Senior discounts offer lower prices on a variety of goods and services for Canadians aged 50 and up. This demographic can save up to 55% on transit, internet, symphony tickets, dining out, and even hardware stores.
Some of these senior discounts are automatically taken off the regular price, some involve showing a membership or rewards card, and some may require you to make a purchase over the phone or in person instead of online.
If you’re trying to save money during your golden years while on seniors benefits, start here.
Key Takeaways
- Seniors in Canada have access to a lot of exclusive discounts, both online and off, that can net you 10 to 55% in savings.
- The standard minimum age to qualify for these discounts is 60-65, but can go as low as 50.
- Not all senior discounts are well advertised, so make sure to ask before shopping at your favourite stores.
Shopping and retail discounts for seniors
Here's a look at how seniors can save by taking advantage of discounts while shopping:
1. Shoppers Drug Mart’s Senior Discount Day
- Minimum age: 65
- Frequency: Every Thursday
- Discount: 20%
- You must have a valid PC Optimum points card, and this offer excludes gift cards and tobacco. Shoppers also offers a Super Seniors Day on select Thursdays with extra perks.
2. Value Village senior discount
- Minimum age: 60
- Frequency: Every Tuesday
- Discount: 30%
- You need a valid ID to receive this discount, but it covers everything in the store from clothing to home decor. Join the Super Savers Club to earn rewards on all purchases.
3. Goodwill senior discount
- Minimum age: 55
- Frequency: Second Monday of each month
- Discount: 25%
- Get the Goodwill senior discount at most locations, and make sure to inform the cashier before you check out.
4. The Bay seniors discount
- Minimum age: 55
- Frequency: Every Tuesday
- Discount: 15%
- The Bay Seniors Day discount applies to regular and clearance items found in store. Some exclusions apply, like flash sales. A max of 10% off is available on some products. You can’t combine this offer with any other coupons or promotions.
5. Michaels senior discount
- Minimum age: 55
- Frequency: Daily
- Discount: 10%
- The Michaels senior discount applies to art and craft supplies (some exclusions apply). You can only use the senior discount once per day in-store and you must show ID. Look out for additional coupons and sign up for the Michaels Rewards program for extra savings.
6. Giant Tiger seniors discount
- Minimum age: 60
- Frequency: First Monday of each month
- Discount: 10%
- Shop in-store to take advantage of the 10% Giant Tiger seniors discount. Enjoy food products from Canadian producers, and remember to check the weekly flyer for extra savings.
7. M&M senior discount
- Minimum age: 60
- Frequency: Tuesdays
- Discount: 10%
- The M&M Seniors Day gives you 10% off grocery purchases in-store, and using the code SENIORSDAY gets you the discount online as well. You can’t buy gift cards and you can’t combine it with other offers. It also doesn’t include Express locations.
8. Global Pet Foods senior discount
- Minimum age: 60
- Frequency: Last Tuesday of each month
- Discount: 15%
- The Global Pet Food senior discount applies to in-store purchases at participating locations. Some restrictions apply for raw food. This discount only applies to one bag, box, or case of canned pet food per month.
9. Pet Valu senior discount
- Minimum age: 60
- Frequency: Last Thursday of each month
- Discount: 10%
- With the Pet Valu senior discount, you save 10% on regularly priced merchandise once per month. You must be a Your Rewards/VIP Plus member to qualify.
10. Rexall senior discount
- Minimum age: 55
- Frequency: Every Tuesday
- Discount: 20%
- Use your Be Well Rewards card to unlock the Rexall senior discount on regularly priced items at the pharmacy. Some notable exclusions apply, including sale items, insulin, postal services, and some dairy products.
11. Lawton Drugs senior discount
- Minimum age: 55
- Frequency: Most Wednesdays
- Discount: 20%
- With the 55+ Appreciation Day, you enjoy a 20% Lawton Drugs senior discount most Wednesdays when you scan your Scene+ card. Exclusions apply. You can check the online flyer to check for upcoming dates.
