Seniors in British Columbia are eligible for a wide range of discounts on everything from groceries to transportation to entertainment.
Many different establishments offer these discounts to show appreciation for seniors and make their daily lives more affordable. These offers often begin at age 65, but some merchants offer them beginning at 60 or even 55.
Whether you’re a senior living on a fixed income or simply looking to save money, these discounts can help you enjoy more activities and experiences without breaking the bank.
There are discounts available for you at retail stores, pharmacies, restaurants, transportation centers, and more.
Key Takeaways
- There are a lot of discounts and special programs available to BC seniors.
- Taking advantage of these benefits can help those on a fixed income live more comfortably and enjoy more experiences without financial strain.
- Seniors can start with the list below, which includes discounts for public transit, grocery stores, parks, banking, restaurants, hotels, movies, and more.
Stores With Senior Discounts in BC
Many stores in British Columbia offer senior discounts to their customers. These discounts range from a percentage off the total purchase to special deals on specific items. Here are some of the stores that offer senior discounts in British Columbia.
1. Shoppers Drug Mart
This popular pharmacy chain offers a 20% discount on Seniors’ Day, held on the last Thursday of each month. Seniors must be 65 or older and have a valid Optimum card to receive the discount.
2. Rexall
Another pharmacy chain that offers a senior discount is Rexall. Seniors aged 55 and over can save 20% on their purchases every Tuesday by presenting a valid ID and a Seniors’ Discount card.
3. Bulk Barn
For those who love to shop in bulk, Bulk Barn offers a 15% discount every Wednesday to seniors who are 65 years or older.
4. Goodwill
Goodwill thrift stores are an excellent place to find all kinds of items, including clothing, on a budget. Seniors aged 55 and over get a 25% discount on the second Monday of every month at Goodwill.
5. Salvation Army
Like Goodwill, the Salvation Army is a thrift store that offers a 10% discount to seniors on Tuesdays. This discount applies to clothing, household items, and furniture.
6. The Bay
This iconic department store chain offers a 15% discount to seniors 55 or older on the first Tuesday of every month. The discount is valid on regular, sale, and clearance-priced items, with some exceptions.
7. Giant Tiger
Giant Tiger is a Canadian discount store chain that offers shoppers over 60 years old 10% off on the first Monday of each month. If your store is closed on Monday, the discount will apply on the first Tuesday of the month.
8. Michaels
Michaels is a craft store that offers a 10% discount to seniors every day. This discount applies to regular and sale-priced items, but some exclusions apply.
9. Telus
This telecommunications company offers a $9.95 monthly plan to low-income seniors 65 years or older. This discount is available for both new and existing customers.
10. Pet Valu
Pet Valu offers a 10% discount on regular-priced items to age-eligible seniors every last Thursday of the month.
11. Global Pet Foods
Global Pet Foods offers seniors a 15% discount on the last Tuesday of every month. If you have a pet, this might be the best time to visit this store.
12. Liquor Depot
Anyone over the age of 65 will receive 5% off their Tuesday purchases. If you want to save on liquor or other alcoholic beverages or accessories at Liquor Depot, visit on Tuesday.
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Restaurant and Food Discounts for Seniors in BC
For seniors who enjoy dining out or purchasing ready-made meals, many restaurants and food markets in British Columbia offer special discounts, including those listed below.
From family restaurants to frozen food markets, seniors can save money on their meals and enjoy delicious food. These discounts can help seniors on a fixed income stretch their budgets further.
13. Smitty’s
MySmitty’s Rewards members over 65 get double the points on the first Tuesday of every month, plus a free meal on your birthday.
14. IHOP
As of 2023, IHOP doesn’t offer senior discounts but instead provides a special discounted menu for seniors. The IHOP 55 & Up Menu features low-priced breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. By downloading the IHOP app, customers of any age can receive free pancakes on their birthday.
15. M&M Food Market
At Canada’s destination for frozen food and online grocery shopping, you can get 10% off all regular-priced items when you order online any day of the week. You must be 60 years of age or older to use this discount.
16. Denny’s
This American diner chain offers 15% off on all regular menu items (not including options ordered off the kids’ menu or alcohol) if you are over 55 years old – this deal is only on “Denny’s Thursdays.”
Related: Best Senior Discounts in Ontario.
Transportation Senior Discounts in BC
Several transportation options offer discounted rates for seniors who need to travel in British Columbia. Here are some of the transportation companies that offer senior discounts.
It’s worth noting that some of these discounts may vary by location or policy changes, so it’s best to check with the specific transportation company to confirm their senior discount policy.
17. BC Ferries
BC seniors 65 or older, possessing either a BC Gold CareCard or a valid BC Services Card, receive a 100% discount on passenger fares Monday to Thursday, excluding statutory holidays, on all routes except the northern routes.
