Accommodation Tips

Approved Accommodation

Throughout British Columbia, Approved Accommodation designation is awarded to tourist accommodation establishments that have been inspected by Tourism British Columbia and meet their strict standards of courtesy, comfort and cleanliness.

Establishments that attain the Approved Accommodation designation may display a white "Approved Accommodation" sign featuring Tourism British Columbia's recognizable logo.

Those tourists travelling in British Columbia can use the Accommodation Guide, Super Camping Guide or the HelloBC Reservation System with confidence as all the properties listed have qualified for the Accommodation Approved designation.

Cancellations and Refunds

Accommodation reservations can often be made in advance by contacting the property directly. Each establishment generally requires the equivalent of the daily room or site rate to hold the accommodation. When requesting accommodation, it is recommended that you ask for the cancellation and refund policy applicable to the establishment.

Complaints

Complaints about an accommodation facility should first be discussed with the property's manager. If not resolved, send to:

Manager of Accommodations Program
Tourism British Columbia
3rd Floor, 1803 Douglas Street
Victoria BC
V8T 5C3

or email: productservices@gov.bc.ca

Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)

All accommodations both camping and lodging charge the 12% HST on all room and site rentals

Hotel Room Tax

In some municipalities, there is an additional hotel room tax (Municipal and Regional District Tax) of up to 2%. The hotel tax does not apply to campgrounds and RV parks.

Room Rates

Accommodation rates are normally quoted before the calculation of HST and Hotel Room Tax. Rates are published in Tourism British Columbia's Approved Accommodation Guide and other media. All accommodations have the right to change their rate from those published in the guide or other sources but rates quoted at the time of reservations and accepted by the guest must be honoured.