What do I do if I arrive with no place to stay?

If you arrive at Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto without a place to stay, look for the Immigrant Reception and Information Services (IRIS) kiosks in terminals 1 and 3.

IRIS keeps a list of low-cost hotels and travellers' hostels in Toronto. It also provides newly-arrived immigrants and refugees with basic orientation information, both verbally and in writing, in many languages.

Do not think only about cost. Make sure that the place you stay is clean, safe and conveniently located. Try to find a place that is close to public transportation or in the area where you would like to live.

You can arrange some short-term accommodation quickly. Read What kinds of short-term housing are available? for more information.

You can contact a community agency for more information about short-term housing. To find help in your area, go to Services Near Me and search for "housing assistance" in your area.

For More Information

  • Ontario Accommodation Association - Find online listings of accommodation across Ontario. The OAA is a non-profit trade association.
  • OntarioTravel.net - This website has information for tourists and short-term travellers to Ontario. Produced by the Government of Ontario.
  • Welcome to Canada: What You Should Know - An Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) publication explaining various aspects of Canadian life, including information on basic services and finding help in your community.
Last updated: May 23, 2018 4001305