When thinking about exploring Vancouver Island, staying in a tiny home might not be the first thing that comes to mind.
Our little slice of British Columbia is laden with beautiful resorts and hotels that show off the area and offer amenities one might be used to, but not every adventure on the Island is meant to be “straightforward.”
From a treehouse to an old converted school bus, there is no shortage of quirky, cool and unique accommodations to be found across Vancouver Island.
While routine accommodations can always be appreciated, when it comes to making a stay more memorable, your Vancouver Island experience deserves more than just four walls in a standard hotel or Airbnb.
Below are 19 cool and unusual accommodations around Vancouver Island — as well as the neighbouring Gulf Islands — that are sure to enhance your adventure.
Free Spirit Spheres – Qualicum Beach
Free Spirit Spheres
Rope bridges and suspended spheres in the middle of the forest? Yes, this creates a completely original and magical stay that puts a different spin on what other treehouses have to offer. Plus, to round things out (pun intended), Free Spirit Spheres is the only manufacturer of spherical treehouses in the world, so you really know it’s “unique.”
Owl’s Perch Treehouse – Sooke
Nestled between large cedars and a giant maple, Owl’s Perch provides guests with a different kind of treehouse stay. Upon arrival, guests will climb up the steep set of stairs to find themselves in their own perch, which offers views across the Salish Sea to the mountains of Washington state.
This cozy treehouse reaches 30 feet off the ground and has a full bathroom and kitchenette as well as a ladder that leads to a sleeping loft.
Wildpod – Tofino
WILDPOD is a luxury glamping experience consisting of six geodesic domes sitting on the edge of Tofino’s downtown core. Each dome is decorated and situated directly on the waterfront giving you stunning views of sunsets, ever-changing weather, and Tofino harbour for days.
Boho Daydreams Glamping Tent – Nanaimo
Another one of those unique camping experiences where you don’t have to worry about setup, take-down or bringing your own supplies. Not only is this tent ready to meet all your comfort needs, but the location also has all the necessities you need for a perfect night under the stars.
The Sapling Cabin – Ucluelet
Sitting amongst the Ucluelet Hemlocks, you can find The Sapling Cabin, tucked away and feeling like it is meant to be there. This tiny two-storey space abounds with character and offers a private hot tub! A private hot tub in the woods…what more do you really need?
Oceanfront Tiny Home – Jordan River
Not every oceanfront property has to be expansive. This custom-built 200-square-foot oceanfront home is located on a private three-acre wooded lot overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca and within striking distance of Greater Victoria, perfect for any nearby local residents looking for a different kind of staycation.
The Rainforest Yurt – Courtenay
First off, the name alone — The Rainforest Yurt — already wins you over even before you see the incredible craftsmanship that this space offers. The Rainforest Yurt took a standard canvas yurt and encased it with a wooden shell for better insulation and protection of the elements.
It blends the feeling between being indoors and outdoors and brings in those fantastical elements that feel like Rivendell or somewhere in Middle Earth equally as enchanting.
Cob Cottage – Mayne Island
Yes, the famous Cob Cottage is as cool as it looks! While technically not on Vancouver Island, accommodations as interesting as the Cob Cottage are worth bending the rules. This one is located over on Mayne Island and is hand-sculpted entirely from local and sustainable natural materials.
Dome House – Maple Bay
The owners of this Dome House say they have spent over 46 years creating this home and are now sharing it with the public. It offers sea views from every window, a one-of-a-kind swimming pool blasted into the rock, and a continental breakfast every day, which begs the question: who truly needs those high-end resorts?
Cape Lazo Forest Ocean Pod – Comox
I can bet that very few of you have spent a night in a “cedar sleeping barrel,” so what are you waiting for?
Hotel Zed – Tofino
A “retro-chic,” throwback flavour can be added to any Tofino trip by staying at this branch of Hotel Zed. The colourful location brings a super deluxe 1970’s swank to the area, featuring a custom interactive VW van made out of driftwood, a bike-thru lobby, a hidden arcade and a 1969 Chevrolet Kingswood Estate Station Wagon hotel shuttle for those that need help getting around.
Oyster Bay Resort Cabins – Campbell River
This resort combines luxury with the cabin experience, offering a private deck with a barbeque, gas fireplace and 70-jet hydro spa tub in each chalet.
B&B float home at Fisherman’s Wharf – Victoria
Attached to a series of colourful houseboats, this floating B&B allows you to enjoy your morning coffee as you rock gently on the ocean, while also being steps away from the heart of Victoria.
Salty Pear Studio – Salt Spring Island
The Salty Pear describes itself as a hub of artistic creativity, allowing guests to stay alongside its studio gallery, which is situated on a 5-acre apple & pear orchard. Guests have the opportunity to stay long-term to work on a business idea.
1969 Converted School Bus – Sooke
Yes, it is painted baby blue and yes, it is as awesome as it sounds.
WOODS on Pender – Pender Island
Described as the ultimate modern camp experience, WOODS presents a beautiful juxtaposition of the rustic outdoors and the comfortable amenities of home. It also gives accommodation options to tailor your stay the way you like it: Airstreams, Rustic Cabins, Modern Bunkie Cabins and the WOODS Motel. I also can’t go without telling you that there is a dedicated massage Airstream with two full-time practitioners!
Ferngully Cabins – Jordan River
There is no cell service or WiFi…that’s right, completely off the grid! This spot in the woods encourages you to unplug and enjoy the surroundings, something we all should do more of.
Beau Mountain Cottage – Sooke
Bright, cute, cliffside and in close proximity to llamas. Enough said.
Lagoon Float Camp – Clayoquot Sound
Here’s a way to experience the Clayoquot Sound like no other: with your own remote float camp. Transportation is available in Tofino to take you to and from this isolated haven, complete with a wood-fired sauna, fully-equipped kitchen & bath, and your own corner of a lagoon.
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Graham Cox
[email protected]
Twitter: @vanislandgee
Instagram: @geebird11
Graham Cox
