seniors aged 50 years and above are eligible for a 20% discount on car rental rates if they apply for the Hertz 50 Plus Program. Additional benefits also follow this discount.  

60 years and above

  • Amtrak: Senior citizens aged 60 years and above are eligible to get a 10% discount off select cross-border services. However, some exclusions are applicable.

  • Via Rail: Just like Amtrak, Via Rail also offers a 10% discount to senior citizens above the age of 60 years. Limitations apply.

  • British Columbia Transportation System: Discounts on bus passes are offered to senior citizens who are 60 years old and above.

62 years and above

  • Greyhound: A discount of 20% is offered on unrestricted fares to seniors aged 62 years and above. To benefit from the discount, It is required you tender an ID card to confirm your status. For seniors in a wheelchair, accessible coaches are also well available.

65 years and above

  • Calgary Transit: Passengers aged 65 years and above are given the Regular Senior Yearly Pass or the Low Income Seniors Yearly Pass by Calgary Transit. To get the pass, a valid photo ID is required of you

  • Go Transit: A whopping 50% discount is offered to seniors aged 65 years and above on single-ride adult fares. To qualify for this discount, it is required you bring along with you a valid proof of age.

  • Halifax Transit: Fare discounts are offered by Halifax Transit every single day. senior citizens who are aged 65 years and above and with valid Photo IDs are eligible for this discount. Apart from this discount, free rides are available every Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM onwards.

  • Toronto Transit Commission: Seniors aged 65 years and above are guaranteed to get a discount on all TTC rail fares when they pay either with cash, a PRESTO card, or any of the eligible  TTC monthly passes. Seniors are required to tender a valid ID to enjoy this discount.

  • Ottawa Transit: Ottawa Transit offers discounted fares to senior citizens aged 65 years and above who are residents of Ontario as long as they sign up for a PRESTO card. In addition, seniors get to have free rides aboard the O-Train and the OC Transpo buses every Sunday and Wednesday

  • John’s Metrobus: Discounts are offered to citizens above the age of 65 years on the 10-ride pass and 30-day pass. It is required you bring along a valid ID.

  • Winnipeg Transit: Winnipeg Transit offers a decent discount to passengers who are 65 years and above with a valid ID card.

Age not specified

  • Avis: At Avis, seniors who are members of CARP are offered 25% off car rental rates. However, some exclusions are applicable.

  • CheapOAir: Discounts are offered by CheapOair Canada to senior citizens on some selected flight tickets. Senior citizens who wish to benefit from this discount must tender valid proof of age.

  • Remorquage Edmundston Towing: A 15% service discount is offered by Remorquage Edmundston Towing to seniors as long as they present their valid ID.

senior discounts

Bank Discounts for Canadian Seniors

57 and older

59 years and above

 60 years and above

65 years and above

  • Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce: This bank runs a seniors program for clients who are 60 years and above. This program offers remarkable benefits such as discounted monthly fees for both chequing and savings accounts, a $5 discount off the annual fee for a safety deposit box, and unlimited transaction services.

Food and Restaurant Discounts for Canadian Seniors

55 years and above

  • Applebee’s: Senior citizens who are 55 years and above are offered various discounts by Applebee. To benefit from this discount, a valid ID card must be brought along. These discounts are not always available so make sure to contact the out closest to you.

  • Denny’s: This restaurant, offers customers who are aged 55 years and or above a 15% discount on their order every Thursday at any Denny’s outlets closest to you. This discount run between 2:00 PM-10:00 PM and you’re expected to bring a valid ID to enjoy this benefit

  • Humpty’s Restaurants: Humpty’s offers customers who are 55 years and above a discount of 10% senior at Humpty’s Restaurants outlet immediately after they sign up to the Emerald 55 Club. As a club member, you get an additional 20% discount on all purchases every Tuesday

  • KFC: Customers who are aged 55 years and above and with valid ID get discounts at selected KFC outlets across Canada.

60 years and above

  • M&M Food Market: Seniors above the age of 60 years old get a discount of 10% off their full-priced order every day of the week. However, this offer lasts up until June 30, 2020

  • Nature’s Fare: This restaurant offers its senior citizens aged 60 years and above a 5% discount every Wednesday and Thursday. In addition, a 10% discount is always given on Bulk bags and full cases of products.

65 years and above

  • Bulk Barn: Customers who are above 65 years are offered a 10% discount at Bulk Barn every Wednesday of the week.

  • Mandarin Restaurant: Customers who are above 65 years and with a valid ID are offered a 20% discount at Mandarin.

Unspecified Age

  • Arby’s: Arby’s offers senior citizens a 10% discount on all purchases in the restaurant. However, you must carry along with you a valid ID card.

  • Bruno’s Fine Foods: Discounts are offered at Bruno’s Fine Foods to seniors only on select dates.

  • McDonald’s: At McDonald’s, discounts are offered to seniors discounts to customers who can tender a valid ID card. Get in touch with the nearest outlet to get more information.

