Discover a new region, recharge your batteries in kind, change scenery for a week by teleworking; all the reasons are good to rent a chalet in Quebec.
So, is it decided? You go ? Before making your choice, read through these few tips that will help you find the ideal chalet!
How to find the perfect chalet for your needs?
There are thousands of cottages for rent all over the province of Quebec. From the small rustic cabin lost in the forest to the large ultra-modern house by the water, there really is something for everyone!
To find the one that’s right for you, you’ll need to think about a few key points. When do you want to leave ? Will you be alone or in a large group? What activities would you like to do? What will your budget be?
Determine the region to visit
Quebec is full of landscapes to discover and little treasures that are sometimes overlooked. Each region has its own attractions and particularities.
The choice of your chalet will therefore depend on where you want to go. It can also be an opportunity to go on a road trip to a region you’ve never visited!
To make your selection, consider the following few things: How many kilometers are you willing to travel to get to your destination What activities do you want to do? Is there a tourist attraction that you would like to visit? Do you want to stay close to services or get away in nature for more peace?
Think about activities
By renting a chalet, you will also have the opportunity to do all kinds of activities. It is therefore worth thinking about this before you start your search.
What kind of vacation do you want to spend (family, romantic, sports…)? Is there a tourist attraction you wanted to see? A sport you dream of trying?
If you simply want to rest, a remote chalet in nature will satisfy you completely. Families with young children sometimes prefer to be closer to a city if needed!
In any case, being able to spend your evenings in a spa is a big plus!
How many people will you be?
Most cabins for rent have a maximum number of guests for the stay. You can, of course, opt for a large home even if there are only two of you. On the other hand, choosing a chalet with a capacity of 6 people when you are leaving with a group of 15 people could get you in trouble.
If you are bringing a pet, you will also need to ensure that it will be allowed.
What is your budget ?
.On the market, you will see chalets at $100 or more than $1000 a night. Several factors influence prices: The size of the cottage The presence of a spa or swimming pool Access to water View The location The time of rental.
The duration of the stay; duration of stay If you are on a tight budget, try to avoid weekends and peak times.
Renting a chalet in Quebec: our advice
The cottage rental industry has exploded in recent years. If some owners do it in the rules of the art, others do it perhaps a little less well.
You rent a chalet to have a good time and not to have to organize yourself with problems. Here are our tips to prevent your vacation from turning into a hassle!
Use an online booking platform
Online chalet booking platforms often offer many advantages:
Simplified search (by dates, region, number of guests and characteristics)
Best price guaranteed
Simple and secure booking process
ask questions
Is bedding provided? Are there dishes on site? Will there be towels? Is the wood for the fire included? What should you do in the event of an emergency or breakage during the stay? Are there services nearby?
Also check if there is Wi-Fi in order to organize yourself accordingly.
By knowing what to expect, you can plan ahead.
Along the same lines, owners should be available to answer your questions. If you have trouble reaching them or they avoid answering your questions, it bodes badly.
Book early
Cottage rentals are popular. The most beautiful homes often have a waiting list, especially for periods of high traffic (construction holidays, spring break, the weekend of Saint-Jean, the Holidays, etc.)
To avoid disappointment, we advise you to plan ahead. You will have more choices!
Beware of bad reviews
Have you found a chalet that seems to offer an idyllic setting for your vacation? The photos of the waterfront and the decor that is both modern and cozy will probably make your imagination work. You already feel on vacation.
But, have you taken a look at the reviews? Pictures can sometimes be misleading. So, if the latter are perfect, but the reviews are negative (or non-existent), it would be better to ask you questions.
Be sure to sign a rental agreement
The rental agreement protects you as much as the owner of the chalet. There should be a contract including at least:
Information about the owner and the chalet
The duration of the rental and the price
The amount of the deposit
The number of people who will be present
Cancellation and refund policies
It is a plus if you find the description of the rental as well as instructions concerning your stay.
Check the classification certificate
In order to avoid being scammed, it is strongly advised to check that the coveted chalet is certified by the Corporation de l’industrie touristique du Québec. This certificate is mandatory for all chalets offering stays of less than 31 days.
The sign indicates the number of stars awarded to the tourist residence. This means that the chalet you are about to rent has been visited and evaluated according to standardized criteria.
In Quebec, the category “tourist residences” currently has more than 9,500 establishments. More than 5,000 of them are awaiting classification.
Insurance side
Holidays unfortunately do not protect us from disaster. Water damage, fires and other breakage may occur while you are occupying the cottage.
Typically, your homeowners insurance will cover your belongings as well as property damage through liability if you are responsible (perhaps negligently) for the loss.
Losses for which you are not responsible are covered by the owner’s insurance.
The checklist for your chalet holiday
Before you leave, make sure you bring everything you need for a memorable vacation at the cottage. You have to think of everything! Especially if you choose a location far from services.
If you have followed our advice, you will have checked what is provided at the chalet.
If not, now is the time to do it. Here is a (non-exhaustive) list of what you may need to bring:
- Crockery (plates, bowls, glasses, utensils) Plates
- Dishes Accessories for children such as baby bottles, water bottles, small utensils, etc.
- (for families) Kitchen accessories (spatulas, tongs, whisk, cutting board)
- Hygiene products (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, etc.)
- Your medications
- Bedding
- Bath towels
- Extra warm blankets
- Garbage bags Toilet paper
- Paper towels and tissues
- Clothing adapted to the planned activities
- cell phone charger
- First aid kit
- Games Books
- Computer/tablet
- Sports equipment
- Matches and kindling
- Swimwear
- Small treats like marshmallows for the fire and popcorn for pampering days
- Food