Located in the western Canadian province of British Columbia, Vancouver Island is one of the most popular travel destinations in the country. Apart from its stunning scenery, the island has a multitude of experiences that you can enjoy. Located off the shore of the Pacific Ocean, it has also been gaining a lot of popularity for water sports and activities. Plenty of tourists flock to the shores and beaches to enjoy activities such as scuba diving, whale watching, sport fishing and surfing. Tofino, a town on the west coast of the island, is one such place that has several beautiful surfing spots worth exploring. If you are planning an adventurous getaway on the island, keep reading to learn about the best places to surf and stay in Vancouver Island, Canada.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and location with easy access to surfing spots. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 30, 2024.
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1. Breezy apartment with sundeck and yard; Tofino (from USD 227)
Have the best of times while staying in this spacious 102-sqm (1100-sq.-ft.) apartment with large windows that fill the space with inviting natural light. The rental is aptly located, within walking distance of the popular Tonquin Beach and a short drive from surf spots. Overlooking the ocean and the hills, it is packed with amenities, including a fully equipped kitchen and a TV and sound system. There is also a barbecue grill and an indoor fireplace at your disposal.
After a day of fun and surfing, you can hang your surfing suit in the outdoor shower area, relax on the private deck with your family, and have a barbecue while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
Top guest reviews
Host:
wonderful hosts and spectacular placethe owners also gave us fresh salmonallison was a great hostallison is an amazing hostthe hosts are considerate and thought of every amenity and welcoming touchLocation:
a beautiful place super close to the main street of tofino (10 mins walk)it’s a beautiful house in a staggeringly gorgeous location with such lovely hostsgreat location and excellent communication - we will definitely be backamazing hosts amazing location beautiful home with incredible viewsone of the best places we’ve ever stayedCleanliness:
it was also immaculately cleanthe house was super clean and the bedding so comfortablethis house is beautiful and very cleanthe place itself is very clean and allison is so amazing to communicate withthe house is very clean and they checked in to make sure we had everything we neededRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the house was a perfect space for our family with a comfortable couch and beds
2. Waterfront cottage with child-friendly amenities; Tofino (from USD 158)
This rustic beachfront cottage is located within a short distance of both downtown Tofino and popular surf spots. The property includes a fully equipped kitchen and is perfect for couples with toddlers, as it has been childproofed and boasts amenities such as a cot, a baby bath, and children’s books and toys.
It has a large private balcony that is furnished and looks out to a stunning view of the ocean and Meares Island. Make sure to come equipped with your binoculars, as the balcony is a perfect spot to enjoy sightings of migratory birds as well as grey whales, seals and otters.
Top guest reviews
Host:
the hosts are super responsive and kindverne & gisèle were absolutely fantastic hostshosts very nice and helpfulthe hosts were friendly and gave us our privacyfriendly hosts that were easy to communicate withLocation:
the location is awesome and walking distance to towngreat location between the town and beachesthis was a great locationperfect location close to the town and many of the beachesthe location is very close to town but just far enough that you can relax in natureCleanliness:
everything was very clean the bed was comfortable and check in was easyabsolutely wonderful in every way immaculately clean beautiful location and lovely hosts will definitely be coming backhome was clean warm and just a few steps away from the beachthe cabin was clean well put together with lots of good info on things to doRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
wouldn’t recommend for remote working due to wifi speedsthe oceanview from the bed put a smile on all of us every morningbeautiful cozy waterfront cabin for two or a familyreally cozy comfortable place to stay
3. Cox Bay Cottage; Tofino (from USD 211)
Tucked in the rainforest of Tofino, this contemporary cottage is located 6.2 km (3.5 mi) away from downtown Tofino and 11 km (6.8 mi) away from the famous Long Beach. Other nearby attractions include Cox Bay Beach and Surf Grove Campground, both of which are within walking distance. Both Long Beach and Cox Bay Beach have beautiful surfing spots that you can take advantage of. Apart from a fully equipped kitchen, the amenities in this rental include a TV, an indoor fireplace, and heated floors for your comfort. You will find a barbecue grill as well.