12. Rona senior discount
- Minimum age: 55
- Frequency: First Tuesday of each month
- Discount: 10% off
- The Rona senior discount applies to Rona and Rona+ participating stores on regularly priced home improvement goods. The discount does not apply to construction lumber, major appliances, branded goods from Amazon and Google, and a few other types of items.
13. Home Hardware senior discount
- Minimum age: Varies
- Frequency: Varies
- Discount: Varies
- This is only available at select locations, since every Home Hardware store is independently operated. Dates, ages, and discount amounts will vary by location. Call your local Home Hardware store for more information.
Restaurant and food discounts for seniors
If you enjoy sitting with friends around a table of food or a round of hot beverages, these senior discounts from various cafes, restaurants, and retailers can be a big help.
Take a look:
14. McDonald's senior discount
- Minimum age: 55 (65 in Quebec)
- Frequency: Any time
- Discount: 20%
- Seniors save 20% off any size coffee or tea at McDonald’s, every day. This deal isn't available at all franchise locations and it can't be combined with meal orders.
15. Bulk Barn senior discount
- Minimum age: 65
- Frequency: Every Wednesday
- Discount: 15% off
- Seniors enjoy 15% off regularly priced purchases every Wednesday at Bulk Barn. You can even combine this discount with the $3 and $5-off coupons the company frequently offers. However, you may be asked to show ID.
16. Denny’s senior discount
- Minimum age: 55
- Frequency: Thursdays between 2 PM and 10 PM
- Discount: 15% off
- Enjoy 15% off regular menu items on Thursdays thanks to the Denny’s senior discount. This excludes alcohol and items on the children's menu, but it does include the famous all-day breakfast.
17. Wok of Fame senior discount
- Minimum age: 60
- Frequency: Any time
- Discount: 20%
- By showing your ID, seniors age 60 and up can receive a 20% discount on the buffet at Wok of Fame. This applies to lunch and dinner but may exclude holidays.
Service discounts for seniors
If you're a senior who likes to keep busy, keep in touch, and/or keep a well-groomed appearance, the following list of discounts is for you:
18. Telus
- Minimum age: 65
- Frequency: Any time
- Discount: Varies
- In some parts of Canada, low-income seniors receiving GIS can get reduced prices on their mobile phones, mobile services, and internet services with the Telus Mobility for Good and Internet for Good plans. Apply to see what you’re eligible for.
19. York University senior discounts
- Minimum age: 60
- Frequency:
- Discount: Varies
- Seniors can get significant fee waivers for undergraduate tuition at York University. You'll need to contact Student Support and Advising for more specific information.
20. UBC senior discounts
- Minimum age: 65
- Frequency: Any time
- Discount: Free
- Eligible British Columbia residents can take general interest courses at UBC for free, but there may be course materials required that you'll be responsible for purchasing (up to $150). The university will request proof of age as part of your application.
21. Simon Fraser University senior discounts
- Minimum age: 55
- Frequency: Any time
- Discount:
- This university has a Liberal Arts and 55+ Program that offers discounted tuition for students age 55 and up. The reduced rate varies, but you can take up to five courses per year.
22. Capilano University senior discounts
- Minimum age: 65
- Frequency: Any time
- Discount: Free
- Eligible seniors can take free courses in Adult Basic Education and/or English for Academic Purposes (with a few exclusions) at Capilano University. You'll likely still be responsible for covering a few incidental fees, and this doesn't apply to Continuing Studies courses.
23. Great Clips senior discount
- Minimum age: 65
- Frequency: Any time
- Discount: Varies
- To get the Great Clips senior discount, just tell your stylist – the actual amount of the discount varies by location. This only applies to cuts, not styling or hair products.
Arts and culture discounts for seniors
Many museums and cultural institutions offer discounted admission fees to seniors, from Canada’s Wonderland to the Canadian War Museum.
Here’s a list of such institutions that provide these perks for seniors:
24. The Rooms senior discount
- Minimum age: 60
- Frequency: Daily
- Discount: Varies
- Eligible seniors receive a 35% discount on admission at The Rooms in St. John's, Newfoundland. If you'd like to purchase an annual membership, you'll receive 22% off for a single person or 18% off for a couples' pass (both must be seniors).
