What would be a decent cheap pre-paid cell phone I can buy for one week trip to Canada (Ontario/Quebec)?

Question

I am an American taking a vacation in Canada. My cell phone provider (Sprint) told me that my phone will not work Canada (even if paid extra for service there). That's fine with me, but I want to buy a cheap pre-paid cell phone to use in Canada for the following limited purposes A) In an emergency; B) In case a family member urgently needs to reach me C) in case I need to make calls within Canada to places I'm travelling to or people I am meeting.

I don't plan to give out the number except to a few family members and one friend who I will meet while there. Can someone recommend a cheap phone that will work and provide service in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec? I plan to be in Ottawa (where I would like to purchase a phone), Mont Tremblant, and Montreal (and points in between and in that vicinity). It needs to be able to work in those places and allow me the ability to make calls to number in the United States. ( I won't need it after I return to USA) Any recommendations on what to get and where I could buy it and why?

Thanks

Answer 1

I got a Virgin Mobile Pay As You Go phone.  It was $50 for the phone and it came with a $10 card.  Minutes are $.30/minute.  There are no other access fees, activiation fees or such (which is why I chose it).  It was easy to activate it online -- you can also activate it at the Virgin store (there is usually a kiosk in the mall).  If you end up getting a Virgin phone, message me and I'll send you a Kick Back code -- if you use it when you signup, we both get a $10 credit.  http://www.virginmobile.ca

If you ask around, you might find someone willing to buy it back from you at the end of your trip.  You can post a free add on www.kijiji.ca -- I'm sure someone would buy it off you, if you could make arrangements to meet up with them.  Us Canadians sure do love a good deal!