Rare Canada: $120 O/W rates won't last long

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For ajc.com

For reasons unknown, airfare sales to Canada have all but dropped off the radar. In fact, a round-trip ticket to Toronto, Ontario, with a two-week advance purchase notice, is actually more expensive than a ticket to Europe.

For instance, Delta Air Lines prices a Sept. 16-23 round-trip itinerary to Toronto at just pennies under $995. But a ticket to London for the same dates prices at $800.

So when the occasional sale does roll around, it's time to buy. Here's a look at some of the best bargains:

Looking for a splendid city to enjoy the autumn season? Romantic Montreal in Quebec couldn't fit that bill any better. Its maple trees are some of the most beautiful found in any part of the world! If you can't get out into the countryside, don't miss the Montreal Botanic Garden.

One-way rates of $120 ($157.88 with all taxes and fees) on USAirways are valid on trips finished on or before Nov. 17. Give a minimum one-week advance notice of travel. This rate is not valid for Sunday travel. Some blackout dates to avoid include Sept. 13, 20; Oct. 4, 9, 11-13, 18, 23, 25 and Nov. 6. This sale rate does not indicate a ticket-by date, which means the price could vanish in hours. Buy tickets immediately.

USAirways offers one-way rates of $120 ($151.30 with all taxes and fees) to Toronto on trips finished on or before July 30, 2010. Give a minimum three-day advance notice of travel. This rate is valid seven days a week, based on availability. Some blackout dates to avoid include Nov. 29, 30; March 14, 21, 28; April 18, 25; May 14, 16, 21; June 25; July 2, 16 and 18. This sale rate does not indicate a ticket-by date, which means the price could vanish in hours. Buy tickets immediately.

One-way rates of $149 ($189.05 inclusive) to Vancouver, British Columbia, and $169 ($210.55) to Calgary, Alberta, are valid on trips finished on or before Feb. 10, 2010 when traveling with Air Canada, American, Continental, United and USAirways. Alaska Air and Delta Air Lines permit travel only through Dec. 16. Give at least a two-week advance notice of travel. Travel on Fridays and Sundays is $20 more. None of the participating airlines restricts these sale prices over key holiday dates. Sale rates are valid for purchase through Sept. 10.

All U.S. citizens traveling to and from Canada by air are required to present a valid passport. Other requirments are enforced for travel by land and sea. Get the facts and details from the State Department's travel information web site.