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.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
clean local and quietgreat communication flexible owner location was excellent and of course sparkling cleanwife and i enjoyed our stay; quiet clean and wonderful retreatvery clean and close to city centerHost:
it's an in-law suite with shared entry though the owner used a back doora great experience with an exceptional hostthe owner is very friendly and responds quickly but is very respectul of privacyhad one of my staff come from out of town for training and they loved this suiteoutdoor patio was accessible with a little help from the ownerRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and access
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.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
well stocked and clean kitchen and all amenities were thereCleanliness:
condo was very clean and had everything we neededthe condo was very clean cutely decorated with a huge tubthe condo was clean well-equipped and comfortableapartment well furnished extremely clean and comfortablebut the bathroom kitchen/living and dining room and bedroom were all clean and certainly spacious enough for usHost:
the unit was great the owner was very helpfulgenerosity from an owner can always be told by the extras in a unitRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect location in nanaimo everything in walking distanceperfect to walk anywhere downtownthe location was perfect convenientgreat location everything we needed for our staythe condo is just as pictured beautifully decorated well eqipped and within walking distance of everything in downtown nanaimo
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!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The kitchen has everything you needThe views were wonderful from all the decksWe underestimated the space from the pictures butThe place is amazing for everyone to have their own spacethe parents enjoyed relaxing and the gorgeous viewCleanliness:
Clean bright large windows throughoutHost:
We saw deer many times stroll the back yard rabbits & even a cocky sea otterWe had a couple of maintenance issues during our stay but Scott was great and sorted it all out really quicklyBest short vacation with my children and grandchildrenThe 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 ownersRead more reviewsLocation:
Location could not be betterBeautiful setting across Bay from BC Ferry terminal Short drive for any needs Great access to "exploring" by carWhat great getaway location for families and friends House and view are amazing and all amenities are around the cornerWe enjoyed the house specially the balcony pretty big and lots of spaceThe traffic seemed to ignore the sign indicating a hidden drive
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!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
Having the laundry right off of the kitchen was perfect tooIt was like a homeALL of the beds were super comfortablein the evening a nice soak in the hot tubWell stocked with everything you needCleanliness:
The house was very tastefully renovated and decorated throughoutEverything in the house was well cared for and brightThe beds were very comfortable and so many little special touches applied Everything was easy and gracious Thank you Sean and GeorginaThe pictures do not do this property the justice as the house (both inside and outside)Host:
She even give us fabulous restaurant recommendations tooWe were met by a phenomenal site manager who welcomed us with local treats and necessities and made us feel completely relaxed and at homeThe games room was awesome and well enjoyed by us all along with the back deck and hot tubrepeating myself the home was great with the location and view of the Harbour exceptionalDaryl ensured we had everything we needed and made sure we understood all the facilitiesRead more reviewsLocation:
Het is luxe ingericht en van allewhere there are lots of wonderful restaurants coffee shopsAll amenities you could want are within walking distanceThe 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 areaFour families came together with different needs and desires and it all worked well at this lovely Nanaimo location
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.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
This condo has a well equipped kitchen and bathroom and the space is very liveableThe accommodations were cozy and comfortable Nice views from balconyIt is stocked with tea coffee other hot beverages and sugarThe full-sized kitchen had everything we needed for breakfasts and one dinner inWe walked down to the harbour and poked around downtownCleanliness:
The apartment was very clean and well maintainedIt is spacious and clean with easy parking and is very well equippedHost:
Great hosts quick to answer any andKatherine was always available for any questions and feedbackThe unit was well-stocked and we were made to feel very welcomeOnly issue was with some airflow during the summerExcellent standard of fittings and decoration Everything needed was there and all in like new conditionRead more reviewsLocation:
Also in a safe and quite areaVery central location to explore the areaThis condo is in a great location perfect for morning walks on the seawall and evening strolls to restaurants2 very good restaurants right next door and an easy walk to many downtown restaurantsIt's a short walk uphill to the Harbourfront and two decent restaurants on either side ( Mexican and a local bistro)
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.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
Nice restaurant beside the condoEverything you need in a clean comfortable condo with an amazing viewThe couch and beds were comfortable and we had plenty of room to spread outWe appreciated the air conditioning and all the spaceThe property is beautiful Very private and completely separates the 2 bedroomsCleanliness:
Very modern and wonderfully decoratedThe place is very clean and has everything you neededWell kept and nicely decorated unitThe beds were very comfortable and the owners were accomodating and very niceCondo has everything one would want and more Everything is impeccably clean and organizedHost:
The host was very pleasant professional and accommodatingThis unit was very well appointed with a great layoutSuited our needs very wellHelen is incredibly welcoming and answers promptly to messagesI can see why Helen is a super host as her attention to detail was impressiveRead more reviewsLocation:
Amazing location - nice walk by the water walkway to downtown (about 25 minutes)only few mins away from departure bayExcellent location close to town centreView and location are wonderfulVery convenient location with nice view
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!
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