Choice for travellers
in Alberta. #staylocal #supportlocal
The Alberta Short Term Rental Association represents the owners, property managers, and travellers who make short-term rentals a trusted part of Alberta's accommodation ecosystem — from Banff and Canmore to Calgary, Edmonton, Drumheller, and Jasper.
The Voice of the Short Term Rental Industry in Alberta.
Diversifying accommodation
Families, ski groups, wedding parties, and remote workers need full homes with kitchens, laundry, and space that traditional hotels can't always provide.
Supporting local economies
Guests buy groceries, gas, restaurant meals, ski passes, and local experiences — sustaining cleaners, tradespeople, and small businesses across Alberta.
Fair, practical policy
We liaise with municipal, regional, and provincial decision-makers to shape regulation for this emerging and important industry.
Responsible hosting
We promote best practices for hosts to become responsible operators.
A collective voice
One provincial association representing hosts and communities across the province.
Hospitality & welcome
STR hosts are often a visitor's first taste of Alberta. Our members take pride in warm, memorable stays that reflect the character of this province.
Short-term rentals turn visitors into local economic activity.
By welcoming guests who spend money at small businesses, restaurants, and attractions, hosts in Alberta help support their local communities and Alberta’s tourism economy. In 2024 alone:
Hosting on Airbnb is a vital source of supplemental income for many local residents. According to a survey of hosts in Alberta:
Tax Revenue
ABSTRA exists to help Alberta get short-term rental policy right.
We:
Advocate
For fair, practical rules that recognize responsible operators.
Share standards
For safety, licensing, taxation, and neighbour respect.
Help municipalities
Understand how STRs connect to tourism, labour, and local business.
Know your local regulations:
Calgary
City business licensing, zoning, and safety requirements for short-term rentals.
View regulations
Banff
National park setting with unique federal, provincial, and local considerations.
View regulations
A home away from home
Full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, laundry, and space — the essentials for families, multi-generational trips, and longer stays.
Family Friendly Accommodation Options in Alberta
Urban stays, event visits
Common Questions Answered
Are short-term rentals an expected form of accommodation in Alberta?+
Yes. Alberta's tourism regions — especially mountain communities — depend on flexible accommodation for families, groups, and longer stays that hotel inventory alone cannot absorb.
Do guests generally have positive STR experiences?+
Consistently, yes. Guest satisfaction across professionally operated STRs remains very high, with negative experiences reported in only a small single-digit percentage of stays.
Would restricting STRs solve housing pressure?+
No. Only a small share of STR properties would ever be offered as long-term rentals if restricted. Housing affordability is a distinct issue requiring distinct policy tools.
Why do visitors choose STRs over hotels?+
Kitchens, multiple bedrooms, laundry, parking, outdoor space, pet flexibility, and shared gathering areas — essential for families, ski trips, and communities with limited hotel capacity.
Are Alberta STRs already regulated?+
Yes. Operators navigate municipal business licensing, land-use zoning, safety documentation, occupancy limits, and tourism levy collection. Responsible STR operation is licensed and accountable.
Add your voice to Alberta's short-term rental sector.
Join us in supporting balanced, informed policy-making. Together we can shape regulation that is reasonable, equitable, and reflective of the professionals who operate within this industry.