We cherished Vancouver Island. After years of being on our list to visit, we made it our honeymoon destination. We spent just over a week on a Vancouver Island road trip, driving from Victoria up to Tofino with multiple stops along the way, including Salt Spring Island, which was our favorite revelation on the adventure.
Regrettably, a week is most definitely not enough time to explore the entire island – it’s the largest island off of North America’s west coast – so we’ve been eager to plan a return trip ever since to explore more places like Sooke, Campbell River (show us the grizzlies!), and more of the Gulf Islands just off the coast.
Below, we share our selections for the finest Airbnbs on Vancouver Island to assist you in planning an incredible getaway, irrespective of whether you seek an off-the-grid cabin to disconnect (or reconnect) from daily life, or a waterfront spot in Tofino close to all the hiking, beaches, and surfing that Pacific Rim National Park Reserve offers.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.
The Best Airbnb on Vancouver Island: 16 Picks for Your Next Getaway
We`ve done our best to organize this guide by location to make it easier for you to find the perfect Airbnb for your trip. Below, you`ll find sections for Victoria, Tofino + Ucluelet, Sooke, Jordan River, and Courtenay + Campbell RIver.
For the purpose of this guide, the Gulf Islands, located between mainland British Columbia`s coast and Vancouver Island, are included as part of Vancouver Island. Island escapes receive their own section below.
Cool Airbnbs in Victoria
Cozy Boho-Chic Loft with Fireplace – Heart of Victoria
- Location: Victoria, BC
- Bedrooms: 1
- Bathrooms: 1
- Sleeps: 4
- Pet Friendly: No
This cozy loft – called “Robyn’s Nest” – centrally located in downtown Victoria appears to be the perfect accommodation for a brief trip to the major city on Vancouver Island. You’ll be just blocks from the waterfront and harbor.
The place itself is charming, stylish, eclectic, and packed with personality, with exposed brick walls, velvet barstools, and an indoor living wall of plants…inside! The lofty ceilings and enormous windows flood the apartment with natural light and allow the space to be used efficiently – the bed is positioned above the kitchen.
There’s a full kitchen, so you’ll be able to prepare meals for yourself, and the host provides all sorts of provisions for your stay, like local coffee and tea and a cocktail making kit. There’s also a shared rooftop deck with a BBQ, where you can sit and sip a glass of wine while the sun sinks over the city.
Beautiful Modern Barn Main Suite Close to VGH
- Location: Victoria
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 1
- Sleeps: 4
- Pet Friendly: No
Finding parking is notoriously difficult in the area (and having your car may not be necessary), so there`s no need to drive: the new light rail from Westlake Mall takes you within walking distance of the destination, or you can take a reasonably priced cab/Uber here from downtown. It takes approximately 20 minutes on foot from most downtown hotels to the 10th and Pike area. The walk is mainly uphill but pleasant.
The thoughtfully arranged space has a beautiful kitchen containing everything required for meal preparation. Additionally, a pleasant outdoor deck allows taking advantage of the lengthy summer days in British Columbia. If you’re here in the winter, a cozy fireplace provides a spot to curl up with a good book or your subsequent Netflix session.
There’s also cleaning and drying machines in the unit if you’re planning a longer trip on Vancouver Island.
Charming Airbnb Options in Tofino and Ucluelet
Psst! Check out our guide to the top lodgings in Tofino, which is based on our experience on our honeymoon.
Tofino Waterfront Condo
- Location: Tofino
- Bedrooms: Studio apartment
- Bathrooms: 1
- Sleeps: 2
- Pet Friendly: No
Coffee aficionados touring Seattle shouldn`t neglect my guide to the Top 12 cafes in Seattle.
We think it’s one of the best places to stay in Tofino for the location alone – you’ll have a view of the Clayoquot Sound from the patio, where you’re sure to see the seaplanes taking off and landing.
It’s a brief walk to the heart of Tofino, where you’ll find all kinds of places to eat and drink – we cherished Bravocados, a vegan cafe with plenty of gluten free selections.
The lodging itself is simple yet cozy, with a fully equipped kitchen including a full size refrigerator and a stovetop with an oven.
We were there in the autumn, and it was very stormy during our stay, so the fireplace was a pleasant feature to return to after a day of getting soaked while we explored Tofino.
Ocean Dream Waterfront Cottage Tofino
- Location: Tofino
- Bedrooms: 1
- Bathrooms: 1
- Sleeps: 2
- Pet Friendly: No
I’m uncertain if a place closer to the water can be found in Tofino. This lakeside cottage is about as near as possible, situated on a beach on a private inlet.
The balcony, which offers quite spectacular views of the Sound, is a perfect spot to soak in the atmosphere.
The interior has a rustic style centered around wood detailing. One can fully equip themselves in the kitchen if preferred or walk into town to experience the bars and restaurants of Tofino.
Mt. Hood is one of our favorite mountains in the country, towering over the skyline of Portland on clear days.
