Having being named one of Lonely Planet’s top places to go in the world in 2020, there’s never been a better time to visit Vancouver. Vancouver feels like more of a collection of small neighbourhoods than Canada’s third-largest city and each neighbourhood has its’ own unique character and charm! It’s the ideal mixture of city culture – think world class museums and galleries and epic restaurants, and outdoor pursuits. The Rocky Mountains are also just a stone’s throw away!
There’s just one thing to worry about when it comes to travelling in Vancouver – the price! The biggest city in British Columbia can be frightfully expensive, so it’s a good idea to try save money on your accommodation. One of the best ways to keep your living costs low is by checking out Vancouver homestays. They’ll also guarantee you an authentic local experience!
With that in mind, we’ve decided to help you out by putting together this list. We’ve scoured the city to find the ten best homestays in Vancouver. Hopefully, you’ll find somewhere that’ll suit your travel style and taste. But above all, budget!
Our 5 Favorite Homestays in Vancouver
Private Room Heart of Downtown
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Great location
- > TV with Netflix
Bella’s Heritage House City Hall
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Free breakfast
- > Public transport nearby
Bright Room with Amazing View
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Gym, pool, and jacuzzi
- > Amazing views
Charming Kitsilano Family Place
- > $$
- > 4 Guests
- > Private patio
- > Shared laundry room
Crosstown – Bedroom with a View
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Shared kitchen
- > Access to swimming pool
What is a Homestay?
So what exactly do we mean by a homestay? Well, a homestay can be described as a holiday or other period abroad spent staying in the home of a local family. Or, it can simply mean a private house which offers accommodation to paying guests.
These days, some homestays are more “home” than others. In fact, some are so slick and professional that they are closer to guesthouses. It should normally be easy to identify what kind of homestay you are looking at from the listing and from reading the guest reviews. It is important to choose the right one for you, and to decide exactly how much interaction you want with your hosts.
Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!
Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.
Why Book a Homestay?
Homestays are usually much better value than hotels. There is usually a trade off though as it may mean you have to share a bathroom and you might not get your bed made every day!
Homestays are usually a lot more quiet than hostels and offer some quiet & privacy. There are also offer the chance to break out from the “backpacker bubble”.
Finally, Homestays can be great for cultural immersion as you are surrounded by a local family living a pretty typical life. It is for this reason that homestays are especially popular amongst language students.
Remember The House Rules
When you book a homestay, remember to respect the house rules. Whilst homestay hosts will always try their best to be flexible to your needs, there may occasionally be some ground rules such as no guests, no drugs or even no alcohol.
There may sometimes even be a curfew. It is important to read the listings and check these things before you book your homestay.
Are Homestays Safe?
If you are booking through a reputable platform, they will have vetted and verified the homestay host very carefully. Guest feedback is also very important and any complaints are carefully investigated. Therefore, homestays are every bit as safe and secure as hostels or hotels.
Join Homestay.com For More Great Homestays
In this post, we’ve listed 10 awesome properties hand picked from the 4 corners of the internet! However, in case you don’t find what you’re looking for here, we recommend signing up for Homestay.com and having a search yourself. They have 1000’s of homestay listings in over 100 countries!
Join Homestay.comThe Top 10 Homestays in Vancouver
Best Homestay in Vancouver – Private Room Heart of Downtown
- $
- 2 Guests
- Great location
- TV with Netflix
Let’s begin our list of the best homestays in Vancouver with this gem downtown. The small and cosy room is just off one of the biggest streets in Vancouver, so it’s the perfect base for sightseeing during the day and checking out nightlife after dark! In the flat itself, you’ve got access to the fully equipped shared kitchen. After you’ve made something tasty, you can head back to your room and watch Netflix on the TV there. However, it’d be foolish not to take advantage of the great restaurants and bars on your doorstep!
Budget Tip: Dorms in Vancouver start from $20USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Best Value Homestay in Vancouver – Bella’s Heritage House City Hall
- $
- 2 Guests
- Free breakfast
- Public transport nearby
A little out of the city centre, Bella’s Heritage House is the best cheap homestay in Vancouver. It’s not just the price of the room that will keep your costs down, but also the complimentary breakfast. It includes yoghurt, fruit, juice, and tea or coffee all ideal for fuelling up before a day of sightseeing in Vancouver! Don’t expect to walk to the centre though – there’s a skytrain station just a stone’s throw away. This lovely historic house has mountain views from a gorgeous covered balcony – a great place to spend the evening!
Best Traditional Homestay in Vancouver – Main Street Vineyard
- $$
- 3 Guests
- Hot Tub
- Micro vineyard
Are you wondering where to stay in Vancouver with a traditional twist? Well, this family home is a fantastic place to rent a room! Although the house might be a traditional style, the features you get are a bit Hollywood. The suite has a custom-designed garden which you’re welcome to use, and there’s a hell of a lot in it! Take advantage of a hot tub, a cedar deck, a BBQ, a hot tub, and a micro vineyard. Your homestay host is a keen foodie and winemaker, so he can help you find the best places to eat and drink in Vancouver!
