dog introCreativecommons.org/Leposava

Many pet owners can’t imagine taking a vacation without the four-legged members of the family.  While having a furry friend along does make many adventures more fun, owners need to plan ahead to find accommodation that will accept their cats and dogs. We’ve chosen a selection of hotels in major cities across Canada based on their location, price for pets, and pet friendliness.

When choosing a hotel that permits pets, keep an eye out for limits and fees. Some places have size restrictions, or they limit the number of pets per room. Be certain you understand if the extra fee imposed is per night, per animal, or a one-time charge that covers the entire stay. Most establishments do not allow you to leave the pet in the room alone, but some may offer pet-sitting services or have play areas where you can leave your dog for the day.

 

1. Victoria, BC

dog 1Creativecommons.org/firepile

The Harbour Tower Hotel and Suites is near the ferry terminal, has wonderful views of the Inner Harbour, the Straits of Juan de Fuca and downtown Victoria.  Dallas Road Park in the Beacon Hill Park area has an off-leash section for dogs.

Pets: Both dogs and cats are welcome.  Guests may have two pets under 50 pounds.

Fee: $35 for a five night stay.  An additional $35 will be imposed if your stay exceeds five nights

Restrictions: Pets must observe quiet hours and be leashed in public areas.

Benefits: The hotel discourages leaving your pet alone in the room, but will allow it if you make arrangements and leave a contact number.

 

2. Vancouver, BC

dog 2Creativecommons.org/adrnln_jnkee

The Opus Hotel is conveniently downtown within walking distance of many of the city’s major attractions. This is the place to pamper both yourself and your pet. An off-leash dog park is only two blocks away and a dog-treat shop is around the corner.

Pets: Dogs only. Up to two dogs of any size are welcome to stay.

Fee:  None.  There is no charge for your pets.

Restrictions: None listed.

Benefits: Your dog may have more fun than you do! Dog bowl, bed and treats are provided. Pups receive a complimentary copy of Modern Dog Magazine (OK, you can read it too).  Staff will walk your dog during the day.

 

3. Calgary, AB

dog 3Creativecommons.org/davebloggs007

The Westin Calgary is downtown, within walking distance of shopping and the financial district. Nose Hill Park is a bit far, but it’s well worth the trouble. Most of this enormous greens place is off-leash and you will forget that you’re anywhere near a city.

Pets: No restrictions on size, number or type of pet.

Fee: None. All of your pets stay for free.

Restrictions: Notify them that you are travelling with pets before you book the room. You must sign a damage waiver before you can stay. Pets must be caged/crated when the owner isn’t present.

Benefits: Food and water bowls, a special ‘heavenly’ dog bed, doggie floor mat, and a ‘Dog in room’ privacy sign.

 

4. Edmonton, AB

dog 4Creativecommons.org/Hobolens

The Coast Edmonton Hotel has rooms with kitchens, kitchenettes and separate living areas. It is right downtown, convenient to everything. Terwillegar Park is the best dog park, but it’s some distance away.

Pets: Up to two pets of any size are welcome to stay. 

Fee: $15 per pet per night with a maximum of $75 per stay.

Restrictions: You must sign a waiver when you check in. There appears to be a limited number of pet friendly rooms, so a call ahead of time wouldn’t be amiss.

Benefits: No clearly listed benefits.

 

5. Winnipeg, MB

dog 5Creativecommons.org/Hobolens

Place Louis Riel Suite Hotel is close to the Convention Centre, some fine dining restaurants and only two blocks from Broadway. Nearby Juba Park is sometimes off-leash. Ask at the hotel before unleashing your pet.

Pets: Up to two pets are allowed.  No size restrictions are indicated.

Fee: $10 per pet per night.

Restrictions: Let them know in advance that you are checking in with a pet.

Benefits: Treats and scoopy bags are provided.

