The contemporary bungalow in West Vancouver
Photograph: Airbnb | The contemporary bungalow in West Vancouver
Photograph: Airbnb

The 11 best Airbnbs in Vancouver right now

Vancouver merges cosmopolitan vibes with stunning natural surroundings—here’s where you should stay

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Few cities wear their surroundings quite as well as Vancouver. Between the Pacific Ocean, the Coast Mountains and thick forests in between, this is a setting other cities would envy. Add morning coffees on leafy streets in Mount Pleasant, or maybe dinner at the latest restaurant in Gastown before a quick bus ride to the Seawall for a stroll. No matter what your itinerary is like, Vancouver makes it remarkably easy to move between city life and the great outdoors.

The same goes for accomodation, particularly Vancouver Airbnbs. From epic floating houses that are minutes away from downtown, to West Vancouver mansions with their own private treehouses, Vancouver is where big city energy merges effortlessly with its natural surroundings, and we’ve rounded up the best of the best to help find your perfect stay.

The best Airbnbs in Vancouver, at a glance:

Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we’ve based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Frequently asked questions about staying in Vancouver

Where should I stay for my first time in Vancouver?

Downtown Vancouver, Yaletown, and Gastown are ideal for first-time visitors. There are lots of public transport options, but you’re already in one of the most walkable areas of town, and super close to the Seawall, with immediate SkyTrain access. 

If you’re exploring the more scenic side to the city, Horseshoe Bay and West Vancouver are prime real estate, but they can get pricey. 

Do I need a car in Vancouver?

Not at all. Vancouver has a great public transit network, including the SkyTrain, SeaBus, and many bus lines. Parking downtown can be tricky and expensive, so only rent a car is if you plan to do frequent day trips to Whistler or explore deeper into the North Shore.

When is the best time of year to visit?

Summer is always the busiest time of the year, and the most expensive. But on the literal bright side, you get minimal rain and long daylight hours for outdoor exploring and dining.

Shoulder seasons like late spring and early autumn offer milder weather, but fewer crowds and much lower accommodation rates. And if you like a little fog and mystery to your weather forecast, this is the time for it. 

Best Airbnbs in Vancouver

1. Best for nature in the city: The houseboat in North Vancouver

Neighborhood: Lower Lonsdale / North Vancouver 

Based near the city sitting on the water, and surrounded by glorious mountains, this property is the jackpot for those who crave, both, city and nature escapes. The first level is an open-concept living room and kitchen—fully stocked, along with a crystal-clean bathroom. Upstairs are the two bright bedrooms, a full bathroom with all the essentials, and big old balcony to soak up views of the marina under the sun. Take your morning coffee on the balcony and admire the ocean view. Bliss.

Time Out tip: Take a morning hike along Spirit trail, a 6.5-km walking trail that follows the sea wall and has views that stretch to West Vancouver. 

Sleeps: Five. 

Perks: You're a five-minute walk the Lonsdale Quay Market that's filled with shops and restaurants, the bus terminal and a very convenient sea bus to downtown. 

Price: From $467 CAD per night. Two-night minimum. 

2. Best for architecture lovers: The contemporary bungalow in West Vancouver

Neighborhood: British Properties / West Vancouver 

This striking mid-century modern bungalow was designed by architect Ned Pratt in 1951, and has been lusciously restored with a few additional flourishes. Golden wood beams on the ceiling are offset by minimal but bold artwork and clean-lined furniture that is just as geometrically pleasing as it is delicious. Persian rugs add warmth and color, and the floor-to-ceiling shelves in the kitchen are an organizer’s dream. Outside, there’s a patio with a small table and seating, and an expansive garden with pops of color from the many different flowers. It’s almost like a private a meadow, depsite the city being minutes away.  

Time Out tipNearby, there’s a path to the Capilano River, and a trail that leads through an old growth forest, where you can find the Clevland Dam or Ambleside Beach.

Sleeps: Two. 

Perks: The home’s library that’s filled with architecture-themed booksfitting. 

Price: From $727 CAD per night. Four-night minimum. 

