You found a great nightly rate for a hotel in Mont-Tremblant or Saint-Sauveur, but the total at checkout is noticeably higher. That is normal in Quebec: several taxes and fees are added to hotel prices in the Laurentides, and some properties charge extra for parking, resort services or late cancellations. Knowing what each line means helps you compare offers fairly and avoid surprises.
This guide explains the taxes that apply to a hotel stay in Quebec, the most common additional fees, and how to compare the real total price before you book.
The Three Taxes on a Quebec Hotel Stay
1. GST (Goods and Services Tax)
The federal GST of 5% applies to most accommodation in Canada, including hotels, inns and most short-term rentals operated by registered businesses.
2. QST (Quebec Sales Tax)
Quebec’s provincial sales tax of 9.975% also applies to accommodation. Together, GST and QST add about 15% to the taxable price.
3. The Tax on Lodging
Quebec also has a specific tax on lodging. According to Revenu Québec, most tourist accommodation establishments charge a tax generally equal to 3.5% of the price of each overnight stay; in some cases a fixed amount per night applies instead. The money funds tourism promotion in the region. You will often see it listed separately on your bill as “taxe sur l’hébergement” or “lodging tax”.
| Tax | Rate | Who sets it |
|---|---|---|
| GST | 5% | Government of Canada |
| QST | 9.975% | Government of Quebec |
| Tax on lodging | Generally 3.5% per night (fixed amount in some cases) | Government of Quebec, collected by Revenu Québec |
Rules about how the taxes stack on each other can vary. For the official details, see Revenu Québec’s tax on lodging page.
Common Additional Fees at Laurentides Hotels
Beyond taxes, some properties add fees that may or may not appear in the first price you see.
Resort or Service Fees
Some resort-style properties charge a daily fee for access to pools, fitness rooms, shuttles or activities. Check whether it is mandatory and whether it is included in the displayed price.
Parking
Parking is often free in smaller towns but can be charged at properties near Mont-Tremblant’s pedestrian village. Indoor or valet parking usually costs more. In winter, covered parking is a real comfort.
Pet Fees
Pet-friendly hotels frequently charge a cleaning fee per stay or per night. See our guide to pet-friendly hotels in the Laurentides.
Extra Guests and Rollaway Beds
Rates are usually based on two adults. Additional adults, children above a certain age or extra beds can add a nightly charge.
Early Check-In and Late Check-Out
Some hotels charge for guaranteed early arrival or a late departure, especially on busy weekends.
Spa Access and Treatments
A room in a spa hotel does not always include access to the thermal circuit. Treatments are almost always extra. Confirm what your package includes before booking. Our spa hotels guide can help.
Security Deposit or Incidentals Hold
Many hotels place a temporary hold on your credit card at check-in to cover incidentals. It is released after departure, but the delay depends on your bank.
How to Compare the Real Price of Two Hotels
- Use the same dates and room type for both offers.
- Look at the final total including all taxes, not the nightly rate.
- Add mandatory fees such as resort fees or required parking.
- Include what you will actually use: breakfast, spa access, ski shuttle.
- Compare cancellation terms: a cheaper non-refundable rate may cost more if your plans change.
Example: Hotel A shows a lower nightly rate but adds a daily resort fee and paid parking. Hotel B has a higher rate that includes parking, breakfast and spa access. Over a two-night stay, Hotel B can end up cheaper for what you actually use.
Our hotel budget calculator helps you estimate the total cost of your stay, including meals and activities.
Reading Your Hotel Bill
A typical Quebec hotel invoice lists the room charge for each night, then the tax on lodging, then GST and QST. Add-ons such as parking or restaurant charges appear on separate lines with their own taxes. If something looks wrong, ask the front desk for an itemized folio before you leave; it is much easier to correct on site.
Do Short-Term Rentals Charge the Same Taxes?
Registered tourist accommodation, including many chalets and condos rented for short stays, is generally subject to the tax on lodging. Booking platforms often collect it automatically. For chalets, see our sister site on chalet rentals in the Laurentides.
Tips to Lower the Total Cost
- Choose weeknights and shoulder seasons when rates are lower.
- Select properties with free parking if you are driving.
- Bundle breakfast only if it costs less than eating out.
- Book refundable rates and re-check prices; if the rate drops, rebook if your conditions allow it.
- Read the property’s fee policy on the booking page before confirming.
Compare total prices for Laurentides hotels on Expedia
Taxes on Packages and Add-Ons
When you buy a package that includes meals, spa treatments or activities, the taxes can apply differently to each component. In general, sales taxes apply to most goods and services, while the tax on lodging applies to the accommodation portion. Some properties show a single package price with taxes included, others show the price before taxes. Ask for a breakdown if the total is not clear, especially for multi-night packages.
Gratuities: What Is Customary?
Tipping is not a tax but it affects your budget. In Quebec, it is customary to tip restaurant servers, bartenders, spa therapists and sometimes housekeeping and valet staff. Some resorts add a service charge automatically for groups or certain services; check your bill so you do not tip twice.
Cancellation and No-Show Charges
Read the cancellation deadline carefully. Many hotels allow free cancellation until a set time before arrival, often 24 to 72 hours, while peak dates can require earlier notice. If you do not show up without cancelling, the hotel may charge one night or the full stay according to its policy. Taxes generally apply to these charges as well.
Deposits and Prepayment
Non-refundable rates are usually charged at booking. Flexible rates may be charged at check-in or check-out, but some properties take a deposit equal to the first night. During the holidays, prepayment requirements are more common. Use a credit card rather than a debit card for hotel stays: it is easier to manage holds and disputes.
A Simple Example
Imagine a two-night stay with a room rate shown before taxes. To estimate the total, add the tax on lodging for each night, then GST and QST, then any mandatory resort fee and parking, and finally the extras you plan to buy, such as breakfast or spa access. Doing this for two or three hotels side by side quickly shows which offer is really the most affordable for your trip.
Booking Platforms vs Booking Direct
Platforms make it easy to compare many properties and filter by total price. Booking directly with the hotel can sometimes give access to packages or member rates. Whichever you choose, read the final screen before paying: it should show every tax and fee. If a fee appears only at check-in and was not disclosed, ask the front desk to explain it.
FAQ
What taxes are added to a hotel room in Quebec?
GST (5%), QST (9.975%) and, in most tourist accommodations, the tax on lodging, generally 3.5% per night.
Is the lodging tax the same everywhere in Quebec?
The tax is provincial, but the way it applies can vary by region and type of establishment. Revenu Québec publishes the official rules.
Are resort fees mandatory?
When a property charges a resort fee, it is usually mandatory. It should be disclosed before you book.
Why is there a hold on my credit card?
Hotels often place a temporary authorization for incidentals. It is released after check-out, according to your bank’s processing time.
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