  • Murchie’s Tea & Coffee: This coffee shop in British Columbia offers a 15% discount to senior customers every first Monday of each month. Call 1-800-663-0400 to get more info

Entertainment Discounts for Canadian Seniors

60 years and above

  • Canada Games Centre: Seniors aged 60 years and above and with valid ID are offered discounts on membership fees at the Canada Games Centre.

  • Canada’s Wonderland: Citizens who are 60 years and above are discounted In general admission and season passes at Canada’s Wonderland offers.

65 years and above

  • Canadian Canoe Museum: Visitors who are aged 65 and above are offered discounts on admission fees at the Canadian Canoe Museum

  • Canada Museum of History: Visitors aged 65 and above and with a valid ID are also offered discounts on admission fees at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau

  • Canadian Museum of Nature: Visitors aged 65 and above and with valid ID are also offered discounts on admission fees at the Canadian Museum of Nature.

  • Canadian War Museum: Visitors aged 65 and above and with valid ID are offered discounts on tickets at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.

  • Hockey Hall of Fame: Visitors aged 65 and above and with a valid ID are offered discounts on both single and group tickets at the Hockey Hall of Fame

  • Jurassic Forest: Visitors aged 65 and above and with a valid ID get a $3 discount off admission fees and $10 off the seasonal membership

  • Ontario Science Centre: Seniors aged 65 and above and with a valid ID are also offered discounts on admission fees at the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto

  • Science North: Seniors aged 65 and above are offered discounts on both exhibit and admission fees

  • The Royal Ontario Museum: Visitors aged 65 and above are offered discounts on pricing on general admission at the ROM

  • Theatre Calgary: Seniors above the age of 65 years are offered Senior Saturday Matinees on select shows at the Theatre Calgary. Terms and conditions apply

  • Toronto Zoo: Seniors above the age of 65 and above get discounted admission fees at the Toronto Zoo as long as they are with a Valid ID. However, prices may vary between peak season and off-season

  • Vancouver Art Gallery: Seniors above the age of 65 and above get discounted admission fees at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Also, on the first Monday of every month from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM admission fees is by donation.

Unspecified Age

  • Bata Shoe museums: The Bata show Museum in Toronto offers discounts on admission fees to seniors with valid IDs.

  • Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village: Senior citizens get a $2 discount off the admission fee at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village in Pincher Creek, Alberta.

  • Lougheed House: Senior citizens with valid IDs get a $2 discount off the admission fee at the Lougheed House.

senior discounts

Hotel Discounts for Canadian Seniors

50 years and above

  • Choice Hotels: Customers who are 50 years and above and are also CARP members are offered a 20% discount on room rates at the Choice. A valid ID is expected to be submitted upon check-in. This discount is available at all hotel locations.

  • Fairmont Hotels: Customers who are 50 years and above and are also CARP members are eligible for a $25 credit per stay plus free nights at partaking Fairmont Hotels in Canada. Terms and conditions apply

55 years and above

  • Best Western: Customers who are 55 years and above and with a valid ID are offered a 15% discount on room rates. This discount is available at partaking Best western hotels and resorts only

  • Sandman Hotel Group: Seniors who are 55 years and above get a discounted room rate of 10%, a 20% discount off select bars and restaurants, free upgrades and services, and other unique benefits. You can apply for the free 55Plus membership either online or on the phone.

60 years and above

  • Choice Hotels: Customers above the age of 60 years are offered a 10% discount off select rooms by Choice Hotels Canada. A valid ID is expected to be submitted upon check-in.

  • Wyndham Hotels: Customers above the age of 60 years can ask for a discount at any partaking Wyndham Hotels. This discount also applies to reservation books online or through a call. A valid ID is expected to be submitted upon check-in

62 years and above

65 years and above

  • Radisson: Seniors aged 65 years and above are also offered discounts and other free services at Radisson Hotel & Convention Center in Edmonton. Terms and conditions apply.

Senior Technology Discounts

65 years and above

  • The Journal: Customers aged 65 years and above are offered a $5 discount off any purchase made at David Software. Also, for seniors who had earlier bought The Journal versions 1-7, a $35 discount is offered on the upgrade to The Journal 8.

Unspecified Age

  • Zoomer Wireless: Seniors using a Zoomer Wireless phone plan can enroll in the Lifetime Rewards to earn a lot of benefits such as a 10% discount off monthly plans, free yearly membership to CARP and Zoomer Magazine, and a donation to your local CARP Chapter. Terms and conditions apply

Education Discounts for Canadian Seniors

60 years and above

  • York University: Seniors aged 60 years and above are offered waivers on academic fees by the York University in Toronto. This waiver however can only be used on one undergraduate course and one graduate course.

Final Words

Senior discounts are effective ways of saving extra money, helping you to broaden your savings even further so you can enjoy the best days of retirement.

However, if you feel senior discounts won’t solve your financial obligations well enough to live a comfortable life during retirement, there are other options out there you can still consider.

Let me know your thoughts and comments below. Thanks for reading!

Top 10 Popular Posts Of All Time

Leave a Comment