It's the coziest time of the year and Metro Vancouverites are looking for places to stay that don't involve a flight (and preferably won't break the bank).
Airbnb has rental options galore, ranging from rooms in larger houses to full mansions. While it can be difficult to choose between spots to stay, it helps to clarify what kind of experience you're after.
If the quintessential, cozy cottage or cabin stay is just what the travel doctor ordered, there are several idyllic options available through the vacation rental provider that are located near-ish to Vancouver.
A 'boho' stay near Whistler Village
Whistler is one of the top picks for Metro Vancouverites looking for a cozy mountain getaway without travelling a long distance. The alpine destination has a charming village with ample eateries, places to shop, decadent spas, and spots to enjoy a fun night out.
Located just 12 minutes north of Whistler Village in Garibaldi, a 350-square-good guest suite hosted by Doug & Elyse is surrounded by panoramic mountain views and offers a charming "boho" stay for a solo traveller or two people. The main floor suite comes with hardwood floors, marble countertops, a contemporary fireplace, a separate entrance, parking, and a large outdoor patio.
Seasonally dependent, the accommodation affords world-class hiking or snowshoeing and backcountry skiing right at "your doorstep."
At $115 a night, the alpine option costs a fraction of the price of other places to stay in and around Whistler.
A forested retreat in Ucluelet
Located on western Vancouver Island, Ucluelet offers a less touristy and more affordable alternative to Canada's surf capital, nearby Tofino.
The Sapling Cabin by Evergreen Forest Cabins offers a rural, forested retreat for two complete with a hot tub, stainless appliances, and a king bed. The two-story accommodation includes a loft bedroom (accessed by a ladder stairway), one bathroom, and a stainless steel fridge with a big bottom freezer.
The hosts say that their acreage is located 500 yards away from the Pacific Rim National Park and is within walking distance of the Pacific Rim National Park's Florencia and Half Moon Bay beach trails.
The accommodation is also affordable, with its current rate going for $147 on the vacation rental platform.
Surfing group trip to Tofino
If you're looking to get your surf on with pals, the Tofino Surf Cabin offers an ideal spot to stay with a group of friends. The accommodation sleeps up to six people and has two bathrooms and two bedrooms and has a "surf-inspired" theme.
Described as a "West Coast style post and beam home," the abode is located in a private old-growth forest within walking distance of popular surfing beaches, including Cox Bay and Chesterman Beach. It is also a seven-minute drive to the city centre.
At $277 per night, this accommodation is affordable if you split with friends.
Cozy lakeside views in Chilliwack
Metro Vancouverites looking for a cozy lakeside retreat don't have to venture far. Chilliwack's Cultus Lake offers the ideal place to enjoy some lakeside views while cuddling up and sipping a hot beverage.
Described as the "epitome of cozy-ness," The Love Shack at Cultus is an adorable, two-bedroom cottage located in the centre of Cultus Lake's Main Beach area. The accommodation sleeps up to four people and has two bedrooms, one-and-a-half bathrooms, a living room, a fully-furnished kitchen (including a washer/dryer, dishwasher, BBQ, fire pit, etc), and a "relaxing private patio."
For $275 a night, the cozy accommodation is an ideal rental for a group that is on a budget.
A treehouse perch in Sooke
Located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, The Owls Perch Vancouver Island's Highest Treehouse offers the owl's eye perspective from 30 feet high among the trees in the ocean-side Sooke.
The treehouse structure is attached to three large cedars and one giant maple using "advanced tree tabs that allow the trees to sway gently, providing a natural and immersive experience." From the deck, guests have sweeping views across the Salish Sea to the mountains in Washington state.
Two people can stay at the accommodation and there is one bedroom, one bathroom, a kitchenette, and a "comfortable living room complete with a love seat, dining table, and fireplace."
Currently, one night's stay at the accommodation is offered at a discount of $234 instead of the regular $271.
