How Seasonality Affects Bookings—and What to Do About It

If you're running a short-term rental in Calgary, you've likely noticed that booking trends fluctuate throughout the year. From busy summer months to quiet winter lulls, seasonality plays a major role in how often your property is booked—and how much you can earn.
At Rob LeBlanc Real Estate, we help property owners and investors understand the Calgary rental market, including how to navigate seasonal highs and lows. Here’s what to expect—and how to stay profitable all year long.
🌞 Peak Season: Late Spring to Early Fall
From May through September, Calgary sees a surge in visitors. Tourists flock to explore the Rocky Mountains, attend festivals like the Calgary Stampede, or enjoy the city's lively outdoor scene.
What to do:
- Raise your rates strategically, especially during Stampede week
- Keep minimum stay requirements flexible to capture short visits
- Focus on highlighting outdoor amenities like patios, BBQs, or proximity to trails
- Optimize your listing photos to show off Calgary in the sunshine
💡 Tip: Consider offering “local experience” packages or curated guides to stand out from other listings.
❄️ Shoulder & Off-Season: Late Fall and Winter
From October through April, Calgary short-term rentals generally see fewer tourists, with exceptions around holidays and ski season. Business travel, family visits, and winter sports keep the market moving—but bookings slow overall.
What to do:
- Adjust pricing with dynamic tools to remain competitive
- Promote your home as a cozy winter retreat (highlight fireplaces, hot drinks, heated floors, etc.)
- Offer discounts on extended stays to attract remote workers or snowbirds
- Update your listing title and description for winter appeal (e.g., “Perfect for Ski Weekends”)
💡 Don’t forget to prep for winter! Make sure your driveway is shoveled, and include essentials like extra blankets, snow brushes, and space heaters.
📈 Events That Impact Bookings
In Calgary, certain annual events can lead to short-term booking spikes, including:
- Calgary Stampede (July)
- Calgary Folk Music Festival
- Christmas Markets
- Major conferences or university events
What to do:
- Keep an eye on Calgary’s event calendar
- Increase your nightly rate accordingly during high-demand dates
- Encourage early bookings by opening your calendar 6–12 months in advance
🧠 Use Data to Make Smart Decisions
Understanding how your property performs throughout the year helps you plan better. Use booking platform analytics or third-party tools to track:
- Average occupancy rates
- Revenue per available night
- Popular travel dates
- Guest demographics
This insight allows you to fine-tune your strategy and improve your ROI year over year.
🔑 Final Thoughts: Stay Flexible, Stay Profitable
While you can’t control Calgary’s weather or tourism flow, you can control how your rental adapts to each season. With smart pricing, seasonal marketing, and small adjustments to guest amenities, your short-term rental can remain in demand year-round.
Need help finding or managing a profitable short-term rental property in Calgary?
Rob LeBlanc Real Estate offers expert insight, tailored investment advice, and local property management support.
📞 Contact us today to learn how to make the most of Calgary’s seasonal rental market.