With its custom architecture of west coast cedar and its lush green surroundings, the cottage seems dreamlike, and you will surely get lost in its serenity.
Top guest reviews
Host:
jay is an awesome host and super responsivegreat cabin and a wonderful hostjay was very responsive and accommodating the few times we reached outjay was quick to respond and was very helpfullovely secluded unit host responded promptly great locationLocation:
location was excellentgreat location very comfortable housegorgeous place in an amazing location within easy walking distance to the beach and biking distance to towngorgeous cabin in an ideal locationgreat stay in tofino awesome location very quietCleanliness:
very clean and comfortablecomfortable clean and beautiful placevery clean and unique propertythe place is super clean and spaciousspotlessly clean beautiful kitchen that had every thing you neededRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the other beds were very comfortable and the heated floors were lovelythe space was bright and open and the beds were super comfy3rd bed option is a folding chair so best to book for 2 couples onlythe beds were extremely comfortablethe beds and linens were super comfortable and you have everything you need for a relaxing holiday escape
4. Beachfront home with an outdoor hot tub; Tofino (from USD 326)
This tasteful guest house, located on pristine Chesterman Beach, offers the perfect blend of adventure and comfort. You can take your surfboards right out on Chesterman Beach, as it is also one of the most popular surfing beaches in Canada. The kitchen is fully equipped, and a barbecue grill is also included so you can whip up a wholesome meal after a surfing session. The rental has super-fast Wi-Fi connectivity that allows you to have a perfect workcation and also to stream your favourite shows in 4K on the TV.
It also features an outdoor hot tub that directly overlooks the beach and the Pacific and makes for an ideal spot to unwind.
Top guest reviews
Host:
todd is a great hosttodd was an amazing host checking in with us but giving us our privacytodd and linda were helpful kind and very communicativehosts are also cool if you need anything; friendly & accessibleincredible beachfront property host was amazing- so accommodating and easy to connect with when neededLocation:
the location on chesterman beach is idealthe location of the house is fantasticbeautiful beach close to downtown tofinolocation on chestermain beach was perfectgreat location right on the beach beautiful cabinCleanliness:
clean and well equippedvery clean and comfortableplace was very clean and well stocked with towelsspacious and very cleanvery clean accommodation and hot tub and well kept groundsRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
nice view from living room and balconyvery comfortable beds ample space tonnes of privacy excellent amenities and views for daysthe place itself was cozy with lots of natural sunlighta bonus outdoor hot shower was a nice way to complete your soakgreat hot tub comfortable beds/living space
5. The Anchor at South Chesterman Beach; Tofino (from USD 223)
Located less than a minute’s walk from Chesterman Beach, The Anchor stands against a backdrop of tall trees, which, along with the home’s beautiful facade, makes it perfect for a photo session. Its proximity to Chesterman Beach makes the rental an ideal spot for those who love surfing.
The property has vaulted ceilings and large windows that allow in lots of natural light. It features a fully equipped kitchen that also includes a coffee maker. the rental is babyproofed, so you don’t have to worry about your toddlers hurting themselves. You can also take advantage of the furnished backyard, which has a hot tub and an outdoor shower for surfers to freshen up. Just keep in mind that the hot tub and the shower are shared with the nearby Crow’s Nest suite, which has a totally separate space and entrance.
