Maple News reports that the Canadian government has released an official list of hotels approved to accommodate international air travelers for the mandatory quarantine period. As of February 22, all passengers arriving by air in Canada are required to take a COVID-19 test upon landing and quarantine in one of these authorized hotels while awaiting results, a process that may take up to three days.
This new policy is part of a broader initiative first announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in January to curb the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. Initially, the federal estimate put the cost of the three-day hotel quarantine at around $2,000 per traveler. However, actual rates so far appear to vary considerably depending on the hotel and amenities provided.
For example, two hotels near Toronto Pearson International Airport are offering quarantine packages starting between $319 and $339 per night for single occupancy. In contrast, the Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel is reportedly charging $1,272 for a three-day package that includes meals and security services.
At present, international flights are restricted to four Canadian airports: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal. Hotels authorized to house quarantining travelers are located near these airports. The list is expected to grow as more facilities are added in the coming days.
Approved government quarantine hotels include:
Vancouver International Airport:
– Westin Wall Centre Vancouver Airport
Calgary International Airport:
– Acclaim Hotel
– Marriott Calgary Airport
Toronto Pearson International Airport:
– Alt Hotel Pearson Airport
– Four Points by Sheraton and Element Toronto Airport
– Holiday Inn Toronto International Airport
– Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport
Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport:
– Aloft Montreal Airport
– Crowne Plaza Montreal Airport
– Holiday Inn Express and Suites Montreal Airport
– Montreal Airport Marriott In-Terminal
Those arriving by air must make quarantine hotel reservations in advance. According to guidance from the Canadian government, bookings can be made by phone at 1-800-294-8253 (toll-free within North America) or 1-613-830-2992 (call collect from abroad). These lines can also assist with special requests, accessibility concerns, and pet accommodations.
Maple News will continue monitoring updates to the list and any changes in quarantine protocols across Canada.