25. Vancouver Art Gallery senior discount
- Minimum age: 65
- Frequency: Anytime
- Discount: Varies
- While there isn't a discount on individual admission, seniors can get the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria's Household Membership at a very reasonable rate.
26. Vancouver Symphony Orchestra senior discount
- Minimum age: 65
- Frequency: Anytime
- Discount: 25%
- The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra offers lower rates for seniors purchasing individual tickets, tickets for series concerts, and subscription packages. Subscriptions already save you quite a bit versus buying individual tickets, and a seniors discount on top of this makes for excellent value.
27. Theatre Calgary senior discount
- Minimum age: 65
- Frequency: Third Saturday of each production run
- Discount: Varies
- Senior Saturday matinee tickets are available at a discounted rate from Theatre Calgary. You'll need to call the box office for specific details on prices and/or to purchase tickets.
28. Parks Canada senior discount
- Minimum age: 65
- Frequency: Any time
- Discount: Varies
- Parks Canada passes and permits are discounted for seniors, and you'll pay a lower rate for single-day admission into the national parks as well. Since the prices for each park vary, the discounts vary too.
29. BC Parks senior discount
- Minimum age: 65
- Frequency: Regular season
- Discount: Varies
- The BC Senior Camping Discount gives a half-price rate on frontcountry camping fees from September to June. This also covers parking. Seniors are also eligible for discounts at parks with daily access fees, but since the prices vary by park, the discounts do too.
Travel and transit discounts for seniors
You may be surprised at the opportunities available for seniors' discounts on travel and transit-related purchases. In addition to the transit discounts mentioned below, the Ontario Seniors’ Public Transit Tax Credit may also offer some relief for Ontario seniors.
Take a look at these discount opportunities:
30. BC Ferries seniors discount
- Minimum age: 65
- Frequency: Monday through Thursday
- Discount: Free
- The BC ferries senior discount means that BC senior residents pay no fare on select ferry routes from Monday to Thursday with a qualifying local ID. Free travel isn’t always available on holidays. Additional fare discounts are also available on northern routes.
31. OC Transpo senior discount
- Minimum age: 65
- Frequency: Wednesdays and Sundays
- Discount: Free
- The OC Transpo senior discount applies to the OC Transpo buses and the O-Train in Ottawa transit, but it excludes Para Transpo. You may have to show proof of age, or you may need to set your Presto card up with the senior discount.
32. TransLink senior discount
- Minimum age: 65
- Frequency: Daily
- Discount: Varies
- The TransLink senior discount is for Vancouver seniors to enjoy discounted fares with proof of age. You can get a senior Compass card to make the process easier.
33. British Columbia Transportation System seniors discount
- Minimum age: 60
- Frequency: Daily
- Discount: Varies
- The BC Bus Pass is available to low-income seniors in BC to help make public transit more accessible. The cost is $45 per year.
34. Calgary Transit senior discount
- Minimum age: 65
- Frequency: Daily
- Discount: Varies
- There are regular seniors passes and low-income seniors passes that give you unlimited transit access for either $159 or $32. The Calgary Transit program is only for residents of Calgary. You must show proof of age (and income, for the low-income pass).
35. GO Transit senior discount
- Minimum age: 65
- Frequency: Daily
- Discount: 55%
- The GO Transit senior discount entitles you to a single fare at half the cost of a regular adult single-fare ride. You must set up the senior fare discount with your Presto card at Union Station or with a customer service representative.
36. TTC senior discount
- Minimum age: 65
- Frequency: Daily
- Discount: Varies
- Seniors in Toronto enjoy discounted fares and passes thanks to the TTC senior discount. There are various fares and passes for purchase, but as an example, seniors pay $2.30 for a single fare compared to $3.35 for a standard adult fare. You must be able to show photo ID with proof of age if asked by TTC staff.
