Fernie

As of May 2026, Fernie, Sparwood, Cranbrook have 474 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 4% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Fernie generates C$53K per year. High-performing properties earn C$91K/year, while low-performing properties earn C$19K/year. The massive revenue variance suggests that top-tier assets capture a disproportionate share of demand, effectively insulating themselves from the broader 20% decline in market-wide revenue.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Fernie. Average annual revenue is C$53K with 40% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to C$91K/year. This occupancy level, coupled with a shrinking supply, implies that the market is consolidating around specific property types that retain pricing power despite the current downward pressure on total revenue.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Fernie is 40%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of C$346, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of C$103 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Fernie, with annual revenue of C$118K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Fernie market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Fernie area. Fernie: Moderate. Business license required, zoning restrictions apply, some neighborhood limits. Enforcement exists but not aggressive. Sparwood: Lenient. Minimal regulations, business license recommended. Very light enforcement, small market. Cranbrook: Moderate. Business license required, zoning compliance needed, residential area restrictions. Moderate enforcement through complaints. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Fernie Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 4% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 20%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The drop in RevPAR despite lower supply points to a contraction in consumer spending or booking frequency rather than an oversupply issue.

Launch around November, 2-3 months before peak winter season (February peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 54% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (October-May) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Fernie listings include: Kitchen (88%), Tv (83%), Washing Machine (81%), Balcony (74%), Hot Tub (64%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Bbq, Ski In Out, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 63% more (C$71K/year vs C$44K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Fernie over the last 12 months: May: C$1K, June: C$2K, July: C$3K, August: C$4K, September: C$2K, October: C$2K, November: C$1K, December: C$4K, January: C$4K, February: C$6K, March: C$5K, 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 Fernie is C$346, up 16% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average C$186/night, 2-bedroom properties average C$307/night, 3-bedroom properties average C$437/night, 4+ bedroom properties average C$792/night. Rates peak in February and are lowest in May.

Guests in Fernie book an average of 33 days in advance, down 6% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 27 days, 2-bedroom: 32 days, 3-bedroom: 36 days, 4+ bedroom: 50 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, supply declined 4%, revenue per listing decreased 20%, occupancy fell 22%, average nightly rates increased 16%, and lead time decreased 6%. These metrics suggest a shift toward a last-minute booking culture, where higher rates are failing to compensate for the significant drop in total occupancy.

In Fernie, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 23% higher occupancy than weekdays.