Any regular activity you do just because you like the feeling you get out of it is defined as a hobby. Hobbies help people relax, remain mentally productive, and escape the stress of everyday life. It’s vital for a person to have a hobby they either enjoy solo or share with their friends or family.

One exciting aspect of hobbies is how much they cost. Some are entirely free, and others can be a serious burden on your budget. Unless you’re into doing homemade crafts or taking affordable soap-making workshops, you may want to check out these luxury hobbies. Sure, they are expensive, but oh so worth it!

Mountain Biking

Canadians love spending time outdoors. Walking, hiking, and—you guessed it—biking are among the favorite activities of locals. Mountain biking has established itself as one of those activities that help you stay fit, destress, and enjoy nature at the same time. As cool and exciting as this hobby is, it’s also everything but cheap.

In a specialized mountain bike shop in Canada, the upper-price-range bicycles cost from $15,000 to $20,000. The “cheaper” options rarely go under $2,000. This is what you’ll pay for the bike only. If you plan to explore those mountains during the winter season, you will probably need expensive winter tires. Add the costs for waterproof apparel, sturdy footwear, helmets, and other necessary accessories, and you’ve spent a small fortune.

Games of Chance

Playing games of chance is another popular pastime in the country. Did you know that three-fourths of Canadians partake in gambling? Unlike mountain biking, this one can be a go-to option for those who want to spend about $10 and those who want to spend thousands of dollars, as well. Statistics show that Canadians love lotteries and scratch cards the most. These are often the cheap version of the hobby.

However, figures also show that some Canadian gamblers spend about $500,000 a year on such activities. If you choose to visit luxurious casinos and play on the high roller tables, gambling is a hobby that will cost you a lot. iGaming is another option for those who want to play games of chance from the comfort of their homes. Online casinos give attractive bonuses and rewards to loyal customers. So, users often take advantage of such deals and, in return, don’t mind spending big bucks there.

Skiing

With average skiing costs per day ranging from $100 to $200, this isn’t a cheap hobby to have. Just like mountain biking, skiing demands lots of specialized equipment. You need skis, boots, and poles, which are an expensive investment if you want to get quality products. Getting these three should cost at least $650. Alternatively, you can rent them, but that’s not cheap either.

Then, let’s not forget about the apparel you’ll need. Jackets, trousers, gloves, goggles, and helmets are the bare necessities. These days, you’d also like to invest in a GoPro camera and maybe even a drone. After all, everyone wants awesome photos of their adventures. Don’t forget that you’ll need a lift pass. Plus, there are transportation and accommodation expenses to consider too.

Aviation

Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Angelina Jolie, and Harrison Ford are some of the people who enjoy private aviation as a hobby. Besides being celebrities, they also share another thing – they’re rich! Owning a plane (an affordable and an old one) will cost you at least $50,000. Renting a plane is also expensive compared to other activities you could do.

Besides the actual aircraft you need, maintenance, fuel, training, insurance, and hangaring expenses are also involved. All of these are mandatory and expensive as hell. So, there’s no way to make this hobby budget-friendly. But hey, at least skiing seems cheap now!