The Sapling Cabin by Evergreen Forest Cabins
- Location: Ucluelet
- Bedrooms: 1
- Bathrooms: 1
- Sleeps: 2
- Pet Friendly: No
The enclosed lodging located at this address in Ucluelet is a secluded area to reside to explore Ucluelet, nearby Tofino, and the Long Beach portion of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve along the west coast of Vancouver Island where you’ll find some of the most spectacular beaches on the island.
The cabin itself is small, but really has everything travelers need for a great stay. Somehow, despite being a tiny cabin, there’s a full kitchen with both a full size stovetop and refrigerator.
The intention of this guide is to use our experience exploring the Spanish capital to help you find the best place to stay in Madrid for your particular budget and lifestyle.
Oh, and there’s a private patio area with a hot tub for relaxing in the evenings.
While you’re there, you won’t want to miss hiking the Wild Pacific Trail at the south end of Ucluelet, along the coast.
Stunning Stays in Sooke
Owl’s Perch Treehouse Unique Treetop Escape
- Location: Sooke
- Bedrooms: 1
- Bathrooms: 1
- Sleeps: 2
- Pet Friendly: No
This exceptionally lovely treehouse in Sooke ranks among our favorite discoveries on Vancouver Island, and is included on our list of places to lodge on our next expedition to British Columbia.
The Owl’s Perch offers views of the Salish Sea, and you’ll be near many beaches and inlets to explore along the coastline.
A full kitchen is absent here, which is understandable given the treetop location of the cabin thirty feet above ground, but there is a kitchen nook equipped with a toaster oven and microwave. The bedroom is positioned above the rest of the cabin reachable by a loft, and french doors open onto a private deck, the ideal place to make the most of the lengthy summer days in British Columbia.
We love this super unique Airbnb on Vancouver Island, and are going to make it out here ASAP. So please don’t book it for the dates we’re looking at – thanks in advance.
Converted Bus on the Sooke Basin!
- Location: Sooke
- Bedrooms: 2 beds
- Bathrooms: 1
- Sleeps: 4
- Pet Friendly: No
Glamping on Vancouver Island! Staying in this converted bus in the Sooke Basin is one of the most unusual Airbnb choices on Vancouver Island. The bus is a 40 foot transformed Crusader, with wood floors, ceilings, and countertops.
The bus provides everything needed for an escapade – a full kitchen, a shower, an outdoor space with ocean views, and an adorable dog that belongs to the hosts.
Perfect Stays in Campbell River and Courtenay
Beachfront Luxury -Private Hot Tub + Sandy Beach
- Location: Campbell River
- Bedrooms: Studio
- Bathrooms: 1
- Sleeps: 3
- Pet Friendly: No
This freshly constructed studio in Campbell River is absolutely gorgeous. It’s situated right on a sandy beach, where Adirondack chairs and a fire pit await for evenings under the stars at the water’s edge.
The accommodation has all sorts of luxurious features throughout, from the granite counters (our dream!) in the fully-equipped kitchen, to the heated marble floors in the washroom. There’s a comfortable king bed and a washer and dryer in the unit if you need to quickly clean laundry while you’re there.
The hosts even provide kayaks for exploring the water and surrounding area!
Cozy Campbell River Beachfront Cottage
- Location: Campbell River
- Bedrooms: 1
- Bathrooms: 1
- Sleeps: 4
- Pet Friendly: No
This coastal cottage located in Campbell River provides an unimpeded perspective of the Strait of Georgia, and is the ideal size for a couples escape on Vancouver Island. It sleeps up to four visitors, with a double bed in the bedroom and a sofa bed in the living room.
If you spend part of your vacation here, you’ll be steps away from the ocean. There is a fire pit on the deck just begging you to spend evenings in the summer under the stars.
The cottage is small – the perfect size for couples, and likely a bit cramped for a group of four adults – but well arranged. There’s a full kitchen (though no oven) and a surprisingly roomy bedroom.
While the lodging is agreeable, the setting is undoubtedly the highlight.
The Cottage on Greenwood
- Location: Comox / Courtenay
- Bedrooms: 1
- Bathrooms: 1
- Sleeps: 3
- Pet Friendly: No
This tiny cottage on the eastern edge of Vancouver Island is charming, recently renovated, and situated in a blend of city and countryside just outside of Courtenay. The newly restored cottage is constructed of cedar, and has features of modern style like subway tile in the kitchen.”
It’s roughly the size of a hotel room, but somehow is packed with all sorts of amenities that you usually won’t find in a hotel, particularly a full kitchen and a washer and dryer. The owners live on the property, and are more than willing to help if anything happens to go wrong during your stay.
Frankly, I`m pretty impressed with how much the hosts have been able to include in this Airbnb. The outdoor patio – complete with a BBQ and plenty of seating – is yet another great place to spend a summer evening on Vancouver Island.
Secluded Stays in Jordan River
Jordan River is located along the remote southwest coast of Vancouver Island, which is much more isolated than other areas on the island we’ve covered up to this point.
For reasons uncertain, there exists an abundance of charming cabins in the vicinity, contributing to it warranting its own section. These cabins offer an ideal escape from the stresses of modern life, with one being fully disconnected from the outside world.
