| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — District of Tofino Business Licence AND a B.C. Provincial Short-Term Rental Registration number. Both numbers must be displayed on all online li |
| Tax Rate | PST 8% + MRDT 3% (additional local room tax); federal GST 5% above CAD $30,000 revenue. |
| Night / Day Cap | No night cap stated. |
| Minimum Stay | Short-term rental defined as stays under 90 consecutive days (aligned with provincial law). |
| Permit Fee | District business licence fee varies by classification and bedroom count (typically ranges from CAD $250 to CAD $1,050/year) plus BC provincial regist |
| Penalties | Municipal fines up to CAD $1,000 per offence per day under District bylaws; provincial non-compliance fines up to CAD $5,000 per day; potential licenc |
| Primary Residence Required | Yes — Tofino adopted the provincial principal residence requirement. STRs are generally restricted to the host's primary residence (the home they live |
| Occupancy Limit | Maximum of 3 bedrooms for guests and up to 6 overnight guests total. |
Short-term rentals in Tofino, British Columbia are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — District of Tofino Business Licence AND a B.C. Provincial Short-Term Rental Registration number. Both numbers must be displayed on all online listings.. The associated permit fees are District business licence fee varies by classification and bedroom count (typically ranges from CAD .
Short-term rental operators in Tofino should be aware of these tax obligations: PST 8% + MRDT 3% (additional local room tax); federal GST 5% above CAD $30,000 revenue.. Yes — PST (8%) and MRDT (3%) registration required via BC Ministry of Finance; federal GST (5%) required if annual revenue exceeds CAD $30,000. Platfo.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Tofino include: Primary residence requirement: Yes — Tofino adopted the provincial principal residence requirement. STRs are generally restricted to the host's primary. Rental day cap: No night cap stated.. Occupancy limit: Maximum of 3 bedrooms for guests and up to 6 overnight guests total.. Minimum stay: Short-term rental defined as stays under 90 consecutive days (aligned with provincial law)..
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Tofino: Allowed only in specific zones under Tofino Zoning Bylaw No. 770 where short-term rentals are explicitly permitted (typically R1, R4, RA1, RA2, RA3, A1, A2, A3, A4, and designated CD-EL or condo zones. Density rules: No explicit density spacing rule, but principal residence rules and zoning classifications restrict operations to one site per operator.. Insurance: Yes — proof of commercial general liability insurance is required as part of the business licence ap.
Hosts who fail to comply with Tofino's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Municipal fines up to CAD $1,000 per offence per day under District bylaws; provincial non-compliance fines up to CAD $5,000 per day; potential licence revocation and listing removal..
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Tofino: License and provincial registration numbers must be shown on all online listings (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.). Platforms share monthly data with the province/district and must remove non-compliant listings..
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Tofino but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Hosts must sign a 'Good Neighbour Agreement', provide a detailed floor plan showing escape routes, and designate a local contact manager who is available 24/7 and can respond to the property within 2
Yes. Tofino requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — District of Tofino Business Licence AND a B.C. Provincial Short-Term Rental Registration number. Both numbers must be displayed on all online listings..
Short-term rental hosts in Tofino are subject to the following tax obligations: PST 8% + MRDT 3% (additional local room tax); federal GST 5% above CAD $30,000 revenue..
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Tofino may face enforcement. Municipal fines up to CAD $1,000 per offence per day under District bylaws; provincial non-compliance fines up to CAD $5,000 per day; potential licence revocation and listing removal..
Business licences expire annually on December 31 and must be renewed. Non-compliant STRs are ineligible for federal income tax deductions on rental expenses.
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