The Best Areas in British Columbia for Airbnb (Updated)

Key Takeaways

• Highest revenue: Whistler (CA$6,576/mo) and one of only two BC markets fully open to investment property owners.
• Biggest surprise: Vernon (CA$5,389/mo) outperforms Vancouver on both revenue and ADR. In fact, almost no guides cover this market.
• Best occupancy: Vancouver (78%), the most consistent and weather-independent demand of any BC market.
• Best coastal market: Tofino (CA$303 ADR), premium pricing backed by structural supply scarcity.
• Best emerging market: Revelstoke – resort-exempt status, minimal competition, and exceptional long-term growth upside.
• Best value entry: Surrey – stable 64% occupancy with the lowest property entry costs in the entire top 10.

Introduction

British Columbia is one of Canada’s most diverse and profitable provinces for short-term rental investment. To find the definitive top 10, we analysed real market data from Airbtics and AirROI covering all major BC markets. Specifically, we used Airbtics as the primary source and supplemented with AirROI data. As a result, all cities in this guide are ranked by average monthly revenue, giving you a clear and consistent basis for comparison.

Airbnb Regulations in British Columbia

Before exploring the top markets, it is essential to understand the regulatory environment. Every market in this guide carries a Strict regulation classification. In particular, the following rules apply to all BC hosts:

• Principal Residence Requirement (Bill 35, 2023): In municipalities over 10,000 people, only a principal residence may be listed on Airbnb.
• Business License Required: A valid business licence is mandatory in every BC municipality before accepting bookings.
• Tax Obligations: Hosts must collect and remit PST and MRDT. Furthermore, all rental income is subject to income tax.
• Platform Compliance: Since May 2024, Airbnb shares host data directly with the Province of BC.
• Resort Municipality Exemptions: Notably, Whistler and Revelstoke are designated resort municipalities and are therefore fully exempt from the principal residence rule.

Note: Regulations evolve frequently. Consequently, always confirm the current rules with your local municipality before listing. 

• 5 Best Areas to Buy Airbnb Property in Quebec, Canada
• Best Airbnb Cities in Ontario

10 BC Markets at a Glance

#	City	Monthly Revenue	ADR	Occupancy	Listings	Source
1	Whistler	CA$6,576	CA$331	64%	2,517	Airbtics
2	Vernon	CA$5,389	CA$286	61%	749	Airbtics
3	Kootenay Rockies	CA$5,366	CA$252	69%	692	Airbtics
4	Tofino	CA$5,228	CA$303	57%	326	AirROI
5	Vancouver	CA$5,222	CA$216	78%	3,465	Airbtics
6	Ucluelet	CA$3,624	CA$233	53%	353	AirROI
7	Richmond	CA$3,264	CA$161	65%	1,118	Airbtics
8	Revelstoke	CA$3,096	CA$285	46%	275	AirROI
9	West Kelowna	CA$2,682	CA$251	50%	376	AirROI
10	Surrey	CA$2,670	CA$134	64%	1,137	Airbtics

Whistler

Whistler leads our ranking as BC’s highest-revenue Airbnb market, generating CA$6,576 per month on average, over CA$78,900 per year. In addition to this exceptional revenue, Whistler posts the highest average daily rate in BC at CA$331, 64% occupancy, and 2,517 active listings. Furthermore, it holds a market grade of B from Airbtics, placing it among the strongest-performing STR markets in all of Canada. Most importantly for investors, Whistler is one of only two BC markets where owners can list a non-principal-residence property, thanks to its designated resort municipality status.

Key Metrics

Metric	Data
Average Monthly Revenue	CA$6,576
Average Annual Revenue	CA$78,916
Average Daily Rate (ADR)	CA$331
Occupancy Rate	64%
Active Listings	2,517
Regulation	Strict – STR exempt (resort municipality)

Why It Performs

• First and foremost, Whistler is North America’s most iconic ski resort, global brand recognition drives consistent international bookings year-round.
• Moreover, it is fully exempt from BC’s principal residence STR rule, making it genuinely open to investment property owners.
• In addition, four-season appeal, world-class skiing Dec-Mar and mountain biking Jun-Sep, prevents the market from going quiet.
• Finally, an upscale ADR tier reflects a premium international guest base with high willingness to pay.

Best Property Types

• Ski-in/ski-out chalets and condos: peak demand runs December through March.
• Village-adjacent units: these achieve the highest year-round occupancy due to walkability.
• Luxury mountain homes and chalets: this segment shows the strongest ADR growth.

