For Alberta’s older adults, aging brings more than just wisdom and time—it opens the door to a wide and often overlooked world of savings.
Across the province, individuals aged 55, 60, or 65 and up can unlock discounts that ease the cost of everyday living. From groceries and prescription drugs to hotel stays and course fees, these perks span national chains, local retailers, cultural institutions, and public services.
The benefits are not just promotional window dressing. For seniors on fixed incomes—or those simply looking to stretch their retirement budgets—these discounts can be the difference between financial strain and financial breathing room.
Whether the goal is a cheaper steak dinner, discounted rail tickets, or a free museum afternoon, knowing where and when to ask can lead to real savings. In many cases, all it takes is a well-timed question at checkout.
This guide breaks down Alberta’s most valuable senior discounts by category. While policies vary by provider and location, the potential is clear: in Alberta, it pays to age with curiosity.
Senior Discounts by Category
Restaurants • Grocery • Pharmacy
Shopping • Phone Plan • Transportation
Travel • Hotel • Car Rental
Education • Museum • Parks • Banking
🍝 Restaurant Discounts for Alberta Seniors
Alberta seniors enjoy a wide selection of dining discounts at major restaurant chains and local favorites. These offers might include percentage savings on menu items, dedicated senior menus, or special pricing on certain days of the week. While few restaurants maintain a province-wide senior discount policy, many Alberta locations participate in senior-focused promotions or provide exclusive deals for guests aged 55 and older.
- A&W offers a 10% discount to customers aged 60 and over at some of their locations, allowing seniors to enjoy savings on their meals.
- Arby’s provides a 10% discount to seniors 55 and older at certain locations, catering to the mature demographic with reduced prices.
- Boston Pizza does not provide a discount specifically for seniors, maintaining standard pricing across their customer base.
- Burger King offers discounted and sometimes free coffee, although the age requirement for this discount is not specifically stated.
- Denny’s celebrates Seniors Day every Thursday by offering a 15% discount to customers aged 55 and over who dine between 2 PM and 10 PM.
- IHOP has a special 55+ menu which features reduced prices on breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals, making it an attractive option for seniors.
- McDonald’s does not have a uniform senior discount policy across all locations, but some outlets offer discounted or free coffee and other drinks to customers aged 55 and over.
- Subway offers a 10% discount to seniors aged 60 and over, providing a price reduction on their fresh-made sandwiches.
- Taco Bell gives seniors aged 65 and over a free drink and a discount of 5% or more on their meal order at participating locations.
- Tim Hortons does not officially list a senior discount on their website, but many locations offer a 10% discount if seniors request it at the time of purchase.
🥬 Grocery Discounts for Alberta Seniors
Many grocery stores throughout Alberta provide seniors with weekly or monthly discounts, making it easier to save on essential shopping. These offers—often available on specific days or through loyalty programs—can be especially valuable for those on fixed incomes.
- Bulk Barn provides a 15% discount to seniors aged 65 and over on Wednesdays. The store requires valid identification to avail of this discount, as noted on their website
- Co-op grocery stores, a mainstay in many Alberta communities, frequently run Senior Discount Days, typically offering 5% off regular-priced items for customers aged 60 and over. The specific day and discount may vary by location
- Costco maintains uniform pricing for all members and does not offer a senior-specific discount in Alberta
- M&M Food Market gives a 10% discount every Tuesday to seniors over 60 on all regular-priced items, both in-store and online
- Real Canadian Superstore does not have a province-wide senior discount, with promotional offerings set at the discretion of each location manager.
- Safeway does not have a standardized senior discount policy in Alberta, but some stores occasionally designate specific days for senior savings or offer special deals through the Scene+ loyalty program.
- Save-On-Foods offers a 15% discount on the first Tuesday of each month at most Alberta stores, but this promotion is open to all customers, not just seniors
- Sobey’s does not offer a uniform senior discount in Alberta, but some locations may have Senior Days or special events
💊 Pharmacy Discounts for Alberta Seniors
Pharmacies in Alberta frequently offer seniors savings on non-prescription items and everyday health essentials. Often linked to loyalty programs or special discount days, these offers help older adults better manage healthcare costs while supporting their overall wellness.
- Shoppers Drug Mart offers seniors a 20% discount every Thursday. Seniors can save on almost all regular-priced merchandise when they use a PC Optimum card, as part of their ongoing promotion which details can be found on their website.
- Rexall allows customers aged 55 years and older to save 20% on regular-priced merchandise every Tuesday. This discount is available to those who have a Be Well™ rewards card. Further information is available on Rexall’s special promotions page.
🛒 Shopping Discounts for Alberta Seniors
From clothing to craft supplies, many Alberta retailers offer regular discounts to seniors. These savings are often available on designated days or through loyalty programs, giving older shoppers access to better deals on a variety of household and personal items.
- Carlton Cards offers a 10% discount to seniors aged 60 and over on all purchases, available every day.