37. York Region Transit senior discount
- Minimum age: 65
- Frequency: Anytime
- Discount: Varies
- The York Region Transit senior program offers reduced rates for single tickets, 10-ticket packs, and monthly passes. There's also an On-Request program available for seniors who need transit within 5 km of their homes.
38. Halifax Transit senior discount
- Minimum age: 65
- Frequency: Tuesday
- Discount: Varies
- From 10 AM to 3:30 PM and after 6 PM on Tuesdays, seniors in Halifax travel for free thanks to the Halifax Transit senior discount. Plus, reduced senior fares are available on all routes, all the time.
39. St. John’s Metrobus senior discount
- Minimum age: 65
- Frequency: Tuesday
- Discount: Varies
- Seniors enjoy discounted rates on Metrobus10-ride passes and monthly passes. Plus, seniors may be eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) Bus Pass Program, which provides free Metrobus passes. Proof of GIC eligibility and photo ID are required for this.
40. Winnipeg Transit senior discount
- Minimum age: 65
- Frequency: Tuesday
- Discount: Varies
- Seniors get discounted fares by showing ID (proof of age) to the operator when boarding. Discounted passes are available as well – seniors pay just $57.75 instead of $115.50 for a monthly pass.
41. OPUS senior discount
- Minimum age: 65
- Frequency: Daily
- Discount: Free
- Seniors in Montreal travel completely free within Zone A. You do have to pay $15 for the initial card. See the station master and present your photo ID to get your card. If you don't live in the agglomeration of Montreal, you still qualify for reduced fares as a senior.
42. Via Rail senior discount
- Minimum age: 65
- Frequency: Any time
- Discount: Varies
- Seniors are eligible for occasional discounted fares thanks to the Via Rail senior offers program. It only includes Economy class fares and can't be combined with sale prices. Prepare to show proof of age to qualify.
43. Amtrak senior discount
- Minimum age: 60 or 65
- Frequency: Any time
- Discount: 10%
- Seniors 65+ enjoy a 10% reduction in fare with the Amtrak senior discount. As an extra bonus, seniors as young as 60 can enjoy a discount on cross-border routes that are jointly run with VIA Rail. Some restrictions on routes and class apply.
44. Air Inuit senior discount
- Minimum age: 60
- Frequency: Any time
- Discount: 50%
- Seniors ages 60 and up can take advantage of the Air Inuit senior citizens fare to get a whopping 50% discount on the typical Flex Fare. Only Economy class fares are available and proof of age is required.
45. Fairmont Hotels senior discount
- Minimum age: 55
- Frequency: Any time
- Discount: Varies
- The Fairmont Hotels seniors rate is typically 20% off of the regular "Rate of the Day," but this can vary between locations. There may be other perks available at your chosen hotel too. You'll likely have to show your ID for proof of age.
46. Travelodge senior discount
- Minimum age: 60
- Frequency: Any time
- Discount: Varies
- Seniors save on the best available rate thanks to the Travelodge senior discount. Just select "Senior" under the "Rate Applied" dropdown if booking online, or ask for the discount when making your reservation over the phone. Prepare to show proof of age at check-in. Block-out dates may apply.
47. Best Western senior discount
- Minimum age: 55
- Frequency: Any time
- Discount: Up to 15%
- The Best Western senior discount gives you up to 15% off standard rates when booking a room at any of their 4,700 hotels in more than 100 countries. Proof of age is required.
48. Sutton Place senior discount
- Minimum age: 55
- Frequency: Any time
- Discount: Up to 25%
- Not only does the Sutton Place seniors offer give you a discounted rate of up to 25%, but you also get extra perks, too. This can include food and beverage gift cards, valet parking, and more. Perks vary by location.
49. Hertz senior discount
- Minimum age: 50
- Frequency: Any time
- Discount: Up to 20% off
- The Hertz 50 Plus Program Benefits offers discounted rates and deals for seniors age 50 and up – a much lower age limit than you'll find with most other senior discounts.
50. Thrifty Canada senior discount
- Minimum age: 50
- Frequency: Any time
- Discount: 5%
- Canadian seniors can enjoy 5% off time and mileage charges when renting a vehicle from Thrifty Canada. You'll need to reserve your vehicle at least 24 hours in advance, and there are a few other conditions, including holiday and other blackout dates.
