Vancouver Island Accommodations

About Vancouver Island - Stretching almost 500 km from north to south, with comfortable, easy-going small town values, Vancouver Island is one of the best islands in Canada. It is simply referred to by the locals as “The Island”. Known as the largest island off the west coast of North America and its proximity to Vancouver makes it one of Canada’s premier tourist destinations. Whether you’re looking to sample local flavors, embark on an outdoor adventure, soak up some culture, or just relax, Owner Direct Vacation Rentals can provide the right accommodation to make your trip even better.

Where to Stay & Why - Beautiful and spacious, the vacation home rentals are private, quiet, and has been designed and appointed with attention to details that will make your stay unforgettable. The accommodations are just waiting for the joyous bubbling of your friends and loved ones!

The spacious bedroom(s) has comfortable beds with fine linens - some with a quiet nook to read and relax or to do some work if you have to. The bathroom(s) features a tub/shower, extra towels, and local soaps and shampoos that you’ll love. The living room is bright and open, with a cozy fireplace, flat screen TV, and comfy furniture. The kitchen is fully equipped and some of the owners even stock the pantry with spices, oils, and condiments to make cooking a breeze. There is a breakfast bar and a dining area that leads to the patio, complete with a BBQ grill and patio furniture.

Outside your accommodations, you can enjoy your morning coffee while watching horses grazing in the fields against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, or relax in the garden filled with fruit trees, herbs, flowers, and vegetable gardens. You can also choose a home where you can swing on a rope into the lake or cruise by it in a canoe. Aside from some vacation rentals having an in-suite washer and dryer, parking space, air conditioning, and other amenities that are included in some of the condo rentals, the homes are conveniently located where almost everything is within walking distance.

What to See & Do - Local activities are moments away. Whether you like to commune with nature, follow hiking trails, walk along the many beaches of the coastline, whale watch, kayak, or tour amazing gardens, you’ll see that you won’t run out of things to do while you’re here.

Where to Eat & Drink - With more than 40 wineries, unique dining experiences, and boutique farms and shops selling organic produce, you’ll find pretty much everything you need to fill a picnic basket. Explore the Cowichan Valley’s soaring credentials as a gourmand’s Eden with a visit to Deerholme Farm. Tria Fine Catering and Gourmet Eats is on the seaside grounds of the Filberg Park gardens in Comox. Tofino’s evocatively named Wolf In The Fog is a restaurant that takes its fish, forage, and feast motto seriously.

Cumberland Brewing Co. has mild IPA and extra-special bitters that pair beautifully with the house-made Rider’s Pizza. Gladstone Brewing Co. features a no-frills Bavarian tavern with long wooden tables to enjoy local favorites like the Belgian Single. Chase and Warren Estate Winery puts a novel twist on wine tasting - guests board a steam train at the Port Alberni Harbour Station, then settle in for a 25-minute chug out to the winery in the Alberni Valley.

How to Get Here & Getting Around - Vancouver Island is about 97 km west of Vancouver and 117 km north of Seattle. Flying is by far the quickest, as well as the most convenient way to travel to the island. A number of companies offer air travel both on regular commercial planes from Vancouver International Airport and Vancouver South Terminal, as well as float planes and helicopters departing from downtown Vancouver or Richmond.

BC Ferries is the main vessel carrier if you plan to travel by sea, which is also very common. It offers passenger and vehicle ferry services for coastal and island communities throughout British Columbia. The easiest way to travel around is to drive or bike to explore the abundance of activities taking place in the local communities.

When to Go - The best time to visit is March to May, and September to November. The region sees some of the country’s mild weather and the driest summers, so while you might experience a little drizzle here and there, plan on comfortable temperatures in the spring and fall. Summer is by far the most popular time to visit due to numerous festivals that take place. The area also welcomes a respectable number of winter travelers due to its proximity to Canada’s prominent ski destination, Whistler.

For other highlights of amazing Vancouver Island, check out our travel guide so you can add them to your travel plan or itinerary. Safe travels!