The 2026 Guide to House Sitting Canada (Platforms, Prices & Reality)

I’m staring at a photo of a log cabin somewhere near Whistler, steam rising from a hot tub, snow piled high on the roof, and a Golden Retriever looking remarkably majestic against a backdrop of pine trees. We aren't there. In fact, Caro and I have never set foot in Canada. But as we sit here planning our 2026 travel calendar, sipping coffee in a slightly less snowy European town, the "Great White North" feels like the ultimate frontier we haven't conquered yet.

We’ve done the Swiss chalets and the Tuscan farmhouses, but there is something about the sheer scale of Canada—the ruggedness of the Rockies and the cosmopolitan buzz of Toronto—that feels like the final boss level of house sitting.

So, why write a guide about a place we haven't visited? Because the mechanics of landing a dream sit are universal, whether you’re in Brisbane or British Columbia. We know exactly how the platforms work, we know what homeowners are desperate for, and we know how to spot a good deal from a bad one.

If you are looking to explore Canada rent-free, or you’re a local wanting to escape your own four walls for a bit, this is how we would tackle house sitting opportunities in the land of maple syrup.

The Canadian Dream (And Why It Works)

Here is the thing about Canada: it has seasons that force movement. We see this in Europe all the time. When the cold hits, the "snowbirds" fly south. This is the golden window for house sitters. Thousands of homeowners in Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary pack their bags for Florida or Arizona, leaving behind beautiful homes and pets that need love.

For us, the appeal is simple. House sitting turns the impossible cost of travel into a reality. We trade pet care for accommodation. It sounds like a barter from the 1800s, but it works. You get a kitchen, a living room, and a dog to hike with; they get peace of mind.

However, before you pack your parka, you need to know where to look. Not all platforms are created equal, especially in a market as specific as Canada.

Choosing Your Battleground: The Top Platforms

If we were booking a flight to Vancouver tomorrow, we wouldn't just Google "house sitting." We would be strategic. Different sites have different strengths. We’ve broken down the data for 2026 so you don't have to waste money on memberships that don't yield results.

1. TrustedHousesitters (The Heavy Hitter)

This is the platform we use the most globally. It’s the biggest game in town, and in major Canadian hubs like Toronto and Vancouver, it dominates. If you want volume, this is it.

The Vibe: It’s slick, it has an app, and it feels professional. However, it’s also the most expensive. We honestly think this is the best value for house sitting if you plan to do at least two or three sits a year to cover the membership cost.

If you decide to go this route, make sure you hunt down a Trusted House Sitter promo code for 2026 to shave a bit off that initial fee.

2. House Sitters Canada (The Local Hero)

Whenever we go to a specific country, like when we looked at house sitters in New Zealand, we always check the local dedicated sites. House Sitters Canada is exactly that. It doesn't have the global flashiness, but it has heart and less competition.

The Vibe: Community-focused. You aren't fighting 50 other nomads for one listing. It’s fantastic for rural sits or finding that hidden gem in Nova Scotia.

We often recommend this one if you are strictly focused on house sitting Vancouver or rural BC and don't care about going to Europe or the US.

3. Nomador (The French Connection)

Here is a curveball. Because Nomador started in France, it has a surprisingly strong foothold in Quebec. If you speak French or want to explore Montreal, this is your secret weapon.

The Vibe: It has a unique "Stopover" feature which allows you to stay with people while they are home—kind of like Couchsurfing meets house sitting. It’s great for filling gaps between sits.

4. MindMyHouse (The Budget Option)

We have used this platform in the past when funds were tight.  It's older, clunky, and needs a bit of work, but it does the job. How much does house sitting cost 2026? On this site, peanuts.

The Reality of Canadian Sits (What We Expect)

Since we haven't been, we have to rely on our experience in similar climates (hello, Austrian Alps in January, Iceland in February) to guess what house sitters usually do in Canada.

The Winter Factor

If you accept a sit in Alberta in February, you aren't just petting a cat. You are likely managing a property against the elements. We once did a sit where we had to shovel snow three times a day just to keep the driveway clear. Do not underestimate the physical labor of winter sits.

The Urban vs. Rural Split

In cities like Toronto, house sitting jobs will likely be in condos or apartments. This means easier maintenance (no snow shoveling!) but perhaps trickier logistics with parking or building rules. In rural areas, you might be looking after chickens or a hobby farm. We love rural sits for the peace, but you usually need a car.

Creating a Profile That Wins

Whether you are applying for a mansion in House Sitting in Los Angeles or a cabin in Banff, the rules of the game are identical. Homeowners want to know you are sane, clean, and love animals.

