12 Best Vrbo Vacation Rentals In Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, Canada - Updated 2024

Rebecca
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 6 min read

Nanaimo is a gorgeous oceanside city backed by a forested mountainside in the westernmost part of British Columbia. Because of its varied landscape, the city provides its visitors with vacation rentals in all sorts of environments. Some of them are located in the heart of the downtown area where you’ll wake up to the sound of the Pacific Ocean lapping at the shore. In others, you’ll be treated to the relaxing lullaby of one of the many nearby rivers or lakes.

If you want to visit this lovely city, you first have to find the right accommodation for you. Luckily, Nanaimo has many options to choose from — some of them even have quirky characteristics, such as waterfront vacation rentals and pet-friendly hotels. If you’re still looking for suggestions, scroll down to see the best Vrbo vacation rentals in Nanaimo, 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 October 23, 2024.

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1. Cozy unit best for couples and solo travelers

With 1 bedroom, this 650-square-foot (60.39-square-meter) rental unit can comfortably accommodate up to two people, making it an ideal choice for solo travelers and couples. You’ll also find a well-appointed kitchen — which allows you to prepare all the delicious meals you want — and a living room equipped with free wifi and a television.

Since this unit is located in the Departure Bay area, you’ll get a stunning view of the bay from the patio. You can also drive to the Departure Bay ferry terminal and ride a boat to Vancouver and other cities. If you want to visit attractions that are closer to this vacation rental, you can go to Beach Estates Park, Long Lake, and Pipers Lagoon Park.

Stayed at this property?

1.43 km (0.9 mi) from Beban Park
63 reviews   Wifi Available
House 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2
Minimum Nights: 4
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Host:
it's an in-law suite with shared entry though the owner used a back door
a great experience with an exceptional host
the owner is very friendly and responds quickly but is very respectul of privacy
had one of my staff come from out of town for training and they loved this suite
outdoor patio was accessible with a little help from the owner
Location:
great location and access
Cleanliness:
clean local and quiet
great communication flexible owner location was excellent and of course sparkling clean
wife and i enjoyed our stay; quiet clean and wonderful retreat
very clean and close to city center
Read more reviews

2. Well-located condo in downtown Nanaimo (from USD 102)

When you stay in this condo unit in downtown Nanaimo, you’ll feel right at home. You’ll find three beds inside this place, but if you have more guests, there’s a sleeper sofa that you can use. You’ll also get to use the complete kitchen and the en-suite laundry. If you’re bored, you can use the free wifi or watch something on cable television.

Since this condo is right in downtown Nanaimo, you’re only a short walk away from the city’s iconic attractions, especially the Nanaimo Museum, Bastion, and Protection Island. There are also many restaurants nearby, so you should definitely try out some of the local cuisines.

Stayed at this property?

5.24 km (3.3 mi) from Beban Park
59 reviews   Wifi Available
condo 5 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 5
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Host:
the unit was great the owner was very helpful
generosity from an owner can always be told by the extras in a unit
Location:
perfect location in nanaimo everything in walking distance
perfect to walk anywhere downtown
the location was perfect convenient
great location everything we needed for our stay
the condo is just as pictured beautifully decorated well eqipped and within walking distance of everything in downtown nanaimo
Cleanliness:
condo was very clean and had everything we needed
the condo was very clean cutely decorated with a huge tub
the condo was clean well-equipped and comfortable
apartment well furnished extremely clean and comfortable
but the bathroom kitchen/living and dining room and bedroom were all clean and certainly spacious enough for us
Amenities & Room:
well stocked and clean kitchen and all amenities were there
Read more reviews

3. Luxurious home with ocean views (from USD 338)

Beautiful views, perfect location, gorgeous house - this might be the dream vacation spot you’ve been hoping to find! All five of its spacious bedrooms offer a full view of the ocean, so everyone can enjoy the ocean sunrises without leaving the comfort of their cozy bed. This home is full of amenities in order to make it feel just like home. There are a washer and dryer, wifi, air conditioning and fireplace, and a newly renovated kitchen with all the necessary appliances! It’s the perfect event-hosting kitchen (parties allowed upon notification). This home is only a nine-minute drive from Nanaimo City, six minutes from the Bay Ferry terminal, and only a few miles from many nature parks, so the possibilities for adventure are endless!

