Red Deer

As of May 2026, Red Deer, Sylvan Lake, Rocky Mountain House have 392 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 16% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Red Deer generates C$33K per year. High-performing properties earn C$63K/year, while low-performing properties earn C$14K/year. The significant revenue spread suggests that market performance is heavily bifurcated, where top-tier assets capture the majority of demand despite a 14% contraction in overall regional earnings.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Red Deer. Average annual revenue is C$33K with 38% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to C$63K/year. The 15.7% decline in supply indicates a shrinking inventory pool, which may stabilize occupancy rates for operators who can maintain high performance standards.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Red Deer is 38%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of C$247, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of C$58 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Red Deer, with annual revenue of C$52K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Red Deer market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Red Deer area. Red Deer: Moderate. Business license required, zoning restrictions apply, some residential areas prohibit STRs. Enforcement occurs through complaints, not proactive monitoring. Sylvan Lake: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or licensing requirements. General business licensing may apply. Minimal enforcement, many operate freely. Rocky Mountain House: Lenient. No dedicated STR bylaws or permit system. Standard business rules apply. Limited enforcement capacity, complaint-driven only. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Red Deer Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 16% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 14%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The parallel decline in both supply and revenue suggests a market correction rather than a demand collapse, reflecting a tighter equilibrium between available listings and traveler interest.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 22% 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 Red Deer listings include: Kitchen (97%), Tv (92%), Heating (84%), Washing Machine (69%), Balcony (62%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Washing Machine, Bbq, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 57% more (C$69K/year vs C$44K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Red Deer 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$1K, February: C$1K, March: C$1K, 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 Red Deer is C$247, up 17% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average C$162/night, 2-bedroom properties average C$195/night, 3-bedroom properties average C$287/night, 4+ bedroom properties average C$414/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in March.

Guests in Red Deer book an average of 33 days in advance, down 17% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 32 days, 2-bedroom: 30 days, 3-bedroom: 31 days, 4+ bedroom: 41 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Red Deer Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 16%, revenue per listing decreased 14%, occupancy fell 4%, average nightly rates increased 17%, and lead time decreased 17%. These metrics reveal a shift toward short-notice bookings and higher pricing sensitivity, as operators attempt to offset declining occupancy with increased daily rates.

In Red Deer, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 37% higher occupancy than weekdays.