Is it possible for a person under 18 to book a hotel room in Canada?

Generally, an individual who has not reached 18 years old is considered a minor. However, in Canada, the age indicating a minor differs across provinces and territories.

In each territory or province, there is a unique definition of a minor. In British Columbia, a minor is considered a person under 19 years old. Meanwhile, in Alberta, a minor is anyone under the age of 18. In Saskatchewan, an unmarried person under the age of 16 is regarded as a minor. Similarly, a minor in Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec is a person under 18 years old. In Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, a minor is an individual less than 19 years old. In Newfoundland, youth is described as someone who is 16 years or more but less than 18 years old, and in PEI, a minor is an individual under 18.

Minors are generally expected to be under the guidance and protection of responsible adults since they are often thought to be somewhat immature and unable to make independent decisions. They are prone to make mistakes, and while some offences may be excused, others may require parental intervention to keep them on track.

At times, minors may be required to stay away from their parents, engaging in activities such as academic trips, sports, music, festivals, team-building, camping, etc. In such situations, parents may need to rent a temporary location such as a hotel. Nevertheless, it is essential to take into account various considerations to ensure the minor's safety and well-being.

One pertinent query often raised by parents is whether minors can stay in hotels alone in Canada. Although hotels cannot deny guests on account of age, minors cannot book or stay in hotels independently due to legal requirements. Parents are also forbidden from scheduling hotel rooms for their minors to organize parties with friends. Parents are permitted to book a hotel room for their child, but the child must remain in the room as specified by law.

Parents must offer sufficient justification for why a hotel room is necessary and guarantee that renting the hotel room is the only alternative for the minor when booking a hotel room. Before checking in, parents or guardians are expected to explain the situation to the hotel staff.