18. BC Public Transit
If you are 65 or over, you qualify for a seniors’ discount on public transit in BC. Show the driver your BC CareCard or BC Services Card when you pay.
19. Vancouver Aquabus
The Aquabus, which runs up and down False Creek, offers senior discounts on monthly and three-month long passes. You can save $20 on the one-month pass, paying $40 instead of the traditional $60.
20. Via Rail
Via Rail offers a discount to seniors who are 60 years or older. The discount is 10% off the best available fare for economy, economy plus, business, and business plus class. The discount applies to most routes, but some exceptions may apply.
21. ICBC
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) offers a discount to seniors 65 years or older with valid driver’s licenses.
Banking Discounts for Seniors in BC
For seniors in British Columbia, many banks offer discounts and special programs. Here are some of the banks that offer senior discounts. Other banks in BC may offer similar discounts, so it’s always a good idea to ask about senior discounts when opening a new account or managing your finances.
22. Scotiabank
Scotiabank offers a Senior Account package available to customers who are 60 years or older. The package includes reduced fees and, in some cases, no fees.
23. BMO
BMO offers a Senior’s Discount Program for customers who are 60 years or older. This program includes discounted zero/reduced fees, waived monthly fees for savings accounts, and for those that maintain a minimum daily balance, waived fees for the Plus, Performance, or Premium plan.
24. CIBC
CIBC offers a Smart for Seniors package with lower monthly fees, free bank drafts, money orders, and a $5 discount on the annual rental fee for a safety deposit box.
25. RBC
If you already bank with RBC, you’ll automatically be added to a seniors’ plan when you turn 65. If you choose to switch to the bank, you’ll get a free chequing account and discounted fees.
26. TD
Toronto Dominion Bank (TD) offers a Senior Banking package for customers who are 60 years or older. You’ll get reduced fees compared to typical bank accounts for non-senior citizens.
Other Seniors Discounts in British Columbia
Seniors in British Columbia have many options when it comes to discounts and special deals. From stores to movies to hotel stays, seniors can save money on various experiences. Seniors need to research their options and take advantage of the discounts available.
Aside from the discounts mentioned earlier, many other establishments in British Columbia offer special deals for seniors.
27. BC Parks
BC Parks offer a discount to seniors 65 years or older on camping fees. The discount is 50% off the camping fee for a single campsite during the off-season.
28. Cineplex
The movie theatre Cineplex offers a discount to seniors 65 years or older on admission tickets. The discount is available for both regular and VIP admission tickets.
29. Best Western
Best Western hotels offer a discount to seniors 55 years or older on hotel stays. The discount varies by location and availability but can be up to 15% off the regular rate.
30. Fairmont Hotel
The Fairmont Hotel chain offers a 20% discount on overnight accommodation, compared to the fully flexible rate, by showing proof of age (55+) at check-in time.
FAQs
Some grocery stores that offer senior discounts in Canada include Safeway, Sobeys, and Shoppers Drug Mart.
In British Columbia, the senior discount age varies by the establishment but generally starts at 60 years or older for most discounts and benefits.
Related:
This is all very interesting but there is nothing so far said about he taxes we seniors have to pay ,CARBON TAX, PST,GST HST. Canada does NOT have the carbon that the LIBERAL government says we have, China has more than we will ever have. I figured that with the seniors not paying these taxes we would have a little more money to spend on families, and the higher cost of living .This could help the seniors in Toronto living in apartments that have a rent raised and they have to work to pay the high cost of rents. The best part of my idea is that the government will not have to pay for this if we do not have the taxes it will help us a lot. I live in northern BC and have propane heating and the last bill had carbon tax was 135.60, this does not feed me or keep me warm or help in any way except to line the politicians pockets .You should know that all politicians do not pay for anything, WE DO FROM THE TAXES WE PAY. Yes our streets and highways are baby sat but with all this tax on gas and diesel we do not travel much due to the high cost of fuel that include taxes. WE seniors need to have a seniors card that allow us to not pay taxes and get power rates on purches. The CPP is not enough as they only pay according to what we earned .WE seniors worked very hard to give what you all live and travel in now and the life you have today. My wages were only .80 cents per hour in the 1960’s.
Thank you for reading ,I hope this helps.
Hello Enoch,
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thanks for the great news letter.
As ever and more Darlene Topilko
@Darlene: Thanks for noting that.
Unfortunately in Order to enjoy these “senior “ discounts, you need a disposable income in the first place. Unless you are the beneficiary of some sort of a government pension or have been employed extensively under some union umbrella that has a pension scheme in its collective agreement you are like the majority of Canadians now living on a fixed income, very high taxes especially in BC, a liberal government that thinks Canada is the “skunk” of the world when it comes to its carbon Footprint, fossil fuels are the enemy etc, etc, etc. you get the drift. We are also responsible for the worlds climate change by the way🤔