Not too late for a holiday cottage

In recent years, Quebecers have flocked to chalets for their vacations, which were less likely to be disrupted by the vagaries of the pandemic. However, with a certain return to normal, even if this type of accommodation remains popular, reservations are made less early. To the point where it is still possible to find a roof for the holidays.

“After the beginning of November, we usually answer the phone mainly to say that everything is rented, but there are still some nice products left,” notes Philippe Hamel, CEO of MonsieurChalets.com, an accommodation rental site. which has existed for 10 years.

Also responsible for the Quebec chalet rental and Chaletretreat platforms, Philippe Hamel says he has brought together approximately 2,400 properties, or nearly a quarter of the approximately 10,000 tourist residences registered in Quebec. The occupancy rate between December 23 and January 5 is around 87%, he estimates, which means that just over 1 in 10 chalets is still for rent.

In view of the Holidays, between 10% and 15% of properties remain available, also notes Dany Papineau, president of WeChalet, a rental platform that has 1,500 properties. “Reservations come later,” he notes. Of course, finding a chalet for a group, near a ski resort, is more difficult, but we still have a lot of properties…”

Same story on the side of RSVPchalets, a site that offers around 1000 chalets for rent. “It’s slower this year, a little more even than before the pandemic, launches Thomas Asselin, president of the company which has existed since 2005. People have started to make trips to the South again, it seems. The chalets are still renting well, but it’s not the madness of the last few years. »

At SEPAQ, cabins or free yurts are rather rare for the holiday season, but there are still some availabilities here and there for short stays, in the Gaspésie and Aiguebelle parks, in the wildlife reserve of Portneuf or at the Lac-Simon tourist center, in particular, on the page for last-minute outings in nature.

Thinking about summer… and spring break

SEPAQ customers are used to booking early. For summer 2023 (from 1^er April to September 30), slightly more than half of nights spent in chalets have already found takers. “We are currently at the same location as last year,” observes spokesperson Simon Boivin. Of course, there is less availability for long summer weekends and construction holidays.

No matter where, booking early is advantageous. “Chalets by the lake with a spa and a space to make a fire outside leave first, recalls Dany Papineau, especially for stays of one or two weeks in the summer. »

By virtue of its partnership with Air Transat, which now invites its customers to consult its rental platform, WeChalet hopes to be able to count on a new clientele next summer: visitors from elsewhere, especially from France, who have the means.

This wealthy clientele will be particularly interested in Charlevoix and Gaspésie, believes Dany Papineau.

The arrival of these new tenants could convince holidaymakers to make their choice without delay for next summer. But what if they change their minds by then? “On our platform, the free cancellation conditions are very flexible. The strictest guarantee a full refund 31 days before the stay,” replies Mr. Papineau.

Fancy a chalet for spring break? Now is the time to take action. “People usually plan about three months in advance, so we’re there,” says WeChalet’s CEO. “Usually, at the Holidays, it’s already pretty much over for us for the spring break, but this time, it’s barely started, there’s a lot of availability,” adds Thomas Asselin of RSVPchalets.

Those who will not immediately find a refuge to their liking should not be discouraged: owners are sometimes slow to open the reservation slots… and new registrations are added every week. “Chalets are renting a little less, so owners are registering in large numbers these days on our platforms,” says Philippe Hamel, of MonsieurChalets.com.