How Americans Are Still Buying in Whistler in 2026

Can Americans Buy Real Estate in Whistler? Yes — And Here's What You Need to Know

If you're an American who's fallen in love with Whistler’s powder days, vibrant village, and unbeatable four-season lifestyle, you're probably asking: Can I actually buy property here?

Short answer? Yes, absolutely. But—like most things in real estate—there are some important nuances you’ll want to know before jumping in.

Whether you're eyeing a luxury slope-side chalet, a ski-in/ski-out condo, or a cozy townhome in Whistler Creekside, this guide is here to clear up the confusion and help you move forward with confidence.

Not into reading? No worries! Check out the full scoop in this YouTube video

Let’s bust the biggest myth right away: Americans can purchase real estate in Whistler with the same ownership rights as Canadians.

You don’t need Canadian citizenship, residency, or any kind of government approval. You can own freehold property—whether it’s a condo in the Village, a townhome in Blackcomb Benchlands, or a chalet in Blueberry Hill.

The key term here? Freehold. In Whistler, most properties are freehold (vs. leasehold), which means you're buying the property outright, not just leasing the land.

This is great news if you're from Seattle, San Francisco, New York, or anywhere in between and have been dreaming of a home in the mountains.

You might have seen headlines over the past few years about Canada’s foreign buyer ban—the one that blocked non-residents from buying property in many parts of the country. It was all over the news.

But here’s what most articles fail to mention:

Whistler is officially exempt from the ban.

That’s right. The foreign buyer ban was designed to cool overheated urban markets like Toronto and Vancouver. It doesn’t apply to resort communities like Whistler.

So if you're reading conflicting blogs or news sites saying foreigners can't buy in Canada — take it with a grain of salt. That restriction simply doesn’t apply to Whistler real estate.

Where things do work a little differently is financing.

Since U.S. banks can’t register a mortgage on Canadian property, you won’t be able to use your American lender. But don’t worry—you still have solid options:

1. Use a Canadian lender. Many major Canadian banks and local mortgage brokers offer non-resident mortgages. These usually require:

2. Tap into U.S. home equity. Many Americans use a HELOC or refinance their U.S. home and buy their Whistler property in cash.

3. All-cash purchases. More common than you'd expect, especially for high-net-worth buyers looking for ski chalets or vacation homes for sale in Whistler.

Once you're connected to a Whistler mortgage expert who works with non-resident buyers, the process tends to move quickly. You’ll just need to provide financial documentation and get ready for the exchange rate (more on that another day).

As a U.S. buyer in Whistler, your property taxes are identical to those paid by Canadians:

Some properties, especially hotel-condo hybrids, withhold 25% of rental income upfront for non-residents. But that’s just a precaution — many owners end up receiving a portion of it back once they file their Canadian tax return.

After nearly three decades helping U.S. clients buy here, I can tell you the reasons haven’t changed much. Americans love Whistler because:

For many buyers, it’s not just a vacation home — it’s an investment in family, memories, and lifestyle.

1. Use a Realtor who understands cross-border transactions.
Canadian real estate laws differ from the U.S., and not all agents are experienced with non-resident buyers. Make sure you’re working with someone who has helped Americans navigate this process many times before.

2. Don’t overlook zoning.
Zoning affects how you can use your property. Want to rent nightly? Make sure it’s a Phase 1 property in Whistler. Want peace and quiet without the tourist churn? You might prefer Phase 2 or residential-only zones. Understanding zoning is key to aligning your purchase with your goals.

Take the example of the Logan family from Seattle. They’d been skiing Whistler for 10 years and finally decided to buy in 2024. Confused by blog posts warning about the foreign buyer ban, they almost gave up — until we connected. Within a month, they had financing lined up through a Canadian bank, toured 5 chalets, and landed a stunning Phase 1 ski-in/ski-out property in Upper Village. Today? They rent it out during the holidays, ski it all winter, and love knowing their money is working for them while creating lifelong memories.

For over 27 years, Dean Linnell helped Whistler property owners sell with confidence and clarity — and get the results they deserve.

If you’re thinking about selling, let’s connect. I’ll put together a personalized Whistler Seller Advantage System™ plan to help you position, price, and market your property for maximum impact and value.

Author: Dean Linnell, Whistler Realtor®
The Whistler Real Estate Company | Whistler, BC
Helping property owners sell with confidence since 1998.