By now, Airbnb has become a household name. With more variety, larger spaces and cheaper prices than traditional hotels, it’s no wonder the vacation rental business has taken off. Personally, we use Airbnb and similar websites any time we are looking for a place to stay. We enjoy having the comforts of home while traveling, especially having a kitchen and laundry facilities.
We have lived on Vancouver Island now for four months. Since we are new here, we are taking time to explore the land and have found that each part of the island has its own unique features. Every town has a different landscape, a different feel and even a different climate. Vancouver Island is a perfect vacation spot for people of all ages and offers unlimited activities and adventure.
We have scoured the web and found some of the most beautiful and unique Airbnbs Vancouver Island has to offer. If you are visiting, try to expand your horizons beyond the capital city of Victoria. The island is massive and should be explored.
We have broken this post up into the five main areas of Vancouver Island: Victoria, Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Comox Valley and Tofino. Each home in this post has its own unique link for easy booking and all photos are provided through the Airbnb website. Check it out and be inspired to explore one of the largest islands in Canada.
If you are looking for a true Vancouver Island experience, we suggest you hike the West Coast Trail – a multi-day backpacking hike on the wild west coast of the island. Read our post “Eleven Tips for Hiking The West Coast Trail” to learn more.
AND – While you’re there, why not check out some of the beautiful Gulf Islands lining the coast of Vancouver Island? We suggest the most popular of them all – Salt Spring Island.
The Best Home Rentals: Where to Stay in Victoria, Cowichan, Nanaimo, Comox, and Tofino
Home Rentals in Victoria
Most visitors to Vancouver Island make Victoria their first stop. As the capital of British Columbia, the city of Victoria boasts the highest population on the island and is the home of stunning landmarks like the Parliament buildings, the Empress Hotel and Beacon Hill Park. Located at the south end of Vancouver Island, this seaside town is a mecca of ocean activities such as whale watching, boating and fishing.
The Land Yacht at Casa Mackey
$118/night, 2 beds, 3 guests
Drive 15 minutes north of Victoria for a private “glamping” getaway in a retro 1975 Airstream Land Yacht. In addition to the guest house itself, the RV is parked on a beautiful property with use of a shared cedar barrel hot tub and cedar outdoor shower. This location on the Saanich Peninsula is close to great hikes and mountain biking trails.
Tudor Style Suite
$100/night, 1 bedroom, 2 guests
Only 20 minutes from Victoria, this 1940 original Tudor style private suite offers a lakeside ‘Fair Tale Cottage’ setting. This suite has maintained its original style with beam ceilings, diamond glass windows, wood paneling, and red brick. The property is in a great location close to Butchart Gardens and wineries.
Mid-Century Modern Bungalow
$280/night, 3 bedrooms, 4 guests
Located minutes away from Quadra Village and a five minute drive to downtown Victoria, this home offers luxury, privacy and convenience. The home has a beautiful backyard space with BBQ and propane fire-pit, allowing you an escape from the city. A wonderful park and reservoir located around the corner make this perfect for a family getaway.
Classic Old Town Loft
$95/night, 2 beds, 4 guests
This loft style condo is located in one of the oldest buildings in Victoria (once was ‘The Oriental Hotel’). The loft has been recently renovated but has kept its original charm with beautiful exposed brick walls and historic bay windows. This property is conveniently located in downtown Victoria and has great amenities like a rooftop patio with BBQ.
Heritage Suite
$250/night, 1 bedroom, 2 guests
The Illahie Suite is the main feature suite in the Samuel MacLure mansion, built in 1907 and located in the historic Rockland neighbourhood. This is an original and extravagant 2-level suite with more than you would ever need. The mansion sits on a manicured .7 acre property and is walking distance to downtown Victoria.
Don’t be a fool, and travel like a pro! Travel can be exhausting, overwhelming and stressful – so make sure you bring along the right gear! Make sure you read our post Top 10 Must Have Items for Long Travel Days and carry along these items to help improve comfort and sleep, and reduce anxiety and stress:
- J-Pillow Travel Pillow – Our FAVOURITE Travel Pillow
- Hydro Flask 32 oz. Water Bottle
- Physix Compression Socks
- Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask
- Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones
Home Rentals in Cowichan Valley
The Cowichan Valley is located north of Victoria and spans along the east coast of Vancouver Island. Including many unique towns of all sizes, you will find a wide diversity of activities to do. Taste your way along the wine route in the “Napa of the North”, tube your way down 47 kilometers of natural lazy river in Lake Cowichan, and partake in all things nautical with 20 marinas and harbours to explore.
