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Victoria, the stunning capital of British Columbia, sits on the craggy edge of Vancouver Island and is the beating heart of the outdoors community.
Adventurers from around the world have moved here just to live in one of the most naturally beautiful spots in Canada — if not the world.
Not only is the city known for its world-class outdoor lifestyle, but it’s also home to a bustling downtown that seems to nurture creatives and entrepreneurs alike. Offering a perfect blend of history, urbanity, and abundant parkland, there is no place quite like Victoria.
In a continued homage to the city’s British colonial past, most of the original Victorian architecture remains to this day. You can tour 125-year-old heritage buildings or waltz along the castle grounds of Craigdarroch Castle — a preserved Scottish Baronial mansion. Head downtown for museums and seafront parks, modern restaurants, ritzy shops and boutiques, and access to the amazing waterfront.
For the ultimate city-to-ocean escape, you’ll want to snag one of these incredible downtown airbnbs in Victoria for a memorable stay. Ranging from a coastal and airy studio to a Hogwarts-inspired condo and a European chateau, Victoria has a wide range of options where to rest your head. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, the undeniable charm of the city will have you booking your next airbnb in Victoria before you even check out of the first. All rates are listed in U.S. dollars.
Related Read: 8 Stylish Ottawa Airbnbs to Book in 2021
1. Historic Airy Loft
Why you should stay: An airbnb curated by a local interior designer for a trendy, in-style stay.
- Sleeps: 7
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $237/night
Centrally located in the heart of old town Victoria, this incredible bright and airy loft is just blocks from the waterfront, amazing restaurants, boutiques and historic sights. Featuring soaring 18-foot ceilings and the original brick walls, the space is brimming with historic character.
With plenty of space to spare, you can gather the whole family for an urban vacation with three separate bedrooms, a dining table big enough for family-style dinners, and a travel crib available upon request. It even comes with black-out window coverings and local coffee beans for when you want to enjoy a lazy morning.
Check AvailabilityRelated read: The Best Hikes for Epic Views in British Columbia
2. Shorncliffe Studio
Why you should stay: A brand-new modern escape with complete privacy and serene views.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $177/night
Tucked into a natural Garry Oak grove (which you’ll find a lot of in Victoria), the coastal Shorncliffe Studio is a nature lover’s paradise. Recently designed and decorated by a modern Victoria interior design firm, the space is impeccably built with locally sourced materials and sustainable practices that boost energy efficiency.
The space is light and bright, with overhead skylights and views overlooking impressive acreage. Upon your arrival, you’ll find a basket of simple, local ingredients so you can whip up your first breakfast without ever having to leave.
Nearby, you’ll have easy access to the ocean as well as Mount Tolmie or Mount Doug if you want to get your heart pumping on an adventurous climb.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: The 8 Best Campervan Rentals in Vancouver, British Columbia
3. Waterfront Studio
Why you should stay: Panoramic views overlooking the entire Downtown Victoria waterfront.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $119/night
Offering maybe the best views of any airbnb in Victoria, this harbor studio looks out directly onto the surrounding wharf. Start your day by waking up to the dazzling sunrise before walking out onto the balcony to breath in the salty air. Be sure to make a cup of joe while listening to the seagulls.
Travelers who like to sneak in workouts on vacation will appreciate the gym, and you’ll be able to walk to coffee shops, restaurants, and award-winning brew pubs. It’s also centrally located for a plethora of water activities, ranging from whale-watching to kayaking and paddle boarding for a fun day out. Though it can sleep four, it’s a studio apartment, so it may be best for couples or a pair of friends.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 12 Charming Airbnbs In & Around Quebec City, Quebec
4. Robyn’s Nest
Why you should stay: Retreat to a funky loft with a soul that matches the city.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $122/night
Bright, cheerful, and and bohemian are the first three words that come to mind when you step into this cozy downtown loft. Decked out with rattan furniture, original brick walls, crocheted hanging chairs and a mountain mural, this dreamy space makes for one unforgettable stay.
Watch the sunset from the rooftop deck with unparalleled views of the downtown core and far off mountains, or perhaps whip up an al fresco feast on the modern BBQ. Just straddling the line of the central business district and Chinatown, there’s plenty nearby to keep you busy, like boutique shops and bars hidden in alleyways.
