Canadians are increasingly turning to domestic recreational properties, and a new report shows the buy-local shift is already lifting housing demand in the country’s ski regions.
The median price of a single-family detached home in winter recreational markets in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec increased 3.8 per cent on average in the first nine months of the year to $982,000, according to Royal LePage’s 2025 Winter Recreational Property Report.
Royal LePage president Phil Soper said ski destinations are rebounding after sluggish activity in 2024.
“Modest interest rate relief and a growing ‘Buy Canadian’ mindset helped reignite demand for slopeside chalets and mountain retreats,” said Soper.
The regions that have seen the biggest growth in 2025 are Sun Peaks, B.C. (24 per cent), Mont Sutton, Que. (23.6 per cent) and Canmore, Alta (9.5 per cent).
Recreational markets prove more resilient than major metros
While economic uncertainty continues to weigh on many urban markets, buyers seeking winter escapes are pushing ahead, said Soper.
A majority of the recreational real estate markets covered in the report (16 out of 18) recorded a year-over-year increase in sales activity in the first nine months of 2025, and more than three quarters recorded an increase in the median price of single-family homes.
“An early blast of winter across Southern Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada has already energized recreational property owners and winter sports enthusiasts. The early snowfall has set a strong tone for the season ahead,” said Soper.
Canadians look to vacation at home amid trade tensions
Canadians have been encouraged to spend their money at home in response to the tariffs imposed by the U.S.
This shift is changing how and where Canadians are choosing to spend their vacations, with Statistics Canada reporting year-over-year declines of Canadian-resident return trips by automobile from the United States every month this year to date.
It has also had a ripple effect on the real estate market, including within recreational regions, said Royal LePage, with 47 per cent of recreational property experts reporting more inquiries from domestic buyers of recreational real estate.
“With relations between Canada and the U.S. running cool, more Canadians are choosing to spend their winter vacations at home,” said Soper. “Domestic destinations are benefiting as travel habits shift and people look for escapes that feel close, comfortable and truly Canadian.
At the same time, said Soper, the favourable exchange rate is drawing increased interest from American buyers.
2026 forecast
Royal LePage is forecasting that the median price of a single-family detached home in Canada’s recreational ski regions will increase four per cent over the next 12 months.