 Vernon

Vernon is, without question, the biggest surprise in BC’s Airbnb data. Despite consistently outperforming Vancouver on both annual revenue and ADR, Vernon rarely appears in top Airbnb market guides. Located at the northern tip of Okanagan Lake, it offers a genuine four-season experience. In winter, skiing at Silver Star Mountain Resort drives strong bookings. In summer, meanwhile, lake access, golf, cycling, and wine tourism take over. With 749 active listings and a B grade from Airbtics, this is a market serious investors should not overlook.

Key Metrics

Metric	Data
Average Monthly Revenue	CA$5,389
Average Annual Revenue	CA$64,664
Average Daily Rate (ADR)	CA$286
Occupancy Rate	61%
Active Listings	749
Regulation	Strict

Why It Performs

• Silver Star Mountain Resort delivers a genuine four-season STR market, which means revenue does not collapse in the off-season.
• Furthermore, a CA$286 ADR is among the highest in BC outside of pure ski resorts, reflecting strong premium demand.
• As the third-largest Okanagan city, Vernon also captures tourism overflow from Kelowna without facing Kelowna’s level of host competition.
• In addition, 749 active listings confirm a well-established, liquid market with a proven and diverse traveler base.

Best Property Types

• Ski chalets near Silver Star Mountain Resort: these achieve the strongest winter ADR.
• Lakefront homes and cottages on Okanagan Lake: demand peaks during summer months.
• Wine country retreats on the North Okanagan bench: a growing year-round segment. 

Kootenay Rockies

The Kootenay Rockies region is, by any measure, BC’s most overlooked Airbnb market. With CA$64,398 in annual revenue (~CA$5,366 per month), a 69% occupancy rate, the third highest in our top 10, and a CA$252 ADR across 692 active listings, the Kootenays deliver resort-level revenue with far less competition than Whistler or the BC coast. The region spans multiple distinct destinations, including Fernie, Nelson, Kimberley, Rossland, and Golden. Each of these towns has its own loyal tourism base built around skiing, mountain biking, and the legendary Kootenay lifestyle.

Key Metrics

Metric	Data
Average Monthly Revenue	CA$5,366
Average Annual Revenue	CA$64,398
Average Daily Rate (ADR)	CA$252
Occupancy Rate	69%
Active Listings	692
Regulation	Strict

Why It Performs

• Fernie Alpine Resort, Whitewater Ski Resort, and Kimberley Alpine Resort together drive strong winter bookings across the region.
• As a result of demand being spread across multiple towns, the 69% occupancy rate is remarkably consistent.
• Moreover, Nelson and Kaslo attract summer travelers year-round, seeking authentic BC mountain culture and heritage.
• Compared to Whistler or coastal BC, lower property acquisition costs in the Kootenays deliver superior investor yield.

Key Destinations Within the Region

• Fernie: A premier ski destination with strong international brand recognition and growing summer cycling tourism.
• Nelson: Heritage architecture and a thriving arts scene generate consistent year-round visitor demand.
• Golden: The gateway to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, with a growing high-end adventure traveler base.

Tofino

Tofino is BC’s most famous coastal Airbnb market and one of Canada’s most recognized nature tourism destinations. With an average daily rate of CA$303, the highest of any coastal market in BC, it generates an estimated CA$5,228 in monthly revenue from just 326 active properties. This is, in large part, because the extreme scarcity of available accommodation relative to visitor demand gives Tofino hosts pricing power that is simply unmatched on the BC coast. In addition, the market benefits from both a strong summer peak and a growing storm-watching off-season.

Key Metrics

Metric	Data
Average Monthly Revenue	CA$5,228
Average Daily Rate (ADR)	CA$303
Occupancy Rate	57%
Active Listings	326
Seasonality	Strong (summer peak + winter storm-watching)
Regulation	Strict

Why It Performs

• Crucially, no major hotel chains operate in Tofino, as a result, Airbnb dominates accommodation and hosts retain full pricing power.
• Furthermore, eco-tourism, world-class surfing, whale watching, and wellness retreats draw premium-spending guests from across North America.
• Strict development controls permanently limit new supply, which consequently protects host revenue over the long term.
• Finally, storm-watching season from October to March extends revenue well beyond the summer peak.

Best Property Types

• Oceanfront cabins and cottages: these deliver the strongest ADR and demand in the market.
• Forest retreat glamping and eco-cabins: a growing niche that commands premium nightly rates.
• Beachfront homes with direct Pacific Ocean access: these achieve the highest single-night rates.

