Here are my favorite sites. They do a good job getting the information out, have nice search options, lots of data, don’t try to overload you with messaging and are also professional.

Quebec Only (in order of my preference):

1. Chalets Au Quebec (Cottages Quebec)
2. Chalets a Louer
3. Chalets QC
4. Quebec Location de Chalets
5. Chalets branchés du Québec

Canada (including Quebec):

1. Cottages Canada Online
2. Cottages in Canada
3. At the Cottage
4. Canada’s Cottage Guide

USA & Canada

1. Cottage Country
2. Cottage Canada USA

Chalets Le Village Suisse, Val-David, Laurentians, Quebec

There are 3 ways that chalets are rented: a chalet domain, an agency or by owner. To find them:

1. The chalet domain: Call or email the tourism office for the area you are traveling. Chalet domains are generally locally owned and operated and thus will be unique in each area. The local tourist office should be able to provide you with the websites of all chalet domains in their region.

2. Chalet agencies & by owner: I’ve grouped these together because it is often harder to tell if you are dealing with an agency, or directly by owner. These rentals are often advertised on “chalet rental” websites. Chalet owners or agencies pay to advertise their chalet(s) on these websites. For example: www.cottagesrentals.ca serves the provence of Quebec, among others. There are hundreds of other sites with large databases of chalets offering precise searches and allowing you to narrow your criteria. Read my post on chalet rental wesites for more information and links.

TIPS: when searching for a chalet for high-periods (holidays, july, aug, feb, mar) I recommend sending out many emails inquiring about dates and pricing. Be sure to include exact dates, number of adults, number of children and optionally your phone number in your request. Including this information from the start will allow the chalet owner or agency to give you an accurate price. Save yourself time, effort and potential dissapointment by getting price/availibility information before spending too much time on pictures, descriptions and details.

Chalets Le Village Suisse, Val-David, Laurentians, Quebec

1. Not for me : Nope there is indeed “something for everyone”. From roughing it without running water to 5-star executive mansions, you will find it all.
2. Too Wild and Remote : Chalets are located everywhere! Not only in wilderness locations, you will find them in and surrounding all small-medium towns and cities. For example, our chalets are on a bus route and withing walking distance of all desired amenities.
3. I have to rent for a week : Many chalet domains and agencies are happy to rent for just 1 or 2 nights.
4. Don’t want to pay with cash : Many chalet domains take major credit cards.
5. Don’t want to bring any extras with me : Often chalets are rented equiped with linens, towels, hairdryers, soap, complimentary coffee, etc. It is best to ask, but chalet rental is evolving to offer many of the same services as hotels.

Chalets Le Village Suisse, Val-David, Laurentians, Quebec

• Space : In a chalet you will benefit from at least a kitchen, dining area and living room on top of your bedroom and bathroom.
• Tranquillity : Chances are there are no parties, weddings, sports teams or conferences in the next room.
• Privacy : Chalets are often individual units. Thus, no direct neighbours.
• Cost : For 1-2 people the price of a chalet will be comparable to a hotel, but for larger families or groups, a chalet is a budget-friendly accommodation.
• Meals : You have a choice of using the kitchen to prepare your favorite meal, or just to pop a pizza in the oven. Go as fancy or as simple as you like. Also, many chalets are located within walking distance to restaurants.
• DVD : May sound silly, but most hotels do not offer a dvd player, yet most chalets do.
• Location : From small cities, towns & villages to wilderness options, you will find a chalet literally anywhere you want to be.
• Quality-Time : When traveling with family or friends, everyone can stay close, yet still have the privacy of their own bedrooms.
• Understated Luxury : Balconies, fireplaces, queen beds, coffee makers, fridge, stove, microwave, etc are considered standard affair.

Why rent a Hotel instead of a Chalet?

• Front-Desk : Although chalet domains often provide this option, it is not a guarantee. Hotels provide 24hr service.
• Onsite Restaurant : For convienent or even elegant dining experiences, hotels have a huge advantage in this area.
• Quality control : Variance in hotel quality is often surpising, but even more so in chalets.
• Security : Hotels are often better lit at night and security guards on duty.
• Services : Again, chalet domains may offer comparable services, but hotels offer much more than induvidual chalets.
• Location : Almost always near major cities and tourist centers.

Chalets Le Village Suisse, Val-David, Laurentians, Quebec

1. Chalet Domains : Businesses with many chalets located together. Domains are comparable to hotels, except that the lodging is in your own chalet. There are generally on-site services such as swimming pools, equipment rentals, front office, activity bookings, restaurants, playgrounds, etc. Often near to major centres and easily accessible by nearby highways. Bookings are done through a central office and generally credit cards are accepted. Pricing is generally competitive and predictable. Confidence in booking, quality and regulation.
2. Chalet Agency : A chalet agency is a business which acts as a middle-man between potential customers and the chalet owner. They rent chalets which are privately owned (possibly even by the business owner himself) and take care of all necessary rental services such as the reservation, customer arrival, payment, policies, instructions, directions, maintenance and cleaning. These chalets can be located anywhere in the area where the agency operates. They may be next to busy highways, in towns, quiet subdivisions, or complete wilderness. The quality of the accommodation, furnishings, building upkeep, services, etc can vary greatly, but will be controlled by the central agency. Pricing is generally competitive across the chalet offerings.
3. By Owner : Anyone who owns a chalet may rent their abide. There is very little government control over these rentals and they are very much at your own risk. The agreement is between the client and the building owner. All maintenance, cleaning, and services are at the discretion of owner and payments are generally done by cash or personal cheque. Similar to agencies, the offerings vary incredibly from one rental to another. Contrary to the other categories, pricing is also incredibly varied. Each property is unique and it is hard to put a price point on a unique offering.

Chalets Le Village Suisse, Val-David, Laurentians, Quebec