Canada's Home / British Columbia / Resort Municipalities
Resort Municipalities in British Columbia
BC's officially designated resort communities — home to world-class mountain real estate.
British Columbia is home to some of the world's most spectacular mountain resort real estate. The Resort Municipality designation — unique to BC — recognizes communities whose economy is fundamentally built around year-round outdoor recreation. Whistler is the flagship, but the broader BC resort real estate corridor spans Squamish, Pemberton, Sun Peaks, Big White, Silver Star, and beyond. British Columbia's property transfer tax applies on all resort property purchases.
Whistler
BC's only full Resort Municipality · Incorporated 1975 · North America's premier mountain resort
Whistler Blackcomb is North America's most visited ski resort. The pedestrian village, championship golf courses, world-class mountain biking trails, and UNESCO-adjacent wilderness make Whistler the benchmark for Canadian resort real estate. Village condominiums, slope-side chalets, and lakefront estates in Whistler Cay and Alta Vista all trade at premium prices — and have shown exceptional long-term appreciation.
Explore Whistler Real Estate →Other BC Mountain & Resort Real Estate Markets
Not technically Resort Municipalities, but significant BC resort real estate destinations covered by Canada's Home.
BC Property Transfer Tax on resort properties: BC's PTT starts at 1% on the first $200,000, 2% on $200,001–$2,000,000, and 3% on amounts over $2M. Foreign buyers are subject to an additional 20% foreign buyer tax. Whistler properties frequently exceed the 3% threshold. First-time buyer exemptions do not apply to vacation or investment properties.
BC Resort Real Estate — FAQ
What is a Resort Municipality in BC?
In British Columbia, a Resort Municipality is a special designation under the Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI), which gives qualifying resort communities additional provincial funding tied to accommodation revenues. Whistler is BC's only full Resort Municipality, incorporated in 1975.
Can you buy real estate in Whistler as a non-resident?
Canadian residents and citizens can buy Whistler real estate freely. Foreign buyers are subject to Canada's foreign buyer ban on residential property (in effect since 2023), with some exceptions. The Whistler Resident Restricted Housing program also designates some units exclusively for full-time Whistler employees.
What is the average home price in Whistler?
As of early 2026, Whistler's average residential sale price exceeds $2,000,000. Village condominiums average $700,000–$1,500,000. Single-family homes in sought-after neighbourhoods like Whistler Creekside or Blueberry Hill regularly exceed $3,000,000.
What resort areas near Whistler are worth considering?
Buyers priced out of Whistler often look at Pemberton (30 minutes north), Squamish (50 minutes south), or the Callaghan Valley. Sun Peaks near Kamloops and Big White near Kelowna are BC's other major ski resort real estate markets.