Vancouver

Vancouver is BC’s largest and most stable Airbnb market. With 3,465 active listings, a 78% occupancy rate, the highest in our entire top 10, and CA$5,222 in monthly revenue, it offers what resort markets fundamentally cannot: deep, year-round demand that is entirely weather-independent. This demand is driven by a diverse mix of sources, including international tourism, business travel, film production, conferences, and major events. Consequently, Vancouver’s revenue holds up across all seasons, making it the most resilient market in BC.

Key Metrics

Metric	Data
Average Monthly Revenue	CA$5,222
Average Annual Revenue	CA$62,667
Average Daily Rate (ADR)	CA$216
Occupancy Rate	78% (highest in top 10)
Active Listings	3,465
Regulation	Strict (principal residence rule applies)

Why It Performs

• Most notably, a 78% occupancy rate means units are booked more than 3 out of every 4 nights, exceptional depth for any market.
• Moreover, year-round demand from international arrivals, business travel, and major events keeps revenue consistent.
• In addition, 3,465 active listings confirm the largest and most liquid STR market in BC.
• As a result, Vancouver’s diverse demand base means revenue holds steady even when any single driver weakens.

Top Neighbourhoods

• Yaletown: Premium condos and high walkability drive strong demand from both business and leisure travelers.
• Kitsilano: Beach access and a relaxed atmosphere make it particularly popular with families and couples in summer.
• Gastown / Strathcona: Historic character gives these listings strong appeal with international guests.

Note: Vancouver’s principal residence rule means most pure investment properties are ineligible for STR. In practice, owner-occupiers and secondary suite hosts are the main beneficiaries of this market. 

Ucluelet

Ucluelet is, without doubt, BC’s most underrated Airbnb market on a per-listing basis. It generates CA$3,624 per month with only 353 active listings, a strong result that reflects structurally constrained supply in a market where tourism demand is clearly growing. As Tofino becomes increasingly expensive and crowded, Ucluelet is capturing a growing share of coastal BC tourism, and host revenue is following suit. It shares access to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the Wild Pacific Trail, while offering lower property prices and a more authentic, uncrowded atmosphere that many travelers now actively seek out.

Key Metrics

Metric	Data
Average Monthly Revenue	CA$3,624
Average Daily Rate (ADR)	CA$233
Occupancy Rate	53%
Active Listings	353
Seasonality	Moderate (summer peak + winter storm-watching)
Regulation	Strict

Why It Performs

• First, Ucluelet shares direct access to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, the Wild Pacific Trail, and surf beaches with Tofino.
• In addition, storm-watching tourism from October to March generates significant revenue in what would otherwise be the off-season.
• Compared to Tofino, lower property prices here mean that investors can achieve stronger ROI with comparable tourism assets.
• Furthermore, its growing reputation as the authentic, less-commercialized alternative to Tofino is driving new visitor demand. 

Richmond

Richmond is a market that divides opinion among Airbnb investors. It lacks the glamour of BC’s resort towns; however, the performance data is difficult to argue with. With CA$3,264 in monthly revenue, 65% occupancy, and 1,118 active listings, it is one of BC’s most consistently performing markets. Its strength comes primarily from a structural advantage: direct proximity to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). As a result, it is the top choice for transit travelers, early arrivals, late departures, and business visitors who require airport-adjacent accommodation.

Key Metrics

Metric	Data
Average Monthly Revenue	CA$3,264
Average Annual Revenue	CA$39,162
Average Daily Rate (ADR)	CA$161
Occupancy Rate	65%
Active Listings	1,118
Regulation	Strict

Why It Performs

• Above all, direct YVR airport proximity drives consistent demand from transit travelers and business visitors throughout the year.
• Furthermore, a 65% occupancy rate reflects genuine year-round demand that is entirely independent of tourism seasons.
• In addition, Steveston Village and Richmond’s world-class dining scene attract leisure visitors in their own right.
• Finally, lower property prices than Vancouver proper mean competitive entry costs with solid ongoing cash flow. 

Revelstoke

Revelstoke is BC’s most exciting emerging Airbnb market. With CA$3,096 in monthly revenue, a CA$285 ADR, and only 275 active listings, it is the smallest market in our top 10. Nevertheless, it is arguably the one with the greatest long-term upside. Like Whistler, Revelstoke holds resort municipality status and is therefore fully exempt from BC’s principal residence STR rule. Moreover, with North America’s greatest skiable vertical at 5,620 feet, supply still well below demand, and a rapidly growing summer adventure tourism season, the growth trajectory here is exceptional.