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3. Best for minimalists: The luxury carriage house in Deep Cove Park

Neighborhood: Deep Cove

Another clean and contemporary home, this open-plan space in the seaside town of Deep Cove is made up of natural materials, from the matching wooden furniture to the clever cinderblock coffee table. Yet despite its hard materials, it still feels incredibly warm. There’s a low-level bed with light, but cushiony bedding and a very cool slate-like stone used as a side table. The bathroom has a vintage standing tub. There’s a small, but stainless-steel kitchen with a modern Smeg fridge, and outside, you get a class view of the mountains and quick access to Deep Cove Park and Parkside Beach. This is where to go to slow down and be more in tune with nature for a day or two (or longer). 

Time Out tip: Stop by Honey Doughnuts & Goodies nearby for the the maple bacon donuts. You’ll thank us later. 

Sleeps: Two. 

Perks: You’re near shops, the beach, hiking and cycling trails, and a short drive from the ski hill. 

Price: From $335 CAD per night. Two-night minimum. 

4. Best for UCB visits: The bright white suite by UCB

Neighborhood: Point Grey

A neat, chic lower-level suite designed by architects, this bright home has two bedroom, a full bathroom and a small, but sleek kitchen and dining area. The living room is cozy, with book and a TV, but they serve no purpose when you have the outdoor balcony. Views hit the trifecta, and stretch the city, mountains and sea, while lush trees surround the nearby space. It’s a lovely set-up for families or friends visiting loved ones at University of British Columbia. You’re right by campus, which offers its own supply of great green spaces, and if you feel like ditching school, you’re a 10-minute drive from the beach. 

Time Out tip: You’re a five-minute drive, or short walk to University Boulevard, lively with college students hanging at all the bars, restaurants and cafes. 

Sleeps: Six. 

Perks: The complimentary popcorn, complimentary Canadian snacks and water, along with the guidebook of all the best places to visit. 

Price: From $336 CAD per night. Two-night minimumn.

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5. Best for foodies and nightlife: The industrial loft in Gastown

Neighborhood: Gastown

Swap the cement and cinderblocks for bold red brick exposure in this one-bed warehouse conversion in historic Gastown. Right in between the bars, restaurants, and boutiques of the area, this Airbnb is ideal for livelier visits, and travelers ready to soak up the Vancouver’s social and nightlife. Inside, there’re 14-foot-high wooden ceilings, iron beams, exposed piping—your classic industrial loft, across the full kitchen and living room. The bedroom is minimal, but with a luxurious king-sized bed, and the bathroom is massive, with a tiled shower so vast, one could easily recreate that steamy Titanic scene, if you catch my drift. 

Time Out tip: If you’re feeling fancy, the Michelin-starred St. Lawrence Restaurant is a 10 minute-walk away. 

Sleeps: Two

Perks: The Eastside Cannabis Dispensary around the corner is fantastic for those who partake in Canada's very legal nightlife activities.

Price: Fron $372 CAD per night. Five-night minimum. 

6. Best for nature: The ocean view retreat in Horseshoe Bay

Neighborhood: Horseshoe Bay

Split your allegiances between the mountains and the sea with a stay in this scenic cabin-like guest suite in West Vancouver. The blue-tinted building picks up the tones of the sky, water and landscape effortlessly tranquil, helping one feel at peace with just a glance. The interiors are impeccable and take the lead from nature, with an array of pot plants positioned throughout the rooms. The kitchen is stocked, the bathroom is full, and the bedroom is lush, with views of the mountains from the queen-sized bed. But the best feature by far is the view from the deck. Put your phone done, grab your favourite wine and be present. 

Time Out tip: This Airbnb is on top of a hill, and while cars aren’t technically neccessary, they’re highly recommended. 

Sleeps: Two.

Perks: The balcony access from the bedroom is the perfect place to start and end your days. 

Price: From $282 per night. Two-night minimum. 

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7. Best for big groups: The massive mansion with the suspension bridge and foyer

NeighborhoodBritish Properties

One for the big parties and big spenders, this mansion of an Airbnb is perched in West Vancouver’s posh British Properties, and was designed for luxury stays in mind. There are six massive bedrooms, and most come with their own balcony and mosquito netting for those who crave fresh air. Then, the seven bathrooms are a sight of their ownbright and impeccable. If you’re lucky, you'll get one with a tub, and odds are pretty high. But the common spaces here, are truly top-notch. There’s a huge balcony, a chef’s kitchen, a backyard with a private indoor swimming pool and lounge area, a sauna, a full fitness center, and a private suspension bridge that leads to an even more private treehouse. And don’t even get us started on the foyer. With the winding staircase and transparent floor-to-ceiling tile, it looks like a five-star hotel reception. 