OUR Ecovillage Healing Sanctuary
$350/night, 2 bedrooms, 7 guests.
Located in Shawnigan Lake, this natural earthen and straw bale building is built on a 25 acre permaculture farm setting. During your stay, there is an opportunity to join in on the daily permaculture farming activities, attend learning events at their Education Centre, and join in on the community meals.
Market Garden Tiny Home
$95/night, 1 bed, 2 guests.
Join the tiny house movement, at least temporarily, in the quaint town of Cobble Hill. This tiny home is situated on a 7 acre family farm and market garden. The house is private, located beside a pond and has the added quirk of an outdoor shower and toilet.
Gem ‘O The Isle Farm
$125/night, 2 bedrooms, 6 guests
I can personally vouch for this property after spending a weekend here last summer. The farm-house is a very well maintained 1896 cottage and is situated on a hobby chicken and horse farm. The hosts are incredibly accommodating and welcoming. This property has a lot to offer including a huge outdoor fire pit and cooking area, a unique European sculpture garden, a small blacksmith shop (with occasional demonstrations), an art workshop and a classic car shop.
Sandhana Float home
$50/night, 2 bedrooms, 7 guests
Experience the true Cowichan Bay life by staying in this cute float home. This property in located right in the heart of Cowichan Bay where you will be surrounded by a community of float homes, shops and restaurants. This quaint float home has all the amenities you need, as well as a million dollar ocean view.
Frog Song at Basecamp
$50/night, 3 beds, 4 guests
This 700 square-foot yurt sits on a 5 acre family hobby farm. Enjoy the perks of living on a farm, like fresh eggs and organic produce. The home has all the amenities you need and offers the best of beauty and nature that Cowichan Valley has to offer.
Dome Home
$149/night, 1 bedroom, 2 guests
This guest house is attached to a very unique geodesic dome home. Located in beautiful Maple Bay, get an ocean view outside of every window. The home is located on 2.5 acres with a natural rock swimming pool for use in the summer. Bonus: the owners make you a daily continental breakfast and offer tango lessons!
Home Rentals in Nanaimo
Home of the notorious ‘nanaimo bar’ dessert, this is the island’s second largest city. “The Harbour City” is another hub for the island containing two major ferry ports and an international airport. Nanaimo has one of the longest shorelines in Canada with a forested mountain backdrop giving you the best combination of nature and city life.
Character Home
$119/night, 3 bedrooms, 6 guests
This beautiful character home offers a private and recently renovated space. Guests have access to the half-acre property, patio with BBQ and sun-room complete with a swing and chairs. Conveniently located to the ferry and downtown, this place has it all.
Owl’s Nest
$129/night, 2 bedrooms, 4 guests
This beautiful log cabin sits on 6 acres with a river and waterfall running through it. Close to the city and the ocean but far enough away you feel you are in the middle of nowhere. The property is surrounded by parks and trails giving you endless places to explore. A true retreat away from it all.
Morning Glory Cottage
$85/night, 1 bedroom, 2 guests
This funky cottage is an artists paradise with something interesting around every corner. Like something out of a storybook, this is the perfect home to relax with a book or work on a personal project. Venture outdoors and you are steps from downtown Nanaimo.
Cozy Waterfront Cottage
$75/night, 1 bedroom, 2 guests
Not actually located in Nanaimo proper, Protection Island is a quick 10-minute ferry ride from downtown and is definitely worth a visit. This small waterfront cottage overlooking Newcastle Island is perfect for a couple looking for a relaxing vacation. If you go at the right time of year, low tides allow you to walk over to Newcastle Island. Check out the vlog made by recent guests of the cottage.
Captain Kidd’s Retreat
$171/night, 4 bedrooms, 10 guests
Another beauty worth mentioning on Protection Island. This property gives you access to the main house and the guest house, outdoor fire pit, hot tub, outdoor shower and sauna. The home is also a short walk to the Dinghy Dock – Canada’s only floating pub!