Check Availability5. Landmark Waterfront Home
Why you should stay: Magnificent views overlooking the water from almost every room in the house.
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $213/night
Tucked away on Gorge Road West and overlooking the waters of the Gorge Inlet, this Victoria airbnb is a landmark waterfront home with unrivaled views. Decorated in a coastal color pallet of soothing blues, you never feel as if you’re far from the waters edge. (Because you’re not!)
Grab a glass of wine and make haste to take in the fiery sunset out on your private balcony, which is covered so you can enjoy the views rain or shine. At night, glide across the heated floors to cozy up in the plush bed and fall asleep to views of the mountains off in the distance. With four bedrooms, it’s one of the best airbnbs in Victoria for a group of couples or larger family.
Check Availability6. Mount Tolmie West Coast Hideaway
Why you should stay: Modern and airy West Coast style in the heart of the city.
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $500/night
With plentiful natural light, it’s hard not to feel immediately at home in this Mount Tolmie coastal hideaway. The home has pops of yellow throughout the space for a cheery, lived-in vibe, complemented by the kitchen’s wall-to-wall windows.
Kick back and put your feet up in the Muskoka chairs out back while someone else grills up a feast on the charcoal BBQ. Afterwards, head to the shaded outdoor dining area to settle in for a lazy dinner. At night, gather around the stone fireplace to play a board game or say you’re going to bed early and watch a movie on the massive bedroom TV. It’s one of the pricier airbnbs in Victoria, but it does have a perfect five-star rating.
Check Availability7. Cozy Contemporary Condo
Why you should stay: Modern accommodations that couldn’t be closer to downtown.
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $183/night
Only a block away from the inner harbor and steps away from a gorgeous waterfront walk, this cozy, contemporary condo couldn’t be located in a better spot for sightseeing. Light-filled and airy, the home has mid-century stylings and a calming color pallet.
For a condo, the kitchen truly shines for its size and amenities, allowing for a full gourmet meal any hour of the day. With easy access to all that downtown has to offer from museums, galleries, shopping, and parks, this condo is ideal for both vacation and business stays. It’s one of the best airbnbs in Victoria for a larger group that wants an urban stay as opposed to a neighborhood home. There’s even a gym and a pool.
Check Availability8. Luxury Rooftop Views Condo
Why you should stay: A hip downtown stay with luxury touches for the well-appointed traveler.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $241/night
Victoria may be an outdoor paradise but that doesn’t mean luxury is on the back burner. If you want to spring for something with more of a bohemian-meets-“Mad Men” vibe, book this notable swanky condo boasting rooftop views of the city. From the living room window, you can look out over the Empress Hotel and Olympic Mountains for impressive vistas.
For even better sights, fix yourself a cocktail and head up to an exclusive rooftop patio where you can take in the inner harbor and parliament buildings without ever leaving the building. This is one of the most posh airbnbs in Victoria, with hotel-quality king-sized beds, luxe linens, and a spa-inspired ensuite.
Check Availability9. Château LaVie
Why you should stay: French-style chateau with a hot tub out back for ultimate R&R.
- Sleeps: 12
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $280/night
Completely customized from top to bottom, this French-inspired chateau is a European getaway set on Canada’s west coast. With over 3,100 square feet of space to roam and room for a dozen guests, you can bring the entire extended family – though there is a fee of $25 per person after the first six people.
The craftsmanship of the home is exceptional with a chateau feel, featuring local timber beams and accents for a cozy touch. Parents can enjoy a glass of wine in the hot tub while little ones take to the trampoline and on-site fort for imaginary fun.
Check Availability10. The Common Room
Why you should stay: Harry Potter fans will delight in this condo-turned-Gryffindor-common room.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $151/night
For a one of a kind and completely unique stay, try the Common Room, a condo the owners transformed into a replica of the beloved Hogwarts room where Harry Potter and his friends spend their days.
Located in a notable historic building, guests are treated to a magical experience most muggles could only dream of. The quirky Victoria airbnb has a real-life invisibility cloak, hidden horcruxes, and poisons and potions. Try out the Sorting Hat when you arrive, then pop in a Harry Potter DVD to relive the fascinating wizarding world from the comfort of your own magical hideaway.
Check AvailabilityAdditional read: 50 Coolest Airbnbs in the U.S. for a Great American Adventure
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Seen in: British Columbia, Canada, Where to Stay
