Canada is a country blessed with an incredible abundance of natural beauty, With its expansive coastlines, towering mountain ranges, and pristine lakes, Canada is a nature lover’s paradise. Yet finding accommodations that allow you to immerse yourself in these stunning landscapes without blowing your vacation budget can be a challenge. Fear not, budget-conscious traveler! We’ve scoured the country to uncover some of the top beachfront, lakeside, and riverside hotels that combine incredible value with exceptional waterfront locations across Canada. Whether you’re looking for luxury, mid-range comfort, or budget-friendly options, there’s a perfect spot for you to unwind and soak in the natural beauty of Canada. Here’s a guide to some of the best deals on hotels across Canada’s coastal regions.
Nova Scotia – The Iconic Maritime Province
Nova Scotia’s coastal towns and villages are postcard-perfect, with colorful houses and boats dotting the shorelines. In the historic town of Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Lunenburg Waterfront Campground and Cottages provide basic but clean cottage rentals right on the harbor from just $99 CAD per night in peak season. Wake up to views of the quaint waterfront and easy access to walking trails, shops and restaurants.
Let’s start out East in Nova Scotia, where the charming Anglers Ocean Resort in Digby offers cozy cottages right on the shores of St. Marys Bay from just $99 CAD per night in peak season. Wake up to the crashing waves and salt air at this affordable maritime hideaway. Up the coast in Pictou, the tranquil Willow Cove Cottages have rustic-chic cottages from $109 CAD overlooking the Northumberland Strait – perfect for kayaking and beachcombing.
Over on the West Coast, Vancouver Island is ringed with beautiful seaside retreats like the Beach Acres Resort in Parksville, where cottage rentals start at $139 CAD per night throughout summer. Stroll the sandy shores, go for a surf, then cozy up around your in-room fireplace in the evenings. Or head to the island’s remote west coast and post up at the affordable West Coast Trail Lodge cabins from $129 CAD per night. This tiny oceanfront village provides the ideal base camp for hiking the famous West Coast Trail.
Of course, no discussion of budget waterfront hotels in Canada would be complete without mentioning Ontario’s Great Lakes region. Family-friendly motels and lodges abound, like Sandbanks Sands Resort on Lake Ontario from $99 CAD per night, putting you steps from the stunning sandstone shores. The resort features an indoor pool, game room, and affordable cottages as well as motel rooms. For a Lake Erie retreat, Port Colborne’s Talwood Manor Inn has clean and cozy rooms from $79 CAD, many with direct waterfront views and balconies over the lake.
Heading west to the Canadian Prairies, you’ll find sparkling lake oases like Saskatchewan’s Lake Manitou Resort, where cabins with kitchenettes start at $109 CAD per night. Spend sunny days swimming, fishing, kayaking, and hiking the lakeside trails of this underrated region. Alberta is also home to numerous budget-friendly lodges in places like Jasper National Park, where the rustic camping cabins of Wapiti Camperground start at an unbeatable $69 CAD per night, right in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
Speaking of the Rockies, budget travelers to British Columbia are spoiled for choice when it comes to scenic mountain lake and riverside hotels. In the outdoor adventure hub of Nelson, you can snag a room at the creekside Prestige Lakeside Resort from $159 CAD per night, with complimentary kayak and canoe rentals included! Nearby Valhalla Riverside Cottages in Slocan offer pet-friendly cabins starting at $129 CAD right along the Slocan River.
For those looking for vibrant city stays near the water, Quebec and Ontario have some excellent affordable picks as well. Montreal’s Hi-Montreal Hostel has dorm beds from just $35 CAD per night overlooking the St. Lawrence River and iconic Old Montreal skyline. In Toronto, the budget-friendly Radisson Hotel & Suites property on Kings Street West offers harbor views from many of their rooms, which start at $159 CAD per night.
Of course, hotels and resorts aren’t the only accommodations available for those seeking cheap waterfront stays in Canada. The country is a prime destination for vacation home rentals, with sites like VRBO and Airbnb offering everything from charming seaside cottages to modern city condos with ocean vistas. A quick search can uncover some outstanding deals if you have flexibility on dates.
One under-the-radar option for ethical travelers are “vegetarian hotels,” a burgeoning niche of accommodations that cater specifically to vegetarian, vegan, and plant-based guests. Toronto’s Histon Suites is one such property, providing a homey and affordable vegan experience from $99 CAD per night. Many are located in trendy neighborhoods filled with vegan eateries too.
British Columbia – Where the Mountains Meet the Sea
With Vancouver’s skyrocketing hotel prices, finding an affordable waterfront stay can be tough. However, the outlying areas of BC’s Lower Mainland offer some gems. In picturesque White Rock, the Ocean Beach Resort boasts ocean view rooms from just $119 CAD per night. Relax on the private beach, explore the pier and cute seaside town, or use it as a base for day trips into Vancouver.
On Vancouver Island, the Arbutus Cove Seaside Cottages in Maple Bay provide cozy cottages and RV sites right on the waterfront from $129 CAD per night in high season. This quiet haven near Duncan and Nanaimo offers exceptional value compared to hotels in pricier areas.
Nova Scotia – The Iconic Maritime Province
Nova Scotia’s coastal towns and villages are postcard-perfect, with colorful houses and boats dotting the shorelines. In the historic town of Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Lunenburg Waterfront Campground and Cottages provide basic but clean cottage rentals right on the harbor from just $99 CAD per night in peak season. Wake up to views of the quaint waterfront and easy access to walking trails, shops and restaurants.
Farther up the coast, Truro’s Valley View Chalets and Camping offer rustic but comfortable chalets from $129 CAD per night, with a private beach on the Salmon River. This peaceful setting is perfect for unwinding and enjoying Maritime hospitality.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful waterfront hideaway, an affordable family resort, an urban hotel with city and harbor views, or unique properties that cater to special diets like vegetarian/vegan, Canada has it all. With some savvy research, it’s easy to find exceptional waterfront accommodations that allow you to fully experience the great outdoors – without digging too deep into your travel budget. Start planning your affordable Canadian adventure today!