Canada Working Holiday Visa
Accommodation Info
Accommodation
is a necessary expense for travellers, and where you decide to stay will
depend on your budget and how long you’re planning on travelling and
working in Canada.
Options are varied and include backpacker hostels, renting an apartment,
camping, hiring a motor home, staying in a hotel, motel or inn, or
enjoying the relaxation of Bed & Breakfast accommodation.
Following are a few tips for finding the right type of
accommodation for you:
Backpacker
Hostels
No
matter how long you are planning on staying in Canada, chances are that
as an independent budget traveller you will spend at least a few nights
in a backpacker hostel.
If you’re in a small group or travelling alone, staying in a
hostel is also a sure fire way to meet other travellers.
Canada
has a great variety of hostels, from major networks that have hostels
all over the world, to independent Canadian operators who might own a
few hostels across Canada or in a specific area.
When arranging your accommodation, if you’re arriving in summer make
sure you book ahead as it can be difficult and stressful just to turn up
and try to find a room.
It’s not an easy task to find a good room in large tourist
areas in summer, or for that matter in the top ski areas in winter,
without booking.
A bit of planning is required!
On the whole, the standard of backpacker accommodation in Canada
is very good, and many backpacker hostels have a great atmosphere, full
of friendly staff and like minded travellers.
Be sure when booking to find out what facilities are available,
for example internet access, kitchen facilities etc and also find out
what discounts or special offers might be available.
A backpacker hostel is a great, cheap form of accommodation for the
“travelling” part of your holiday.
Renting
an Apartment
If you’re planning on staying in an area for a while, or even basing
yourself somewhere for the majority of your 12 month stay, then renting
an apartment or sharing an apartment is an excellent option.
Tenant and landlord laws vary from province to province in Canada, so be
sure to check these out thoroughly before you enter into anything, and
read everything thoroughly – if you don’t understand it, then
don’t sign it.
Prices of apartments vary for many reasons.
Be sure when you are looking into renting that you know the area
you are considering well.
Is it safe?
Is transport easy to access?
Does the local area offer everything you need?
Make sure you do your research well, as this is a longer term
commitment.
When you rent an apartment you are required to complete an application.
You will probably be required to give references, and prove you
have a job, so make sure that you take along any references you can from
your Australian or previous landlord, as well as a letter from your
Canadian employer.
The more information you have, the easier the process may be.
Also be prepared to pay one months rent in advance, and be aware
that if you break the lease you will probably forfeit this money.
If you want a bit more flexibility than a longer term lease might offer,
why not consider a share apartment or furnished apartment.
Nearly everything you need will be provided, and you won’t have
the commitment or responsibility of your own lease.
Information on rental accommodation can be found by searching the
internet, and also in local and major newspapers.
Some areas even have a specific guide/publication dedicated to
rental accommodation.
For finding share accommodation, backpacker hostels and Uni
notice boards can also be a good source of info and leads.
Camping
Certainly not for the winter months, but this can be a great fun way of
getting around in late spring, summer, and early autumn.
The best time for travellers to go camping is summer, and even
then it can get cold at night, so make sure you’re prepared and
you’ve got all the right gear.
Canada
has spectacular scenery and the Canadians love the outdoors, the up side
of this for everyone visiting is that Canada has excellent camping
grounds and facilities right across the country.
Local tourist offices throughout Canada have complete listings of
camp grounds, their amenities etc.
Motor
Home
Why not consider combining your accommodation with your transport.
There are a number of companies that rent out motorhomes fully
equipped and ready to hit the road.
This is a truly memorable way to tour Canada and take your
accommodation with you!
Motels
and Inns
There are a number of motels and inns across Canada.
There are some large chains that are country wide, and also
independent operators.
Depending on how many of you are travelling in a group, they can
represent great value if you’re all willing to share a room, and can
even work out cheaper than a backpacker hostel.
Hotels
There are broadly two types of hotel in Canada.
One type caters for the luxury end of the accommodation market.
They are, of course, of an excellent standard, but the cost is
right up there, as you might expect of this level of accommodation
anywhere in the world.
The
other type of hotel is right at the other end of the market.
Remember all of the movies you’ve seen where the drunk or the
bad guys have a pretty rough room in a somewhat questionable establishment?
Get the picture?
Certainly not recommended.
Bed
and Breakfast
A great way of arranging accommodation in a more peaceful and private
environment.
Mostly privately run by families, you have the advantage of
staying with hosts who will welcome you to their home and share their
local knowledge with you.
B&B accommodation can be very cheap, however prices do vary
depending on facilities, location etc.
If you’re looking for a more personal and relaxing experience,
then B&B could be the way to go.