Top guest reviews
Host:
was a wonderful home and the hosts are so kindbronwyn and jeremy were great hosts providing us with email correspondence prior to our visitthank you to bronwyn for being a great hostthe hosts tallea and tyler were awesome and very attentive to anything we may needmilan was a wonderful host -- quick to respond and had great suggestions for local foodLocation:
fantastic location right across from beachgreat accommodation and fantastic locationgreat location and great cabin to spend a weekend inbeautiful spot and the location couldn’t be betterthis is a beautiful place in an ideal locationCleanliness:
very clean and well stockedvery clean and well appointedvery clean and well equippedthe house was clean and had everything you could want/needthe house was lovely and cleanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
all beds were rated as "supremely comfy" by 4 very particular womenthe house itself was decorated with comfortable furniture and ocean touches making it feel so homey
6. The Cabin Tofino; Tofino (from USD 181)
Tucked in the flourishing woods of Tofino, along Pacific Rim Highway, The Cabin Tofino is one of the most conveniently located stays in the area. Mackenzie Beach, surfing spots, and many popular cafes and restaurants are within walking distance. Surfers can take advantage of the proximity to the Live To Surf surf shop. You may also rent a bike from nearby rentals and ride to downtown Tofino and Chesterman Beach.
As for the amenities, the cabin has a fully equipped kitchen, a TV, an indoor fireplace, and a barbecue grill. You can also get some work done in the middle of this heavenly island, as the rental comes equipped with a dedicated workplace and Wi-Fi. Once you are done for the day, you can have a relaxing soak amidst lush greenery in the outdoor hot tub.
Top guest reviews
Host:
our hosts were awesome great communication and accommodating i highly recommend this placealready planning a return dan was also so responsive and accommodating whenever we were in touchLocation:
easy spot to find and close to towncute and cozy little home really close to the town center in tofinocould walk to the beaches or town easy would stay again :)super clean it has everything you need easy self check in close to downtown sooooo beautifulgreat place to stay just outside of tofino town centreCleanliness:
cabin was very clean and organized when we arrived and communication was consistent and clearits very private and kept very cleangreat location very clean and comfortable houseRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
adorable & cozy fully equipped (local soaps shampoo etcthe house was perfect - so cozy and the hot tub was such a treat in the rainbeds were very comfy and we enjoyed the warmth of the wood stove every eveninggreat cozy cabin with a nice hot tubbeautiful cabin very warm and comfortable beds loved the wood fire place and the hottub
7. Warm and cosy beach house with a patio; Tofino (from USD 385)
Stay in this modern and minimal cabin located less than a minute’s walk from Chesterman Beach and go surfing every day on the pristine shore.
The cabin is tastefully designed and has premium appliances, including a washing machine and a dishwasher. It has the necessary amenities for a productive stay, such as a dedicated workspace and Wi-Fi, allowing you to fulfil work commitments while on vacation. You can prepare your daily meals in the equipped kitchen or use the barbecue grill for a cookout. The rental has also got a furnished patio where you can host a barbecue feast or just laze around at the end of the day.
Top guest reviews
Host:
the host john is very helpfuljohn is a wonderful hostgreat hosts that had everything you could possibly needjohn was easy to communicate with and extremely helpful throughout our staylast but not least -- the hospitality was great john and heather were so welcoming and friendlyLocation:
very stylish and cute cabin right next to the beach and very close to townsituated in a beautiful location immediately adjacent to mackenzie beach the house is stylish immaculate and invitingthe cabin is quiet bright and well situated to offer privacyphotographs don’t do this place justice and the location was absolutely primeoutstanding place to stay if you’re planning to surf especiallyCleanliness:
the cabin was as advertised and very cleanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
beautiful kitchen and the fireplace was a fabulous touch for the stormy daysthe “cabin” is modern with beautiful decor and very well equipped kitchenit is a compact space but is very comfortable and cozyoverall we were very comfortable in this place and would stay again (can’t say for all airbnb’s)the beds are very comfortable and have lovely flannel linens (for winter)
8. Charming guest suite with a firepit; Tofino (from USD 140)
This lovely property is located steps away from Chesterman Beach, which allows you to go surfing any time of the day you want. This 56-sqm (600-sq.-ft.) suite is located on the upper floor, with the host living on the main floor.
