Moving to Canada is an exciting milestone, but the first few days or weeks can also feel overwhelming. Between opening a bank account, getting your Social Insurance Number (SIN), enrolling your children in school, and learning your new city, finding permanent housing isn’t always your first step.

That’s why many newcomers choose temporary housing after arriving in Canada.

Temporary accommodation gives you time to settle in, explore different neighbourhoods, attend rental viewings, and make informed decisions before signing a long-term lease.

Whether you’re arriving alone, with your spouse, or with young children, there are several temporary housing options available, each with its own advantages and trade-offs.

This article explains the most common types of temporary housing in Canada, who they’re best suited for, and the pros and cons of each so you can choose the option that fits your family’s needs.

Why Most Newcomers Start with Temporary Housing

Even if you’ve done months of planning, securing permanent housing before arriving isn’t always realistic.

Many Canadian landlords prefer meeting tenants in person, verifying employment, or reviewing Canadian credit history before approving a rental application.

As a newcomer, you may need time to gather documents, explore neighbourhoods, and decide where you want to live.

Temporary housing gives you flexibility while you:

• Visit apartments in person
• Learn public transit routes
• Compare neighbourhoods
• Register children for school
• Complete settlement paperwork
• Search for employment if needed

Some newcomers stay in temporary housing for just a few days, while others remain for several weeks depending on the local rental market and their personal circumstances.

What Should You Book Before You Arrive?

If you’re not staying with family or friends, it’s a good idea to arrange your accommodation before your flight to Canada. After a long journey, the last thing you’ll want is to search for a place to sleep while adjusting to a new country.

For many newcomers, booking three to seven nights is a practical starting point. This gives you time to recover from travel, complete important settlement tasks, and decide whether to extend your stay or move to another temporary housing option.

If you expect your housing search to take longer, you may want to book accommodation with flexible cancellation or extension policies. That way, you can adjust your plans if you find permanent housing sooner or need a little more time.

Comparing Temporary Housing Options

Not every housing option works for every newcomer. Your budget, family size, arrival plans, and expected length of stay will all influence the best choice.

Housing Type	Best For	Typical Stay	Cost	Family Friendly
Hotel	First few nights	1–7 days	High	Moderate
Airbnb or Vacation Rental	Families	Days to several weeks	Medium–High	Excellent
Extended Stay Hotel	Families or professionals	Weeks to months	Medium	Excellent
Settlement Housing	Eligible newcomers	Days to weeks	Low or free	Good
Furnished Short-Term Rental	Longer temporary stays	One month or more	Medium	Excellent
Friends or Family	Those with local support	Flexible	Low	Varies
Hostel	Solo travellers	Short stays	Low	Not recommended

The best option depends on your priorities – whether that’s saving money, having space for children, or staying close to public transit.

Understanding Temporary Housing Costs

The cost of temporary housing varies depending on the city, season, and type of accommodation you choose. Larger cities like Toronto and Vancouver generally have higher prices than smaller communities.

Instead of focusing only on the nightly rate, think about your total daily expenses. A hotel may appear less expensive than an apartment at first, but if you need to eat every meal at restaurants, your overall costs can add up quickly.

As a general guide:

Housing Type	Typical Cost
Hostel	Lowest
Staying with Friends or Family	Low
Settlement Housing	Low or Free (if eligible)
Airbnb	Medium to High
Extended Stay Hotel	Medium to High
Hotel	High

Choosing accommodation with a kitchen, laundry facilities, or included utilities can often save money over the course of several weeks.

Hotels

Hotels are often the simplest choice immediately after arriving in Canada.

If you’re landing after a long international flight, especially with children and multiple suitcases, a hotel provides a comfortable place to rest before making bigger decisions.

Best for

• First few days in Canada
• Late-night arrivals
• Families recovering from travel
• Waiting for luggage or transportation

Pros

• Available immediately
• Flexible booking
• Daily housekeeping
• Private rooms
• No lease or paperwork

Cons

• One of the most expensive options
• Limited living space
• Eating every meal out becomes costly
• Usually no kitchen facilities

Hotels work best as a short-term solution while you organize your next accommodation.