- Home Depot does not offer a senior discount, as there is no policy advertised on their website regarding such a discount.
- Home Hardware may offer senior discounts at some locations, but this varies by store. It’s advisable to contact the nearest Home Hardware to confirm their specific policy.
- Michael’s provides a 10% discount for seniors aged 55 and over. This offer is subject to certain conditions and exclusions.
- Pet Valu provides a 10% discount to seniors aged 60 and over on the last Thursday of every month. Additionally, seniors can benefit from signing up for the Pet Valu Rewards program to receive special offers and discounts. This ensures that senior pet owners can enjoy savings while caring for their pets.
- Salvation Army Thrift Stores cherish their senior customers by offering a daily 10% discount at participating locations for guests aged 60 years and older. It’s important to note that this discount cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. More details can be found on their FAQ page.
- Value Village offers a significant 30% discount to seniors aged 55 and over on Tuesdays.
- Walmart Canada does not provide senior discounts at any of its locations.
📱 Phone Plan Discounts for Alberta Seniors
Telecommunications companies in Alberta offer specially tailored mobile plans or credits to help make connectivity more affordable for seniors. These programs often feature simplified packages, reduced rates, and accessibility benefits designed for older adults.
- Rogers offers a specific plan aimed at customers 55 and over, enhancing accessibility and affordability in their mobile services.
- Bell provides monthly credits for select mobile rate plans to customers with accessibility needs. This initiative is part of Bell’s commitment to making communication more accessible for all.
- Telus operates the Mobility for Good® program for low-income seniors, offering wireless services at a reduced cost to Canadian seniors who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). This program is designed to help connect seniors who might otherwise face barriers to mobile communications.
🚌 Transportation Discounts for Alberta Seniors
Public transit systems throughout Alberta provide reduced fares or free rides on certain days for seniors. These transportation discounts make travel more affordable and accessible, especially for older adults who depend on transit for appointments and daily activities.
- Calgary Transit offers the Regular Seniors Annual Transit Pass for unlimited access to services for those 65 or older, with rates varying by birth month.
✈️ Travel Discounts for Alberta Seniors
While not always widely advertised, many travel providers in Alberta offer senior-friendly rates or exclusive deals—sometimes in partnership with organizations like CARP or AARP. These offers may include savings on rail tickets, cruises, and select airlines, making it easier and more affordable for seniors to travel for leisure or family visits.
- Air Canada does not offer senior discounts; however, seniors can potentially find competitive fares within the Star Alliance network by using Google Flights, taking advantage of flexible travel times.
- British Airways provides senior discounts to AARP members.
- Porter Airlines does not have senior discounts, but seniors can potentially find competitive fares to destinations like New York, Chicago, and Boston, taking advantage of flexible travel times.
- WestJet does not provide senior discounts, but seniors can potentially find competitive fares through Google Flights, taking advantage of flexible travel times.
- Via Rail offers senior discounts. To book, select your travel class and fare, then choose “Senior (65+)” as the traveler type.
- Amtrak provides a 10% discount for travelers aged 65 and over on most rail fares.
- Royal Caribbean Cruises offers discounted senior prices on select sailings for guests aged 55 and older.
- Holland America Line operates a fleet of 11 ships, offering over 500 annual sailings across all seven continents, including destinations like Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe. AARP members can receive up to $200 in onboard credit per stateroom, depending on cruise length and stateroom selection.
🧳 Hotel Discounts for Alberta Seniors
Major hotel chains in Alberta offer special senior rates and AARP member discounts to help make overnight stays more affordable. These savings are often available when booking directly and can include perks such as late checkout, extra rewards points, or waived fees.
- Best Western Hotels & Resorts provides AARP members a savings of 5% or more at over 4,000 hotels globally, across various Best Western brands. Members also earn an additional 10% bonus points per stay by joining Best Western Rewards® for AARP members.
- Choice Hotels offers AARP members a 10% discount on stays at nearly 7,500 properties worldwide, encompassing a range of brands including Ascend Hotel Collection®, Cambria® Hotels, Clarion®, and many others within their extensive portfolio.
- Fairmont Hotels provides senior discounts for older guests.
- Hilton Hotels offers AARP members up to 10% off the best available rate. Benefits include late checkout until 2 p.m. when available, and additional perks for Hilton Honors members, including instant Silver status upon registration and maintaining that status with 2 stays within 6 months. Hilton’s portfolio includes high-end brands like Waldorf Astoria and budget-friendly options like Hampton by Hilton.
- Marriott hotels also offer senior discounts, accessible through their website.
- Motel 6 provides a 10% discount to AARP members on the best available rate, along with a late checkout option until 2 p.m., and pets stay free under specific terms.
🚗 Car Rental Discounts for Alberta Seniors
Car rental companies in Alberta often provide seniors with lower base rates or added perks such as free upgrades and additional drivers. These discounts, sometimes linked to AARP membership, help reduce the cost and hassle of renting a vehicle for travel or everyday needs.
