Temporary housing
One of your first needs after you arrive in Canada is a temporary place to stay until you can rent or buy a home. One option is to stay at a hotel or hostel.
Most hotels and hostels have a website with photographs, location, price and a description of the services they offer. You can also use travel guides, forums and other websites to find reviews. Learn more about hotels and hostels by reading the Welcome to Canada guide.
You can also contact an immigrant-serving organization in the city or town where you plan to settle. Ask if temporary housing for newcomers is available and how much it costs.
Refugees will get help finding temporary housing as part of the Resettlement Assistance Program.
Types of housing
Rental apartments: most apartments have one, two or three bedrooms. “Bachelor” units have a single room that serves as a living area and bedroom.
Rental rooms: large homes are sometimes divided into several private bedrooms that you can rent.
Condominiums (Condos): for more information on condominiums, see the Condominium Buyer’s Guide
Houses: there are detached houses with surrounding properties, as well as semi-detached and townhouses where each house shares a wall with another.