.svg){kind=spacer}
Montreal’s Seasonal STR Ban Could Cost $19M in Tourist Spending After Grand Prix Date Change
Montreal's Seasonal STR Ban Could Cost It $19 Million in Tourist Spending
Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong.
And that's proving very true for Montreal in 2026.
Last year, the Canadian city introduced one of the strictest seasonal bans on short-term rentals in North America.
Why? To free up housing stock by pushing rentals back into the long-term market.
❌ Rentals under 32 days are ONLY permitted from June 10 to September 10
❌ Only primary residences can be rented
❌ Hosts need both provincial registration and a $300 municipal permit
❌ Fines go up to $50,000 for hosts and $100,000 for platforms
It hit many hosts hard.
And it had a huge impact on local businesses that depend on tourists.
But hey...at least the biggest tourism driver of the year—the Canadian Grand Prix—was safe, right?
That's where things took a turn.
The Grand Prix happens in June, so it was accounted for when the restrictions were introduced.
But from 2026, the Grand Prix has been moved to May.
See the issue?
The $19 Million Problem
According to a study Airbnb commissioned, Montreal stands to lose over $19 million in visitor spending during the Grand Prix and an upcoming cycling championship combined.
With STRs off the table, hotels absorb all the demand
Prices shoot up. Affordable options vanish and accommodation is limited.
Some visitors shorten their trips, others give up and skip Montreal altogether.
That's lost revenue for restaurants, shops, bars, and local attractions—businesses that depend on event tourism to survive.
Is the Housing Experiment Worth a $19 Million Loss?
Past cities that have tried STR bans—and later reversed them after seeing no effect on housing—prove that banning short-term rentals doesn't always solve housing issues.
And OTAs like Airbnb and VRBO aren't just a niche accommodation option anymore.
They're a core part of the travel experience, especially for younger travelers seeking unique experiences.
Can the tourism economy of a hot spot city like Montreal even survive with banned STRs in 2026?
We dive deeper into the full story and what this means for hosts everywhere on our blog.
Cheers,
The Host Camp Team
