Victoria is the place to go in Canada if you want to embrace British life. Wait, what?
Yes, if you’re in North America but can’t get to London, this is your best bet. The capital of British Columbia, you’ll find many daytrippers from Vancouver and Seattle here enjoying the city’s pubs and sampling the best fish and chips in Canada.
To truly enjoy the city, I’d suggest more than a day trip. So, you’ll need to think about somewhere to stay. Rather than a dull chain hotel or a noisy hostel, how about vacation rentals in Victoria? A home away from home, they’re great value for money and have bags of character. The only problem is, it can take a while to find the one for you!
Let us help you out. I’ve put together a list of the best Airbnbs in Victoria, taking into account everything from budget and location to travel style. Not only that, I’ve found the top five Airbnb Experiences, too. Let’s get planning your vacation together!
Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Victoria
Industrial Loft in Downtown Victoria
- > $$
- > 4 guests
- > Free parking
- > In a historical building
Centrally Located Entire Condo
- > $
- > 5 guests
- > Free parking
- > Shared pool and fitness center
Boho-Chic Character Loft
- > $$$
- > 2 guests
- > King-sized bed
- > Lots of house plants
Entire Rental Unit in James Bay
- > $$$
- > 6 guests
- > Historic 1907 Home
- > Private sauna
Exquisite Downtown Luxury Condo
- > $$$$$$$
- > 4 guests
- > Rooftop terrace with fireplace
- > Views of the Empress and Olympic Mountains
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What to Expect from Airbnbs in Victoria
Unlike neighbouring Vancouver, Victoria doesn’t have loads of high-rise buildings. You can be assured that no matter where you stay, you won’t be miles off the ground! Instead, expect a blend of colonial splendour with more modern offerings around the harbour, boasting splendid views of the surrounding landscapes that Victoria is so famous for.
There’s a very local feeling when it comes to Airbnbs in Victoria. Your hosts will know the area like the back of their hands and be only too happy to share their recommendations on things to do and see.
With the largest and most luxurious Airbnbs, you may be welcomed by a business instead of a local host; however, that shouldn’t have any effect on your stay.
Entire Flat
Entire flats are probably the most common property on Airbnb. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be getting something drab and run of the mill in Victoria.
Entire flats here can be anything from a penthouse overlooking the city’s pretty harbour to a heritage loft packed with house plants and bursting in character.
There’s a large concentration of flats around Downtown and the harbour. However, you can find them in other areas too, such as James Bay and the neighbourhoods immediately outside downtown.
Most flats here will come with a living space, fully equipped kitchen, and, thanks to the low rise buildings in Victoria, epic views!
Townhouse
If you want a true home away from home rather than a flat, a townhouse is probably your best bet. With entire houses boasting multiple bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, lovely living areas, and sometimes even a garden, they’re wonderful if you’re travelling with a group of friends or family.
Again, because of their size, you can mostly find townhouses in residential areas outside of Victoria’s busy Downtown area.
If you really like the sound of a townhouse but can’t justify booking one, don’t worry. Whether you’re a solo traveller and you don’t need the space or a budget traveller who just can’t stretch to it, there’s a solution. You can just book a private room in a townhouse instead – the best of both worlds!
A homestay in Victoria is a great way to keep your costs down and have a local experience.
Bed and Breakfast
Bed and breakfasts are top places to stay for so many reasons. Somewhere between a hostel and hotel, they’re often perfect if you’re on a budget.
However, because these are locally-owned businesses with love and care put in by their owners, you won’t feel that they’re cold and characterless as you may do with some budget hotels. And for the extra few dollars over a hostel, you’ll be able to have your own comfy room (probably with a queen bed) – oh, and a private bathroom!
The clue is in the name too – come down to a hearty and delicious breakfast the next morning. You really do get a lot of bang for your buck in a B&B!
You’re likely to find them slightly further out from Downtown, in residential areas such as Rockland.
Why Stay in an Airbnb
Still not convinced you should stay in a vacation rental? You will be after these five awesome reasons to book an Airbnb!
- Local Experience: With a local host to give you recommendations, you can get off the beaten tourist trail. Find hidden gems for things to do, eat, and see without the guidebook! This goes for all travel destinations in Canada, not just the charming city of Victoria!
