Travellers must now pay more to stay in Alberta
Travellers planning a trip to Alberta have to spend a little more, as a recent tax increase has added to the cost of staying in the province.
Those heading to Alberta to visit Banff National Park or West Edmonton Mall, or experience the famous Calgary Stampede this summer, will be subject to a higher tourism levy. The new rate came into effect in April and applies to hotels and short-term accommodations across the province.
How much will visitors have to pay?
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Previously, visitors were charged a four per cent tourism levy. However, as of April 1, that went up to six per cent.
According to the Government of Alberta, the tax applies to different types of temporary accommodations, including hotels, motels, inns, and residential unit hosts offering short-term stays. The charge is based on transactions and does not specify whether Alberta or Canadian residents are exempt from this increase. Daily Hive has reached out to the province’s minister of tourism and sport for more information.
The tourism levy could generate a significant amount of revenue for the province.
According to Travel Alberta, tourism is the province’s fourth largest driver of international trade, with 10 per cent of Albertans working in the industry. And while the number of U.S. tourists fell by five per cent across Canada, Alberta saw an increase of six per cent.
How will visitors pay the visitor levy?
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Travellers staying overnight in hotels or other temporary accommodations in Alberta don’t have to pay the fee separately, as it’s automatically added to their bill.
However, whether or not you have to pay the new fee depends on when you booked your stay.
“Where an accommodation provider is contractually obligated to supply accommodation at a set price after April 1, 2026, and the contract was executed on or before March 23, 2026, the applicable tourism levy rate will be four per cent of the purchase price of the accommodation,” states the government website.
This means that if you were incorrectly charged the six per cent tourism levy instead of the previous four per cent rate, you can ask for a refund by contacting the Tax and Revenue Administration.
As travel costs continue to rise, there is at least a bit of relief for some travellers.
Canadians planning to travel within the country this summer can make the most of the Canada Strong Pass, which once again kicks in from June 19 to Sept. 7. The pass, now in its third season, gives visitors access to free admission, discounted stays, and discounted tickets on Via Rail.