Montréal Rental Limits Could Leave Visitors Short of Beds in 2026
Montréal may face a shortage of places to stay during two major international events in 2026, according to a new analysis by Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton. The report says the city’s rule limiting short-term rentals in residential neighbourhoods between 10 June and 10 September could reduce accommodation capacity during key travel periods, just as thousands of visitors are expected to arrive.
The projected shortfall is estimated at more than 26,000 accommodation nights during the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix on 22–24 May and the UCI Road World Cycling Championships scheduled for 19–27 September. Because both events fall outside the city’s authorised short-term rental window, the analysis suggests Montréal could struggle to provide enough places for visitors to stay.
“Montréal is preparing to welcome two of the world’s premier sporting events, yet current seasonal limits on short‑term rentals restrict the city’s flexibility at the very moment demand will be at its peak. We appreciate that the Mayor has acknowledged the bylaw isn’t working as intended and has expressed openness to lifting the ban. Updating the rules to allow principal‑residence hosts to operate year‑round, streamline permitting, and maintain existing paths to hosting in the zones that already support Montréal’s tourism economy would give the city the capacity it needs, help prevent extreme price spikes for visitors, and ensure the economic benefits of these global events stay in Montréal’s neighbourhoods and businesses."
Expected accommodation gap during major events
- More than 26,000 accommodation nights potentially missing
- Over 7,000 nights linked to the Formula 1 Grand Prix
- Nearly 19,000 nights during the UCI Cycling Championships
- More than $19 million in visitor spending at risk
Researchers say the shortage would be most noticeable on peak days, particularly Saturdays, when demand usually reaches its highest point.
Limited accommodation during busy events can quickly push hotel prices higher. Data from CoStar, cited in the RCGT analysis, shows that during the 2025 Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix the average hotel rate reached about $892 on the Saturday of the race weekend – 167 per cent higher than typical high-season weekends. If the same pressure appears in 2026, visitors may face higher costs or fewer available options.
Major sporting events often bring visitors who spend time in the city as well as at the competition venues. In Montréal, many people also walk around the Old Port, visit Mount Royal Park and spend time in neighbourhoods known for cafés, markets and restaurants. If places to stay become limited during these events, some visitors may change their travel plans or decide to stay for a shorter time.
