The Canadian Bed and Breakfast Guide. 10th ed.

Sidney Allinson is a Victoria-based communications consultant, Canadian
news correspondent for Britain’s The Army Quarterly and Defence, and
the author of Military Archives: International Directory of Military
Publications and The Bantams: The Untold St

When the idea first caught on in Canada years ago, staying at a “bed
and breakfast” while traveling was pleasant and straightforward. The
no-frills, low-cost family lodgings offered wholesome meals and a homely
atmosphere. But with their growth in popularity, a more commercial breed
of “B&B” soon opened by the hundreds across the country, many of
them noticeably different from the original spirit. Mom’s cuisine
turned into café cuisine, some hosts became less inclined toward
leisurely chit-chat, and worst of all, rates climbed close to those of
hotels.

This directory of B&Bs shows the breadth of choice available in each
province in Canada. The author describes an awesome array of
establishments and presents them in a capsule style similar to a
relator’s multiple-listings book. Although the author attempted to
visit the places mentioned, she notes that many of the descriptions were
provided by the owners themselves, but vouches for their authenticity in
general. Room sizes, food availability, and amenities are itemized
throughout. There’s enough choice to help the traveler select a place
that matches his or her interests, from a farm holiday to fly-fishing,
horseback riding, or art-gallery browsing. A useful brief write-up
explains travelers’ etiquette while enjoying a pleasant stay.