15 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Canada for Your Next Vacation

Pets are an important part of people’s lives. Many people consider their pets as children. So when going on a holiday, it’s is normal that people want to share the experience with their beloved creatures.

In this article, we are going to discuss the details of bringing your pet along for a trip. Additionally, we are going to provide you with 15 pet-friendly hotels in Canada that you can book right away to enjoy a vacation with your best friend. Bringing a pet along can involve extra expenses, so make sure to use a great credit card to get the most out of your holiday.

What are pet-friendly hotels?

Many hotels in Canada know that it’s difficult for people to separate from their pets. For owners, the thought of having to leave one’s pet alone, with a stranger, or at a kennel, is enough to opt-out of a well-deserved holiday.

Considering that 58% of Canadian households own a pet, it is safe to say that hotels can attract a lot of customers by allowing them to bring their pets along. For that reason, many hotels in Canada welcome people and their pets alike.

So what does it mean when a hotel states they are pet-friendly? Usually, it means that the hotel can offer you amenities designed to meet pet owners’ needs. This may include specialized items for pets, such as bedding, leashes, or drinking bowls.

Special pet-friendly services

But it can also include special services offered by the staff, such as walking your dog or looking after your cat. This can be a very useful feature while you’re on holiday.

For example, let’s say you want to visit a big city on your trip, and you have included a museum on your itinerary that doesn’t allow pets. Would you want to leave your pet unattended for an entire day? For many pet owners, the answer is obvious. Luckily, plenty of pet-friendly hotels can help both owners and their pets in this scenario.

However, you definitely don’t need to leave your pet inside during your holiday. Some pet-friendly hotels are located near specific outdoor areas to which you can bring your pet. This can include city parks, national parks, or a special training course that you can use to bond with your animal friend.

It can be a rewarding experience for pet owners to see their pets explore a new location and have the time of their lives.

On the other hand, the weather might not always be favourable for taking your pet out for a walk. In that case, some hotels have pet-friendly amenities on their own grounds, such as a restaurant, bathing facilities, fitness rooms and playgrounds that you can use to spend some time together with your favourite creatures.

What are the pros and cons of bringing your pet along?

The pros of bringing your pet on vacation

Many pet owners share a strong attachment to their pets. Therefore, it can be a rewarding experience to enjoy a holiday with your best friend. The major benefit of taking your pet along is that you can fully enjoy the destination without having to worry about your pet’s situation at home.

Also, your pet is going to love exploring a new environment and doing something out of the ordinary. You are the most important person in the life of your pet, so bringing your pet along with you will boost their happiness and well-being. Besides, who doesn’t want to have amazing holiday pictures with their beloved friend?

The cons of bringing Fluffy on vacation

Taking your pet along for a holiday can potentially make your trip more complicated. You need to be mindful of several things in case you decide to bring your pet to a new location.

This includes finding transportation that allows pets, reading the fine print of where you can bring your pets, and managing feeding schedules during travel to ensure your pet is well fed and hydrated. Also, it is important to check your travel insurance policy to see if your plan covers your pets.

What are the alternatives to pet-friendly hotels?

Sometimes it may not be worth the effort to take your pets with you. For example, if you go on a short weekend trip, it might be more convenient to leave your pet with family or friends. However, that option may not be available to you. In that case, you can choose to leave your pet with a kennel that will look after your pet while you are away. 

A study from 2013 shows that around 30% of pet owners bring their pets with them on holiday, meaning that a large majority of Canadians choose to leave their pets at home.

If you find yourself among those people, you can use a website like PetBacker to find people that can look after your pets. However, if you do decide to bring your pet with you on holiday, it is important to know some basic health and safety tips.

Health & safety tips for travelling with your pets

Travelling with your pets brings a lot of challenges that can be overwhelming for some. Your pets must be kept safe from harm or injury as you travel to and from your destination. For that reason, we have compiled a list of tips that you can use to prepare yourself for a holiday with your pet.

Perform a health check

It is best practice to ensure that your pet is in good health before you travel. Pet insurance can help cover the cost.This is important because travelling can be a stressful and tiresome experience for most animals. Also, you may be required to present your pet’s health certificate or other documentation when bringing a pet aboard an airplane.

The same is true if you want to cross the border and visit another country, such as the United States. You can find more information about this topic from the Canadian government.

