Courtenay

As of May 2026, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River have 653 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 22% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Courtenay generates C$36K per year. High-performing properties earn C$75K/year, while low-performing properties earn C$15K/year. This wide earnings spread highlights a significant performance gap, suggesting that top-tier assets are capturing a disproportionate share of demand despite the 22% reduction in total market supply.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Courtenay. Average annual revenue is C$36K with 40% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to C$75K/year. The 40% occupancy rate relative to the high-earner revenue suggests that top performers are effectively navigating the current market contraction by maintaining better utilization than the average operator.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Courtenay is 40%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of C$251, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of C$62 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Courtenay, with annual revenue of C$61K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Courtenay market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Courtenay area. Courtenay: Moderate. Business license required, zoning restrictions apply, principal residence encouraged but not mandated. Some enforcement through complaints. Comox: Moderate. Business license needed, zoning compliance required, no strict owner-occupancy rule. Complaint-based enforcement. Campbell River: Lenient. Business license required, basic zoning rules. Minimal active enforcement, hosts operate with basic compliance. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Courtenay Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 22% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 12%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics where the reduction in available inventory is partially offsetting the downward pressure on per-unit revenue, preventing a more severe market correction.

Launch around May, 2-3 months before peak summer season (August peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 4% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (February-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Courtenay listings include: Kitchen (97%), Tv (81%), Heating (79%), Washing Machine (73%), Balcony (68%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Gym, Hot Tub, Washing Machine, with Gym properties earning approximately 42% more (C$67K/year vs C$48K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Courtenay over the last 12 months: May: C$2K, June: C$2K, July: C$3K, August: C$3K, September: C$2K, October: C$2K, November: C$1K, December: C$2K, January: C$1K, February: C$1K, March: C$2K, April: C$2K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Courtenay is C$251, up 20% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average C$174/night, 2-bedroom properties average C$277/night, 3-bedroom properties average C$356/night, 4+ bedroom properties average C$574/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in May.

Guests in Courtenay book an average of 38 days in advance, down 21% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 34 days, 2-bedroom: 38 days, 3-bedroom: 45 days, 4+ bedroom: 50 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Courtenay Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 22%, revenue per listing decreased 12%, occupancy fell 7%, average nightly rates increased 20%, and lead time decreased 21%. These metrics reveal a shift toward shorter booking windows and higher pricing reliance, reflecting a more cautious, reactive environment for local hosts.

In Courtenay, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 20% higher occupancy than weekdays.