Bed & Breakfasts in Ontario

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The number of bed and breakfasts across Canada is an unknown number.  There are a couple of associations which are trying to obtain information from its members but at this the B&B industry is not organized.  On BBCanada.com, one of the largest Canadian websites listing Bed and Breakfasts it claims to have over 10,000 listed. The primary reason for lack of information is that many people only rent one room in their house and do not belong to any association, nor are there any regulations requiring licensing in msot towns.  In most towns there are not any associations in others there are a few, and people will belong to all. 

In 2004 PAII, Professional Association of Innkeepers International completed a survey of its members which found the following:

About B&Bs/Inns

• 29% were in rural locations,      
• 16% were urban, 
• 3% suburban and 
• 52% were in villages
• 87% are tourist destination
• Owners have operated them for an average of 13 years
• Rooms with private bath 97%
• 95% of properties have their own domain name
• 79% of owners are between 35-64 years old
• 88% of the owners live on the premises
• 55% of the owners have an outside income. 

Ontario Market

Across Ontario there are number of hotspots for Bed and Breakfasts.  Bed and Breakfasts are most prevalent in the tourist location in southern Ontario yet can be found in most towns and cities.  Bed and Breakfasts located in cities do attract some commercial travelers but that is secondary market for most.

Towns with the most Bed and breakfasts in Ontario

• Niagara-on-the Lake – approximately  150 properties
• Stratford – 80 properties
• Toronto – 76 properties
• Ottawa – 61 properties
• Niagara Falls – 53 properties
• Picton – 59 properties and   growing
• Kingston – 35 properties

From a tourist stand point, research will show that 80% of the touristic dollars will come from less than a 5-6 hour drive from that location. The goal then is to be located in an area where there are high population close by and strong tourism.

Population – 35,000

Attractions

- Stratford Festival runs from April to November.  Sells approximately 550,000 tickets per year

- 80 bed and breakfasts in the town

o Average price at a B&B is $110 - $135

o Asking price $650 - $1.2K

o Revenue generation $10K - $15K per room

Population – 6000

Attractions 

- Sand Banks National Park

- 100,000 visitors annually

- 34+ wineries

o Just getting started

- 59 bed and breakfasts and growing

o Average price at a B&B is $140 - $180

o Asking price $900-$1.4m

o Revenue Generation $12-18k per room