Stayed at this property?
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
2.15 km (1.4 mi) from Beban Park
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 10 Guests 4 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Host:
We saw deer many times stroll the back yard rabbits & even a cocky sea otter
We had a couple of maintenance issues during our stay but Scott was great and sorted it all out really quickly
Best short vacation with my children and grandchildren
The only reason I did not give our stay 5 stars is that we had a delay in getting into the house as the cleaners were not done and there were a few maintenance issues but are being dealt with by t...
Excellent property & amenities Great communication from owners
Location:
Location could not be better
Beautiful setting across Bay from BC Ferry terminal Short drive for any needs Great access to "exploring" by car
What great getaway location for families and friends House and view are amazing and all amenities are around the corner
We enjoyed the house specially the balcony pretty big and lots of space
The traffic seemed to ignore the sign indicating a hidden drive
Cleanliness:
Clean bright large windows throughout
Amenities & Room:
The kitchen has everything you need
The views were wonderful from all the decks
We underestimated the space from the pictures but
The place is amazing for everyone to have their own space
the parents enjoyed relaxing and the gorgeous view
Read more reviews

4. Historic haven with a hot tub

Built in 1926, this stunning Nanaimo home for rent maintains all its historical grace and charm while providing its guests with all the comforts and amenities of today! You might not want to leave this beautiful home with its garage refashioned into a game room complete with a pool and ping pong table, its private deck on the mezzanine level, or its hot tub which overlooks the garden area!

When you do leave the walls of this beauty, simply cross Newcastle Avenue and you’ll find yourself right on the Harbourfront Walkway. Highly recommended is the Newcastle Island Provincial Park which guests can access via the ferry, departing hourly from a dock found only a stroll away. Close proximity to the water and the city makes this home the ideal place for guests who love being kept busy with so many things to do!

Stayed at this property?

4.54 km (2.9 mi) from Beban Park
47 reviews   Wifi Available
House 8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Host:
She even give us fabulous restaurant recommendations too
We were met by a phenomenal site manager who welcomed us with local treats and necessities and made us feel completely relaxed and at home
The games room was awesome and well enjoyed by us all along with the back deck and hot tub
repeating myself the home was great with the location and view of the Harbour exceptional
Daryl ensured we had everything we needed and made sure we understood all the facilities
Location:
Het is luxe ingericht en van alle
where there are lots of wonderful restaurants coffee shops
All amenities you could want are within walking distance
The location of the house is perfect for exploring Nanaimo itself including the charming Newcastle Island as well as the wonderful towns and beaches in the area
Four families came together with different needs and desires and it all worked well at this lovely Nanaimo location
Cleanliness:
The house was very tastefully renovated and decorated throughout
Everything in the house was well cared for and bright
The beds were very comfortable and so many little special touches applied Everything was easy and gracious Thank you Sean and Georgina
The pictures do not do this property the justice as the house (both inside and outside)
Amenities & Room:
Having the laundry right off of the kitchen was perfect too
It was like a home
ALL of the beds were super comfortable
in the evening a nice soak in the hot tub
Well stocked with everything you need
Read more reviews

5. Downtown rental with mountain views

Mountain views in the back and ocean views in the front, “The Traveller’s Suite” is just the picturesque niche you need for putting up your feet after a full day of wandering the island. Located in the Arts District of downtown Nanaimo, this condo is neighbored by shops, restaurants and bistros, and it offers easy access to the various ferry docks for some ocean exploring. Spend your day walking along the waterfront only two blocks away, and be sure to enjoy the fish and chips at the Dock, as recommended by your host! In the evening, sit out on the back patio and watch the painted sunset as it drops slowly behind the mountains, finishing off your perfect vacation day with extra special views.

Stayed at this property?

5.07 km (3.2 mi) from Beban Park
28 reviews   Wifi Available
condo 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Host:
Great hosts quick to answer any and
Katherine was always available for any questions and feedback
The unit was well-stocked and we were made to feel very welcome
Only issue was with some airflow during the summer
Excellent standard of fittings and decoration Everything needed was there and all in like new condition
Location:
Also in a safe and quite area
Very central location to explore the area
This condo is in a great location perfect for morning walks on the seawall and evening strolls to restaurants
2 very good restaurants right next door and an easy walk to many downtown restaurants
It's a short walk uphill to the Harbourfront and two decent restaurants on either side ( Mexican and a local bistro)
Cleanliness:
The apartment was very clean and well maintained
It is spacious and clean with easy parking and is very well equipped
Amenities & Room:
This condo has a well equipped kitchen and bathroom and the space is very liveable
The accommodations were cozy and comfortable Nice views from balcony
It is stocked with tea coffee other hot beverages and sugar
The full-sized kitchen had everything we needed for breakfasts and one dinner in
We walked down to the harbour and poked around downtown
Read more reviews

6. Oceanfront suite with free parking

With its gorgeous open-floor plan, marble floors, and french doors opening up to a patio practically on the marina itself, this picturesque little suite is definitely a top choice for visitors who want all the perks of being on the ocean without going too far out the front door. If you could squish all the luxuries of resort vacationing into one rental, this place is it! The host, known for her outstanding service for her guests, has even equipped the rental with a “starter kit” that includes shampoo and conditioner, dish, laundry, and hand soaps, cleaning supplies, and even little necessities in the kitchen! Clean, comfortable, and convenient, this place is definitely one you’ll love to visit more than once.