The decor of the place is charming and colourful and the cosy living room includes an indoor fireplace and a TV for your enjoyment. Wi-Fi is available, too! You have access to an outdoor shower for washing off the sand after a surfing session. There is no kitchen, but the place is equipped with a refrigerator, and you will have a coffeemaker, a kettle, and some dishes at your disposal. The property also has an outdoor firepit where you can hang out with the host and her family.
Top guest reviews
Host:
heidi is a wonderful hostquiet place and host was respectful of our privacyheidi and bob are wonderful hostscould not have asked for a better host and accommodationwe loved our stay and heidi was a great hostLocation:
the location is excellentthe location was amazinggreat location near the beachgreat location a couple minutes walk to the beachperfect location we’re grateful to be so close to the beachfrontCleanliness:
very clean and tidyexcellent stay clean and comfortablethe unit was clean and cozywonderful beachside retreat clean cozy and quietthe suite was totally clean and she had towels and a beach blanket for usRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the space is comfortable and filled with plush linens and beautiful artworkthe chesterman beach cottage is a very quiet cozy relaxing placethe place was spacious cozy and filled with beautiful artworkit was spacious for two people with a nice terrace out the back and second bathroomthe suite is warm comfortable and relaxing
9. Ray of Sunshine; Tofino (from USD 211)
Ray of Sunshine is located along Pacific Rim Highway, within a 15-minute walking distance of Chesterman Beach and Mackenzie Beach where you may enjoy surfing.
The rental features an open concept, which, along with vaulted ceilings and large windows, makes it look spacious and inviting. It is equipped with a complete kitchen, along with an indoor fireplace and a TV for spending relaxing moments indoors. Use the dedicated workspace and Wi-Fi to attend to your work emails. Later, you can hang out on the patio and make use of the barbecue grill. Moreover, the rental is pet-friendly, but you would have to pay an additional fee of 52 USD to bring your four-legged friends along.
Top guest reviews
Host:
the owner was always friendly and a great communicatoralthough not the fault of the owners there was construction going on next door during our stayLocation:
very cool convenient locationthe location is wonderful and located to great restaurantsgreat spot super close to everything you needawesome house in a great location the hot tub was amazingexcellent space and convenient location right by the beachCleanliness:
very comfortable and cleanbeautiful layout and cleanliness was exceptionaleverything was beautiful immaculately clean and close to everythingthis place is bright clean and has an awesome layoutgreat house really clean and in a perfect location right next to tacofino :) we'll be backRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
very comfortable with all necessary amenitiesbeautiful architecture and light filled roomsthe floors in both bathrooms are heated which was unexpected and awesomeclean good wifi and cable and lovely hot tubthe kitchen was very well stocked and the beds were super comfy
10. Pownall House; Tofino (from USD 215)
This Nordic-style cabin is one of those accommodations that can make any getaway remarkable. Just minutes away from Chesterman Beach, it is aptly located to go surfing and even comes with an outdoor shower to freshen up afterwards.
The open kitchen is fully equipped, and you can have your meals on the cosy bench seating beside the fireplace. It has also got a large TV with Netflix and Prime Video for indoor entertainment. For leisure, you have access to an outdoor hot tub and beach essentials, including a beach blanket and snorkelling gear. The upper loft bedroom has skylight windows that provide you with one of the best experiences of stargazing with your partner from your comfortable bed.
Top guest reviews
Host:
the host is also very responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
short walking distance to the beach close to town and in a nice quiet neighbourhoodclose to the beach i would definitely stay here againamazing stay in tofino minutes from chesterman beach close to town but not too closethe beach is a short walk through a pleasant trail
Have an amazing surfing experience in Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is one of the best places to go surfing in North America, and you can have the vacation of a lifetime while staying at these Airbnbs that allow you to enjoy surfing to the fullest. Review this list before planning your getaway, and enjoy the best of times on your surfing adventure!
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