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Alberta
Why it matters to you?
There are fines issued when someone is illegally listed on Airbnb and VRBO of up to $5,000 if you are out of the speciifc zoned areas in Canmore.
To legally start a short-term rental in Canmore owners must obtain a business license from the town.
One license covers all managed properties.
If you are running a bed and breakfast, it requires separate licensing and permitting. To avoid contact one of our verified specialists to get properly listed on all platforms.
Why Canmore, Licensing Matters to you?
When you start your short term rental business, you need to make sure that there is the proper licensing as said above, if you are leasing out from yourself the third party (property manager) should have a business license, and you don’t have to carry one. If you are managing alone, then you will have to carry a business license.
With Verification, we can help streamline the process of you either applying to get the permitting, or giving you the tools to make sure you understand all right steps to getting your listing up and running in Canmore.
Whether it’s getting your Business license for the right section in town, completing the application form, making sure you have the Certificate of Incorporation, Proof of residence, and your list of short term rental properties under management, it all matters when it comes to listing properly in Canmore.
In Canmore What if I don't have proper Licensing?
Canmore is carefully reviewing licensing, to make sure that the rental market is in the appropriate zone for listings in the Short Term Rental Space. Compliance is important to submit because it is part of the licensing application process out there to manage properties. The Towns planning and Development Department is cracking down the rules and regulations for the requirements. Its important that you as an owner make sure that you’re Properly Verified in that area.
What documents do I need?
As a property manager, wheter an individual property owner or formal business, you are required to have a business license.
You also need:
Business License application form.
Proof of Residence.
Short-term Rental Property List.
If you are running a Bed & breakfast, it requires more.
Development permit.
Alberta Health Services Approval.
You might need, as well, proof or incorporation if applicable.
Floor plans or site maps
Parking plans
Fire Safety plans.
Want help? Let’s give you a hand
Canmore Short-Term Rental Taxes?
Did you know that Canmore operators are subject to several types of taxes at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels?
Municipal Property tax: Its either classified as “Tourist Homes” or “Tourist Home – Personal Use”
The rates vary depending on the classification:
- Tourist Home (Code 21): 9.15981 mills (0.915981% of assessed value) in 2023
- Tourist Home – Personal Use (Code 21A): 4.37305 mills (0.437305% of assessed value) in 2023
If you rent anytime during the year, even if its part of the year, the higher “Tourist home” rate applies for the year.
Alberta Tourism Levy: 4% is collected on accommodations provided in alberta for periods of less than 28 consecutive days. This levy is in addition to federal GST.
Goods and Services Tax (GST): If your STR eceeds $30, 000 in a single calender quarter or over four consecutive canander quarters, it is subject to 5% on the rental prive and must be collected for the CRA for taxable supplies.
Deductions & Write-Offs
Expenses are only deducted if they are directly in purpose of earning rental income. If the property is personally used for part of the year, the short term rental will be prorated because of it. If you are looking to find the list of deductions for your short term rental click here.
Alberta Wide Short-term Rental Rules
Ontop of the canmore local regulations, here are key Alberta-wid rules that impact STR operators:
In Alberta, most short-term rentals are subject to a 4% provincial tourism levy on accommodations provided for periods of less than 28 consecutive days, in addition to the 5% federal GST. Operators are expected to register with the province and collect and remit this levy. Certain exemptions apply, including stays of 28 days or longer, qualifying low-cost accommodations priced under $30 per day or $210 per week, and specific government- or reserve-related accommodations.
Residential Tenancies Act:
Although this legislation is primarily designed for long-term rental housing, certain standards can also be relevant to short-term accommodations. Rental spaces are expected to remain safe, habitable, and maintained to basic health and safety benchmarks. Occupants are also entitled to reasonable use and enjoyment of the property during their stay.
Condominium Property Act:
Short-term rentals operating within condominium buildings must follow the rules set by the condo corporation and applicable provincial condominium legislation. This can include meeting bylaw requirements, securing board approvals when necessary, maintaining appropriate insurance coverage, and complying with any building-specific fees or operational conditions.
Business Licensing:
Municipal licensing requirements vary across Alberta, and some communities require short-term rental operators to hold a valid business license. These local licensing obligations are separate from provincial tax registration. In Canmore, for example, operators are required to obtain municipal business licensing to run a short-term rental legally.
Income Taxes:
Revenue generated from short-term rentals is considered taxable income and must be declared on the operator’s tax filings. Eligible operating expenses may be deducted in accordance with federal tax rules. The Canada Revenue Agency provides guidance on reporting rental income and identifying allowable deductions.
Why A Commercial Insurance Requirement?
Hawaii’s vacation rental market remains strong due to its unique combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and limited supply. As one of the world’s most isolated island chains, Hawaii offers experiences that cannot be replicated elsewhere. The aloha spirit, combined with world-class beaches, volcanic landscapes, and tropical climate, creates enduring appeal.
How Strict is the Enforcement in Canmore?
Industry discussions across investor and host forums consistently describe Canmore as one of Alberta’s more actively regulated short-term rental markets. Compared to many municipalities, the town has increased enforcement efforts in recent years, focusing on unlicensed and improperly zoned vacation rentals.
Forum participants frequently reference enforcement actions involving financial penalties for properties operating outside approved zoning or without the required permits. First violations have been reported to result in fines in the range of $2,500, with repeat offenses reaching approximately $5,000. These figures align with the town’s stated enforcement posture toward unauthorized listings.
Investor and host conversations also emphasize that Canmore’s zoning framework limits short-term rentals to designated tourist accommodation areas. Properties outside these zones are generally not permitted to operate as nightly rentals, which creates a higher compliance threshold compared to less restrictive markets.
While Canmore remains a popular tourism destination, its regulatory structure requires operators to pay close attention to zoning and licensing requirements. Market participants often describe the environment as compliance-driven, where operating without proper authorization carries measurable financial and legal risk.
As a result, prospective hosts are widely advised to review municipal zoning classifications and licensing obligations before launching a short-term rental. Understanding the local regulatory framework is considered an essential step in operating responsibly within the Canmore market.
For property owners, Hawaii represents a stable investment with strong appreciation potential and consistent rental demand. For guests, vacation rentals provide the opportunity to experience authentic island life while enjoying amenities and locations that hotels cannot match. As Hawaii continues to evolve as a premier destination, vacation rentals will remain central to the visitor experience.
Hawaii’s vacation rental market remains strong due to its unique combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and limited supply. As one of the world’s most isolated island chains, Hawaii offers experiences that cannot be replicated elsewhere. The aloha spirit, combined with world-class beaches, volcanic landscapes, and tropical climate, creates enduring appeal.
For property owners, Hawaii represents a stable investment with strong appreciation potential and consistent rental demand. For guests, vacation rentals provide the opportunity to experience authentic island life while enjoying amenities and locations that hotels cannot match. As Hawaii continues to evolve as a premier destination, vacation rentals will remain central to the visitor experience.
How do I get started?
There is many hoops to go through, but if you connect with us we can help you walk through the process of listing and getting up to legal standards in Alberta. Reach out to us, and one of our representatives will help you with the process expanding your exposure in the STR market.