Stayed at this property?

3.67 km (2.3 mi) from Beban Park
40 reviews   Wifi Available
condo 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Host:
The host was very pleasant professional and accommodating
This unit was very well appointed with a great layout
Suited our needs very well
Helen is incredibly welcoming and answers promptly to messages
I can see why Helen is a super host as her attention to detail was impressive
Location:
Amazing location - nice walk by the water walkway to downtown (about 25 minutes)
only few mins away from departure bay
Excellent location close to town centre
View and location are wonderful
Very convenient location with nice view
Cleanliness:
Very modern and wonderfully decorated
The place is very clean and has everything you needed
Well kept and nicely decorated unit
The beds were very comfortable and the owners were accomodating and very nice
Condo has everything one would want and more Everything is impeccably clean and organized
Amenities & Room:
Nice restaurant beside the condo
Everything you need in a clean comfortable condo with an amazing view
The couch and beds were comfortable and we had plenty of room to spread out
We appreciated the air conditioning and all the space
The property is beautiful Very private and completely separates the 2 bedrooms
Read more reviews

7. Studio found close to downtown

This little suite is located further inland from downtown Nanaimo (seven-minute drive), but sits in such a spot that accessing Island Highway towards the beach is easy! Perfect for an extended weekend getaway for two, the surrounding area is quiet and peaceful with everything needed for a cozy stay provided right in the house itself. Guests have their own private entrance to this ground-floor suite, and they will arrive to find the beds made and ready, the kitchen stocked with coffee and teas, and a TV and fireplace for leisurely evenings on the couch. The Coastal Feather Suite is sure to be the peaceful retreat your soul needs to rejuvenate!

Stayed at this property?

1.25 km (0.8 mi) from Beban Park
34 reviews  
studio 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom
Top guest reviews
Host:
Jennifer was a great hostess
so we really missed having a stove/oven
Host Jennifer maintains her Coastal Feather Suite in good order as part of her Nanaimo home
She had provided some muffins and some basic staples
coffee maker toaster oven & hotplate
Location:
The location was ideal considering we arrived by ferry which is only a few minutes away
This place was in a great location for us and is in a very nice neighborhood
Very comfortable after a day of exploring
but this place is perfect for shorter stays
the area is quiet and peaceful everything is just wonderful
Cleanliness:
The unit was very clean and quiet
The apt is very well decorated and very clean
The suite was clean bright and roomy
The place was clean well stocked and friendly
The place was clean and comfortable The lady was a very good host
Amenities & Room:
adequate kitchen beautiful bathroom with shower
The bath is off the kitchen
and the shower has plenty of room for two people
There is a separate kitchen with fridge
The place has lots of room with the bedroom and kitchenette
Read more reviews

8. Perfect home for the nature enthusiast

For anyone who is hoping to explore the nature parks of Nanaimo, this home is definitely for you. Located 10 minutes from the city’s downtown, it is walking distance from Westwood Lake and its nature trails, the Morrell Nature Sanctuary, and only a few miles from kayak/canoe rentals! In this gorgeous Nanaimo home, guests have their own private entrance with full access to the first floor. The house comes with all its linens and towels provided, so no need to take up that space in your suitcase. Make sure you make use of the fully equipped kitchen, for even if cooking on a vacation seems like a hassle, you’ll definitely want to make time for it in this gorgeous one. For the outdoorsy soul who wants to skip sleeping under the stars this time around, this house might just be the one for you!

Stayed at this property?

4.04 km (2.6 mi) from Beban Park
57 reviews  
House 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom
Top guest reviews
Host:
They have a splendid appartment and they did also groceries to welcome us
We enjoyed meeting the hosts and hearing there story
The owners are very friendly and responsive Great time
The owners were welcoming and provided some extras that made the stay very nice
Brenda & Monty are wonderdul hosts
Location:
) it's only minutes to any destination in and around the city
The place was beautiful quiet and central to where we needed to get to
Enjoyed everything about my stay
It was a perfect location for everywhere
There were so many little unexpected details about staying there that we loved
Cleanliness:
Awesome neighborhood ( quiet and clean)
The house was like-new clean
Beds were very comfy Spacious and quiet with added extras which was a nice surprise
Amenities & Room:
There was not 1 thing that was needed - everything was amazing
The suite worked well for 4 adults and one small child Bedrooms were large enough to accommodate our portable crib
There was more than enough space for 3 adults and one child
Kitchen has everything you need to make a meal
It seemed to have everything needed
Read more reviews