Use the appropriate pet carrier

In some cases, you may not be allowed to take your pet with you in the airplane cabin or the train seating area. For example, a large-sized dog will not be allowed to sit with you on the airplane.

However, a small cat or dog is more often allowed to accompany you to your seat. In any case, it is important to make sure that your pet has an appropriate carrier. 

A pet carrier must be large enough for the animal to move around and lay down comfortably. Additionally, a pet carrier must be secure so that your pet is safe and can not escape. Another factor to consider is the ventilation of the pet carrier, which is very important on hot days or long journeys.

Tips for travelling by car

Going on a road trip with family and friends is great fun. But what about taking your pet along for the ride? In that case, there are some things you should keep in mind to make sure that your pets are safe and happy.

When driving a car, it is important that your eyes are on the road and your hands are on the steering wheel. However, it can be a great distraction if your pet roams around the interior while driving. So one of the most important factors when travelling by car is that your pet is safely contained within the vehicle.

The best solution is to enhance your car with special barriers that separate the driver’s area from the back seat. In other cases, you can also use a pet carrier to ensure that your pet cannot move around the interior of your car.

Nonetheless, accidents can happen. So it is important to make sure that you have car insurance on your trip.

Another thing to remember is the weather. Not leaving your pet in a parked vehicle for a long time is advised. Temperatures within a vehicle are volatile, and they can quickly change to a level that may cause harm to your pet.

However, if you are paying for gas at the a station, or getting a quick snack at a convenience store, simply make sure to leave two windows open on both sides to create a breeze in the car.

Tips for travelling by plane

Bringing a pet aboard an airplane is possible, and many have done so before. However, each airline has specific requirements for travelling with pets that you need to be aware of. For that reason, it is good practice to call the airline in advance to let them know that you want to bring a pet.

In some cases, you may be able to keep your pet with you in the cabin of the airplane. The pet carrier will count as a piece of additional add-on luggage, so ensure that you include this while booking a flight. Also, make sure to ask the cabin crew about where and when you are allowed to remove your pet from its carrier in order to feed your pet.

The Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Canada

Now that you are well informed about the details of travelling with a pet, we will proceed to share 15 pet-friendly hotels with you so that you can start to plan a great holiday with your beloved friend.

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac Hotel, Quebec City

Looking to visit Quebec with a pet? At the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac Hotel, you can bring two pets of any size for a fee of 50 Canadian dollars per night. At check-in, your pets will receive a blanket and a bowl for them to use. You are not allowed to leave your pets unattended in the room, but there are parks within walking distance of the hotel.

Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto

Toronto is the leading tourist destination in Canada and welcomes 27.5 million visitors a year. But what about pets? At the Westin Harbour Castle, they are welcome. You can bring one dog up to 40 lbs at no additional cost. Though you may not leave your pets unattended in the room, and cats are not allowed to stay there.

Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa, Harrison

Looking to escape the city and relax at the lake? No problem! At the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa, you can bring two pets of any size for an additional cost of 30 Canadian dollars per night. The hotel property has a walking trail that is ideal for people and pets alike. Additionally, your pets will receive a blanket and drinking bowl on arrival at the hotel.

Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff

Banff National Park has many world-famous natural treasures like Lake Louise and the Rocky Mountains. What better way to enjoy Banff than to stay in the Fairmont Banff Springs with your beloved pet?

The hotel welcomes two pets of any size for an additional fee of 50 Canadian dollars per night. Dogs and cats are allowed to stay here, but you may not leave them unattended in the room. Additionally, the hotel staff provides beds, bowls and delicious treats for your pets.

Sylvia Hotel, Vancouver

Vancouver has a lot to offer for all people and animals. With majestic mountains, sparkling waters and beautiful foliage all year round, it is no surprise that 8 million people visit this city every year. The Sylvia Hotel is a pet-friendly hotel to which you can bring two pets at no additional fee. Dogs and cats are both allowed at this hotel, and you may leave them unattended in the room if your pets are well-behaved.

Delta Hotel, Quebec City

Want to visit the Montmorency Falls or take a walk along the river on the Samuel-De Champlain Promenade? You can easily do this with your loving pet! 

The Delta Quebec Hotel welcomes two additional pets for an additional fee of 35 Canadian dollars per stay. This hotel has a grassy area on the property that you can use for pet relief.

