Not only are there plenty of unique experiences that await this summer in Ontario, but you can also save on them with the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit. Use the details below to save on your Ontario staycations this year:
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Will there be an Ontario Staycation Tax Credit for 2023?
The Ontario Staycation Tax Credit was not renewed for 2023 but you can use it for your 2022 taxes.
What is the staycation tax credit in Ontario?
For 2022, the province of Ontario has implemented a 2022 Ontario Staycation Tax Credit to encourage residents to travel locally. The goal is to help the tourism and hospitality sectors impacted by the pandemic. The tax credit applies to stays between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022.
How does the Ontario staycation tax credit work?
Book an Ontario staycation, and you can claim 20% of eligible 2022 accommodation expenses. You can claim eligible expenses of up to $1000 as an individual or $2000 if you have a spouse, common-law partner or eligible children, to get back up to $200 as an individual or $400 as a family.
To claim the credit, you need to be an Ontario resident on December 31, 2022.
What are eligible expenses for the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit?
You can claim the staycation tax credit for the following expenses:
- Hotel
- Motel
- Resort
- Lodge
- Bed and breakfast establishment
- Cottage
- Campground
Short-term accommodation and stays on a boat, train or other vehicles that can be self-propelled do not count for the Ontario Staycation Credit.
Does Airbnb count for Ontario Staycation Tax Credit?
Airbnb qualifies for the tax credit if the Airbnb owner is registered for GST/HST.
How do I claim the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit?
When filing your personal Income Tax and Benefit Return, you can indicate that you used the 2022 Ontario Staycation Tax Credit. Some things to keep in mind:
- Only one individual per family can claim the credit for the year.
- The accommodation expenses need to be paid by you, subject to GST/HST as set out on the detailed receipt, not have been reimbursed, whether it be by a spouse, employer, friend, etc.
- You must keep your detailed receipts that include the location of the accommodation, the amount paid, GST/HST, date of stay, and the name of the payor.
You can find full details of the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit on the official Ontario website.
Where to Use the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit:
Ottawa
Explore home with a staycation in Ottawa. From Ottawa’s castle to exploring the Gatineau, there are plenty of opportunities in Ottawa.
Glamping Near Ottawa
You’ll find Whitewater Cottage and RV Resort 75 minutes from Ottawa along the Ottawa River. Glamp in their brand new, hand-painted Mongolian Yurts. These 4-season yurts are the perfect spot to land after a day of adventures. Use code: Julia20 to save 20% off until June 2023.
Nearby adventures include: Whitewater Brewing Co., Exploring a Canyon, Bonnechere Caves, Whitewater rafting and more.
The giveaway is no longer open but see what the yurts look like in the video below.
Perth
This is one of my favourite towns near Ottawa! There’s plenty to keep you busy in Perth from exploring local shops in heritage buildings to enjoying charcuterie in Stewart Park. It’s a beautiful place to visit in any season. I have a guide, including where to stay for the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit, here.
1000 Islands
This is one of my favourite spots for an Ontario staycation. From swimming to kayaking to scenic boat cruises, there are a lot of ways to enjoy the water in 1000 islands. I have a complete guide here, from water activities to an alpaca farm you can’t miss, including where to stay.
Yoga Retreat at the Madawaska River
Enjoy a wellness weekend at Madawaska Kanu Centre led by Creekside Yoga. It was the perfect weekend of yoga, nature, and delicious food. If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend, I would definitely recommend this.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Put your Ontario Staycation Tax Credit towards camping at an Ontario Park. Here are some of my favourite places to escape in nature:
- Ontario Parks Near Ottawa
- Hike or canoe a canyon at this park
- Enjoy beautiful trails and wildlife at this park
Niagara Falls
Use this guide to avoid the tourist traps and find all the beautiful gems of Niagara Falls from seeing the falls, a journey behind them, cable car and more.
Cornwall
Cornwall has a food scene that will surprise you and an awesome bike path network. Line your visit up with the sunflower season. All the details in my guide here.
Prince Edward County
From a girl’s weekend to celebrating a milestone, it’s always a blast exploring Prince Edward County. I love visiting the wineries, enjoying a day at Sandbanks and exploring the restaurants. Here are some popular spots to stay on your trip:
- June Motel – very insta worthy
- Merrill House – this 1878 Victorian House is a beautiful home turned hotel
- Lakeside Hotel – beautiful spot and excellent food at their resto. I went with a big group last year, and everyone raved about the views and the food. It’s more pricey than other spots, but it was worth it to wake up along the lake. Make sure to book in the hotel; I don’t recommend the glamping options.
- Drake Devonshire – hip and modern, lakeside hotel
- Cressy House – enjoy a PEC escape with waterfront views, a swimming pool, fireplace and more.
Stratford
Stratford is a charming town with great local businesses and a thriving art scene. I love exploring this town and would recommend it for a friend or couple getaway. Stay at Mercer Hotel or Best Western Plus The Arden Park Hotel.
Sudbury
Head to Sudbury for a mix of nature and art. There’s plenty to explore from a grand waterfall and lots of trails to their mural trail downtown. Line up your visit with the Up Here mural festival. I have a complete guide including where to stay here.
Instagram Worthy Weekend:
- Rose Eh Chalet in Bancroft, Ontario
- Arcana. Hidden accommodation tucked away in the forest. Make sure to book this spot in advance.
- Cabinscape (multiple locations)
- Aux Box Muskoka
Find more Ontario Staycations:
Search below for more ideas for your Ontario staycation and take advantage of those savings 🙂 Follow along on Instagram and Tik Tok as I share more ideas this summer.
Booking.com
Julia started Little Miss Ottawa as a way to explore her hometown as a traveller would. She’s always planning her next adventure, whether it’s local or abroad. You’ll find her exploring with her camera in hand. She hopes Little Miss Ottawa helps bring you on new and fun adventures. Happy exploring :)
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