6 Best Vrbo Vacation Rentals In Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, Canada

Rebecca
Rebecca 
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 March 13, 2023.

1. Cozy unit best for couples and solo travelers (from USD 90)

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
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
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
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
Amenities & Room:
well stocked and clean kitchen and all amenities were there
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
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
Read more reviews

3. Luxurious home with ocean views (from USD 320)

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?

2.15 km (1.4 mi) from Beban Park
47 reviews  
House 10 Guests 4 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 10
Minimum Nights: 5
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
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
Cleanliness:
Clean bright large windows throughout
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
Read more reviews

4. Historic haven with a hot tub (from USD 510)

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
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
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)
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
Read more reviews

5. Downtown rental with mountain views (from USD 129)

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
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
Cleanliness:
The apartment was very clean and well maintained
It is spacious and clean with easy parking and is very well equipped
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)
Read more reviews

6. Oceanfront suite with free parking (from USD 152)

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
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
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
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
Read more reviews

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!

Stayed at this property?
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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