The largest island on the western coast of the Americas both in terms of area and population, Vancouver Island truly offers a diverse set of activities for all kinds of travelers. If you love hiking and camping, you’ll be spoilt for choice with options, such as Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Elk Falls Provincial Park and Protected Area, and MacMillan Provincial Park. If you prefer a peaceful picnic with your family amidst a beautifully landscaped garden, head to The Butchart Gardens. For interesting facts about the region’s history, Royal BC Museum is a great place to visit. If you like checking out unique things and experiences, a walk across Kinsol Trestle is a must for you.
For a memorable stay on this incredible island, check out this list of the best houseboats in Vancouver Island, Canada.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on August 19, 2024.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. The Tofino Float House (from USD 658)
Offering excellent views of Tofino Harbour, this rental feels less like a boat and more like a floating resort with excellent amenities. With wooden construction, exposed beams, and vintage lamps, the interior exudes a warm and rustic vibe. The exterior offers a lovely sundeck where you can sip your favorite beverage on the comfortable sofas or savor fresh seafood on the alfresco dining facility.
The bedrooms have plush beds with water views, and the bathrooms have modern fittings with a walk-in shower. Conveniently, there is also a fully equipped kitchen on the lower level that comes complete with a breakfast bar.
Tofino, British Columbia, CanadaSuperhostAccommodates: 10
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
best way to experience tofino cons - spotty wifithe open space kitchen easily facilitated lively group dinner prep and concurrent social banteringCleanliness:
bathrooms are clean and modernthe place is clean and spaciousthe play is cozy and cleanHost:
host was superoren was a great host and the float house was stunningoren is the true definition of a super hosti highly recommend oren as a host and the float house as an accommodationoren was a fantastic host always available and ready for shuttles to and from the houseRead more reviewsLocation:
amazing location and amazing house couldn't ask for a better location in tofino to spend a vacationcouldn't have asked for a better trip location or hostcannot recommend this place higher the location is phenomenal and is a great unique experience in tofinoawesome place well equipped and comfy
2. Lagoon Float Camp; Tofino (from USD 976)
Lagoon Float Camp offers a unique glamping experience right off the serene green shore of the island. This rental not only features a bell tent with heating but also an outhouse with a wood-fired sauna. After a ride on the rowboat that is provided along with life jackets, you can relax on the deck with a glass of wine.
To make your stay convenient, the rental comes with all linens and beddings as well as a kitchen stocked with the basics, including coffee, tea, and sugar. Although you need to carry your own food and drinks, you’ll be glad to know that boat transportation from and back to Tofino is included in the price.
Tofino, British Columbia, CanadaSuperhostAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the place was spotless and very comfortablethe tent is spacious but cozy clean and invitingit was easy to stay dry and warm in the shelter tent and sauna thoughHost:
this place is amazing and the hosts are amazingthis place is completely wonderful and dan and lauren were brilliant hostsabsolutely loved it and lauren and dan are great hostslauren and her husband dan were very helpful to meet our requestsdan & lauren were the perfect fun friendly and informational hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
had an amazing time staying at this unique locationfantastic family adventure unbelievable location awesome hosts a really unique experiencefun and unique experience in a beautiful secluded locationthe location was so unique and secluded and was a perfect getawayvery special place in a absolute rare environment in the biosphere reserve of clayoquot sound
3. SeaSuite; Sidney (from USD 110)
SeaSuite is the perfect choice if you want to experience living in a boat without having to leave the dock. Besides allowing you to enjoy life on the water, it places you just a short walk away from different amenities and dining options, making your stay very convenient.
The interiors are fitted with central heating for comfort during cold weather, and Egyptian cotton sheets will ensure a good night’s sleep. While the top deck is a lovely place to enjoy the views from zero-gravity chairs, the afterdeck comes with a grill for you to barbecue the day’s catch. The boat is also equipped with solar panels and a waterless toilet system for an eco-friendly stay.
Sidney, British Columbia, CanadaAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it's very stylish well appointed clean comfortable and the view is outstandingthe bed is super comfortable with luxurious linensthe bed was so comfortable and the experience of being right on the water was delightfulCleanliness:
so organized and cleanthe accommodations are very clean and moderneverything is new and sparkling clean we can't wait to go backseasuites is brandnew exactly as described online impeccably clean and oh so cozyclean well equipped and in a beautiful locationHost:
our host was kind and graciousmark was a great host and communicatorfun adventure and great hostmark is a great hostmark is a great host and very knowledgeable making your stay a 5 star experienceRead more reviewsLocation:
fabulous location and unique experiencelove that you can walk to the little pier and downtownthis was the most unique and interesting placethe location is perfect for easy walks into town for mealsmark's place was amazing so thoughtfully laid out and ideally located
Other boat accommodations in Vancouver Island, Canada
4. Equanimity; Nanaimo (from USD 219)
Moored at the dock of Cameron Island, Equanimity is a luxurious yacht that offers a memorable stay. Although you can’t get it out on the open waters, you are ensured a safe stay given that the dock has gated entry with security codes as well as monitoring cameras.
The fully carpeted interiors come with comfortable sofas for lounging and a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances for cooking your favorite dishes. Outside, you can unwind under the sun on the afterdeck, or you can take the kayaks for a ride for some exploration along with a nice workout. When you feel like hitting the bed after a long day, you’ll find beautifully lighted stairs showing you the way.
Nanaimo, British Columbia, CanadaAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the rooms and beds were very comfortable and the bathroom was well-appointedCleanliness:
the place was very clean and comfortablevery clean modern and great locationyou can expect a clean classy quality time aboard equanimityi was amazed at how clean everything was inside and outside the boatHost:
his yacht is first class and he is helpful and friendlydean was very understanding and helpful host who made us feel at homehe was very hospitable and passionate with his boatdean is the host with the most an amazing yacht and a truly unique experiencedean was friendly and helpful showing us how the boat worksRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect location and a very unique experiencelocated in a clean secure marina with a lot of fun things within walking distancegreat location great experience beautiful boat really great guy to work withit's a beautiful boat in an excellent location
Explore the great outdoors in Vancouver Island
With numerous parks, protected areas, and reserves, this island offers excellent opportunities for exploring the great outdoors. To make the most of your trip, stay on one of these best houseboats in Vancouver Island, Canada.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to