Time Out tip: Hiking trails are a five-minute drive away, but if you want to stay nearby, Cammeray Park is just outside the house. 

Sleeps: 12.

Perks: We’d say that if the weather’s bad, then to head to the cinema room, but the pool is indoors, so the choice is yours. 

Price: From $1100 CAD per night. Two-night minimum.

8. Best for beer lovers: The heritage loft in Olympic Village

Neighborhood: Mount Pleasant 

Built in 1908, this heritage house loft is situated in a prime location to all of Vancouver’s craft breweries and Olympic Village. On the top floor and with a full view of the city, the loft feels like it’s sat in the trees, providing all the privacy you need. It’s roomy enough for two guests and has a small kitchenette, a full bathroom, and an outdoor deck. Outside, there’s plenty to explore. Avant-garde restaurants and antique shops are just two blocks away on Main and Broadway, and restaurants and breweries are scattered around (it’s known as the Brewery District, after all). There’s also a TV and Wi-Fi to help you wind down after a day of exploring.

Time Out tip: Make your own bar crawl, and hop around each of the five breweries within walking distance. 

Sleeps: Two.

Perks: The dozens of nearby coffee shops help in the morning, after the dozens of bars amd breweries at night.

Price: From $146 per night. Five-night minimum. 

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9. Best for temporary sublets or long-term stays: The eclectic loft in downtown

Neighborhood: Yaletown / Downtown Vancouver 

This two-level, open-plan loft in downtown feels like it was designed for creatives seeking inspiration from Vancouver’s city lights. It’s fully-equipped with a kitchen, a cozy lounge with a smart TV and towering floor-to-ceiling windows that make up the entrance to the balcony, which of course, showcases the city’s best bits. Upstairs is the bedroom and laundry area, minimally decorated, except for the full view of downstairs and those darn tall and epic windows. 

Time Out tipThe nearby Seawall is the “world's longest uninterrupted waterfront path”, and is only a five-minute drive away. 

Sleeps: Two.

Perks: The complimentary access to the building’s gym is a great bonus after feasting through the city. 

Price: From $4,676 CAD per month. Three-month minimum.

10. Best for walkability: The central apartment in Vancouver

Neighborhood: Mount Pleasant

With a line of trees surrounding the property, this centrally-located Airbnb feels like your own personal treehouse in the heart of the city. It’s got all your home necessities, from a full kitchen to a full bath with a funky-patterned shower curtain, and the living room is vast, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a ton of natural light. Small plants and vibrant artwaork surround the space, and there’s massive TV for entertainment during downtime, but the real flex is the fireplace, and the glow that seeps through the windows at sunset for an ambient evening. When you’re ready to explore, you’re an easy walking distance from Olympic Village, the Seawall, and several trendy craft breweries.

Time Out tip: If you’re visiting in summer, a visit to Earnest Ice Cream is a must, and it’s only a 10-minute walk away. 

Sleeps: Two.

Perks: You’re super close to public transport, and if you brought a car, there’s secure parking underground. 

Price: From $365 CAD per night. Three-night minimum.

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11. Best for staying near the airport: The suburban suite with a garden and patio

Neighborhood: Dunbar-Southlands

In southwest Vancouver, this bright and refurbished basement suite is stocked with a full kitchen and bath, a bedroom with a x-sized bed and wooden furnishings, and a small, but serene living and dining area that works great for a date night or friend-night in. The real jewel is outsidea grassy green front and backyard, and a cozy little patio with warm string lights and a table for two. The back garden also boasts a fire pit and plenty of cushioned seating. It’s a simple space, but has everything you need for a pleasant Vancouver stay. 

Time Out tipYou’re only a 15-minute drive from the airport, and a five-minute walk to the bus loop.

Sleeps: Two.

Perks: A little goes a long way in this little suite—the bed is dangerously comfortable, but it’s worth getting up to explore the flora of the garden. 

Price: From $319 CAD per night.

Time Out Market Vancouver

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