Study details which Canadian cities have lowest hotel rates

Whether tourists are coming to Canada or long-time residents want to visit a province they've never been to, they're probably going to need a hotel. To make sure travellers get the best possible deal, Hotwire.com has released what cities have seen the biggest price drops in hotel rates.

According to the discount travel website's Canadian hotel rate report, Halifax saw the biggest rate decline, dropping 11 percent this month compared to May 2010. Other cities where hotel rates have fallen is in Whistler, Calgary, Vancouver and Kitchener.

With summer travel season not quite here yet, Clem Bason, president of Hotwire.com, said people may want to take advantage of these rates now to avoid the rush.

"These cities are great spring-time destinations for those looking to squeeze in a trip before the summer brings larger crowds and higher prices," said Bason. With the best snowfall in decades keeping the mountains open longer than usual, and hotels trying to capitalize on last-minute opportunities, cities like Whistler and Vancouver are offering travellers some great deals this month."

A variety of issues can get in the way of travellers' vacations plans, forcing them to cancel flights or hotel accommodations. Trip cancellation insurance can protect vacationers from incurring charges.