Airbnb would be the easiest for this scenario. I did end up leasing my condo to an international student after she offered me the whole year up front, with her Canadian dad as cosigner and agent involved, but usually regular landlords will not lease to you without having met you/done extensive background checks, and those who are very willing are most likely scammers.
It is quite hard to rent an apartment when your not in Canada especially in larger markets. If you are renting a room that may be easier. It is also best to see an apartment before you rent it for a year because what you see in pictures is not often the reality.
You can also check with the university / college about their residence on campus or off campus accomodation.
Airbnb is unfortunately too expensive :/ I'd be paying more to share a room than to have my own studio/private room.
I was suggesting airbnb for short term while you need time to see a place and meet landlords. I doubt video chats will help, but you never know. Be mindful to not give any landlord money without having met them in person and seeing the place (and maybe roommates) first. Like I said, there are a lot of scammers out there that will take advantage of international students and migrants.