- Avis offers AARP members up to 35% off base rates when selecting the Pay Now option at reservation, or up to 30% off with the Pay Later option at the pickup counter. Additional benefits include a 3% credit for future rentals, a free upgrade on compact through full-size car bookings (subject to availability), and an extra driver at no cost.
- Budget provides similar benefits to AARP members, with up to 35% off base rates when choosing Pay Now, or up to 30% off with Pay Later. Members also enjoy a 3% credit toward future rentals, a free upgrade from compact through full-size classes (based on availability), and an additional driver without extra charges.
- Enterprise does not offer AARP discounts but maintains competitive rates and various promotions.
- Zipcar gives AARP members $20 off an annual membership and offers $40 in free driving credit to new members.
🎓 Education Discounts for Alberta Seniors
Alberta universities support lifelong learning by offering tuition waivers or reduced fees for older students. These programs give seniors the chance to pursue post-secondary education for personal growth, new skills, or academic enrichment.
- University of Toronto permits seniors aged 65 and over, enrolled in undergraduate Arts and Science programs, to seek an exemption from mandatory non-academic incidental fees.
- University of British Columbia (UBC) provides individuals aged 65 and above the chance to register in most credit courses for degrees as lifelong learners, without the need for application, tuition, or student fees, although certain conditions may apply.
- University of Calgary exempts senior citizens aged 65 or older from University of Calgary tuition fees for undergraduate, direct-entry bachelor’s level courses (excluding programs requiring prior postsecondary education). Students remain responsible for application fees, mandatory supplementary course fees, and group study fees when applicable.
- Simon Fraser University (SFU) invites learners of all ages and provides a tuition discount for individuals aged 55 and older as part of their Liberal Arts and 55+ program.
🏛️ Museum Discounts for Alberta Seniors
Cultural institutions throughout Alberta offer reduced admission fees for seniors. Whether it’s history, art, or science, these discounts encourage older adults to enjoy educational and heritage experiences at a lower cost.
- Canada Agriculture and Food Museum offers a unique experience as a demonstration farm right in the city, connecting Canadians and visitors from around the world to agricultural science and technology. Senior discounts are available.
- Canada Aviation and Space Museum presents a collection that narrates humanity’s ancient dream of flight and highlights the significant role Canadians have played in aviation and space exploration. Senior discounts are available.
- Canadian Museum of History tells the comprehensive story of Canada, providing insights into the country’s past. Senior discounts are available.
- Canadian Museum of Nature houses one of the world’s largest and most impressive natural history collections. Senior discounts are available.
- Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 highlights the critical role of immigration in building Canada. Senior discounts are available.
- Canadian Museum for Human Rights stands as the first museum solely dedicated to the evolution, celebration, and future of human rights. Senior discounts are available.
- Canada Science and Technology Museum showcases a world-class collection of Canadian scientific and technical innovations. Senior discounts are available.
- Canadian War Museum explores Canada’s military past and its profound impact on the country. Senior discounts are available.
- National Gallery of Canada displays collections of historic and contemporary artworks that engage visitors of all ages. Senior discounts are available.
🌳 Park Discounts for Alberta Seniors
Alberta’s provincial and Canada’s national park systems offer reduced admission or day-use fees for seniors. These discounts promote outdoor recreation and make it easier for older adults to enjoy healthy, nature-based activities across provincial and national parklands.
- Parks Canada offers admission discounts for seniors at its national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas, helping seniors access and enjoy Canada’s natural beauty at a reduced cost.
- Alberta Parks provides a range of camping options, some of which are free, with senior discounts available at certain campgrounds. These discounts are applied at check-in, regardless of reservation status, and age verification may be required.
- BC Parks offers a significant discount for BC seniors, providing a 50% reduction in camping fees for those aged 65 or older. This discount is valid only for frontcountry campground fees during the off-peak season, which is from the day after Labour Day to June 14.
💵 Banking Discounts for Alberta Seniors
Banks in Alberta offer special account plans for seniors that waive or reduce fees on everyday banking services. These accounts often come with extra perks such as free cheques, discounted money orders, or savings on safety deposit boxes.
- BMO offers clients aged 60 and over free banking on the Practical Plan chequing account, which includes up to 12 monthly transactions. Additionally, seniors receive discounts on all other chequing account plans.
- CIBC provides clients 65 and older with a reduced monthly account fee and complimentary bank drafts and money orders.
- RBC ensures that customers who are 60 and over do not pay a monthly fee on the Day-to-Day Banking account, which includes up to 12 transactions.
- Scotiabank offers clients aged 60 and over lower monthly fees on all chequing accounts, including free banking on the Basic Bank account.
- TD provides seniors aged 60 and over with a discount on all chequing account plans, free cheques, and a discount on the annual fee for a safety deposit box.
