“It was as if we were on a grand escape following the pandemic and we felt like teenagers again. Neither of us had embarked on such an extended trip before and the allure of the open road was indescribable and immensely satisfying. While we looked forward to seeing people back at home, we didn’t really want the trip to end.’
Considering Booking a Vacation with Home Exchange Canada: Read This First
In 2022, Deb and Peter set off on a 13,000-kilometer (8,078 mile), 26-stop cross-country journey, while using credits they had accrued through their membership with Home Exchange Canada. Prompted by invites to two summer weddings in Nova Scotia, they began an epic road trip from Calgary, Alberta all the way to the East coast of Canada.
Their route spanned seven provinces, with hiking ventures, charming towns, inviting homes with stunning views, and heartfelt reunions with family and friends. Read on to find out where they stayed, places to see, lessons they learned on the road, and discover how you too can organize your own home exchange vacation in Canada or around the world.
Crafting the Ultimate Road Trip: Planning the Adventure
After two years of pandemic-related confinement, Deb and Peter were eager to visit family and friends in Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia while making their way to Canada’s East Coast.
They had accumulated a substantial number of credits in their Home Exchange account and they searched for homes where they could host family gatherings, with plenty of room for guests to stay overnight if they chose to.
Accompanied by their 8.5-year-old, 80-pound, half-Lab, half Pyrenees dog Buddy they needed to secure pet-friendly accommodation. Another important requirement was reliable internet that allowed Deb to work remotely on occasional evenings for her consulting business.
They originally considered a travel trailer, but the surge in demand for recreational vehicles in 2022, made it too difficult to purchase, and very expensive. Deb was surprised at how many pet-friendly options were available through her membership with Home Exchange or through Airbnb so they decided to book homes through these platforms along the way.
Exploring the World Through Home Exchanges: How They Did It
After watching “The Holiday,” a romantic comedy where Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet swap homes in California and England over the Christmas holidays, Deb and Peter were curious to learn more.
They owned a vacation property near Fernie, British Columbia, Canada and they considered a swap for a long time before they were ready to become members of Home Exchange. Their initial concerns about having strangers in their home swiftly dissolved after they became members of Home Exchange Canada and became part of this community.
“The community and people in Home Exchange that we have interacted with have been very responsible. Because you are both exchanging properties there is a measure of trust. Building a connection through calls, emails, or video chats before finalizing an agreement is essential.”
Deb
The more experience and positive reviews that they gained, the more confident they have become. Deb’s home exchanges have been consistently positive, with warm and welcoming hosts who go the extra mile to make their stay extra special. Hosts have left them travel books, national park passes, thoughtful welcome gifts, personal notes, and recommendations for the best restaurants and sites to see in the area.
Deb and Peter have been members of Home Exchange Canada for over 10 years, enjoying free accommodation in Costa Rica, San Francisco, Sonoma wine country, St. George, Utah (near Zion national park), and locations across Canada.
The Basics of Home Exchange: How to get started with Home Exchange Canada
To get started, anyone can browse or set up a home profile for free on the Home Exchange website. Similar to an Airbnb listing, you can search for accommodation in the location you want to stay that has the amenities that you need. There are all types of properties available from large properties and houses, condos, tiny homes, cozy cottages, B&B’s, secondary suites, spare rooms, or even boats.
Each listing features maps, photos, descriptions, amenities, house rules, the number of credits (GuestPoints or GP) needed per night, a calendar with availability, and reviews from past home exchanges.
Hosts will list their preferred travel locations, but Deb explained that you do not have to have a reciprocal exchange with each other because there is a credit system.
You host guests at your own property to earn credits (GuestPoints), and bank credits for future exchanges wherever you want to go.
Like a dating profile, if someone clicks on your link and wants to move forward you have a match. Both parties connect to discuss the dates and details of the exchange before having it officially booked through the Home Exchange website. Motivated guests and hosts can conclude exchange negotiations relatively quickly, and you don’t have to negotiate the number of GuestPoints because these are preset for each property. For example, you might negotiate for extras such as who pays a housekeeper for the property during your stay. Read the full guide to complete your first exchange.
If you decide to go ahead with the exchange you would pay your membership fee which is currently $220 CAD ($160 USD) per year. Home Exchange offers a guarantee in your first year, so if you search but don’t find an exchange you can get a second year of membership free of charge. The Home Exchange membership includes an umbrella contract for all members which includes security for both parties and insurance for potential damage to a home.
