Recreational property markets in British Columbia and Alberta are experiencing a period of stabilization, largely fueled by a resurgence in domestic buyers. This trend, observed across popular ski resort areas like Kelowna's Big White, Whistler, and Canmore, indicates a growing preference among Canadians to invest in properties within their own country, often driven by a "Buy Canadian" sentiment and a desire for local vacation destinations.
Key Takeaways
- Domestic buyers are increasingly prioritizing Canadian recreational properties.
- Modest interest rate relief and a "Buy Canadian" mindset are boosting demand.
- Markets like Big White and Whistler, exempt from foreign buyer bans, show steady activity.
- Short-term rental zoned properties in Canmore remain a highly sought-after investment.
Domestic Demand Surges
Following the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic, recreational real estate agents across British Columbia and Alberta are reporting a return to consistency. A recent Royal LePage report highlights that nearly half of recreational property experts have noted an increase in inquiries from domestic buyers. This shift is attributed to a combination of modest interest rate relief and a growing inclination among Canadians to invest within their own borders.
Phil Soper, president and CEO of Royal LePage, commented that "buyers seeking winter escapes are pushing ahead – demonstrating once again the resilience and enduring appeal of Canada’s recreational regions." This sentiment is echoed by realtors on the ground.
Market Highlights: Big White and Whistler
In Kelowna's Big White ski resort, sales are primarily driven by residents from British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. Notably, there has been a marked increase in interest from buyers in Washington, Texas, and Florida, who are opting for Canadian destinations over traditional vacation spots like Arizona or Hawaii. Joan Wolf of Sotheby's International Realty Canada in Kelowna observes that inventory levels have remained consistent since 2023, with condos being the most popular segment. Big White's exemption from the foreign buyer ban, coupled with direct flights into Kelowna, further bolsters its appeal.
Similarly, Whistler is experiencing strong demand from Canadian buyers, with 90 percent of purchasers identified as domestic. The majority of these buyers originate from Whistler itself or the Metro Vancouver area. While American buyers are slowly increasing, their numbers remain significantly lower than domestic purchasers. Stefanie Hostetter of Re/Max Sea to Sky Real Estate notes that prices and inventory in Whistler have been steady for the past two years.
Canmore's Investment Appeal
While Big White and Whistler are exempt from the foreign buyer ban, Canmore faces different regulations. Despite this, 2025 has been characterized as a strong year with persistent demand for revenue-generating properties. Devin Stephens of Canmore Real Estate Group highlights that short-term rental zoned properties are particularly popular. Buyers are motivated by a desire for a lifestyle in the Rockies that can also help offset costs, rather than purely speculative investment. The combination of a mountain lifestyle, robust guest infrastructure, and strong rental revenue potential makes Canmore a significant investment market.
