When it comes to choosing the perfect vacation rental, are you searching for something a little bit special? Something with the "wow" factor that’s just so irresistibly Instagrammable it makes your friends green with envy?
Yes? Then check out the stunning properties listed among Vrbo’s first-ever "Canadian Vacation Homes of the Year" list.
The vacation home rental website looked at property ratings, reviews, bookings and amenities when selecting these beauties – and the result is an impressive list of 10 of the most desirable vacation rentals in the country.
From a pretty little paradise for surfers in British Columbia, to the smartest oceanfront chateau in Nova Scotia, these properties are simply hot-to-trot.
One word of advice though: These gorgeous homes-away-from-home often book out months in advance, so don’t hang about if your dates are available. If you really want to score that coveted home rental – plan early.
Waterfront Luxury Retreat
Tofino, British Columbia
Courtesy of Vrbo
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3
Average cost per night: $873
Sitting in old growth forest between two of Tofino’s best surf breaks, this boho-chic waterfront luxury retreat is pure paradise for surfers (and surfer wannabes). Guests can ride the waves at Cox Bay and then come home to jump into the ocean-view hot tub. After a sublime soak, fire up the BBQ on the deck and then enjoy a couple of cold ones at the fire pit.
Scandinavian Style Ski Home
Golden, British Columbia
Courtesy of Vrbo
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4
Average cost per night: $1,125
Ski-in ski-out experiences don’t get any better than at this Scandinavian-style ski home in Golden, B.C. After a day on the slopes, travellers come home to de-gear in their very own mudroom with built-in boot and glove dryers. They can then top off their day with a dip in the eight-person outdoor hot tub, a steam in the sauna and a tipple or two by the fire pit.
Modern Mountain Estate
Banff, Alberta
Courtesy of Vrbo
Courtesy of Vrbo
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4
Average cost per night: $2, 500
This impressive modern mountain estate, just a two-minute stroll from Banff’s main street, is a big hit with families thanks to a dedicated kids’ playroom. After a glorious day of biking, hiking or skiing, guests come home to enjoy a drink on the deck, indulge in a little luxury in the infrared sauna, or just take some time out to relax in the 3,000-square-foot backyard.
Secluded Family Cottage
Collingwood, Ontario
Courtesy of Vrbo
Courtesy of Vrbo
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 3
Average cost per night: $817
Life is all about laid-back luxury at this secluded family cottage sitting just below the spine of the Niagara Escarpment. Boasting panoramic views over the town of Collingwood and Georgian Bay, it has direct access to miles and miles of forested hiking trails. After a day on the trails, guests come home to fire up the BBQ on the deck or challenge their loved ones to a foosball tournament in the rec-room.
Private Waterfront Cottage
Port McNicoll, Ontario
Courtesy of Vrbo
Courtesy of Vrbo
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 6
Average cost per night: $2,143
Expect elegance and grandeur at every turn in this beautiful private waterfront cottage with incredible views of Georgian Bay. Three sides of the property face the water, which makes for a particularly peaceful getaway. And with the ability to accommodate up to 12 people, it’s a fabulous place for travellers who want to get the whole gang together to celebrate a special occasion.
Contemporary Urban Villa
Saint-Beatrix, Quebec
Courtesy of Vrbo
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Average cost per night: $507
This contemporary urban villa just an hour outside Montreal offers breath-taking mountain views from its huge, south-facing floor-to-ceiling windows. Remember to pack up the paddleboards and kayaks, because guests enjoy access to the owner’s private beach on the L'Assomption River. Happy evenings can be spent soaking in the private hot tub, staying toasty in the outdoor dry sauna or chilling out by the crackling fire pit.
Family-Friendly Chalet
Charlevoix, Quebec
Courtesy of Vrbo
Courtesy of Vrbo
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3
Average cost per night: $317
This chic Charlevoix hideaway is located just 10 minutes from the best hiking trails, snowmobiling routes and ski slopes. After a day of canyoning, biking, snowboarding or hiking, travellers come home to this gorgeous family-friendly chalet to challenge their loved ones to a tournament or two in the games’ room or to just sit back and sip on a glass of something bubbly in the outdoor spa tub.
Modern Oceanfront Property
Augustine Cove, Prince Edward Island
Courtesy of Vrbo
Courtesy of Vrbo
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Average cost per night: $225
Travellers love to disconnect at this modern oceanfront property at Cape Traverse. An architecture lover’s dream, this sleek and stylish property offers prime access to Augustine Cove. It’s a place to unplug and unwind – for guests to connect with nature as they stroll along the cove at low tide or watch the sun paint the sky with colours as they sip a beer on the deck at the end of a long, lazy day.
Private Oceanfront Chateau
Blandford, Nova Scotia
Courtesy of Vrbo
Courtesy of VrboBedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 4
Average cost per night: $1,000
For one of the most unique stays in Atlantic Canada, check out this peaceful private oceanfront chateau on the Aspotogan Peninsula. Tranquility awaits at this atmospheric stone-and-timber home, which boasts nearly 200 feet of private beach. Travellers relax and unwind with morning walks along the serene sands and yoga sessions in the property’s exclusive studio.
Classic Cape Breton Home
Margaree Harbour, Nova Scotia
Courtesy of Vrbo
Courtesy of Vrbo
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3
Average cost per night: $822
Having adorned the pages of the New York Times and Oprah Magazine, there’s no denying this classic Cape Breton home has the "wow" factor. Beautifully designed, the open-plan, informal home features wall-to-wall windows and a wrap-around deck so guests can take in 360-degree views of the rugged coastline. The owners supply bikes, kayaks and a telescope.