One note: Be sure to stop in Sooke or Victoria along the route to get supplies, because there are not many locations nearby to shop or dine out.
Rustic West Coast Cabin
- Location: along the Jordan River
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 1
- Sleeps: 4
- Pet Friendly: Yes
The string lights alone had us interested in this amazing cabin on Vancouver Island`s west coast (really southwest coast). As a pet-friendly property, bring your furry friends along for an island getaway at this incredibly beautiful spot.
First and foremost, this is a place to go if you want to disconnect and escape. There is no cellular service (there’s a landline for emergencies) and no WiFi at the cabin.
String lights AND an outdoor shower? YES PLEASE. There is no complete plumbing at the cabin – it is off the grid – but there is an outhouse and that outdoor shower.
The position couldn`t be better. You`ll have easy access to some of the finest hiking trails and beaches that Jordan River has available. And there is a path that leaves from the cabin that will take you to the shore in only five minutes flat!
The cabin has space for four, but the two queen beds are right together, so expect minimal privacy (ensure close friends).
The Hideaway Cabin in Jordan River
- Location: Jordan River
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 1
- Sleeps: 4
- Pet Friendly: No
Unlike the previous Airbnb, this attractive house in Jordan River leans more towards modern rather than rustic amenities.
The living room features high vaulted ceilings and expansive windows, and there are two separate bedrooms providing ample space for a group of four. You`ll have a full kitchen along with 2.5 private acres. Moreover, there`s a soaking tub for relaxation.
Oceanfront Tiny Home – Jordan River
- Location: Jordan River
- Bedrooms: 1
- Bathrooms: 1
- Sleeps: 2
- Pet Friendly: No
I mean… check out that ocean view! This unique lodging is tiny home living at its finest. It’s the perfect romantic getaway for two on the west coast of Vancouver Island, and there’s no WiFi, TV, or cell service, so you’ll have no choice but to connect with each other!
The property features an expansive outdoor deck with amazing views, a full kitchen containing a mini-fridge, stove, and oven, as well as an indoor fireplace. What`s not located indoors? The shower! Another outdoor shower!
The bathroom is an outhouse, similar to some of the other places in Jordan River, but that’s a small price to pay for the privacy and tranquility that comes with staying in this tiny home.
Consider us sold.
Quiet Island Retreats in the Gulf Islands
Studio/Suite and Sauna at the Salty Pear
- Location: Salt Spring Island
- Bedrooms: 1
- Bathrooms: 1
- Sleeps: 3
- Pet Friendly: Yes
On our Vancouver Island road trip, Salt Spring Island was undoubtedly the highlight, and we’ve been dreaming of returning ever since.
This guest suite at the Salty Pear, an artistic escape on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, is the ideal place to lodge while exploring the island.
It’s highly central, sited near Ganges, which is where you’ll find all sorts of bars and restaurants such as the Switchboard Cafe, the superior coffee on Salt Spring Island.
It’s so nearby, actually, that it’s just a 10 minute stroll from town.
The space itself is well-designed, with a simple kitchenette and a custom-built murphy bed. There’s also an outdoor patio, perfect for a lazy afternoon spent reading or enjoying a glass of wine, and you’ll have access to the sauna on the property.
Cob Cottage
- Location: Mayne Island
- Bedrooms: 1
- Bathrooms: 1
- Sleeps: 2
- Pet Friendly: No
This unique comfortable cottage, located on Mayne Island, is the perfect serene island escape. Escape the city with a trip out to Mayne Island, which is a small island – part of the Gulf Islands – just off the coast between mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island.
It’s easily one of the most unique Airbnb stays on Vancouver Island, with a distinctlyrustic feel reminiscent of the Shire (for my fellow Lord of the Rings fans).
The top floor can be accessed by climbing an exceptionally distinctive wooden staircase and this is where the bedroom is located. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen that receives plenty of natural light. Indoor fireplaces for cooler periods are a nice feature too, which we feel adds value.
Outside, a spacious patio provides plenty of space to relax in the sunshine.
Secluded Cottage atop Oaks Bluffs
- Location: Pender Island
- Bedrooms: Studio
- Bathrooms: 1
- Sleeps: 2
- Pet Friendly: No
In the northwest area is the Meatpacking District. It was formerly home to wholesale meat packers and empty at night, the cobbled streets west of 9th Avenue near 14th Street have become one of the city’s most lively centers for dining and nightlife activities. Two museums worth visiting include the Whitney Museum of American Art, positioned at the southern end of The High Line, and the Museum of Illusions, an “Instagram museum” containing wildly photogenic optical illusions.
You’ll have panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from the cabin, which has a pleasant patio. The kitchen nook, which receives plenty of natural light, has a full-size refrigerator, stove, and oven, so you’ll have everything needed to spend your evenings cooking together.
Additional Canada Travel Guides
That marks the conclusion of our recommendations for planning the perfect visit to Canada. Be sure to review our other travel guides on destinations like Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and beyond to aid in preparing your trip.
As a way to graciously finish your Amsterdam weekend, have one or two glasses of natural wine at Glou Glou.