Four Seasons, Whistler

Go for a hike in the mountains, or enjoy a relaxing activity on the lake. Whatever your heart desires, you can do it with your favourite pet right by your side. The Four Seasons Whistler Hotel allows two pets of any size for an additional fee of 65 Canadian dollars per stay. This hotel offers beds, bowls and tasty treats for your pet. Also, a local company is available to watch your pets for an additional cost while you are away.

Pyramid Lake Resort, Jasper

Fancy staying in a chalet at the lakeside while being surrounded by mountains? If that piques your interest, then surely your pet feels the same! Luckily, the Pyramid Lake Resort welcomes two pets of any size for an additional fee of 25 Canadian dollars per night.

The hotel offers treats and waste bags at the front desk, and there is a grassy area for pet relief. The hotel includes a restaurant, a fitness area and a relaxing pool with marvellous views of natural landscapes.

Westin Resort & Spa, Mont Tremblant

Skiing in the winter, playing a round of golf in the summer or perhaps relaxing in the hot tub with a glass of champagne. The Westin Resort & Spa in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, offers year-round activities for people and pets. The hotel welcomes two dogs of any size at an additional fee of 50 Canadian dollars per night. Treats, waste bags, beds and dog bowls are all provided at this hotel. However, cats are not allowed.

Vogue Hotel, Montreal

Explore the charm of Montreal’s old town, or enjoy the views of the city with a drink at the hotel’s rooftop bar. The best part is that you can enjoy it all without having to leave your pet at home. The Vogue Hotel welcomes two pets of any size at an additional fee of 49 Canadian dollars per stay. The hotel provides a bed, drinking bowls, delicious treats, and a map of great places to go for a walk with your pet.

St. Regis, Toronto

Toronto’s dynamic neighbourhoods with soaring skyscrapers and bustling crowds are an attraction that many enjoy. A trip up the CN Tower is only minutes away from The St. Regis Toronto, and luckily the hotel allows you to leave a pet unattended in your room.

This hotel permits both cats and dogs, and there is no additional fee as long as your pet is below 25 lbs. The hotel is located at the heart of the financial district, so finding a grassy area to walk your pet can be a challenge.

Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour, Victoria

Victoria sits on the southern end of Vancouver Island and is close to both Vancouver and Seattle. The capital of B.C. is known for large parks, vivid floral displays and outdoor activities. It’s the perfect location to spend a holiday with your pet, and the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour Hotel welcomes both you and your friend to their establishment. At an additional fee of 25 Canadian dollars per night and per pet, the hotel offers pet-friendly rooms to accommodate the needs of pet owners.

Four Points by Sheraton, Edmonton

Edmonton, Alberta’s capital city, has a lot to offer tourists. Enjoy a walk along the winding river, or be lucky and catch a glimpse of the northern lights during wintertime. The Four Points Hotel by Sheraton in Edmonton South is cat-friendly and enables you to bring your pet along for the journey. You can stay at the hotel with one pet of up to 100 lbs at an additional fee of 25 Canadian dollars per night.

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham, Niagara Falls

You haven’t lived if you haven’t seen Niagara Falls. Each year, the natural wonder attracts over 13 million tourists from around the globe. If you are planning to visit the falls, then make sure to stay at the dog-friendly Ramada Plaza by Wyndham in Niagara Falls.

The hotel welcomes two pets of any size at an additional fee of 40 Canadian dollars per night. The property has grassy areas for pet relief, and you can leave your pet unattended in the hotel room when you want to visit the Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist or any other indoor areas at the national park.

Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Ottawa

The capital of Canada boasts a broad selection of activities for tourists and their pets. Go for a boat ride along the Ottawa river or ice skating along the same path when the river freezes over in the wintertime.

From there, you can enjoy Canada’s most beautiful architecture. The Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel is part of that beauty, and the greatest thing of all is that you can stay there with your pet. The hotel welcomes two dogs up to 25 lbs for an additional fee of 50 Canadian dollars per night per pet.

Both dogs and cats are allowed, but pets should not be left unattended in the room. The nearby Major Hills Park offers grassy areas for pet relief.

The takeaway

Travelling with your pets is a great option, but you must be prepared for additional costs or specific restrictions. Nonetheless, the moments you get to share with your beloved animal on holiday are priceless and well worth the additional planning and care. In this article, we have given you 15 options that can inspire you to go on a fun adventure with your pet.