Whistler is one of Canada’s top vacation destinations, attracting visitors year-round for outdoor adventure activities. In winter, visitors enjoy snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and heli-skiing—while the summer months offer mountain biking, hiking, and zip-lining.
With such high demand, listing a Whistler vacation rental can be a profitable investment—but only if done correctly.
From understanding regulations to optimizing your listing, here’s how to list a vacation rental in Whistler:
Step 1: Understand the Whistler Short-Term Rental Regulations
Before listing a Whistler vacation rental, you need to comply with local laws and licensing requirements to avoid fines or restrictions.
Licensing Requirements
To legally operate a short-term rental setup in Whistler, Every short-term vacation rental owner in Whistler 100% needs an RMOW business license.
The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) has strict regulations on vacation rentals, so check whether your home qualifies.
- Do you need a business license? If your property is in a designated tourist accommodation zone, you must apply for a Whistler short-term rental business license.
- Check zoning bylaws: Some neighbourhoods only allow short-term rentals in designated zones, while others restrict them to owner-occupied homes. If you require information on what your property zoning means, reach out to Outpost for clarification.
- HOA and strata rules: If your property is part of a strata or homeowners association, ensure they permit vacation rentals. Many buildings have bylaws restricting short-term stays.
Taxes & Fees
Short-term rental income in Whistler is subject to multiple taxes, including:
- Goods and Services Tax (GST): 5% on rental income.
- Provincial Sales Tax (PST): 8% applies to short-term accommodations.
- Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT): 3% goes toward local tourism initiatives.
While most Whistler property managers leave GST remittance to the homeowner, Outpost is one of the few that can handle it directly on your behalf, streamlining the process and reducing the risk of costly errors. That said, it’s important to note that owners are still responsible for filing their own personal tax returns, even if GST is being remitted for rental income.
Want full peace of mind? We always recommend consulting a tax professional alongside working with a management team that understands the local requirements inside and out.
Step 2: Prepare Your Property for Guests
Guests expect comfort, cleanliness, and safety, so preparing your home properly will increase bookings and positive reviews.
Essential Upgrades for a Great Guest Experience
Your property should be fully stocked with essentials to provide a hotel-like experience.
- Must-have amenities: High-speed WiFi, kitchenware, toiletries, fresh linens, and quality mattresses.
- Luxury upgrades: Smart TVs, heated floors, hot tubs, fireplaces, and ski storage for winter guests.
- Welcome baskets: Small extras like snacks, a Whistler travel guide, or local coffee add a personal touch.
Setting Up a Cleaning & Maintenance Plan
Keeping your rental spotless is key to earning 5-star reviews. To achieve this, you can:
- Hire professional cleaners for deep cleaning between guests.
- Schedule regular maintenance for heating, plumbing, and appliances—especially before winter.
- Stock emergency supplies such as extra light bulbs, batteries, and backup toiletries.
Safety & Compliance Checklist
Ensure your rental meets safety and insurance requirements by installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. You should also check fire extinguishers and emergency exits and get short-term rental insurance to protect against property damage or liability issues.
Step 3: Choose the Right Booking Platform
Where you list your property affects visibility, profitability, and ease of management.
Popular Platforms for Whistler Rentals
- Airbnb & Vrbo: Best for attracting tourists and maximizing short-term stays.
- Booking.com & Expedia: Ideal for professional vacation rental management, popular with Europeans.
- Outpost Whistler: A full-service property management company that handles bookings, guest communications, and pricing optimization for you.
Setting Up Payment & Cancellation Policies
You can implement deposits & security holds. This will protect against last-minute cancellations and damages. In addition, you should consider refund policies. Set clear cancellation rules for peak vs. off-season bookings.
Step 4: Create a High-Converting Listing
Your listing must stand out among the competition to attract guests and maximize bookings.
Writing a Compelling Property Description
Highlight the unique selling points of your rental to capture attention:
- Location: Mention ski-in/ski-out access, proximity to Whistler Village, or scenic views.
- Luxury features: Hot tub, sauna, private deck, or gourmet kitchen.
- Pet-friendly stays: Appeal to travellers looking for accommodations that allow pets.
Use storytelling to create an emotional connection, such as: “Imagine waking up to fresh mountain air, sipping coffee on your private deck, and skiing straight onto the slopes—your perfect Whistler getaway awaits!”
Taking Professional-Quality Photos
High-quality visuals significantly increase booking rates when listing a Whistler vacation rental:
- Hire a professional photographer for the best angles and lighting.
- Stage your home properly: Tidy up, add warm lighting and use decorative touches.
- Highlight key amenities: Show off your hot tub, cozy fireplace, and spacious living areas.
Step 5: Optimize Your Listing for Maximum Visibility
Simply listing a Whistler vacation rental isn’t enough—you need to rank higher on booking platforms to get more views and bookings.
Using SEO to Improve Rankings
- Write compelling headlines: “Luxury Ski-In/Ski-Out Whistler Chalet with Hot Tub.”
- Use relevant keywords: “Whistler vacation rental,” “pet-friendly chalet,” and “mountain view condo.”
Getting Your First Reviews & Building Credibility
You should encourage guests to leave reviews by providing excellent service. You can even offer a discount for first-time guests to build early reviews.
Furthermore, respond professionally to negative reviews and resolve issues quickly.
Step 6: Promote Your Rental
Boost bookings by marketing beyond listing platforms. The best rentals always have a robust social media game.
Leverage Social Media Marketing
- Instagram & Facebook: Post high-quality photos, guest testimonials, and local activity tips.
- TikTok & Reels: Showcase virtual tours and behind-the-scenes videos to attract younger travellers.
Run Google & Facebook Ads for More Bookings
Target potential guests searching for Whistler vacation rentals by running paid ads. However, be careful to ensure your paid ads are effective and have the right strategy.
Partner with Local Businesses & Tourism Websites
You can get featured on Whistler tourism blogs and travel directories. You can also offer exclusive deals with local ski shops, restaurants, and adventure tour operators.
Why Choose Outpost Whistler?
Managing a vacation rental is time-consuming, especially with Whistler’s competitive market. Outpost Whistler handles everything—from marketing and guest communications to cleaning and pricing optimization.
With Outpost Whistler, you get more than just property management, you get a dedicated team invested in your success.
- A team of specialists (not generalists) with an industry-leading employee-to-property ratio of 1:4, ensuring personalized attention and expert care.
- Professional listing optimization to attract high-quality bookings across all major platforms.
- Dynamic pricing management backed by real-time data and local insight to maximize income year-round.
- 24/7 guest support and seamless check-in experiences that enhance reviews and reduce owner involvement.
- Cleaning and maintenance coordination that’s proactive, reliable, and guest-ready.
- A true owner partnership philosophy, with transparent communication, zero guesswork, and shared goals.
Contact Outpost Whistler today and let the experts handle everything for you!
