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Whistler

British Columbia · Canada
Restricted
Last updated: 2026-06-27  ·  Last verified: 2026-06-27  ·  Region: International

At a Glance — Whistler Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusRestricted — rules apply
Permit / License RequiredYes — Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) Tourist Accommodation business license required, plus B.C. Provincial Short-Term Rental Registration.
Tax Rate8% PST + 3% MRDT + 5% GST where applicable.
Night / Day CapNo nightly cap in permitted zones.
Minimum StayNone (short-term defined as stays under 90 consecutive days).
Permit FeeAnnual tourist accommodation business license fee is CAD $250. Initial application fee is CAD $25.
PenaltiesOperating an STR in a residential zone or without a valid business license results in significant fines (up to CAD $1,000 per day per infraction).
Primary Residence RequiredNo (for properties zoned for Tourist Accommodation; Whistler is exempt from the B.C. provincial primary residence requirement).
Occupancy LimitRegulated by building code and strata bylaws; general guidelines are 2 guests per bedroom + 2 extra.
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Whistler Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Whistler Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rentals in Whistler, 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 — Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) Tourist Accommodation business license required, plus B.C. Provincial Short-Term Rental Registration.. The associated permit fees are Annual tourist accommodation business license fee is CAD $250. Initial application fee is CAD $25..

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Whistler

Short-term rental operators in Whistler should be aware of these tax obligations: 8% PST + 3% MRDT + 5% GST where applicable.. Yes — must collect and remit 8% PST, 3% Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT), and 5% federal GST if applicable..

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Whistler

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Whistler include: Primary residence requirement: No (for properties zoned for Tourist Accommodation; Whistler is exempt from the B.C. provincial primary residence requir. Rental day cap: No nightly cap in permitted zones.. Occupancy limit: Regulated by building code and strata bylaws; general guidelines are 2 guests per bedroom + 2 extra.. Minimum stay: None (short-term defined as stays under 90 consecutive days)..

Zoning and Location Requirements in Whistler

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Whistler: Permitted only in Tourist Accommodation (TA) zones. Subject to covenants: Phase I allows unlimited owner use and rental management choice; Phase II limits owner use to 56 days/year and requires poolin. Density rules: Strict zoning limitations prevent STR expansion into residential-only neighborhoods.. Insurance: Yes — commercial insurance covering short-term nightly rentals is required..

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Whistler

Hosts who fail to comply with Whistler's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Operating an STR in a residential zone or without a valid business license results in significant fines (up to CAD $1,000 per day per infraction)..

Platform Obligations in Whistler

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Whistler: Platforms must share monthly listing data and remove listings that lack valid provincial registration numbers at the municipality's request..

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Restricted
License / Registration
Yes — Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) Tourist Accommodation business license required, plus B.C. Provincial Short-Term Rental Registration.
Tax Registration
Yes — must collect and remit 8% PST, 3% Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT), and 5% federal GST if applicable.
Permit Fee
Annual tourist accommodation business license fee is CAD $250. Initial application fee is CAD $25.
Primary Residence Rule
No (for properties zoned for Tourist Accommodation; Whistler is exempt from the B.C. provincial primary residence requirement).
Night / Day Cap
No nightly cap in permitted zones.
Occupancy Limit
Regulated by building code and strata bylaws; general guidelines are 2 guests per bedroom + 2 extra.
Tax Rate
8% PST + 3% MRDT + 5% GST where applicable.
Zoning Restrictions
Permitted only in Tourist Accommodation (TA) zones. Subject to covenants: Phase I allows unlimited owner use and rental management choice; Phase II limits owner use to 56 days/year and requires pooling/hotel management.
Minimum Stay
None (short-term defined as stays under 90 consecutive days).
Density Rules
Strict zoning limitations prevent STR expansion into residential-only neighborhoods.
Insurance Required
Yes — commercial insurance covering short-term nightly rentals is required.
Platform Obligations
Platforms must share monthly listing data and remove listings that lack valid provincial registration numbers at the municipality's request.
Compliance Notes
Hosts must display their valid business license number on all listing advertisements. Strata corporation bylaws frequently impose additional rules or bans.
Effective Date
RMOW Tourist Accommodation licensing in force; B.C. Provincial Registry active.
Key Notes
A premier global ski resort. Title covenants (Phase I vs Phase II) are legally binding and dictate owner occupancy limits and rental management pools.
Penalties
Operating an STR in a residential zone or without a valid business license results in significant fines (up to CAD $1,000 per day per infraction).
Additional Context
The B.C. Provincial Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act exempts Whistler from the province-wide principal residence requirement due to its status as a designated resort municipality.
Sources
https://www.whistler.ca/business/business-licences/tourist-accommodati…
Resort Municipality of Whistler (whistler.ca)
Province of British Columbia
AirDNA
📋 Apply / Register with the Official Authority

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Whistler?

Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Whistler but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Hosts must display their valid business license number on all listing advertisements. Strata corporation bylaws frequently impose additional rules or bans.

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Whistler?

Yes. Whistler requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) Tourist Accommodation business license required, plus B.C. Provincial Short-Term Rental Registration..

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Whistler?

Short-term rental hosts in Whistler are subject to the following tax obligations: 8% PST + 3% MRDT + 5% GST where applicable..

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Whistler?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Whistler may face enforcement. Operating an STR in a residential zone or without a valid business license results in significant fines (up to CAD $1,000 per day per infraction)..

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Whistler?

A premier global ski resort. Title covenants (Phase I vs Phase II) are legally binding and dictate owner occupancy limits and rental management pools.

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