Cheap Flights to Canada: How to Book from Nigeria and Save Money

Travel insurance is often the first thing most Nigerians consider when planning an international trip, and for good reason, it protects your investment in case of unexpected cancellations or emergencies.

But when it comes to booking cheap flights to Canada from Nigeria, saving money requires more than just insurance.

Whether you’re dreaming of exploring Toronto’s CN Tower, skiing in Whistler, or marveling at Niagara Falls, finding affordable international flights can feel like a daunting task.

Don’t worry, this guide breaks down actionable steps to help you secure budget-friendly flight deals and make your Canadian adventure a reality without breaking the bank.

Canada is a top travel destination, and demand for affordable flight booking options from Nigeria is growing fast. With the right strategies, you can cut costs and still enjoy a comfortable journey.

Let’s get into how you can book cheap flights to Canada, save money, and unlock the best travel deals available today.

Why Flights to Canada Can Be Expensive from Nigeria

Booking international flights from Nigeria to Canada often comes with a hefty price tag due to several factors.

The distance between Lagos or Abuja and cities like Toronto or Vancouver is significant—over 10,000 kilometers, so airlines factor in fuel costs and flight duration (typically 16-20 hours with layovers). Add in currency exchange rates (Naira to Canadian Dollar) and peak travel seasons, and you’re looking at fares that can easily climb above ₦1.2 million for a round trip.

But don’t let that discourage you, smart planning and the right tools can unlock budget travel options that fit your wallet.

Use Flight Comparison Websites for the Best Deals

The easiest way to find cheap flights is by leveraging flight booking platforms designed to scour the web for deals.

Websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak allow you to compare prices across multiple airlines in real time. Start by entering your departure city (Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt) and your destination (Toronto, Montreal, or Calgary).

These tools often highlight travel deals that include discounts or special offers from airlines like British Airways, Air Canada, or Ethiopian Airlines, popular carriers for Nigeria-to-Canada routes. Set up price alerts on these platforms. If fares drop for your desired dates, you’ll get a notification instantly. This small step can save you hundreds of thousands of Naira on international flights.

Book Early, or Last Minute, for Maximum Savings

Timing is everything when hunting for affordable flights. Airlines typically release tickets 11 months in advance, and booking early (at least 2-3 months ahead) often secures the lowest rates. For example, a round-trip ticket from Lagos to Toronto might cost ₦800,000 if booked in March for a December trip, compared to ₦1.2 million closer to the date.

On the flip side, last-minute travel deals can also work in your favor. Airlines sometimes slash prices to fill empty seats a week or two before departure. Check with an online travel agency like Wakanow or Travelstart for these flash sales. Just be flexible with your dates and ready to pack quickly!

Choose the Right Travel Season

Canada’s peak tourist seasons—July to August (summer) and December to February (winter holidays), drive up flight costs due to high demand. To save money, aim for shoulder seasons like April to June or September to October. During these periods, airlines offer cheaper international flights, and you’ll enjoy pleasant weather across much of the country.

For instance, a flight from Abuja to Vancouver in May might drop to ₦750,000, compared to ₦1.3 million in January. Pair this with budget travel hacks (more on that later), and you’re well on your way to an affordable trip.

Opt for Flights with Layovers

Direct flights from Nigeria to Canada are rare and expensive. Instead, embrace connecting flights to save cash. Airlines like British Airways (via London), Lufthansa (via Frankfurt), and Delta (via Atlanta) offer competitive rates with one or two stops. A ticket with a layover might cost ₦700,000, while a hypothetical direct flight could exceed ₦1.8 million.

Bonus: Use long layovers to explore stopover cities. Some airlines even offer free city tours or hotel stays during extended layovers, check their websites or call customer service to confirm.

Leverage Airline Miles and Credit Card Points

If you frequently travel or shop with a credit card, turn those rewards into cheap flights. Banks in Nigeria like Access Bank and GTBank offer travel-focused credit cards that earn miles or points redeemable with partner airlines.

Sign up for frequent flyer programs like Air Canada’s Aeroplan or British Airways Executive Club, then use your points to offset flight costs.

For example, 50,000 miles might knock ₦250,000 off your ticket to Montreal. It’s a smart way to make international flights more affordable without dipping too deep into your savings.

Watch Out for Hidden Fees

Low base fares can trick you into thinking you’ve scored a deal, only for baggage fees, seat selection costs, and taxes to inflate the total.

Before confirming your flight booking, read the fine print. Budget airlines like WestJet (accessible via connecting flights) often advertise rock-bottom prices but charge extra for checked luggage or meals. Factor these into your budget to avoid surprises.

Travel insurance can also protect you here. A good policy covers trip cancellations, lost baggage, or medical emergencies abroad, peace of mind that’s worth the investment for a long-haul trip.

Book Through Trusted Online Travel Agencies

Online travel agencies (OTAs) like Wakanow, Jumia Travel, and Travelbeta specialize in Nigerian markets and often negotiate exclusive travel deals with airlines.

These platforms sometimes bundle flights with hotel bookings or car rentals, further reducing costs. For instance, booking a Lagos-to-Calgary flight plus a week’s hotel stay might save you 15-20% compared to separate purchases.

Always compare OTA prices with airline websites directly, sometimes the airline’s own promotions beat third-party offers.

Sample Budget Itinerary: Lagos to Toronto

Let’s put this into action. Say you’re flying from Lagos (LOS) to Toronto (YYZ) in October 2025, a shoulder season. Using Google Flights, you find a British Airways ticket with a London layover for ₦850,000 round trip, booked three months ahead.

You add travel insurance for ₦50,000, bringing your total to ₦900,000, well below the peak-season average of ₦1.4 million. That’s a solid deal for a 17-hour journey to one of North America’s most vibrant cities!

Tips to Slash Costs

• Fly Midweek: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays often have cheaper flights than Fridays or Sundays.

• Clear Your Browser Cookies: Flight booking sites may raise prices if they detect repeated searches—use incognito mode to avoid this.

• Follow Airlines on Social Media: Ethiopian Airlines and Air Canada often post flash sales on X or Instagram, perfect for snagging last-minute travel deals.

Why Canada Is Worth the Trip

Beyond the cost-saving strategies, Canada offers incredible value for Nigerian travelers. From the bustling multicultural hubs of Toronto and Vancouver to the stunning natural beauty of Banff and the Maritimes, every penny spent gets you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Plus, with Nigeria’s growing diaspora in Canada, you might even have friends or family to visit, making it a personal journey as much as a vacation.

Booking cheap flights to Canada from Nigeria doesn’t have to drain your savings. By using flight comparison tools, timing your trip right, and tapping into travel deals, you can jet off without financial stress. Add travel insurance for security, and you’re set for a smooth, budget-friendly adventure.