Vancouver is one of the most popular urban destinations in Canada. With a spectacular landscape that includes coastal mountains, welcoming oceanfront and a vibrant and delicious food scene that reflects the multicultural roots of its residents, the city offers something for everyone, including on the accommodation front. From floating love nests to oceanside pods, forest treehouses and converted barns, these 14 unique airbnbs in Vancouver are all within six hours of the city and provide incredible hospitality along with quality, comfort, and bnb style.
14 Unique Airbnbs in Vancouver within a six hour drive
Yes! All of these unique Airbnbs are located within a six hour drive (including ferry if necessary) from Vancouver, British Columbia.
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Bowen Island Barn
Located on a beautiful five-acre property with large gardens and orchards, this converted barn can accommodate up to six guests (including well-behaved furry ones) in the privacy of a cider orchard and meadow. The barn is surrounded by a large collection of rare fruit trees, perennials, and ornamental plants, including nearly 800 varieties of apples.
The barn is a classic design with a rustic feel. The ground floor has high 10′ ceilings with a vintage kitchen, a large dining area, a wood stove and a half bath – on the upper level there are two large rooms with a variety of sleeping arrangements, a clawfoot tub with shower, and a gantry that was previously used to hoist and store hay.
Location: Bowen Island. From Vancouver, take BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Snug Cove. Trip time: 90 minutes.
Bowen Island – Moulton Meadow Farm
The Seaview Cabin at Moulton Meadow Farm on Bowen Island is a great escape for those wanting spectacular ocean views and total privacy. The rustic yet luxe 250 sq ft cabin has a full kitchen, huge soaker tub and a comfortable queen sized bed in a loft setting. WiFi is included.
The one-bedroom cabin is nestled in a canopy of firs, maples and cedar trees. It is completely private from the main farmhouse with its own deck and private seating area. Moulton Meadow Farm is a hobby farm on 14 acres with incredible ocean and mountain views. The animals are very friendly and welcome guest attention. Guests (max two) can access the farm’s 14 acres, including many great hiking trails and beautiful spots to enjoy.
Location: Bowen Island. From Vancouver, take BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Snug Cove. Trip time: 90 minutes.
Chilliwack – Tiny Treehouse with a view
Known as “The Birdhouse”, this tiny treehouse was designed and built for relaxation, seclusion, and to connect with nature. The treehouse accommodates two guests and sits on its own private, fully fenced acre of land with a long winding driveway to the parking and campfire area.
The Birdhouse features a cozy custom kitchen, a seating area complete with a collection of books, and a rolling library ladder to climb up the sleeping loft, complete with skylights for stargazing. The treehouse also has a flush toilet (unique for a treehouse), and a private outdoor shower.
Out the back of the building is a pair of French doors that open up to a cedar deck and chairs with a beautiful view of the mountains in the Fraser Valley.
Throughout the property, there is lots of space for bocce, lawn darts or just hanging out in the hammock. The treehouse is accessible via a cable suspension bridge heading to the front door.
Location: Chilliwack. From Vancouver, drive east on Highway 1 to Chilliwack. Trip time: 90 minutes.
Courtney – Vancouver Island – Rainforest Yurt
Inspired by Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, the Rainforest Yurt is situated on the edge of a homestead woodland and orchard near Courtney on Vancouver Island. The yurt has been designed in an environmentally way, and features a composting toilet, solar panels, and on-demand water heating to conserve energy.
With vast windows and skylights, the Yurt maximizes natural light exposure creating a bright space. Dozens of house plants filter the air and adorn the space, bringing the outside in. A skylight permits guests (up to four) to see the stars and canopies of trees at night.
A hand carved Elven-inspired spiral staircase leads up to a sleeping loft surrounded by intricately carved railings. The main space and the master bedroom are separated by a door, so the loft is private. The kitchen is fully equipped and furnished with a gas range, oven, and a full-size fridge. The Yurt is winterized to ensure guest comfort in every season.
Location: Courtney on Vancouver Island. From Vancouver, take BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo; drive north on Highway 19. Trip time: 4 hours.
Golden Ears – Mission – River’s Edge glamping tent
This unique and private forested riverside retreat is close to Golden Ears Provincial Park near Mission. The glamping tent property comes with its own 2,000 feet of river frontage along the South Alouette River.
The property can accommodate two guests, and features a full private bathroom, indoor and outdoor showers, personal kitchenette, BBQ area, and an extra tall glamping tent with queen bed and comforts of home. The exterior deck is perched between tall cedar trees at the very edge of the river, supplying the soothing sound of rushing water and potential wildlife spotting.
Location: Mission. From Vancouver, drive east on Highway 7 to Mission. Trip time: 90 minutes.