How to get the most out of senior discounts in Canada
Senior discounts vary widely from place to place, so making sure you're getting the most out of your time is key to making your discount hunting worth it. Here are some tips for maximizing your shopping.
1. Check the senior discount age requirements
It’s important to check the eligibility requirements for any business or service that offers discounts for seniors. Some outlets provide discounts for those over 50 years while others target those over 65.
Once you hit 50, you should make it a habit to check these age requirements before spending money at a store or on a service that you believe offers a seniors discount.
2. Always bring ID
Most stores that offer senior discounts may require you to prove your age before they’ll apply the savings on your purchase. Some will want to see a valid Government-issued ID while others may be happy with a CARP card or other less formal type of proof.
3. If you're unsure that they offer a senior discount, just ask
Stores and services don’t always advertise their senior discounts, or it might be something only offered at certain locations. And although you shouldn’t assume that a discount is available if it isn’t advertised, it is certainly worth asking about.
Even if you’ve done your due diligence and checked online first, double check whenever possible by asking a salesperson or customer service agent if there are any deals available for seniors.
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$25 GeniusCash + Delicious meal choices with fresh ingredients + Front-door delivery.How much is the average seniors discount?
The most commonly offered seniors discounts are 10% and 20% off the regular price. This doesn't include theatre tickets and certain travel options, etc., where the original prices are tiered.
Here's a look at how much you can save in specific areas:
Shopping and retail: The average discount is 10%. Let's say you spend $1,000 per month on various retail purchases – this means you can save as much as $100 per month by shopping at retailers that offer a 10% senior discount.
Restaurants and food: The average is 15%. The average Canadian spends about $185 per month at restaurants, etc. If you consistently visit restaurants that offer a 15% discount, you can save $27.75 on your monthly spending.
Services: Many services offer varied discounts, but the average publicized discount is actually 100%. Places like Capilano University and UBC offer free courses for seniors. Let's say you're interested in French language courses – you can save as much as $620 by studying at one of these institutions.
Arts and culture: Most places offer tiered services/prices and the average discount varies. Canadians spend approximately $115 per month on arts and culture-related purchases. Using 25% as the average discount, you can save $28.75 each month by taking advantage of senior discounts.
Travel and transit: Most discounts vary based on tiered pricing, etc. Looking at Toronto as an example, a monthly TTC pass for an adult is $156, but seniors pay just $128.15. That saves you $27.85 each month.
FAQ
How old do I have to be to qualify for a senior discount?
Each individual store or service sets its own age limits, which typically range from 50 to 65 years. It's important to double check the age requirements before attempting to take advantage of any seniors discounts.
What is the Shoppers senior discount?
On select Thursdays, Shoppers Drug Mart locations offer a 20% seniors discount for those ages 65 and up, as long as they have a valid PC Optimum points card. There are also occasional bonus days for more savings.
What's CARP?
The Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) is a non-profit organization committed to social change for seniors in Canada. Along with helping straighten out social policies, you can also pay an annual membership fee to receive exclusive discounts.
Does Costco Canada have senior discounts?
No, there is no discount at Costco in Canada for seniors on membership prices or items in-store. Costco does, however, sometimes provide promotions for new members of any age, such as a discounted price or a voucher for Costco.ca.
Does Tim Hortons have senior discounts?
There's no official policy that offers Tim Hortons customers a senior discount, but our research shows that individual locations may give a 10% discount. It can't hurt to ask at your local Timmies restaurant if a discount is available.
Does McDonald’s Canada have senior discounts?
Yes, some McDonald’s locations in Canada offer seniors a discount of 20% on their coffee and tea purchases. The age requirement depends on location – it's 65+ in Quebec and 55+ in other areas of Canada.
Does Walmart Canada have a seniors discount?
No, Walmart Canada does not currently offer a seniors discount of any kind for either in-store or online shopping. Luckily, Walmart's prices are usually quite reasonable anyway, making it a viable shopping option for seniors.
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