Remax just dropped their short-term rental trends report for Canada in 2026, and if you’re an Ontario host, there’s plenty worth paying attention to. The report looks at top performing markets across the country, what’s driving traveller demand, and where the STR space is heading this year.
Let’s break down what it actually means for hosts here in Ontario.
Canadian STR Demand Is Still Strong (With Some Nuance)
The overall picture is positive. Short-term rental demand across Canada remains solid heading into 2026, with travellers continuing to choose STRs over traditional hotels for the flexibility, space, and value they offer. That trend hasn’t reversed. If anything, it’s matured.
But “strong demand” doesn’t mean every market performs equally. The report points to a clear split between markets that are thriving and ones where hosts are feeling the squeeze from tighter regulations, higher operating costs, or just plain oversaturation.
So what does this mean for your rental? It means location and positioning matter more than ever. Being in the right market, with the right property, priced correctly, makes a real difference in 2026.
Ontario Markets Worth Watching
Ontario continues to show up as a strong performer in the STR space. A few reasons for that:
Cottage country demand is holding firm. Muskoka, the Kawarthas, Prince Edward County, and similar leisure markets keep pulling strong bookings, particularly for families and groups looking for weekend or week-long escapes. The “drive-to” getaway segment is alive and well. Travellers who might have flown somewhere a few years ago are still choosing accessible Ontario destinations, and that’s good news for cottage hosts.
Urban markets are more competitive. Cities like Toronto and Ottawa have seen supply increase alongside regulatory changes. In Toronto, the principal residence rule means inventory is more controlled, but it also means hosts who are operating legally are competing in a somewhat tighter pool. That’s actually not a bad position to be in if your listing is well-managed and well-reviewed.
Mid-sized cities are an interesting opportunity. Places like Hamilton, Kingston, and Barrie sit in an interesting spot right now. Strong visitor demand, less regulatory pressure than Toronto, and a growing base of travellers who don’t necessarily want to stay in the big city. If you own property in one of these markets, 2026 could be a good year to take your listing more seriously.
Regulations Are Shaping the Market (Like It or Not)
One of the underlying themes in the Remax report is how much municipal regulations are reshaping the Canadian STR market. Cities that have brought in licensing requirements, principal residence restrictions, or outright bans in certain zones are seeing their active listing counts drop. Fewer listings means less competition for the hosts who are still in the game. But it also means more scrutiny.
Here in Ontario, that story is playing out differently by city. Toronto has had its rules in place for a few years now. Hamilton introduced its own STR licensing framework. Smaller municipalities are still figuring out their approach. The patchwork nature of Ontario STR regulations isn’t going away anytime soon.
Honestly, if you haven’t checked your local municipality’s rules lately, that’s worth doing. The last thing you want is a fine or a forced delisting because the rules changed and you missed it.
What This Means for Ontario Hosts in 2026
A few practical takeaways from what the Remax data is showing:
Don’t assume last year’s performance predicts this year’s. Markets shift. Review your pricing strategy, check your competition, and make sure your listing presentation is still strong.
Leisure markets are outperforming urban markets for revenue per night in many cases. If you have a property in cottage country or a smaller Ontario destination, lean into that. Guests are willing to pay well for a quality experience.
Compliance matters more as enforcement catches up. Municipalities that brought in licensing rules are now actively enforcing them. Make sure your property is properly registered wherever that’s required.
Mid-term rentals are worth considering as part of your strategy. With some urban markets getting more competitive on the nightly side, a mix of short and mid-term rentals can smooth out your income and reduce vacancy gaps.
Running a Profitable STR in 2026 Takes More Than a Good Listing
The hosts who are doing well right now aren’t just lucky. They’re staying on top of pricing, keeping their reviews high, managing costs, and making sure they’re compliant with local rules. That’s a lot to manage on top of everything else.
If you’d rather have someone handle that for you, Nurture offers full Airbnb management across Ontario at 18% (well below the industry standard of 20-25%), with no long-term contracts and no games with your listing ownership.
Reach out at nurturestays.ca or call us at (647) 957-8956. We’re happy to talk through what your property could actually earn this year.