Save up to 40 percent on tickets to popular Vancouver attractions by buying tickets in advance from the Tourism Vancouver Visitor Centre. In Victoria, discount coupon books are available at Tourism Victoria.

Look for inexpensive, unusual souvenirs in Chinatown and in the shops along Commercial Drive, brimming with ethnic goods. Visit Main Street for second-hand bargains and one-of-a-kind designer wear on a budget. In Victoria, you can spend hours browsing through the collectibles at the Capital Iron (1900 Store St), then stop next door at Value Village (1810 Store St) for rock-bottom prices on used clothing and housewares.

Save on public transit costs in Vancouver and Victoria by buying all-zone day passes, or books of ten tickets for the price of eight (For further details see Transit fares).

Vancouver and Victoria’s year-round mild weather makes outdoor activities especially appealing. From a stroll along Stanley Park’s paths to the tough Grouse Grind climb (For further details see Grouse Mountain), Vancouver has hiking trails for all fitness levels. Or rent a bike, buy a kite, or grab your binoculars and birder’s guide and head to the beach. In Victoria, the Inner Harbour walkway provides free entertainment and exercise.

Vancouver and its surrounds host plenty of free events during the summer months, such as Canada Day with its live music, parade, and fireworks display at Granville Island. For foodies, there are food festivals galore yearround. Check out the Georgia Straight (www.straight.com) and www.tourismvancouver.com for upcoming festivities.

Admission to the Vancouver Art Gallery is by donation on Thursdays, from 5 to 9pm. UBC Museum of Anthropology is free Tuesdays after 5pm. The BC Parliament Buildings in Victoria offer free guided tours from late May to September.

Tickets Tonight sells half-price tickets at the Touristinfo Centre for Vancouver shows the day of the performance. Some theaters offer two-for-one tickets to matinees and previews; be sure to ask. Vancouver Playhouse sells discount tickets one hour before show time. The Victoria Symphony offers ticket discounts with a receipt from certain restaurants.

Rides on BC Ferries are inexpensive mini- cruises. Particularly lovely is the route to the southern Gulf Islands. In Vancouver, if you have only an hour to spare, hop on the SeaBus or any False Creek ferry (For further details see Getting Around Vancouver & Victoria).

It’s easy to find good-quality but bargain Asian food in Vancouver. In Victoria, head to Chinatown for deals. Or buy a pulled pork sandwich, dim sum, or halibut cone from one of the food carts on Vancouver’s city streets.

Both Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia put on free or inexpensive concerts, lectures, and other events. Admission is cheap to Cinecenta’s second-run movies, at the University of Victoria. Visit the websites for listings.