How to Find Cheap Hotels in British Columbia, Canada

Go west to explore the endless natural beauty of British Columbia, Canada's province along the Pacific Ocean. Folllow these steps to find accommodations during your next trip.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Valid passport

Select Your Accommodations in British Columbia, Canada

1. Call [phone], or visit the Tourism British Columbia Web site for more information about exploring and booking accommodations in British Columbia, Canada (see Resources listed below).
2. Drop anchor and sleep on a houseboat in British Columbia. If traveling in a group, this is a particularly fun way to go. Houseboats can sleep up to 10 people, and many have full kitchens and bathrooms. This may be the best way to move up and down the coast.
3. Book a cottage or private lodge. In heavily wooded British Columbia, there are many cozy, romantic getaways for good prices.
4. Stay for cheap in a hostel in British Columbia, Canada. Hostel types range from private rooms to family settings to dormitory-style bunks. Many hostels are located in national parks, making this both a cheap and beautiful way to travel. Hostels vary widely in price, from just a little over $15 in Kamloops, British Columbia, to about $65 in Whistler.

Determine Your Transportation

5. Ferry through British Columbia--literally. B.C. Ferries operates one of the best systems in the world, servicing over 50 ports of call up and down the coastline.
6. Ride the bus through the province. British Columbia is a vast stretch of land and distances can add up. Leave the driving to somebody else and enjoy the scenery, all at a budget price.
7. Rent a car and drive yourself along the excellent highway system of British Columbia. Visitors coming from the U.S. will have to show proper documentation at the border, of course.

Know Your Destination

8. Enjoy the Canadian way. British Columbia is known for being a friendly, laid-back place where people are trusted to do the right thing. Make sure you respect your hosts as much as they respect you.
9. Check your insurance coverage before leaving home. Knowing what kind of coverage you have abroad is essential.
10. Know the law. Canada and the U.S. are very friendly, of course, but when traveling between the two countries, there are restrictions on imports and exports. Be careful about what you try to bring into and out of British Columbia.

See the Sights in British Columbia

11. Learn about the melting pot that is British Columbia. Vancouver and the Lower Mainland is a mix of European, Asian and native influences. Further north and inland, pioneer footprints have left their mark on the developing area.
12. Clean off your binoculars and head out for world-class bird-watching. British Columbia has preserved wildlife sanctuaries and parks as well as anybody in the world.
13. Sample local British Columbia wines. Though not known as a leading wine producer, places like the Okanagan Valley region have proven to be quite good at making excellent ice wines and fruit wines, with tempting flavors like cranberry. You may want to book your accommodations at a B.C. vineyard.

Tips & Warnings

• Buckle up for safety. Strict seatbelt laws are in effect throughout Canada.
• Camp and hike with professionals when heading to dangerous terrain. The great outdoors of British Columbia is stunning, but also extraordinarily powerful.