Home Rentals in Comox Valley
Including the beautiful cities of Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland, the Comox Valley also offers quick access to some of the most breathtaking Gulf Islands in British Columbia, Denman Island and Hornby Island. The valley is surrounded by mountains, including Vancouver Island’s only ski resort, Mount Washington. Comox Valley is the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Courtenay Mansion
$900/night, 6 bedrooms, 12 guests
Luxury and fun for the whole family! Located close to downtown, a short drive to Mount Washington and near rivers and beaches, you’ll never run out of things to do. Although you will never even need to leave the house as it comes with a pool, pool house and bar; waterfall and slide; a volley ball court; 4 serviced RV pads; huge fire pit; BBQ; 2 tree-house escapes with Murphy beds; games room with 2 poker tables, a wet bar and a gym; and 8 person hot tub.
Ski Chalet
$100/night, 4 beds, 9 guests
This is the perfect rental for a ski trip with a large group. The home is down off of Mount Washington which gives you quick access to the mountain as well as the conveniences of downtown Courtenay. After a long day of skiing, take advantage of the large hot tub in the beautiful gazebo complete with an outdoor shower, or the brand new wood-fired sauna. Afterwards, enjoy the company of friends and family in the covered patio lounging area complete with a big BBQ and fire pit. The perfect getaway for winter or summer.
Custom Tiny Home
$99/night, 3 beds, 6 guests
This tiny home packs a big punch. The home is all custom built and powered by solar energy. You have access to the yard, a river and beach with a great swimming and floating area in the summer. The home is a short drive to downtown Courtenay and Mount Washington and would be a wonderful family vacation spot. Although tiny, the home sleeps 6 and has all the amenities you need.
Cabin by the Ocean
$300/night, 3 bedrooms, 7 guests
Have it all in this unique cabin home. Only steps away from the beach, a 5 minute drive to downtown Courtenay, and a 30 minute drive to Mount Washington. This cabin has a cozy interior with lofty exposed wood and beam, a cave shower, ocean views, fully equipped kitchen, fireplace and large backyard. A perfect beach getaway.
Nymph Falls Cottage
$175/night, 4 bedrooms, 6 guests
This acorn style cottage is in the perfect location for all things Comox Valley – hiking, biking, swimming and skiing! The vacation home is conveniently located to everything you need but also sits on 3 acres to explore. This is the ultimate in cozy and comfortable.
Unique Home Rentals in Tofino
The most remote of locations on this list, with perhaps the biggest reward. Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, this beach town attracts surfers from all over the world. Completely surrounded by water, the beaches seem to stretch on endlessly. Situated within Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, there are endless wilderness adventures to take part in. This is a small town with a big heart.
Lagoon Float Camp
$315/night, 3 beds, 4 guests
One of the most unique experiences in Tofino. This camp is accessible only by boat (boat transportation is included in the price). Situated in Clayoquot Sound, the camp is a remote floating accommodation featuring a 14′ canvas bell tent, complete with propane heater for sleeping & lounging, a modern outbuilding with wood fired sauna, fully equipped kitchen & bath, and plenty of deck space. It also includes a canoe and life-jackets to explore the bay. Only a short boat trip away, this provides the perfect Tofino vacation.
Chahayis Oceanfront Home
$421/night, 3 bedrooms, 6 guests
This architecturally designed, post and beam construction beauty sits directly on the ocean. A perfect surfers vacation home with beach access and heated outdoor showers. The home is covered in cedar inside and out giving you the peaceful getaway you crave.
Chesterman Cabin
$460/night, 3 bedrooms, 6 guests
This newly built home is just a 3 minute walk to North Chesterman Beach. The home offers pure luxury with an open concept living space and radiant in-floor heat, a custom kitchen, a large living room with a beautiful concrete fireplace, and floor to ceiling windows with rainforest views. The exterior is just as impressive with multi-tiered cedar decks, your own private hot tub, outdoor shower, and a covered breezeway with an outdoor fireplace for quiet, cozy gatherings.
Ray of Sunshine
$290/night, 3 beds, 6 guests
A brand new and beautifully designed cabin in a great location with only a 12-minute walk to Chesterman Beach. The home has a comfortable and stunning interior with all the amenities you need. Outside, there is a convenient hot shower and covered back deck with a private hot tub and BBQ in a peaceful, wooded setting.
Tofino Surf Cabin
$218/night, 3 beds, 6 guests
Another fantastic surfers getaway in this West Coast style post and beam home. The cabin sits in a very private old growth forest and has a surf inspired theme throughout the interior. The home is in a perfect location and is walking distance to Tofino’s best surfing beaches, Cox Bay and Chesterman Beach, as well as a 7 minute drive to central Tofino.
What is your favourite destination on Vancouver Island? Comment below!
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