Mapping Out a Home Exchange Canada Road Trip to the East Coast
Deb and Peter left Calgary, Alberta during the last week of May and returned home about two months later, near the end of July. An unhurried, relaxed pace was the plan where their daily drive would not surpass more than four hours each day.
Their itinerary prioritized stops that allowed for extended quality time with family and friends and the remainder of the stops evolved over time based on their interests and research Deb completed using several Canadian travel books for ideas. Their itinerary included an exploration of Canada’s renowned national parks and they completed notable hikes in each region they passed through.
Parks Canada’s “red chair project” caught their attention as they encountered these distinctive chairs scattered throughout their route. Interestingly, it wasn’t until fellow hikers from the United States mentioned it that they realized this was a distinctive Canadian phenomenon. These iconic red chairs served as an unexpected common thread throughout their cross-Canada trip.
Their trip included the following stops and stays:
| PROVINCE | Town or City Visited |
| Saskatchewan | Regina |
| Manitoba | Brandon, Winnipeg, Richer |
| Ontario | Ignace, Thunder Bay, Wawa, Spanish, Lurgan Beach, Rossport, Belleville, Shequalandah (Manitoulin Island), Callander (Algonquin Provincial Park) |
| Quebec | Mansonville, Lac Green, Lac Des Plaines, Montreal, L’Islet |
| New Brunswick | Lakeville, St. John, Hanwell |
| Nova Scotia | Cornwallis Park, Fundy Trail Campground and Cottages (Delaps Cove), Cumberland, Pleasant Bay (Cape Breton Island), Whycocomagh, Halifax |
| Prince Edward Island | Donaldston |
How long do you need to travel to Canada’s East Coast?
Canada is vast and enormous so Deb advises that it is wise to allocate more time than you think you will need. Deb and Peter travelled for two months but they could have easily extended the trip by a couple of weeks. At each destination, they left longing for more time. The total distance seems daunting at first, yet the time passes quickly, as you look forward to the next stop. Pushing yourself to drive long distances each day means you won’t have time to enjoy the journey. Taking time to appreciate each stop and to explore each locale will make for an enjoyable experience.
What is the best time of year to go on a road trip to the East Coast of Canada?
The best time of year to travel to the East Coast of Canada is during the spring, summer, or early fall when there is no snow or ice on the road and the road conditions are safer. Drive with caution as wildlife is abundant on the roads at this time of year. They travelled to Cabot Trail in the shoulder season of June when schools were not yet out for the summer and found that there was less traffic on the road than during summer break.
Highlights of a Road trip to Canada’s East Coast
There were many spectacular sites and memories from their road trip with a few special places that stood out.
Prairies
The road trip started in Calgary, Alberta, and they began by heading south. Afterward, they took a detour to the east, travelling through the prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. In these prairie provinces, the landscapes seemed to stretch out endlessly, resembling vast, rolling blankets of sky, clouds, and land. The sight was truly mesmerizing, with wide-open spaces and breathtaking views all around.
Southeast of Winnipeg, Manitoba they stayed at the Wild Oaks Campground (Airbnb) in a Tiny House near Richer.
Great Lakes and Ontario
Canada has more lakes than any other country in the world scattered throughout its national and provincial parks. Deb and Peter enjoyed spectacular lakes as they hiked and explored the Great Lakes of Ontario and watched magnificent sunsets from the decks of their cozy cottages. They hiked the Sawyer Bay Trail Hike in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, near Thunder Bay, Ontario and visited the beautiful sandy shores of Lake Superior at Old Woman Bay.
One of the most unique homes of their trip was at an Artist’s Carriage House in Spanish, Ontario filled with unique handcrafted art pieces in a cozy log cottage.
Manitoulin Island has an atmosphere that seems suspended in time, with an absence of traffic lights and the quaint sight of horse-drawn buggies on its pathways. A visit to the general store revealed a family-owned business with four generations of proud owners. Amid this charming setting, they encountered cedar snake rail fences, over a century old, and hiked the renowned Cup and Saucer hike. A cruise across Lake Huron on the Chi-Cheemaun ferry from Manitoulin Island to their Lurgan Beach home exchange was an outstanding experience.
Quebec
Deb loved Quebec’s picturesque landscape where vibrant lupins in royal blue and pink hues grew wild along the highway. They attended the Montreal Jazz Festival , which has run for over 40 years, and is held annually in late June and early July. This world-renowned event showcases remarkable artists in grand, bustling outdoor concerts that attract crowds of people.
One extraordinary home exchange was at a rural cottage in Lac Des Plaines, Quebec where they were welcomed with a lovely welcome note and delightful gifts of locally made maple syrup, maple butter, and beers from the local microbrewery. The views of the lake from their deck were breathtaking.