 

6. Thunder Bay, ON

dog 6Creativecommons.org/Loimere

Travelodge Thunder Bay is near Fort William Historical Park and offers easy access to downtown. The Winnipeg Playfield is now a fenced-in off-leash area for smaller breeds of dogs. There is a fenced area nearby for larger dogs.

Pets: Two pets of any size are welcome to stay.

Fee: One-time fee of $20 per stay.

Restrictions: Guests must use a credit card and sign a pet agreement policy at check in. No long term stays. Contact the hotel prior to booking to reserve a pet friendly room.

Benefits: None listed.

 

7. Toronto, ON

toronto skylinehttps://www.flickr.com/photos/choudhrysaab/

The Cosmopolitan Hotel Toronto is in the heart of the financial district, within easy reach of shopping, restaurants and public transportation. David Crombie Park is a few blocks away and has an off-leash area for dogs.

Pets: Up to two pets under 45 pounds each.  Dogs and cats are welcome.

Fee: $75 for stays up to a week and this fee covers all pets per room. Additional nights are $25 per night.

Restrictions: There are a limited number of pet-friendly rooms. Confirm availability prior to booking.

Benefits: Pets can be left unattended in rooms if the front desk is notified in advance.

 

8. Ottawa, ON

dog 8Creativecommons.org/Michelle Tribe

The Novatel Ottawa is a short walk from the business district and shopping. Many tourist attractions are quite close. Ottawa has a large number of dog parks.

Pets: Two dogs of any size per room.

Fee: None.  Your pups stay for free.

Restrictions: None listed.

Benefits: None listed.

 

9. Montreal, QC

dog 9Creativecommons.org/Goodnight London

L'Appartement Hotel is for long or short stays and is quite convenient to all downtown activities. William Bowie Park has a fenced-in area to give dogs some exercise.

Pets: One large or two small dogs permitted.

Fee: None. Your pups stay for free.

Restrictions: Dogs must be crated if in the room during housekeeping services.

Benefits: None listed, but leaving pets alone in the room is implied.

 

10. Quebec City, QC

quebec cityhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/the-o/

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac Hotel overlooks the Saint Lawrence River and is in Old Quebec City. All the sights of Old Quebec are within walking distance.

Pets: Up to two dogs of any size are welcome.

Fee: $35 per pet per night.

Restrictions: Dogs may not be left unattended in rooms.

Benefits: Pups get their own bowl, blanket, mat and treats. 

 

11. St John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador

dog 11Creativecommons.org/Natalie Lucier

The Holiday Inn is close to just about everything. Nearby Pippy Park is strictly on-leash, but with so much space to walk the pup, both of you will be too relaxed to care.

Pets: No mention of limits on size, number or type of pet.

Fee: None. You must request one of the pet-friendly suites in advance. Your pets can join you in one of the other suites but there will be a $300 fee.

Restrictions: None listed.

Benefits: Long stays are ok.

 

12. Fredericton, NB

dog 12Creativecommons/daveynin

Lakeview Inn and Suites is on the edge of downtown, with easy access to everything. Cityview Dog Park is off-leash and is right across the Westmorland Street Bridge.

Pets: Dogs of any size are welcome. There is no limit on the number of pets allowed.

Fee: $10 per pet per night.

Restrictions: None listed.

Benefits: Ground floor rooms have doors that open directly outside for easy dog-walking.

 

13. Halifax, NS

dog 13Creativecommons.org/Veinotte

The Atlantica Hotel Halifax is close to downtown and just across the park from the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. The hotel has a map of all the dog parks, but nearby Point Pleasant Park is beautiful and has an off-leash section. 

Pets: Two pets of any size are allowed on pet-specific floors. Both cats and dogs are welcome.

Fee: None. Your furry friends stay for free.

Restrictions: The number of pet-friendly rooms is limited. Call in advance to ensure availability.

Benefits: The hotel provides your travelling companion with their own dishes, beds and treat bags.

 


What tips or advice do you have for travelling with pets? 
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