- Unique Properties: Hotels and hostels can blend into one if you travel regularly. Freshen up your stays by booking an Airbnb with its selection of cool and unusual properties.
- Affordability: Save yourself a few dollars, or just get more for your money. Airbnbs offer a lot of bang for your buck, so you’d be silly to overlook them.
- Safety: Both host and guest are vetted by Airbnb’s rating system. If that’s not enough, their customer support team is on hand 24 hours a day too!
- Airbnb Experiences: Airbnb offers more than just a place to stay: its Experiences platform helps you see your new destination with the help of local guides. More on that later!
The Top 15 Airbnbs in Victoria
Well, you now know all about why you should stay in a vacation rental, so let’s check out the best ones. Here are the 15 best Airbnbs in Victoria. Hopefully, you will find a place to stay in this list!
Overall Best Value Airbnb in Victoria | Industrial Loft in Downtown Victoria
- $$
- Free parking
- 4 guests
- In a historical building
Looking for a great value Airbnb in Victoria? You just found it. This two story heritage loft apartment is in a historic building in Downtown Victoria and has space for up to four guests. Designed using exposed brick walls, polished concrete floors, and rustic wood furnishings, this is one stylish apartment!
It comes with one bedroom, a modern bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen. There’s even a small and secluded patio outside.
Since you’re in a great location downtown, you are within walking distance of all the main attractions such as the Royal BC Museum. After a busy day of exploring, chill out in front of the smart TV or curl up with a book in the bathtub.
Best Budget Airbnb in Victoria | Entire Condo in the City Centre
- $
- Free parking
- 5 guests
- Shared pool and fitness center
Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Downtown Victoria in the beautiful Inner Harbor district, you have this wonderful budget condo. With one bedroom, a huge living area with a library and sofa bed, plus a balcony to chill out on, there’s plenty to keep you entertained here.
After a day of exploring the town, head to the condo’s shared pool or fitness center. Or cook up a storm in the fully equipped kitchen. If you’re travelling with a small group, this is the perfect budget vacation rental in Victoria.
Budget Tip: Dorms in Victoria start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Perfect Airbnb for Solo Travellers | Bedroom in Downtown Victoria
- $
- Self-check-in
- 2 guests
- Access to shared spaces
Solo travellers often are advised to pick one of the many hostels in Victoria. However, not everyone wants to stay somewhere that can get quite noisy and crowded. Look at a homestay instead.
This bedroom near Downtown Victoria has everything you’ll need for a comfy stay that won’t cost the earth. You’ve got access to the shared spaces in the house, too, so catch up with your host if you don’t want to spend the evening in your room alone.
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View on Osprey View on REIMost Romantic Airbnb for Couples | Boho-Chic Character Loft
- $$$
- King-sized bed
- 2 guests
- Terrace with BBQ
See that photo above? That’s the view you’ll get when you wake up from your king bed on the mezzanine that overlooks the living area.
This beautiful flat is an architectural marvel, and it’s sure to sweep your other half off your feet. As well as what you can see above, you’ll get a rooftop BBQ. It’s all located in a heritage building, where you’ll share the gated courtyard with other residents.
Best Airbnb in Victoria for Families | Entire Rental Unit in James Bay
- $$$
- Historic 1907 Home
- 6 guests
- Private sauna
If you’re looking for a place to stay with your family, you can’t go wrong with this home in James Bay. It has a beautiful porch with BBQ and seating area, a spacious living area with a fire place and three good-sized bedrooms.
It’s also another historic building in Victoria, built in 1907, and it’s within walking distance of downtown and Inner Harbor. There’s also a full kitchen, Netflix, a sauna and free parking.
Over the Top luxury Airbnb in Victoria | Exquisite Downtown Luxury Condo
- $$$$$$$
- Rooftop terrace with fireplace
- 4 guests
- Views of the Empress and Olympic Mountains
This luxury entire condo in Downtown is everything you could ask for in Victoria. The views of the Olympic and Empress mountains are sure to take your breath away, so why not enjoy them on the roof terrace in front of the fire.