They also enjoyed impressive views from their home exchange chalet overlooking Lake Memphremagog, Quebec (Eastern Townships) and while enjoying the lush green gardens of their home exchange in Montreal.
Nova Scotia
Cape Breton Island and the world-famous Cabot Trail left a lasting impression, making them wish for a longer stay. After a rewarding two-hour hike along the magnificent Skyline Trail, they arrived at a lookout point with panoramic ocean views where they marvelled at the captivating sunset. Although they didn’t encounter any moose during their trek that day, the numerous warnings about potential moose sightings added an element of excitement to their adventure.
The most extraordinary stops of their journey were at two weddings in Nova Scotia at Delaps Cove and Cornwallis Park. The first of these celebrations had an understated, intimate charm, set against the picturesque Bay of Fundy in Delaps Cove, just below the Fundy Trail Campground and Cottages. After the vows were exchanged, an astonishing sunset painted the backdrop, crowned by the appearance of a brilliant rainbow. Guests were awestruck by this breathtaking natural beauty. The wedding banquet was a feast to remember, featuring locally caught lobster and “scollops,” transformed into a sumptuous seafood chowder.
The East Coast of Canada is known for its hospitality and Deb and Peter were warmly welcomed with a personal note from their host and local brews when they arrived at their Wentworth Valley, Nova Scotia home exchange.
Prince Edward Island (PEI)
The Confederation Bridge connecting the province of New Brunswick to PEI is 12.9 kilometres (8 miles) long and a true feat of engineering. Deb, Peter, and Buddy enjoyed walks along the pristine, red, sandy shores of PEI which stretched on for miles, and featured calm shallow waters perfect for swimming. Their scenic drive through PEI National Park to their home exchange, a secluded waterfront cottage, felt isolated with scarcely a soul around. As night fell, they enjoyed the peaceful quiet and tranquillity from their deck while gazing over the cove at Tracadie Bay.
Canada Day in PEI was cherished highlight, with a spectacular fireworks presentation against the backdrop of Charlottetown’s old architecture. The fireworks display left Deb awestruck and mesmerized, as it was a sight unlike anything she had witnessed before.
Navigating Your Home Exchange Road Trip to Canada’s East Coast: Tips and Insights
There are many lessons learned on a long road trip and these tips will ensure an enjoyable journey:
- Book your accommodations well in advance with Home Exchange members who have positive reviews or with Airbnb super hosts who have a track record of successful stays. Ensure there is a clear agreement with your hosts in advance, particularly if you are planning to bring pets or have guests stay with you.
- Planning is really important so be sure to create a list of ideas before you go with things to do and see and places to eat. You won’t be able to do everything on the list but it helps to have options readily available.
- Be flexible because even the best-laid plans may need adjusting if the weather is poor or you encounter unexpected issues. Your plan should allow you to easily adjust and choose from alternatives if needed.
- Limit the number of side trips and excursions as this is tiring and time-consuming. Deb and Peter arranged for accommodation where their friends and family would want to come to visit them and where there were extra rooms that they could stay overnight if they wished.
- Stay in touch with friends and family from home while you are away. Deb invited friends and family to view a personal blog and she appreciated the opportunity to engage with them and see their suggestions and comments while they were travelling.
- A cross-Canada road trip is a long one so be sure to service your vehicle before you leave to avoid unanticipated breakdowns and pack an emergency kit just in case.
- Bring entertainment with you for the drive. Music, podcasts, and audiobooks help to pass the time when passing through areas that are a little less engaging. Remember that in some areas of Canada there is no internet connection so be sure to download what you need to your device.
- Take care of logistics at home before you go including arranging for someone to check on your home and pick up mail while you are away.
Home Exchange FAQ’s: Everything You Need to Know
What is Home Exchange?
Home Exchange is an online social network for travellers where members exchange their homes, without exchanging money, to go on vacation. Members can travel around the world all year round with over 180,000 homes in 130 countries available for home exchanges.
Why should I use Home Exchange?
- You can go on vacations all around the world, all year round, without having to exchange money with your hosts. This provides an affordable and safe option to travel to many places.
- Home Exchange is a community of home exchangers who value trust, authenticity, and free hospitality. Because members share their real homes there is a culture of mutual respect where you live like a local in unique homes that you might not be able to book otherwise.
- Home exchanges are authentic and personal experiences based on giving and receiving. Hosts and guests typically meet virtually in advance and home exchange agreements are based on human contact and relationships.
