Canadian Accomodation Tips

As one might expect in a country of its size, Canada has a wide range of places in which to stay: from stately, world-famous hotels such as the Château Frontenac in Quebec City, to family-run bed-and-breakfasts in the countryside, the variety is immense. Canada offers excellent middle-range accommodations, and you will find rural inns, cottages to rent in scenic spots, elegant town apartments, hostels, houseboats, and the most popular choice of all, the convenient motel. Whether you need a mid-journey bed for the night or a seasonal rental, you can always find the right place and may not even need to book in advance.

Grading and Facilities

There is no government sponsored hotel grading system in Canada, but the voluntary program “Canada Select” is usually very accurate.

Each establishment is rated by numbers of stars. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that a 4-star hotel in a large city such as Toronto, for example, might not have the same level of facilities as one with the same rating in a small upscale resort with a château hotel.

The Canadian Automobile Association also operates an assessment system, mostly for hotels and motels along main highways, and these, while also non-official, are largely recognized as consistent and accurate. Air-conditioning comes as standard in most of the country during summer, except in national park lodges and cooler coastal and northern regions. Central heating country-wide is efficient. Cable TV, radio, irons and ironing boards, and coffee-making facilities are standard. Private bathrooms are usual, but you will need to specify a bathtub or shower – also remember to ask for double or twin beds when booking a double room.

Prices

With such a wide range of accommodations, prices vary hugely. In a major town, the top hotel’s presidential suite may command a daily rate in excess of Can$1,000, while a hiker’s hostel will provide a dormitory bed for under

Can$25. Budget hotels and B-and-Bs charge Can$50–75 a night per person. Some prices rise in high season, but rates are discounted in low season.

Reservations

Advance reservations are always recommended in the main cities, where festivals, conventions, meetings, and major sports and musical events are held year-round. Provincial tourist offices or airlines will assist in suggesting and arranging bookings.

Luxury Hotels

Although Canada has few five-star hotels, the major cities boast some truly world class establishments. The railroad age of the late 19th century ushered in château style hotels, which are unique Canadian architectural features.

Nowadays, most of the castle hotels, including the Château Frontenac, are owned and operated by Fairmont Hotels.

Luxury chains are well represented: the Four Seasons, the Hilton, the Radisson, the Sheraton, and Westin chains operate in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver.

Chain Hotels

Canada offers numerous franchise and chain hotels and motels. Reliable and comfortable, if occasionally a little bland, chains vary in style and price from grand resort areas to the less expensive but equally well-known Best Western, Comfort, and Super 8.

Popular with families and business travelers, many of the properties have offices for use, including fax, e-mail, and telegraph equipment. Children’s facilities are usually good.

Disabled Travelers

Canada’s building laws require all new and renovated public buildings to provide wheelchair facilities with ramps, wide doors, and straight access to rooms. However, as many rural hotels date from the 19th century, facilities should always be checked in advance.

Children

Traveling with children is relatively easy. Nearly every property will supply a cot or junior-sized bed in a parents’ room. Major hotels offer babysitting services. A lone parent traveling with children may need written consent from the other parent under anti abduction regulations.