Perfect Homestay for Digital Nomads – Bright Room with Amazing View
- $
- 2 Guests
- Gym, pool, and jacuzzi
- Amazing views
Looking for the best places to stay in Vancouver for a digital nomad? You’ll definitely need somewhere that’s got a laptop-friendly workspace and fast Wi-Fi. Well this one has it. After a day of sending emails and putting the finishing touches to that article you were writing, why not reward yourself with some time in the pool, gym, or jacuzzi. If you don’t want to leave your room, just enjoy the sublime views of the Vancouver Harbour!
Perfect Homestay for Solo Travellers – Private Room in Heart of Downtown
- $
- 2 Guests
- Great location
- Foosball table
If you’re travelling solo and ask for any advice, most people will tell you to go to a hostel. However, we understand that’s not for everyone. If you stay with a friendly homestay host who knows the city well and what travellers like though, that’s definitely a plus! At this awesome Vancouver homestay, there’s a hell of a lot to get excited about. This includes foosball, an Alexa, and a PlayStation! The best thing about this place though is your helpful and friendly host!
Best Homestay in Vancouver for Couples – Spacious Private Room with King Bed
- $$
- 2 Guests
- Self Service Breakfast
- Complimentary toiletries
When you travel with your other half, you want a Vancouver homestay with a bit of privacy. Look no further than this spacious private room! You get a king bed so you can stretch out and get a good night’s sleep… or whatever it is couple’s might do in bed! If you get bored with cuddles from your loved one (because let’s face it, everyone does at some point) there are two friendly cats and a cute puppy in the home (who never get boring).
There’s also self-service breakfast – you’re welcome to coffee and cereal in the morning. The ideal fuel for a day of exploring the city!
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIBest Homestay in Vancouver for Nightlife – Crosstown – Bedroom with a View
- $$
- 2 Guests
- Shared kitchen
- Access to swimming pool
Gastown is the coolest area for nightlife in Vancouver, so it makes sense to stay nearby if you’re planning to go out. And while you’re at it, you may as well be somewhere with an awesome view like in this Vancouver homestay! That living room has incredible views of the harbour. Your friendly homestay host grants you access to their fully equipped kitchen, while you can also use the swimming pool in the building! This might not be for someone with a head for heights though – as you’ll be staying on the 33rd floor!
Best Student Homestay in Vancouver – King Bed Private Bath UBC Campus
- $
- 2 Guests
- Private en-suite bathroom
- Free street parking
The University of British Columbia isn’t in the centre of Vancouver, so you’ll have to cast your net a little wider to find the perfect Vancouver homestay for students. Or, you could just let us do it for you! The equivalent king bedroom as this in a hotel would cost you a small fortune – but not here. You’re also just walking distance from not only useful amenities, but cool places to visit, such as the Vancouver Japanese garden and botanical garden.
Last but not least, your homestay host is a concert piano player and they might give you a concert if they ask you nicely!
Homestay with All Star-Host Family – Cosy Room near Scenic Park
- $
- 2 Guests
- Queen bed
- Family room with books and mags
If you’re looking for a friendly host family in Vancouver, you found it. This cosy room isn’t in the centre, but for a homely and welcoming room, it’s worth that extra trek. And you’re not far from public transport anyways! You’re welcome to use the family communal room too, where there are magazines and books for your perusal.
In the evening, retire to your queen bed where you’re guaranteed a good night’s sleep and be guaranteed a real taste of life in Vancouver.
Best Homestay in Vancouver for Families – Charming Kitsilano Family Place
- $$
- 4 Guests
- Private patio
- Shared laundry room
Let’s round off our list of the best homestays in Vancouver with this Kitsilano property. There are two quiet and convenient rooms with a shared laundry room and back entrance. You’ll be able to spend time with your family on the private patio! Although this place is equipped for families of all ages, it’s especially good if you’re staying with young children. That’s because there’s a high-chair, a crib, and a playpen!
Lastly, if you’re travelling with your own transport, you’ll be delighted to know that there’s free private parking on the street outside!
Check out these other great resources
We have loads more information to help you plan your trip.
FAQ about Homestays in Vancouver
Here’s what people usually ask us when they look for vacation homes in Vancouver.
Don’t Forget Your Vancouver Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Vancouver Homestays
So, that’s it from our list of the best homestays in Vancouver! There’s a lot of choice and we hope that there’s something which matches your travel style but most importantly, budget! Whether you want to be in a cool apartment near BC University, a cosy spot near the park, or a homestay right in the centre, there’s a homestay in Vancouver for you!
If you’re still having trouble settling on your dream homestay in Vancouver, don’t worry. Just take a deep breath and scroll back to the top of our page. There, you’ll find our favourite homestay in Vancouver: Private room in the heart of downtown!
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!