- Hosts will often include personal touches to make you feel welcome or to provide information that will be useful during your stay.
Is home swapping safe?
Yes, Home Exchange is one of the most trusted platforms for house swapping and has been around for over 30 years. They have a mandatory verification process to confirm the identity and home address of members and they offer 24/7 personal assistance in case of an emergency. They guarantee a successful exchange and Guests are offered a cash cancellation guarantee, or an alternative solution if the property does not meet the initial home description. Hosts receive a $500 USD security deposit, receive theft protection compensation and property damage is insured up to $1 million USD with membership.
How much does it cost to be a member of Home Exchange?
You need to have an active membership to be able to finalize exchanges but you can browse listings for free. Home Exchange has an annual membership to join and the current cost of an annual membership is $220 CAD ($160 USD) for unlimited exchanges for the next 365 days.
Do I have to exchange the house I live in?
You must have a fixed structure that you are willing to exchange to join Home Exchange but this does not have to be the home you regularly reside in. There are a wide variety of accommodations available on Home Exchange such as a house, chalet, condo, B&B, cabin or cottage, fixed mobile home, docked boat, or tiny home. You can also choose to exchange your regular residence while you are away or you could host a guest, through a hospitality exchange. A hospitality exchange is when you host guests in a spare room or private living space like a suite while you are at home.
What about pets?
You may be able to bring your pet for some home exchanges if the owner allows it. You need to confirm this in advance as part of the home exchange agreement. If the homeowner has pets, they normally include this information in the listing, so you are aware in case you have allergies.
Do I have to have to exchange with someone who also wants to stay in my home at the same time?
No, you do not need to exchange homes with someone at the same time because Home Exchange has a GuestPoints system. There are several types of home exchange arrangements:
- Reciprocal or classic exchange arrangements are when you host the person whose home you are staying in. You are both the host and the guest. This exchange can either be simultaneous (where both you and your exchange partner member stay at each other’s homes during the same time) or non-simultaneous (where you and your exchange partner member stay in each other’s homes during different dates).
- Non-reciprocal arrangements are when the host of the home you want to stay in is not interested in coming to your home, so you offer a predetermined amount of GuestPoints per night for their hospitality. You can also accept GuestPoints if you are not interested in staying at your guest’s home. Each home has a different value of GuestPoints per night and this amount is automatically calculated by Home Exchange depending on a variety of factors.
- Hospitality exchange is when a host member welcomes their exchange partner member and they both agree for the host to stay at home (as if a friend was coming to stay). Your exchange partner will stay in your spare bedroom and will share with you the common areas (kitchen, living room, etc.), all according to the mutual agreement before the exchange is finalized. It can be organized either as a reciprocal or non-reciprocal exchange.
What are GuestPoints and how do I earn them?
GuestPoints are credits that you earn through your Home Exchange membership that you can use for your own home exchange. You will earn GuestPoints just for setting up your account, and profile, and creating and verifying your first listing as well as for hosting other members.
- You earn 500 welcome GuestPoints when you subscribe to Home Exchange and you will earn 200 points when you renew.
- You earn GuestPoints after you send the first 10 exchange requests.
- You earn GuestPoints if you refer people to the program after they have signed up and activated their membership.
- When you host other partner members they give you a certain number of GuestPoints per night in exchange for your hospitality. The transfer of GuestPoints is done automatically when you finalize an exchange through the Home Exchange website.
Welcome GuestPoints, earned while creating your account may expire after 12 months if your membership becomes inactive. GuestPoints you have earned from your exchanges do not expire unless you delete your account.
How many GuestPoints will I need to complete a home exchange?
GuestsPoints vary depending on the exchange (e.g. GuestPoints per night multiplied by the number of nights). Like any real estate listing, it’s important that your home is neither undervalued nor overvalued to attract future guests. A standard algorithm is used to determine the GuestPoints value of the homes on the platform. This calculation takes into account:
- The number (and size/type) of beds in your home – which is linked to the general size of the home and how many guests can stay in it
- The location of your home – based on the distance from the nearest tourist sites some of the amenities you have added to your listing – for example, having a pool or a garden will increase the GuestPoints value of your home
To receive positive ratings, it is essential that you are always honest with your guests about the amenities in your home. Members are allowed to increase the GuestPoints value of their home up to 30 GPs more than the amount recommended by HomeExchange.
What if I don’t have enough GuestPoints for the exchange I am interested in?
If you don’t have enough GuestPoints to finalize an exchange, you are encouraged to host members in your home, complete your listing or profile, become a verified member, or refer a friend. If you still need more points you can contact the HomeExchange support team to request assistance.
