Nanaimo

As of May 2026, Nanaimo, Parksville, Tofino, Whistler have 1,420 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 19% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Nanaimo generates C$37K per year. High-performing properties earn C$68K/year, while low-performing properties earn C$15K/year. The massive revenue gap suggests that market success is heavily bifurcated by asset performance rather than just baseline demand.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Nanaimo. Average annual revenue is C$37K with 40% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to C$68K/year. This ceiling implies that top-tier assets capture a disproportionate share of the local travel spend despite a shrinking overall supply pool.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Nanaimo is 40%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of C$250, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of C$64 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Nanaimo, with annual revenue of C$69K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Nanaimo market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Nanaimo area. Nanaimo: Moderate. Business license required, principal residence only, max 2 bedrooms. Complaint-based enforcement, some unlicensed operations exist. Parksville: Moderate. Business license mandatory, principal residence rule, zoning restrictions. Enforcement improving but still reactive. Tofino: Strict. Business license required, principal residence only, rental caps by zone. Active enforcement due to housing crisis, violations prosecuted. Whistler: Strict. Zoning permit required, principal residence mandatory, phase-out of non-compliant STRs. Very active enforcement with significant fines. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Nanaimo Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 19% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 8%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The contraction in both metrics suggests a market finding equilibrium after previous saturation levels.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 7% 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 Nanaimo listings include: Kitchen (96%), Tv (80%), Heating (76%), Balcony (70%), Washing Machine (68%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Washing Machine, Pool, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 32% more (C$61K/year vs C$46K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Nanaimo 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$1K, January: C$955, 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 Nanaimo is C$250, up 16% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average C$180/night, 2-bedroom properties average C$263/night, 3-bedroom properties average C$397/night, 4+ bedroom properties average C$679/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in January.

Guests in Nanaimo book an average of 41 days in advance, down 12% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 37 days, 2-bedroom: 44 days, 3-bedroom: 51 days, 4+ bedroom: 44 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Nanaimo Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 19%, revenue per listing decreased 8%, occupancy fell 1%, average nightly rates increased 16%, and lead time decreased 12%. These shifts reflect a tighter inventory environment where operators are testing higher pricing despite shortened booking windows.

In Nanaimo, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 25% higher occupancy than weekdays.