Airbnb and Vacation Rentals

Airbnb and similar vacation rentals are popular among newcomer families because they offer more space than traditional hotel rooms.

Many include full kitchens, laundry facilities, and multiple bedrooms, making them especially convenient if you’re travelling with children or planning to stay for several weeks.

Best for

• Families
• Groups
• Newcomers wanting a home-like environment
• Stays longer than a few days

Pros

• Entire apartment or house
• Kitchen for cooking meals
• Laundry facilities
• More privacy
• Comfortable for longer stays

Cons

• Prices vary widely
• Cleaning fees can increase the total cost
• Cancellation policies differ
• Availability depends on location and season

Before booking, read reviews carefully and confirm exactly what’s included, especially parking, Wi-Fi, laundry, and kitchen equipment.

Extended Stay Hotels

Extended stay hotels bridge the gap between hotels and apartment rentals.

Unlike traditional hotels, these properties are designed for guests staying several weeks or months and often include kitchenettes, laundry facilities, and discounted weekly or monthly rates.

They’re a good option if you’re actively searching for permanent housing but want the convenience of hotel services.

Best for

• Families
• Professionals relocating for work
• Newcomers expecting to stay several weeks

Pros

• Kitchen facilities
• Weekly housekeeping
• Flexible stay lengths
• Utilities included
• No long-term lease

Cons

• More expensive than renting an apartment
• Limited living space
• Popular locations can book quickly

If you expect your housing search to take several weeks, extended stay hotels often provide better value than booking a standard hotel night after night.

Settlement Housing

Some newcomers may qualify for temporary accommodation provided through settlement organizations or government-supported programs.

Settlement housing is designed to help eligible newcomers during their first days or weeks in Canada while they begin establishing themselves.

Depending on the program, accommodation may be paired with settlement services such as:

• Orientation sessions
• Help finding permanent housing
• Language support
• Assistance opening bank accounts
• Information about schools and healthcare
• Connections to community resources

Pros

• Lower cost or free for eligible newcomers
• Access to settlement professionals
• Support beyond accommodation

Cons

• Limited availability
• Eligibility requirements apply
• Shared accommodations may be common
• Intended as temporary housing only

Not every newcomer qualifies for settlement housing, so it’s important to confirm eligibility before making travel plans.

Furnished Short-Term Rentals

If you expect your housing search to take a month or longer, furnished short-term rentals can be an excellent middle ground.

These apartments typically include furniture, utilities, internet, and kitchen essentials while offering more privacy than hotels.

They’re especially appealing for families who want to settle into a routine before committing to a long-term lease.

Best for

• One- to three-month stays
• Families
• Professionals relocating
• People waiting for permanent housing

Pros

• More living space
• Full kitchen
• Utilities often included
• Better value for longer stays
• Feels more like home

Cons

• Monthly pricing may require larger upfront payments
• Availability varies by city
• Some properties have minimum stay requirements

Looking specifically for furnished rentals? Read our complete guide to How to Find Short-Term Rentals in Canada for Newcomers.

Staying with Friends or Family

If you already have relatives or close friends in Canada, staying with them can significantly reduce your expenses while you get established.

Beyond saving money, having someone familiar with your new city can make everyday tasks much easier.

Pros

• Lowest accommodation cost
• Local knowledge
• Emotional support
• Flexible timing

Cons

• Less privacy
• Limited space
• Different household routines
• May delay finding your own home if you’re too comfortable

If you’re staying with family or friends, discuss expectations early, including how long you’ll stay and how you’ll contribute to the household.

Hostels

Hostels are common in many Canadian cities but are generally designed for backpackers and solo travellers rather than families.

Most offer shared rooms, shared bathrooms, and communal kitchens.

Best for

• Solo newcomers
• Students
• Young travellers
• Very short stays

Pros

• Affordable
• Social atmosphere
• Central locations

Cons

• Shared accommodations
• Limited privacy
• Not ideal for families with children
• Storage space may be limited

For families arriving with luggage or young children, other temporary housing options usually provide a more comfortable experience.

How to Choose the Right Temporary Housing

There’s no single “best” option for every newcomer.