I’ve found a home I am interested in – what happens next?
When you search for an exchange as a guest and find a home that interests you, you can click the contact button on the page. A pop-up will appear where you can input the type of exchange you would like to propose. You can then discuss with the partner member the details of the exchange such as: the use of GuestPoints or not, dates, number of guests, exchanging of keys, check-in, etc. The exchange will need to be pre-approved and finalized before the exchange is official. See the full guide for details on how to complete your home exchange.
How does the Home Exchange rating and review system work?
After the exchange is complete both the guest and the host can leave a review within 40 days after the end of the exchange. A 1-5 scoring system is used to rate guests on politeness, cleanliness, and trustworthiness and hosts are evaluated on communication, whether the home matches description, and cleanliness of the home. If you’ve reviewed your host, this review will be visible on their profile page and home listing. If you’ve reviewed your guest, it will be visible on just their profile page.
10 Tips for a Successful Home Exchange
- Use a reputable Home Exchange platform: HomeExchange is one of the best platforms available to explore a wide variety of homes in your desired destinations. There are many social media groups or forums dedicated to house swaps where you can learn about platforms available.
- Set Your Preferences: When searching for homes, be sure to set your preferences to include properties with the key amenities or locations you are looking for. This will help narrow down your options.
- Understand Exchange Types: Different home exchange types are available so it is important to know what type of experience you are looking for. Reciprocal exchanges involve trading homes with another member, while hospitality exchanges may have you staying in a spare room of the host’s home.
- Check Listing Photos: Thoroughly review the listing photos provided by hosts. Look for images that showcase the home’s surroundings, whether it’s a mountain panorama, a serene lakeside setting, or an urban skyline.
- Read descriptions and reviews carefully: Pay close attention to property descriptions. Hosts often provide detailed information about amenities and house rules, and highlight nearby attractions with exceptional vistas. Reviews from previous guests can offer valuable insights into the views and overall experience and whether it met expectations.
- Communicate with Hosts: Regular communication helps build trust and is critical to an enjoyable home exchange. Don’t hesitate to reach out to hosts with specific questions. They can provide firsthand details and perhaps even suggest hidden gems, local events, or activities that might not be in travel guides. Be sure to maintain communication with your host during your stay and if you have any questions or encounter issues, inform them promptly so they can assist you.
- Set clear agreements about responsibilities during the exchange: Before any agreements are finalized connect with your host by video chat or phone to discuss mutual expectations, house rules, and any special requirements. This includes cleaning expectations, pet care (if applicable), and any specific house rules. Create a contingency plan for unexpected situations and ensure you exchange emergency contact numbers. Ask if there is a local friend or neighbour who can assist in case of emergencies or questions.
- Be a respectful and responsible guest:
- Respect the host’s privacy and their personal belongings. Do not access areas or items that are off-limits unless explicitly permitted.
- Respect your exchange partner’s house rules as you’d want them to respect yours including non-smoking areas, pets, or noise.
- Treat your host’s home with the same care and respect you’d want for your own. Avoid damage and keep the property clean and tidy.
- Follow local laws and guidelines, such as parking regulations and waste disposal rules. Be a responsible neighbour during your stay.
- Follow the check-in and check-out instructions provided by your host. This may include cleaning, returning keys, and locking up securely.
- Leave the property in the same condition you found it. Replace any items you’ve used, and ensure the home is clean and tidy for the next guests.
- Feedback and Reviews: After the exchange, leave honest feedback and encourage your exchange partner to do the same. This helps build credibility within the home exchange community.
- Express Gratitude: Express your gratitude to your host for their hospitality. Consider leaving a thank-you note or a small token of appreciation.
Following these guidelines ensures a positive and respectful home exchange experience for both you and your host, fostering trust and building lasting connections within the home exchange community.
End of the Road: A Journey Fueled by Home Exchange Canada
Deb and Peter’s epic cross-country journey, made possible through their membership with Home Exchange Canada, was a transformative adventure filled with awe-inspiring landscapes, reunions, and unforgettable memories. Their journey was not just about the destinations but also the connections they forged with fellow travellers and the Home Exchange community. Along the way, they enjoyed the warmth and hospitality of their Home Exchange hosts, who went above and beyond to make their stays special.
Their story serves as an inspiration for those considering a vacation with Home Exchange Canada. Whether you’re seeking a cross-country road trip like Deb and Peter or a different kind of adventure, the possibilities are endless. With the guidance provided in this article, you can start your own journey of discovery, exploring new places, and forming meaningful connections.
