Best Times to Book Hotels in Major Canadian Cities

Booking a hotel at the right time can make a huge difference in price, availability, and overall experience. In Canada’s most popular cities—Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary—hotel rates fluctuate based on seasonality, demand, and local events. Here’s when to book for the best deals and the ideal travel experience.

1. Toronto

Best Time to Book: January – March
Toronto sees peak tourism during the summer months (June – August), driving hotel prices higher. To get the best hotel deals in Toronto, consider traveling between January and March, when demand is lower, and discounts are more common.

Avoid: Major events like TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) in September and holiday seasons in December.

Best Deals: Early spring (April) and late fall (November) offer lower rates while still providing comfortable travel conditions.

2. Vancouver

Best Time to Book: October – April

Vancouver is a year-round destination, but hotel prices spike during the summer months (June – August) due to cruise ship season and outdoor festivals.

Winter months (January – March) offer great deals, especially if you’re not planning to ski at nearby resorts like Whistler.

Shoulder seasons (April – May, September – October) provide affordable hotel rates with mild weather.

3. Montreal

Best Time to Book: November – April

Montreal’s busiest seasons are summer (June – August) and during major festivals like the Montreal Jazz Festival.

Winter (January – March) provides lower rates, but prepare for cold weather. Early spring (April – May) is great for budget-friendly hotel stays.

4. Calgary

Best Time to Book: September – May

Calgary is busiest in July due to the Calgary Stampede, which causes hotel rates to soar.

Avoid: Early July unless you’re visiting for Stampede. Best Rates: Fall (September – October) and winter (January – March) offer cheaper hotel prices and fewer crowds.

Final Tips:

Book at least 1-2 months in advance for major cities.
Consider midweek stays (Tuesday – Thursday) for better rates.
Use hotel price comparison tools to find the best deals year-round.