There are cocktail making facilities, so do it with an Old Fashioned in your hand. If you prefer to go up in the morning, there’s freshly roasted coffee in the apartment for you, too.
Best Flat in Victoria | Harborfront Studio in Heritage Building
- $$
- Rooftop patio with BBQ
- 2 guests
- Harbour views
A minimalist apartment set in a hotel, this gorgeous studio is a wonderful vacation rental to enjoy the city from.
The floor to ceiling windows and open plan living area give you a feeling of space and relaxation, as well as views out over the harbour.
Don’t want to cook in the kitchen? Head up to the rooftop patio and throw something on the BBQ. I recommend doing so at sunset!
Best Townhouse in Victoria | Luxury Townhouse, Quebec Street
- $$
- Fully equipped kitchen
- 4 guests
- Garden
The traditional appearance of this townhouse from the outside doesn’t quite prepare you for the contemporary and modern look inside.
However, it’s a very pleasant surprise! With a large living area boasting an L-shaped sofa, it’s perfect for catching a movie or spending some quality time with up to three travelling companions.
Because of its location outside of the city centre, you’re assured of a good night’s sleep, but you’re still within walking distance of most of Victoria’s attractions and nightlife!
Best Bed and Breakfast in Victoria | Carriage House B & B
- $$
- Queen bed
- 2 guests
- Two blocks from Downtown
Wake up from your queen bed to the sound of a horse and carriage passing your window before heading downstairs to a fully cooked breakfast. Doesn’t sound like a bad start to the day, right?
This cosy B&B is just two blocks from town, so you can enjoy everything the city has to offer while saving a pretty penny. You have a full en-suite bathroom in your room, so maximum privacy is ensured.
Best Airbnb in Victoria with a view | Studio Downtown Victoria
- $$$$
- Sweeping views of the harbour
- 4 guests
- Queen bed
With floor to ceiling windows in a curve like the prow of a ship, it’s doubtful you’ll get a better view of Victoria’s Harbour from anywhere – unless you’re out on the balcony of this lower floor studio!
The waterfront studio is part of a condo. You’ll also have access to a gym during your stay. It’s everything you could want!
Best Airbnb in Victoria with a Pool | Sleek Urban Condo w/ Marble Tub
- $$$
- Swimming pool
- 2 guests
- Den and office space
Another condo, stay here if you want access to one of the coolest outdoor common areas in Victoria. As well as the swimming pool, there’s a shared hot tub, a fire pit, and sun loungers where you can make the most of that British Colombia sun.
The flat is best suited to couples or business travellers who want to be right in the heart of Downtown Victoria.
Best Airbnb Plus in Victoria | Chic Two-Story Heritage Loft
- $$$$
- Rooftop deck
- 4 guests
- Lots of houseplants
Airbnb Plus vacation rentals are hand-picked for their excellent reviews and hosts, who show incredible attention to detail. To get this badge is an achievement in itself – so to be crowned the best, you know this place must be good.
The two-story loft is in a heritage building dating back to the end of the 19th century. Though it has original features, modern and contemporary conveniences have been carefully blended to create an apartment dripping with charm and character!
Best Airbnb in Victoria for a Group of Friends | The Common Room
- $$$$
- Spacious living area
- 4 guests
- Harry Potter theme
If you and your group of friends just love Harry Potter, you simply have to stay here; it’s the closest thing you’ll get to Gryffindor Common Room!
Enjoy a game of wizard’s chess as you look out over the street or relax in front of the faux fire. As well as all the Harry Potter props, you will actually find the necessary stuff, like a fully equipped kitchen, tea and coffee, and a TV with DVDs and Blu-Rays… bet you can’t guess what films!
Most Unique Airbnb in Victoria | Island Getaway Campervan
- $$
- Unlimited mileage
- 2 guests
- Freedom to explore!
Victoria is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Empress and Olympic Mountains, not to mention loads of forests, lakes, and rivers. Sometimes it’s nice to just have the freedom of the open road.
This retro campervan is the perfect Victoria vacation rental for a couple or solo traveller to park up wherever they like and enjoy the scenery. Bring nothing more than your clothes and food – everything else is included!
