by Caroline Barlott
Going on vacation often means leaving everything at home behind, including the creatures that mean the most to you, your beloved pets. But it’s not always necessary to leave your furry friends with a pet sitter. There are many hotels across the country that cater to people who need to have Spot along for the ride. Here is just a sampling across some of the provinces. [Image credit: iStock.com/imagine632]
Waters Edge on the Ucluelet peninsula of the west coast of Vancouver Island offers condo-style accommodation with full kitchens and beautiful spacious rooms for those travelling in the area. The buildings are right along the water with beautiful views. The resort is also pet-friendly with select suites available to guests with pets for an extra fee.
Driving up to the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel is a highlight of any visit to the area. The hotel, which looks like a castle both inside and out, is as stunning as the mountain views surrounding it. Luckily for those travelling with pets, they do have a policy that allows a maximum of two pets to stay for an extra charge. Pets must be supervised at all times, and on a leash in public areas, and the hotel even offers pet-sitting services.
The historic elegance of the Hotel Saskatchewan in Regina is evident throughout the hotel, from the high archways over the doors to the beautifully restored antique furnishings throughout. The hotel has a spa, a fitness centre, a whirlpool, several dining options, and it’s pet friendly.
The Lakeview Hecla Resort north of Winnipeg is a place where you go to really unwind and get away from everything that’s bothering you in life. Located in Manitoba’s Hecla Grindstone Provincial Park, just past the village of Hecla, the pet-friendly resort is surrounded by hiking trails and natural beauty. The park consists of a series of islands between the east and west shores of Lake Winnipeg, and it’s the ideal place to walk with your dogs along the beaches, while watching the local wildlife.
Harbour House at Niagara on the Lake has an exterior that’s reminiscent of a barn in construction, but that’s where any comparisons end. The hotel is incredibly upscale with beautiful details both inside and out. There are wrought-iron exterior lanterns, beautiful furnishings, and plenty of natural light in the waterfront property. And luckily, there are two pet-friendly rooms available for an additional charge.
For those travelling to Quebec City with a small dog or a cat, the Chateau des Tourelles is the ideal place to stay. Located in the historic St. Jean-Baptiste district, the hotel fits right in with plenty of charm and the rooftop terrace allows you to have the best view in the neighbourhood.
Pets stay free at the Rodd Charlottetown, a historic P.E.I. hotel built in 1931. The brick exterior with a regal, columned entrance gives way to marble floors, vaulted ceilings and elegant ballrooms. It’s a hotel that will leave both you and your pets feeling like royalty.
Lakelawn B&B Motel in downtown Yarmouth, Nova Scotia looks far more charming than most budget hotels but the prices are still comparable. The motel has a great location as it’s just across the road from Lake Milo and very close to the ferry terminal – there is access to many walking trails and the owners can help arrange a personal tour of the area for you and your pets, who are also welcome to stay at the motel.
Stanton Suites Hotel is in what was once an apartment building, so the rooms have been retrofitted, but many still have kitchens, in-suite laundry, and separate living areas, and are larger than average. They are also pet friendly, so that both you and your pets can be nearly as comfortable as you would normally be at home.
