Small log cabin getaway site

Holidaying couples and families, groups of friends, and visitors to nearby parks, lakes, ski areas and festivals.

Nightly rates per cabin with higher peak-season pricing, plus cleaning fees and extras such as firewood, hot tub use or guided activity partnerships.

• Hosting and customer service
• Managing bookings, cleaners and maintenance
• Budgeting for building costs and seasonal income

• Zoning, building permits, septic and water approvals can take months and may block the plan, so check these first
• Some provinces have tourism accommodation licensing or classification rules (Quebec, for example), so check your provincial requirements
• Commercial general liability and property insurance are essential, and rural or wildfire-risk areas may cost more
• Check GST/HST, accommodation taxes, and WCB/WSIB rules if you hire cleaners or staff
• Seasonality, snow clearing, and wildlife or fire safety need a plan, and loans can be hard to get for seasonal rural builds

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $100,000 to $450,000, depending on whether you build, buy kits or take over existing cabins, and on site works. Loans can be hard to get for seasonal rural builds.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the number of cabins, your rates and occupancy. Seasonality and snow clearing affect income, so plan your budget for quieter months.

Check zoning, building permits, and septic and water approvals first, as these can take months. Also check provincial accommodation licensing rules (Quebec, for example), insurance, GST/HST and accommodation taxes, and WCB/WSIB rules if you hire staff.