British Columbia FAQ

1. What Is Canada Select?

Canada Select is a voluntary fixed-roof accommodation-rating program that reflects the needs of the consumer. It provides the travelling public with a consistent and reliable rating standard that is nationally compatible and comparable coast to coast.

Canada Select was developed after extensive consumer research into what was expected and considered important at various star levels and categories of accommodations. Presently nine provinces and one territory are delivering the "Canada Select" program. Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Manitoba and the Yukon.

2. What Are The Benefits To The Consumer Of Using Canada Select Ratings?

1. No surprise is the best surprise - As the Canada Select rating of a property is known at the time of booking the rating gives the consumer confidence in their choice to reserve sight unseen.

2. It is easier to locate accommodation that suits your budget and expectations.

3. Consumers can choose with confidence knowing an independent authority has rated the property.

4. Canada Select provides accurate information that is consistent from coast to coast for many accommodations in Canada.

5. The national rating standards of the Canada Select program provide reliable information to the travelling public on what to expect from a roofed accommodation.


3. What Are The Canada Select Categories?

As can be appreciated, comparing a hotel to a B&B would be like comparing apples and oranges. Current consumer research indicates that roofed accommodation should have six distinct categories (only five categories are rated in British Columbia).

Each accommodation category is comprised of properties having similar characteristics; however, actual facilities, amenities and services may vary slightly.

The five rated categories in British Columbia are:

i) Hotel/Motel
ii) Resort
iii) Cottage
iv) Bed & Breakfast includes Bed & Breakfast Inn
v) Inns

4. How Is A Canada Select Property Rated?

Once a property has been categorized, it is evaluated for physical quality of the property content of facilities, services and amenities provided. All properties, regardless of their star level, must also meet stringent cleanliness and state of repair guidelines.

Each category and star level has distinct criteria that must be achieved.

A star rating from 1 to 5 is awarded based on the results of the evaluation. A half-star rating from 1½ to 4½ is also awarded for superior quality. Each star level reflects specific consumer expectations.

The following are the Canada Select star rating descriptions:

1 Star - Modest accommodations meeting the Canada Select standards of cleanliness, comfort and safety.

2 Stars - Moderate accommodations with additional facilities and some amenities.

3 Stars - Above average accommodations with a greater range of facilities, guest amenities and services

4 Stars Exceptional accommodations with an extensive range of facilities, guest amenities and services.

5 Stars Luxurious properties. Among the very best in the country in terms of their outstanding facilities, guest services, and quality provided.

The majority of the fixed roof accommodations (in each province) are in the 2 to 3 star ranges. There are only a handful of 5 star properties in all of Canada.


5. Who Conducts The Evaluation in British Columbia and the Yukon?

There are extensively trained Certified Rating Advisors employed by Tourism British Columbia to conduct the evaluations in accordance to the Canada Select National Fixed Roof Accommodation Rating Program procedures and policies.


6. How Do I Participate in Canada Select in British Columbia or the Yukon?

By contacting Tourism British Columbia, a visit will be scheduled to carry out an on-site evaluation. An Accommodation Rating Advisor will visit your property, explain the criteria and conduct the evaluation. Each evaluation must be reviewed and scored individually with notification of star rating provided by mail.

Upon completion of the inspection and registration process, promotional materials will be made available for your use - certificate, decals, and logo reproductions. Your participation allows Tourism BC the right to use the assigned star rating in appropriate Tourism BC marketing initiatives. As well, it permits use of the star rating by the property in marketing initiatives and on correspondence and your own website.