Key Metrics

Metric	Data
Average Monthly Revenue	CA$3,096
Average Daily Rate (ADR)	CA$285
Occupancy Rate	46%
Active Listings	275
Seasonality	Strong (ski peak Dec-Mar, growing summer)
Regulation	Strict – STR exempt (resort municipality)

Why It Performs

• Most importantly, North America’s greatest skiable vertical (5,620 ft) draws serious powder enthusiasts from around the world.
• Moreover, resort municipality status means the property is fully exempt from BC’s principal residence rule, just like Whistler.
• As a result of supply lagging well behind demand, Revelstoke’s 275 active listings face minimal host competition.
• In addition, Revelstoke National Park and a world-class mountain biking network are building a strong summer revenue season.

Best Property Types

• Ski chalets near the resort base: these achieve the strongest ADR from December through March.
• Downtown units: walkable to dining and Main Street, these deliver strong year-round appeal.
• Luxury mountain homes: a growing high-end traveler segment increasingly seeks premium experiences here. 

West Kelowna

West Kelowna sits directly across Okanagan Lake from Kelowna and, according to the data, consistently outperforms it on ADR. It generates CA$2,682 in monthly revenue with a CA$251 ADR and 50% occupancy across 376 active listings. The Westside Wine Trail, with over 20 boutique wineries, anchors strong demand from affluent couples and food and wine travelers. In addition, direct Okanagan Lake access drives premium pricing for waterfront properties, which consequently pushes the market ADR above that of Kelowna proper.

Key Metrics

Metric	Data
Average Monthly Revenue	CA$2,682
Average Daily Rate (ADR)	CA$251
Occupancy Rate	50%
Active Listings	376
Seasonality	Moderate (summer peak, growing shoulder season)
Regulation	Strict

Why It Performs

• First, the Westside Wine Trail with 20+ boutique wineries attracts affluent couples with high nightly spend.
• Moreover, direct Okanagan Lake frontage drives a premium ADR for waterfront and lake-view properties.
• In contrast to Kelowna, West Kelowna is less crowded yet shares the same tourism infrastructure and visitor base.
• As a result, its CA$251 ADR surpasses Kelowna proper despite operating in a smaller overall market. 

Surrey

Surrey completes our top 10 as BC’s most accessible large Airbnb market for new hosts. With CA$2,670 in monthly revenue, 64% occupancy, and 1,137 active listings, the second-largest in our top 10 by listing count, Surrey offers consistent, year-round demand at a price point that delivers solid cash flow on lower-cost properties. In contrast to the resort and coastal markets higher in this list, Surrey does not benefit from dramatic seasonal peaks. Instead, it delivers the kind of steady, reliable performance that suits hosts who prioritise occupancy consistency over maximum revenue.

Key Metrics

Metric	Data
Average Monthly Revenue	CA$2,670
Average Annual Revenue	CA$32,041
Average Daily Rate (ADR)	CA$134
Occupancy Rate	64%
Active Listings	1,137
Regulation	Strict

Why It Performs

• Notably, 1,137 active listings confirm consistent, proven traveler demand at scale across the market.
• Furthermore, a 64% occupancy rate reflects steady year-round bookings that are independent of any single tourism season.
• Compared to Vancouver, lower property prices here deliver more competitive cash flow yields for investors.
• In addition, proximity to the US border crossing, the Fraser Valley, and Metro Vancouver supports a diverse demand base.

Methodology

The rankings in this guide are based on real Airbnb market data from Airbtics (primary source) and AirROI (supplementary source), covering the 2025-2026 period. Specifically, cities were ranked by average monthly revenue and cross-referenced against occupancy rate, average daily rate, and active listing count. In addition, a qualitative layer assessing the regulatory environment and tourism infrastructure was applied before finalising the list. Suburban markets without a standalone tourism identity were included where the data independently supported their inclusion.

Final Thoughts

British Columbia’s Airbnb landscape consistently rewards those who look beyond the obvious. As the data in this guide shows, markets like Vernon, the Kootenay Rockies, and Ucluelet deliver revenue and occupancy metrics that rival, and in some cases exceed, BC’s most famous destinations. Whether you are optimising an existing listing or evaluating your next investment property, the data clearly points to where the best opportunities lie.