Your to-do list before going to Canada

Here are three criteria to consider when finding a place to stay:

• Location: Do you want to stay in the city centre? By the beach? In a quiet neighbourhood or in the heart of the entertainment district?
• Price: What’s your budget?
• Atmosphere: Hotels and B&Bs welcome travellers from all walks of life and are usually pretty quiet—the only “common room” may be the hotel lobby. Hostels tend to cater to backpackers and “party hostels” usually attract people who, you guessed it, want to party late into the night.

Big hotels and hostels are usually in central and convenient locations. Beds are typically cheaper in bigger hostels, but they will be busier, so expect to wait for your turn to shower or cook. If you still want to meet people but would rather stay in a more intimate setting, pick a smaller or quieter hostel. However, it may be further from the action and a bit more expensive.

Alternatives to hotels, B&Bs and hostels

Couchsurfing

A free bed in a Canadian house or apartment? Sure! Couchsurfing is a really cool experience if you’re open to meeting new people, sharing their living space, and if you don’t mind sleeping on a sofa for a few days.

Sublets through online community marketplaces

Many online marketplaces let homeowners rent out their room or their full apartment for a short period of time, often while they are away travelling. This popular short-term solution is a good way to explore different neighbourhoods, and it buys you enough time to find a more permanent nest.

For more tips on booking affordable accommodation, read:

• Booking housing for your arrival
• Finding accommodation in Canada
If you book short-term accommodation through our special deal with Vanmates, pvtistes members receive a $50 discount.
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