16 of the Best Airbnbs on Vancouver Island

We loved 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 discovery on the adventure.

Unfortunately, a week is not NEARLY enough time to explore the island – it’s the biggest 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’re sharing our picks for the best Airbnbs on Vancouver Island to help you plan an incredible getaway, whether you’re looking for an off-the-grid cabin to disconnect (or reconnect), or a waterfront spot in Tofino that is close to all the hiking, beaches, and surfing that Pacific Rim National Park Reserve has to offer. 

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 sake of this guide, we’re counting the Gulf Islands, which are located between the coast of mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island, as part of Vancouver Island. You’ll find island escapes as 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” – in the heart of downtown Victoria looks like the perfect spot to stay for a quick trip to the biggest city on Vancouver Island. You’ll be mere blocks away from the waterfront and harbor. 

The place itself is charming, stylish, eclectic, and full of character, with exposed brick walls, velvet barstools, and a living wall of plants…inside! The high ceilings and huge windows flood the apartment with natural light and allow for the space to be used efficiently – the bed is lofted above the kitchen. 

There’s a full kitchen, so you’ll be able to cook meals for yourself, and the host provides all sorts of goodies 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 sets over the city. 

Beautiful Modern Barn Main Suite Close to VGH

• Location: Victoria
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 1
• Sleeps: 4
• Pet Friendly: No

This modern guest suite is on the ground floor of a literal barn just northwest of downtown Victoria – it’s going to be about a 20 minute drive to get to the heart of the city. It’s a nice blend of being close to the city while being tucked away from the hustle and bustle. 

The well-designed space has a beautiful kitchen with everything you’ll need to cook a meal. Plus a nice outdoor deck to take advantage of the long summer days in British Columbia. If you’re here in the winter, there’s a cozy fireplace to curl up next to with a good book or your next Netflix binge. 

There’s also a washer and dryer in the unit if you’re planning a longer Vancouver Island trip. 

Charming Airbnb Options in Tofino and Ucluelet

Psst! Read our guide to the best places to stay in Tofino, which is based on our experience on our honeymoon.

Tofino Waterfront Condo

• Location: Tofino
• Bedrooms: Studio
• Bathrooms: 1
• Sleeps: 2
• Pet Friendly: No

This waterfront apartment in Tofino is actually where we stayed in Tofino on our honeymoon. 

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 sea planes taking off and landing.

It’s a short walk to the heart of Tofino, where you’ll find all sorts of places to eat and drink – we loved Bravocados, a vegan restaurant with plenty of gluten free options. 

The apartment itself is simple and cozy, with a full kitchen, including a full size refrigerator and a stovetop with an oven.

We were there in the fall, and it was VERY stormy during our stay, so the fireplace was a nice touch to come home 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 not sure you can find a place that is closer to the water in Tofino. This waterfront cottage is about as close as you can get, located on a beach on a private inlet. 

The balcony, which has some pretty spectacular views of the Sound, is a perfect spot to soak in the atmosphere. 

The interior is rustic, with tons of wood paneling. The cottage is equipped with a full kitchen, if you’d prefer to spend your time cooking for yourself, but it’s also within walking distance of downtown Tofino and all its bars and restaurants. 

The Sapling Cabin by Evergreen Forest Cabins

• Location: Ucluelet
• Bedrooms: 1
• Bathrooms: 1
• Sleeps: 2
• Pet Friendly: No 

This cozy two story cabin in Ucluelet is a secluded spot to stay 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 you need for a great stay. Somehow, despite being a tiny cabin, there’s a full kitchen with both a full size stovetop and refrigerator. 

We’re suckers for a good outdoor shower, so we were excited to see the rain shower on the side of the cabin. The bedroom is on the second floor, which is lofted above the rest of the cabin and accessed via a ladder. 

Oh, and there’s a private hot tub on the deck for you to use in the evenings. 

While you’re here, 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 gorgeous treehouse in Sooke is one of our favorite discoveries on Vancouver Island, and is on our list of places to stay on our next foray into British Columbia. 

The Owl’s Perch has views of the Salish Sea, and you’ll be close to all sorts of beaches and coves to explore along the coast.

There’s no full kitchen here, which isn’t surprising since you’ll be 30 feet off the ground in the treehouse, but there’s a kitchenette with a toaster oven and microwave. The bedroom is lofted above the rest of the cabin, and french doors open up onto the private deck, which is the perfect place to take advantage of the long summer days up 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 for – 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 unique Airbnb options on Vancouver Island. The bus is a 40 foot converted Crusader, with wood floors, ceilings, and countertops. 

The bus has everything you need for your getaway – 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 brand new studio in Campbell River is downright gorgeous. It’s located right on a sandy beach, where you’ll find Adirondack chairs and a fire pit just waiting for you to spend an evening under the stars at the water’s edge. 

The studio has all sorts of luxury touches throughout, from the granite countertops (our dream!) in the full kitchen, to the heated marble floors in the bathroom. There’s a comfy king bed and a washer and dryer in the unit if you need to do a quick load of laundry while you’re there. 

The hosts even provide kayaks for you to get out on the water and explore! 

