How to Find Cheap Accommodation in Canada

Have you been wanting to plan a trip to Canada but always get put off by the hefty prices of most accommodations? 

It is no surprise that the price of accommodation in Canada varies widely due to the vast size of the country.

However, don’t halt your travel plans just yet because we’ve put together a list of how to snag the best prices for accommodations on your next trip there!

Staying With Locals 

Staying with locals does not only guarantee you cheap accommodation but also teaches you something about the country and its people’s culture and way of life. 

Locals open up their homes to you in various cities and offer you a place to stay in their homes. This can sometimes be a bed, a couch, or maybe even just a corner in a room. 

A few websites that can offer you these services are Airbnb, Homestay, and Couch Surfing. 

You may be skeptical about the safety of using these sites. However, checking the verification levels that all the sites have and reading the reviews left by other travelers can be a great way to overcome this problem.

These sites are not only for solo travelers as many hosts take couples and families as well.

House Sitting 

House Sitting may be the best option for you if you are planning to stay in Canada for at least a couple of weeks. 

You can find various house-sitting opportunities on websites such as Mind My House, Trusted Housesitter, House Carers, and Luxury House Sitting. Although these sites may request a sign-up fee, they will grant you access to the entire database of available houses. 

In exchange for watching and maintaining someone’s home while they are away, you will get a free place to stay. You may also need to take care of their pets. 

You may also find house-sitting assignments on local websites and in the local newspaper, and on Facebook groups.

Hostels and Student Accommodations 

Canada has around sixty Hostelling International (HI) hostels and 140 non-affiliated hostels. These can range from small, typical dormitory-type hostels to summer student accommodations and budget guesthouses with private rooms. 

Quality does vary considerably, but most of the hostels should be of a reasonably high standard. Dorm beds usually cost $20–25 for HI members, with basic private rooms starting at $35. 

An alternatives to hostels is to stay in student accommodation in Canada’s university cities during the summer vacation. These accommodations are adequate and functional, and will also grant you access to the campus’s sports facilities. 

The only downside is that most places are a good distance from city centres. Nevertheless, prices for single and double rooms start at around $35. 

House Swap

Home swap programs have been growing in popularity over recent years, especially among older travelers who already own a home.

This method allows you to save on accommodation costs by exchanging your home with somebody from another country for the duration of your trip. 

You can check out the websites Home Exchange and IHEN to look for and interact with potential people you may exchange your house with. 

Cabin Rentals 

Cabin rentals are a great option if you aren’t traveling solo and can split the costs, as they can be a great alternative to other accommodation choices. Furthermore, most cabins have cooking facilities, so you can save on eating out. 

You are sure to find plenty of cabins to rent in Canada, lots of them at wilderness resorts. Local newspapers and websites like Kijiji, Airbnb, and Wimdu are also good sources to check out.

Farm Vacations 

This is the option for you if you are interested in experiencing farm life in Canada. 

The concept behind a farm vacation is that you spend a night as a guest on a working farm.

This may involve several organized outdoor activities such as feeding animals, planting and harvesting crops, helping with construction, general farm chores, or cooking. It also allows you to practice English and learn new skills. 

Most farms are located some distance from the nearest town with facilities ranging from basic camping to rustic cabins to luxury rooms, depending on the farm.

Although prices vary depending on where you are and the facilities included, you can expect to get good country food.

WWOOF 

WWOOF is an exchangeprogram, in return for volunteer work.

WWOOF hosts offer food, accommodation, and opportunities to learn about organic lifestyles. This option may be the one for you if you are passionate about experiencing new lifestyles and acquiring new skills.

You can find WWOOF programs on the following sites, with a membership fee to use them: 

– Wwoof 

– Workaway

– Helpx 

Camping 

Camping can be a great way to cut costs on accommodation as few countries offer as much scope for camping as Canada.

Most urban areas have a campground, and most national parks and provincial parks have government-run campsites. 

Furthermore, you can camp more or less where you please in most wilderness areas and in the vast domain of Canada’s federally-owned Crown Lands. 

Just keep in mind that campgrounds can become as busy as all other types of accommodation in cities, during July and August. This is particularly the case near mountain, lake, or river resorts. 

Hence, always aim to arrive early in the morning or book ahead. You should also remember to check that your chosen campsite is open as many only open seasonally, usually from May to October.

Bottom Line 

Looking for the best rates for accommodations during your trip to Canada can be a daunting experience, given the soaring prices of hotels and Airbnb’s. 

However, by looking for the best deals and exploring other options such as staying with locals, house sitting and home exchange, you are sure to snag an amazing deal for accommodation during your trip to Canada.