Langley – Farmhouse Cottage
Welcome to your charming country cottage. Located in Fort Langley with views of the Golden Ears mountains, farm fields and horse farms, the Farmhouse Cottage can accommodate up to three guests in cosy surroundings.
The cottage is close to the picturesque riverfront village of Fort Langley, a 3 min drive or 15-minute walk away, where there are boutique shops, coffee shops and restaurants to visit.
The cottage features a queen size bed, double sofa bed, kitchen with gas cooktop, fridge, dishwasher, television with Netflix and Amazon Prime, gas fireplace, and a patio area with fireplace.
Location: Fort Langley. From Vancouver, drive east on Highway 1. Trip time: 60 minutes.
Mayne Island – Earth House
The Mandala Cob House is on a working organic farm on Mayne Island, one of BC’s bucolic Southern Gulf Islands. The cob house is a lovingly hand-built earthen home, with curved walls, privacy and lovely views of the farm fields and forest. It’s ideal for romantic getaways, solo adventurers and families with infants
The cob house is close to the village, restaurants and many great beaches and walks. Note: the toilet and shower are outside. They are completely private and accessible from the bedroom by a covered walkway.
Location: Mayne Island. From Vancouver, take BC Ferries from Tsawwassen to Mayne Island. Trip time: 2.5 hours.
Qualicum Beach – Free Spirit Spheres
If you’ve ever dreamed of sleeping up high in the treetops, the fantastical Free Spirit Spheres on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, will make your fantasy a reality.
Located in a lush temperate rainforest near Qualicum Beach north of Parksville on Vancouver Island, Free Spirit Spheres can be reached from Vancouver via a 90-minute BC Ferries trip to Nanaimo, followed by a short 45-minute drive north along the Island Highway.
The Free Spirit Spheres are nestled in a tall pine forest, offering some of the most unique and beautifully created accommodation options in this Canadian province. There are three spheres, and of course, each has a name. Eryn, Melody and Luna are hand crafted spheres of Sitka Spruce, yellow cedar and fibreglass, suspended between 10 and 15 feet above the ground.
The spheres are cozy but spacious enough to comfortably accommodate two adults (think of this as a romantic hideaway escape). They are accessed via circular staircases or rope bridges. The spheres are securely tethered by vertical ropes and anchors to strong points on each of three separate trees. The sphere floats in the center of the triangle, formed as if in the center of a web that mirrors the human connectedness to the eco-system.
Free Spirit spheres are functional and elegant, and like anything perched in a treetop, they sway gently in the breeze along with the trees. Large circular windows look out onto the forest and tree canopy, making for a sensation of being one with nature.
The spheres have power, electric heat, a small fridge, sink, table and bed, and are available in every season. Guests have access to composting toilet facilities located on the forest floor, and each sphere has its own bathhouse for privacy.
Amenities and restaurants are in close driving distance at Qualicum Beach. For those interested in underground adventures, book a spelunking tour at the spectacular Horne Lake caves, just a 30-minute drive inland from the sphere property.
Location: Near Qualicum Beach. From Vancouver, take BC Ferries to Nanaimo, then drive Highway 19 to Free Spirit Spheres. Trip time: 3.5 hours.
Roberts Creek – Sunshine Coast – Cedar Grove Cottage
Nestled amongst huge cedars in an artist’s garden and just half a block from the ocean on the Sunshine Coast, Cedar Grove Cottage is a perfect space for romance and rejuvenation. This unique property is a beautiful tiny house built by a Tibetan artisan, with a loft bed, pullout sofa, kitchenette, private deck, BBQ, outdoor counter and sink, and outdoor shower.
The cottage accommodates two adults, is pet-friendly, and shares the property with one of Roberts Creek’s original farmhouses. It comes equipped with a queen-sized loft bed and a comfortable queen sized studio couch.
Cooking facilities combine outdoor and indoor living with a BBQ and element, toaster oven, French press, small fridge and outdoor kitchen sink. The separate bathhouse has a walk-in shower, clawfoot tub and heated floors. French doors lead out to the patio.
Location: Roberts Creek, Sunshine Coast. From Vancouver, take BC Ferries to Langdale, then drive north to Roberts Creek. Trip time: 2.5 hours.
Rock Creek – Hobbit House
Surely one of the most unique Airbnbs in Vancouver, this authentic Hobbit House hideaway located at Courtenay Ranch in Boundary Country is located 25-30 minutes east of Osoyoos just off BC Highway 3. The ranch sits at nearly 1,200m elevation and borders vast acres of crown land. There’s an abundance of wildlife year round, with hot dry summers and snowy winters.