9. Lakeside luxury (from USD 306)

Bring your boat, bring your kids, bring the pup, even bring the cousins, because this huge lakeside home with stunning views is waiting! Situated right on the shore of Long Lake, you’ll find yourself wanting to spend more time outside than in! And that’s not because the house lacks a thing (it comes with washer and dryer, a fully equipped kitchen, and a basement rec room for the kids), but because it comes with a private dock, kayaks, and the opportunity for freshwater fishing - all without leaving the property! With all the makings for a perfect vacation, staying at this home will quickly become one you’ll want to turn into a yearly tradition.

Stayed at this property?

2.39 km (1.5 mi) from Beban Park
26 reviews  
House 12 Guests 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms
Top guest reviews
Host:
Karin is a great host who takes great care of us
Karin was a wonderful host and the accommodations exceeded our expectations
We had a hire car during both stays and the home was a great base for us to do our day
responsive and helpful reservations were easy and straight-forward
Let's just say that none of us were disappointed
Location:
Spent one day tripping up to Coombs MacMillan Provincial Park and Englishman's
The location is also very convenient for groceries and any last-minute purchases needed
It's a lovely property and
The lifejackets and equipment were in great shape
Although it sounds odd for Victorians to "vacation" in Nanaimo (1 5 hours away)
Cleanliness:
The basement rooms are the only sleeping areas that have "blackout" coverage
Amenities & Room:
The basement is spacious but there is only one room that is separated from the rest of the spaces in the basement including the other two beds
If you have young children
The two beds in the shared larger space do have a curtain that separates them from the seating area in the basement
The home is situated on Long Lake and is excellent for swimming water skiing or kayaking
so it was great to be together but still have our own space
Read more reviews

10. Cozy cottage perfect for day trip excursions

This cozy cottage is not only super aesthetically pleasing both inside and out, but it’s also perfectly located for visitors who are into day trips and want to see as much of Vancouver Island as possible during their stay! Venture out to Mt. Washington ski area, Gabriola Island, Victoria, or Long Beach National Park, and be assured that you’ll have the homiest place to rest when you return. These hosts are top rated, known to have provided their guests with a fully stocked kitchen upon arrival, which means they’ll do their very best at making your stay simply luxurious! With the surrounding gardens, the stone patio, and the giant windows, this cottage provides everything you need for a beautiful stay.

Stayed at this property?
99 Machleary St
4.56 km (2.9 mi) from Beban Park
32 reviews  
cottage 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

11. Oasis in the city

This home is truly a gem. From the rustic woodwork to the flowering gardens, guests have titled it an oasis in the heart of the city itself. It is located just a short stroll from the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal, not to mention the many shops and restaurants in the city center for easy access to a morning out and about. Back at the house, you’ll find all your linens have been provided, the kitchen is fully equipped, and the secluded back patio provides the perfect backdrop for lazy mornings. Bikes have been conveniently provided on site, so guests can zoom around the area and see everything there is to see! This home’s host is noted for her attention to detail which makes staying here just as easy as a home away from home should be!

Stayed at this property?
320 Larch Street Lower unit
3.5 km (2.2 mi) from Beban Park
22 reviews  
House 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

12. Peaceful condo in Heritage Park

On the top floor, situated right in the lush Heritage Park, you’ll find an elegant condo with enough space for four to comfortably relax when it’s time to enjoy the beauties of the island from a distance. Still, within walking distance of downtown Nanaimo, this home provides a peaceful respite in the grounds of Heritage Park which are fully accessible to guests. This place is known for being impeccably clean with a host who goes out of his way to make sure that his guests are well looked after. Stocked with all the amenities you’d find in your own kitchen, living room, and bedroom, Robin’s Grove will quickly become a favorite Nanaimo home.

Stayed at this property?
Nanaimo, BC, CA
6.07 km (3.8 mi) from Beban Park
condo 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Something for everyone

Whether you need a place to crash after a long day of Vancouver Island adventuring, somewhere to call home after day trips or a little retreat for a staycation, Nanaimo has just the accommodation for you! Clean and beautiful, cozy and rustic, luxurious and welcoming, all of these amazing vacation rentals in Nanaimo have something special to offer, so it’s only a matter of time until you find that perfect home away from home!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Rebecca has been a content writer for five years, writing about everything, including mental health, animals, and, of course, travel. She knows, as a big mental health advocate, the importance of...Read more

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