Cozy Campbell River Beachfront Cottage

• Location: Campbell River
• Bedrooms: 1
• Bathrooms: 1
• Sleeps: 4
• Pet Friendly: No 

This beachfront cottage located in Campbell River has an unobstructed view of the Strait of Georgia, and is the perfect size for a couples getaway on Vancouver Island. It sleeps up to four guests, 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 probably a bit small for a group of four adults – but well laid out. There’s a full kitchen (no oven though) and a surprisingly spacious bedroom. 

While the cottage is nice, the location is definitely the highlight. 

The Cottage on Greenwood

• Location: Comox / Courtenay
• Bedrooms: 1
• Bathrooms: 1
• Sleeps: 3
• Pet Friendly: No

This studio cottage on the eastern edge of Vancouver Island is cute, charming, and a great blend of city and country, just outside of Courtenay. The newly-renovated cottage is made of cedar, and has elements of modern design like subway tile in the kitchen. 

It’s roughly the size of a hotel room, but is somehow packed with all sorts of amenities that you usually won’t find in a hotel, namely a full kitchen and a washer and dryer. The owners live on the property, and are more than happy to help if anything happens to go wrong during your stay. 

Frankly, I’m pretty impressed with how much the hosts have managed to pack into 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 southwest coast of Vancouver Island, which is much more remote than other places on the island we’ve covered so far.

For whatever reason, there are a plethora of beautiful cabins in the area, which is why it gets its own section. These cabins are the perfect retreat from the stress of modern life, and one of them is completely disconnected from the outside world. 

One note: Make sure to stop in Sooke or Victoria along the way to grab supplies, because there are not many places nearby to shop or go out to eat. 

Rustic West Coast Cabin

• Location: Jordan River
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 1
• Sleeps: 4
• Pet Friendly: Yes

You had us at string lights! This amazing cabin on the west coast of Vancouver Island (really, southwest coast) is an incredibly beautiful property. It’s pet-friendly, so bring along your furry friends for an island getaway!

First and foremost, this is a place to go if you want to disconnect and escape. There is no cell service (there’s a landline for emergencies) and no WiFi at the cabin. 

String lights AND an outdoor shower? YES PLEASE. There’s no full plumbing at the cabin – it’s off the grid – but there is an outhouse and that outdoor shower. 

The location couldn’t be better. You’ll have easy access to some of the best hiking trails and beaches that Jordan River has to offer. And there’s a trail that leaves from the cabin that will take you to the beach in five minutes flat!

The cabin itself has space for four people, but the two queen beds are right next to each other, so be prepared for minimal privacy (better be sure they’re 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 beautiful house in Jordan River is less on the rustic side, and more on the modern side. 

The living room has high vaulted ceilings and big windows, and there are two separate bedrooms here, with plenty of space for a group of four. You’ll have a full kitchen along with 2.5 acres all to yourself. Plus, there’s a soaking tub to relax in. 

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 Airbnb 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!

There’s a large outdoor deck (did we mention the great view?), a full kitchen with a mini-fridge, stovetop, and oven, and an indoor fireplace. Guess what’s not 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 going back ever since.

This guest suite at the Salty Pear, an artistic escape on Salt Spring Island, is the perfect place to stay to explore the island.

It’s very central, located near Ganges, which is where you’ll find all sorts of bars and restaurants including the Switchboard Cafe, the best coffee on Salt Spring Island. 

It’s so close, in fact, that it’s just a ten minute walk away 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 cozy cottage, located on Mayne Island, is the perfect serene island getaway. 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 distinctly Shire-like feel (for my fellow Lord of the Rings fans).

The top floor is the bedroom, which is accessed by climbing a super unique wooden staircase. There’s also a full kitchen that gets tons of natural light. There’s an indoor fireplace for the colder months, which we think is always a nice touch. 

Outside, there’s a spacious patio with plenty of space to lounge around in the sun. 

Secluded Cottage atop Oaks Bluffs

• Location: Pender Island
• Bedrooms: Studio
• Bathrooms: 1
• Sleeps: 2
• Pet Friendly: No

This beautiful cabin perched on top of a hill on Pender Island, one of our favorite weekend getaways from Vancouver, is a gem. It’s perfect for a couple looking for a retreat from the city where you can enjoy each other’s company without the distractions that come with being at home in the city. 

You’ll have views of the Pacific Ocean from the cabin, which has a nice patio. The kitchen nook, which gets tons of natural light, has a full refrigerator, stove, and oven, so you’ll be all set to spend your evenings cooking together. 

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More Canada Travel Guides

That’s all we’ve got! Don’t miss our other Canada travel guides to help you plan the perfect trip to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and beyond.

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• Hiking the Helen Lake Trail in Banff: A Complete Trail Guide
• Hiking the Wilcox Pass Trail: A Complete Trail Guide
• Hiking the Healy Pass Trail in Banff: A Complete Trail Guide
• The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail in Banff: Know BEFORE You Go
• Where to Find the Best Specialty Coffee in Montreal
• Where to Find the Best Specialty Coffee in Vancouver, B.C.
• 10 Amazing Places to Stay in Tofino, BC (Lodges + Hotels)