1. The "We Are Real People" Photos:
Don't just upload a selfie. Upload photos of you interacting with animals. We have a shot of me (Konrad) pulling faces towards a horse which was on my farm in Iceland. Once you land a few house sits, take photos to add to your profile to build a portfolio for your next application.

2. The Trust Factor:
Mention your experience. If you haven't house sat before, mention you grew up with dogs or helped a neighbor. Getting house sits without prior experience is quite easy if you are honest, and write a good profile, Don't stress if you are not getting any house sits at first, this is a perfect time for you to focus on smaller local house sits which can help get the first reviews in.

3. The Video Call:
This is where we seal the deal. We treat the house sitting video call like a friendly coffee date. We ask about the pets' quirks, not just the house amenities. It shows we care about the "job," not just the free rent.

A Warning on Visas and Customs

Disclaimer: We are not lawyers and we are not suggesting you should lie to authorities, this is information we have researched ourselves. Please make sure you do the right research for yourself.

This is the boring part, but it’s vital. We learned this from reading plenty of unfortunate house sitting disasters on reddit and forums. House sitting sits in a grey area.

If you fly into Canada and tell the border officer, "I'm here to work as a house sitter," you might get put on the next plane home. In their eyes, "work" implies payment, even if it's payment in kind (accommodation).

We highly recommend reading up on what to tell customs when you're house sitting abroad.

Generally, we are visiting friends (which is true, we become friends with the owners!) or we are tourists. Be honest about your funds and your intent to leave, but be careful with your terminology regarding "work."

Handling the Logistics

Once you land that dream Canadian sit, the real work starts.

Contracts and Expectations:
Even though we are laid back, we like clarity. What ask homeowners  questions about cameras, visitors, and emergency contacts. We always ask, "Is there anything in particular we need to know about your pets, that has not been mentioned in the profile"

The Handover:
Arrive early. If we are doing a sit that starts on a Tuesday, we try to arrive right on time or a little bit earlier than arranged. We are in a campervan so it's easy for us to make the appointment, by staying in nearby locations.

When we arrive we like to see the routine in action, have a chat with the home owners and maybe even have a glass of wine or dinner. 

Honestly, at first it was daunting to go see house owners a day before they leave, but these days it's a perfect way to meet, chat and discuss the entire house sit and actually build a friendship.

This is how we get invited back in many instances.

Cleaning Standards:
We have a rule: leave the house as clean or cleaner than we found it. It’s the golden ticket to getting a five-star review. We usually spend the last day doing a good vacuum, mop, clean of the spaces we were using during the house sit.

We are not professional cleaners and we don't deep clean. We just make sure the house is in the same or better condition as how we left it in the first place.

 Check out our guide on cleaning to see exactly what that entails.

Is Canada Next for Us?

Writing this has honestly made us want to book a flight to Montreal immediately. The idea of a house sitting profile filled with reviews from Canadian hosts is very tempting.

For now, we will stick to our European van life, but for you? Canada is wide open. Whether you use TrustedHousesitters for the big city condos or House Sitters Canada for the rural escapes, the opportunity to live like a local for free is right there.

Just remember, it’s not just a free holiday. It’s a responsibility. You are the guardian of someone’s sanctuary and their best friends. But if you do it right, like we try to do every single day, it’s the best way to see the world.

Good luck with your Canadian adventure. If you manage to snag a sit in a log cabin with a hot tub, tag us. We’ll be jealous.

Ready to start?
Check out our step-by-step guide on how to get started in house sitting and don't forget to grab a discount code for Trusted House Sitters before you sign up.

Caro & Konrad 🐾🚐
DM us @housesittersguide if you have questions — we answer everyone!

• Do I need a work visa to house sit in Canada?

  This is a grey area. Generally, house sitting in exchange for accommodation is considered "unpaid work" by some border officials. Most sitters travel on tourist visas and describe their stay as visiting friends or tourism, but you should always consult official immigration advice to be safe.

• Which house sitting platform is best for Canada?

  For volume and city sits, TrustedHousesitters is the best choice. For rural sits and less competition, House Sitters Canada is excellent. If you are in Quebec, Nomador is very strong.

• Can I house sit in Canada with my own pet?

  It is possible but very difficult. Most homeowners want you to focus on their pets, and bringing another animal introduces compatibility and safety issues. It significantly reduces the number of sits you can apply for.

• How much does it cost to become a house sitter in Canada?

  The cost depends on the platform. House Sitters Canada is roughly $59 CAD/year, while TrustedHousesitters can range from $129 to $259 USD/year. Once you pay the membership, the accommodation itself is free.

• Is house sitting in Canada safe in winter?

  Yes, provided you are prepared. Winter sits often require snow removal and knowledge of heating systems. Always ask the homeowner about emergency protocols for power outages or extreme weather before accepting a winter sit.