Airbnb Earnings Climb as More Travellers Search for Banff and Canmore

Airbnb searches for accommodations in Banff and Canmore are on the rise, with local hosts collectively earning more as demand for short-term rentals continues to grow.

New data provided directly to Bow Valley Insider shows searches across the two communities increased six per cent between April and June 2026 compared with the same period last year, continuing a trend of annual growth dating back to 2023.

Meanwhile, hosts across both markets collectively earned more than 17 per cent more during the three-month period compared with 2025.

The figures, provided by Alex Howell, Airbnb's policy lead for Canada, offer a closer look at short-term rental demand in the Bow Valley and where visitors are travelling from.

Canmore Accounts for Nearly All Bookings

While the figures include both Banff and Canmore, approximately 97 per cent of Airbnb bookings across the two markets were in Canmore during the second quarter of 2026.

The company also confirmed that the number of active listings across both communities increased compared with the same period last year, although it did not provide an exact figure.

Airbnb clarified that the 17 per cent increase in host earnings represents the total earned across both markets, rather than an increase in earnings for individual property owners.

With more active listings available, the figures do not necessarily mean that each host earned more than they did in 2025.

Airbnb also declined to provide accommodation pricing data, explaining that nightly rates are set by individual hosts and fluctuate depending on demand, travel dates and length of stay.

Where Are Visitors Coming From?

Canadian travellers continue to account for the majority of Airbnb bookings in Banff and Canmore.

More than half of bookings during the second quarter of 2026 came from Canadian guests, a trend Airbnb says has remained consistent every year since 2023.

Edmonton and Calgary were the two leading cities of origin for guests, followed by Toronto, Vancouver and Saskatoon.

According to Airbnb, Alberta's two largest cities have traded the top spot for guest origins each year since 2023.

International visitors also represent a significant share of bookings, with American travellers accounting for more than a quarter during the second quarter, consistent with previous years.

The United Kingdom, Australia and Germany followed as other leading international markets.

Demand Continues to Grow

Airbnb reported that searches for accommodations across Banff and Canmore have increased every year since 2023.

However, the company clarified that its search figures represent search sessions rather than individual travellers, meaning someone searching multiple times may be counted more than once.

The figures also cover April through June, rather than the full summer tourism season. Airbnb said third-quarter data, covering July through September, was not yet available when the information was provided.

The latest figures point to continued growth in searches, active listings and collective host earnings, with Canmore accounting for nearly all bookings across the two markets.