Instead, think about what matters most during your first few weeks in Canada.

If you’re travelling with young children: prioritize space, a kitchen, and laundry facilities.

If you’re arriving alone: hotels, hostels, or extended stay properties may offer enough flexibility.

If you’re on a tight budget: settlement housing or staying with relatives may reduce costs.

If you’ve already secured employment: choosing accommodation close to work can reduce commuting stress while you search for permanent housing.

If you expect to move quickly into a rental: a hotel or Airbnb may be sufficient.

Your temporary accommodation doesn’t have to be perfect, it only needs to support you while you prepare for the next stage of your settlement journey.

Think Beyond the Accommodation

It’s easy to focus on the room itself, but where you stay can be just as important as what you book.

Before confirming your accommodation, consider questions like:

• Is there a grocery store nearby?
• Can you easily access public transit?
• Are there schools or childcare options close by if you’re moving with children?
• How far is it from your workplace or areas where you plan to look for housing?
• Are pharmacies, banks, and other everyday services within easy reach?

Many newcomers use temporary housing as an opportunity to explore different neighbourhoods before committing to a long-term lease. Spending a little time getting to know an area can help you choose a permanent home that better fits your family’s lifestyle.

How Long Should You Stay?

Every newcomer’s experience is different.

Some families find permanent housing within a week, while others spend a month or more exploring neighbourhoods and completing rental applications.

Factors that affect your timeline include:

• The local rental market
• Your employment situation
• Family size
• Desired neighbourhood
• Time of year
• Availability of rental properties

Rather than rushing into the first apartment you see, use your temporary housing to make a thoughtful decision that works for your family over the long term.

Booking Safely

Most temporary housing bookings go smoothly, but it’s still important to be cautious, especially if you’re arranging accommodation before arriving in Canada.

Whenever possible, book through reputable platforms, read recent guest reviews, and take time to understand cancellation policies before making a payment. If a listing seems unusually inexpensive or you’re asked to send money outside the booking platform, treat it as a warning sign.

For a detailed guide on protecting yourself from rental scams and safely booking accommodation online, read How to Stay Safe & Avoid Housing Scams in Canada.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many newcomers make the same mistakes when arranging temporary accommodation.

Try to avoid these common pitfalls:

• Booking several months before seeing the neighbourhood
• Assuming the cheapest nightly rate is the lowest overall cost
• Forgetting to budget for meals if there’s no kitchen
• Choosing accommodation far from public transit
• Ignoring cancellation policies
• Underestimating how long it may take to secure permanent housing

Planning ahead can save both money and unnecessary stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent permanent housing before arriving in Canada?

It’s possible, but many newcomers prefer waiting until they can view properties in person and explore different neighbourhoods before signing a lease.

Is Airbnb cheaper than a hotel?

It depends. For longer stays, especially for families, vacation rentals with kitchens can often reduce overall expenses by allowing you to cook meals.

Do newcomers qualify for free temporary housing?

Some settlement organizations offer temporary accommodation to eligible newcomers, but availability and eligibility vary depending on the immigration program.

How long do newcomers usually stay in temporary housing?

Some stay only a few days, while others remain for several weeks until they find suitable permanent housing.

What Happens After Temporary Housing?

Temporary housing is designed to give you breathing room while you begin your new life in Canada. Before those next steps, it helps to understand what to do after landing so you can hit the ground running from the moment you arrive.

Once you’ve settled in, your next steps will usually include:

1. Exploring neighbourhoods that fit your family’s needs.
2. Gathering the documents needed for rental applications.
3. Viewing apartments or homes in person.
4. Applying for permanent housing.
5. Signing a lease and planning your move.

Every newcomer’s journey is different, and there’s no “perfect” timeline. Some families find permanent housing within days, while others take several weeks to make the right decision.

The important thing is to choose temporary accommodation that gives you the flexibility to settle in comfortably without feeling rushed.

If you’d prefer hotel-style accommodation with flexible stays and amenities like kitchens and laundry facilities, read Best Extended Stay Hotels in Canada for Newcomers.

With a little planning, temporary housing can make your transition to Canada smoother, less stressful, and give you the confidence to find the right long-term home for your family.