‘Buy Canadian’ Surge Elevates Real Estate in Canada’s Ski Towns
The Canadian real estate market has seen notable activity, particularly in ski regions, as winter approaches. According to the Royal LePage 2025 Winter Recreational Property Report, the surge in the Buy Canadian movement has significantly impacted the demand for properties in these areas.
Overview of Real Estate Trends in Ski Regions
Home prices in popular ski destinations across Canada rose moderately during the first nine months of 2025. The average price of a single-family detached home surged by 3.8% year-over-year, reaching $982,000. This increase reflects the robust domestic demand fueled by the Buy Canadian sentiment.
- Average home price: $982,000
- Price increase: 3.8% compared to 2024
Regional Highlights
The report assessed 18 prominent ski destinations in Canada, covering four provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. Key markets experiencing substantial price hikes include:
- Sun Peaks, B.C. – 24.3% increase
- Canmore, Alberta – 9.5% increase
- Mont Sutton, Quebec – 23.6% increase
Condominium Market Growth
Despite a downturn in many urban areas, the condominium market within ski towns is also thriving. Whistler, B.C., experienced a notable price increase for standard condos, with the median price rising over 20% to $702,000 compared to 2024.
Driving Factors Behind the Market Surge
Experts in recreational properties suggest that the Buy Canadian movement significantly influences domestic buyer inquiries. Around 47% of surveyed property experts attributed rising interest to this sentiment. Phil Soper, CEO of Royal LePage, noted the rebound in ski area real estate attributed to modest interest rate adjustments and growing local buyer enthusiasm.
- Buy Canadian sentiment: Primary driver for 47% of inquiries
- Predicted price growth: Additional 4% increase in property values expected in the coming year
Winter Vacation Rental Demand
The demand for winter vacation rentals is also on the rise. According to Jayne McCaw, president of Jayne’s Luxury Rentals, there has been a 10% increase in revenue compared to last year. Many Canadians are choosing to spend their winter holidays locally rather than traveling to warmer destinations.
The Changing Landscape for Canadian Snowbirds
Recent surveys indicate a shift in travel preferences among Canadians. A report by the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada reveals a significant decrease in Canadians traveling to the U.S. this winter, with only 26% planning to go south—a drop of 37% from the previous year. This change is particularly pronounced among baby boomers, with just 10% expressing intentions to travel to the U.S., a decline of 66%.
Conclusion
This year, the emphasis on supporting Canadian businesses has led to a transformation in consumer behavior. A Square survey showed that over half of respondents intend to spend more on gifts and entertainment from Canadian retailers, indicating a willingness to pay more to buy Canadian. As the winter season unfolds, the ski towns in Canada are expected to continue thriving amidst these evolving trends.