The Hobbit House is very private and cosy, with seating areas, a small kitchen and outdoor grill area. Channel your inner Frodo while reading next to the hearth, spending time in nature or enjoying a board game with your partner. The house accommodates two guests in comfort, and it is a Wifi-free zone.
The boundary region is rich in hiking and backcountry opportunities for active guests. Or simply unplug, unwind and enjoy the surroundings.
Location: Rock Creek. From Vancouver, travel east along Highway 1. At Hope travel on Highway 3, until 30 minutes east of Osoyoos. Trip time: 6 hours.
Salt Spring Island – August the Airstream
Welcome to Airstream life on Salt Spring Island. This is a completely renovated 1985 Airstream Sovereign affectionately named “August”. The Airbnb Airstream is nestled among the trees in the corner of a woodland property.
At 34ft long, the Airstream comes with a comfortable queen size bed and a cozy L-couch seating area with wood fireplace. The interior is airy and bright, and there are no walls or doors separating the living from sleeping areas. There are also no window coverings, so pack eye shades if you need the darkness to sleep.
August comfortably accommodates two guests. The queen bed is made up with quality sheets, cozy down duvet and pillows. The fully equipped kitchen has a four-burner propane stove with a full-size oven, an electric hotplate, microwave, toaster, a bar fridge with a small freezer, and a double sink. The cupboards are stocked with dishes, pots, pans, French press, kettle, toaster, utensils and basic supplies including olive oil, balsamic vinegar, coffee, tea, sugar, honey, salt and pepper.
The private heated bathroom is a short walk outside with sink, flushing toilet, and tiled shower with glass door.
Location: Salt Spring Island. From Vancouver, travel via BC Ferries to Salt Spring Island. Trip time: 3 hours.
Squamish – Tiny scandi-chic home by the river
Wake up in your private space in the forest to the sounds of birds singing at this tiny home in Squamish. Bright, scandi-chic white wooden walls accommodate up to four guests in comfort with a full kitchen, cosy nook dining area, and two bedrooms, including one loft queen bed. The full bathroom includes a tiled shower and washer/dryer.
Enjoy a breakfast of colorful free-range eggs from the hosts’ hens and smoothies from the Vitamix blender. Walk down to the Cheakamus River in search of bald eagles, relax on the deck under the sail shade, with filament-style lighting and a fire pit ready for the evening.
Location: North of the Paradise Valley area of Squamish. From Vancouver, drive up Highway 99 north of Squamish. Trip time: 75 minutes.
Tofino – Wildpod Luxury Glamping
Book a spot on the edge of the world in Tofino. Wildpod is a luxury glamping experience for adult couples (max two guests per pod) consisting of six geodesic domes sitting on the edge of Tofino’s small downtown village.
The pods are situated directly on the waterfront in a great location downtown. With floor to ceiling windows, they feature stunning views of sunsets, winter storms and an active harbor scene. Excellent local restaurants and shops are within short minute walk distance, as are kayak and surf rentals, and whale watching excursions.
Each dome is beautifully decorated with a queen-sized bed, ensuite bathroom, luxe bedding and amenities like Tofino Soap Company products – great for washing up after hiking in Tofino. There’s a kitchenette with kettle, toaster, microwave, mini fridge, French press coffee maker, utensils, dinnerware and glassware.
A propane fireplace allows guests to snuggle and stay nice and cosy, accompanied by romantic fairy lights and plush pillows and throws.
Location: Tofino, Vancouver Island. From Vancouver, travel by BC Ferries to Nanaimo, then drive west along Highway 4. Trip time: 5-6 hours.
Vancouver – Floating Airbnb
Chart your own course with this truly unique off-grid getaway in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Float on the tranquil waters of False Creek on your own private anchored airbnb boat. It’s a perfect base for exploring Vancouver.
This unique airbnb in Vancouver is a floating open concept interior living area that can accommodate four guests. The inviting outdoor deck lounge offers great views of the city: it’s perfect for getting cozy by the warmth of a gas fire pit, patio heaters and relaxing hammock.
This boat’s location is close to many city attractions, including the False Creek Seawall, Olympic Village, Granville Island and Science World. Enjoy a lovely stroll, or bike along the seawall and around Stanley Park with the (included) lightweight cruiser bicycles. Guests can explore by water using an inflatable small boat with electric motor (20-minute course provided).
Read more: How to Enjoy 48 Hours in Vancouver
Note: You will need to arrange transportation to and from land to the vessel, though a complimentary water shuttle service is included on your arrival and departure dates. (Additional trips to/from are $25 for additional trips or $25 extra cost if you want to rent the motorized dinghy for 24 hours.)
Location: Vancouver False Creek
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Photo credits: Airbnb
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