Perfect Airbnb for Digital Nomads | Private Room Skylight Loft
- $$
- Laptop-friendly workspace
- 3 guests
- Mezzanine queen bed
This cool and cute room is everything a digital nomad could hope for from Victoria vacation rentals. Not only does it have a laptop-friendly workspace and fast Wi-Fi, but it’s also in the heart of James Bay – a stone’s throw from Downtown.
As well as your quirky room, you’ve got access to the communal kitchen and a shared bathroom. Because the room has its own living area, you can kick back when you’re not working.
Top 5 Airbnb Experiences in Victoria
Now that you’ve seen the best Airbnbs in Victoria, let’s plan out what to do when you arrive. Hate to be bombarded with tour companies and deals? Go straight to the source with Airbnb Experiences.
Enabling hosts to show off their hometown or city, these tours are curated by locals and can be anything from hiking or kayaking to a cooking class in a Victorian’s kitchen.
Here are five of the best Airbnb Experiences in Victoria that introduce you to this fascinating metropolis and its stunning surroundings. Let’s go!
Kayak Around Thetis Lake
- $51
- 2.5 hours
- 2 Guests
Thetis Lake is just a ten minute drive from downtown Victoria and is part of Thetis Lake Regional Park. The area is a great spot for hiking, but the best view of the nature is from the lake.
On this trip, you will be provided with a Tucktec kayak for your use, along with paddles and life jackets. If it’s your first time kayaking, don’t worry, as you’ll launch from a sandy beach and spend a few minutes getting acquainted with the kayak before exploring the lake.
After you’ve seen all your hearts content from the kayak, come back to shore for some coffee or tea and relaxation time.
Sail the Saanich Inlet
- $193
- 2 hours
- Up to 4 guests
Love sailing or perhaps you’ve never tried it before? Then this sailing tour around the Saanich Inlet is ideal for you. You can learn the ropes or simply kick back and relax. The Inlet is a beautiful area outside of Victoria and the best place to see the Gulf Islands at their best.
You’ll need to wear soft soled shoes, bring a camera, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses and warm clothing in case the wind picks up.
Beach Yoga & Qigong
- $20/person
- 90 minutes
- Up to 10 guests
Enjoy travelling but don’t want to lose out on your yoga practice? Then make sure you start your day with this meditation or breathing yoga class on the beach. For 90 minutes, your yoga instructor will guide you through a combination of flow yoga and Qigong.
Since it is a small class size, you get a personal experience. Once you’ve finished with your practice, your helpful guide will be happy to share with you some of her hidden gems of the surrounding areas.
A Taste of Victoria Food Tours
- $50/person
- 2 hours
- Up to 4 guests
While Victoria is known for the best fish and chips in Canada, that’s not all. Starting at the Victoria Public Market, you’ll stop off at some of the coolest foodie hotspots in town – and yes, of course you’ll be tasting the produce. Victoria’s food scene is truly global, so expect Polish pierogi, French macarons, and Italian baked goods!
Secret Beaches and Islands SUP Tour
- $35/person
- 1.5 hours
- Up to 10 guests
The best way to get to hidden beaches is on a stand-up paddleboard or in a kayak. This 90-minute adventure will see you make the most of the calm, flat water and get views out across and below the water. Expect to see birds, fish, and maybe sea lions! Even if you’ve never paddled before, it doesn’t take long to get comfortable on the boards. Who knows, you might start doing it more regularly?
FAQs About Airbnbs in Victoria
Here’s what people usually ask me about vacation rentals in Victoria.
Don’t Forget Your Victoria Travel Insurance
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Final Thoughts on Victoria Airbnbs
So, there you have it. Those are the best Airbnbs in Victoria, as well as some pretty awesome activities to do when you’re there. Whether you want to stay in a penthouse overlooking the harbour, a cosy and friendly bed and breakfast, or a traditional townhouse, we’ve got you covered.
Still can’t decide? No worries, just go for my overall best value Airbnb in Victoria – the Centrally Located Entire Condo. Not only is it great value for money in a superb location, it’s got bags of character, too.
Wherever you choose to stay, I hope you have a wonderful time in British Columbia. And be sure to check your insurance options with World Nomads before travelling!
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
