When it comes to finding a place to stay in Canada, Airbnb has been a go-to choice for many years.
Travelers seeking unique and affordable accommodations can often find the ideal place for their needs through the Airbnb platform. However, in some cases, you may not be able to find the right place through Airbnb due to a variety of reasons, such as limited availability or high costs.
In this article, we are discussing why you may need to find an Airbnb alternative in Canada and what options are available to you. Thanks to the flourishing tourism industry within Canada, there are several Airbnb alternatives that can help connect you to your ideal getaway location.
Whether you’re looking for more variety, added flexibility, or different types of experiences, this article will introduce you to some fantastic options for your next Canadian adventure.
Keep reading to discover seven of the top Airbnb alternatives in Canada!
Why You May Want to Find an Airbnb Alternative
Have you ever been searching for a place to stay on Airbnb, only to come up short?
Although Airbnb is a vast and useful platform for finding the best vacation spots, it is far from the only platform out there where you can find excellent places to stay. Depending on your situation, you may find that Airbnb does not have an ideal listing for your needs, prompting you to look elsewhere.
Before delving into the specific Airbnb alternatives available to you in Canada, let’s take a look at a few of the reasons why you may choose to deviate from the platform:
- Type of Rental Experience: While Airbnb offers a wide range of accommodations, you may desire a more specialized experience, such as staying in a rustic cabin or a luxurious resort. Moreover, Airbnb tends to emphasize affordability, offering stays that are standalone rooms in other peoples’ homes — an experience that may be less than ideal if you are traveling with a large group or family and want a private space all to yourselves.
- Availability: Depending on your destination and travel dates, Airbnb listings may be limited or unavailable during your vacation timeframe. For example, the Alberta region tends to draw in thousands of tourists during the summer and winter months, making it more difficult to find places to stay near popular areas like Canmore and Banff on Airbnb during these times. Having alternatives at your disposal ensures you have options, even during peak travel times.
- Flexibility: Some travelers prefer the flexibility of choosing from multiple booking platforms to compare prices, amenities, and locations before making a decision. By doing so, you can not only find the perfect place to stay that meets your exact needs but also find the best deals and locations as well. Taking the time to compare different listings on different platforms can give you the flexibility you need to plan the perfect Canadian vacation.
7 Sites Like Airbnb to Find a Place to Stay in Canada
Now that we have covered some of the most common reasons why you may need an alternative to Airbnb, let’s dive into the best Airbnb alternatives to choose from in Canada.
Here are seven excellent Airbnb alternatives in Canada that can help you find your ideal vacation spot:
1. Canmore Stays
Canmore Stays is an up-and-coming platform that promises an exciting selection of properties for travelers to the Canmore region in Alberta.
As the sister site of a well-established property management company, Canmore Stays aims to provide an array of high-quality accommodations. With community ties and roots in Canmore, Canmore Stays is worth keeping an eye on if you’re planning a trip to the quiet mountain town in the near future.
Canmore itself is one of the more popular destinations in Alberta thanks to its proximity to Banff National Park. Due to the highly limited availability of vacation rentals in Banff, Canmore is often a hub of activity for tourists and locals alike, especially during the summer and winter months.
2. VRBO Canada
VRBO (Vacation Rental by Owner & formerly HomeAway) is one of the most popular and well-known alternatives to Airbnb.
With a wide array of vacation homes, condos, cabins, and cottages, VRBO is an excellent choice for those seeking a home-away-from-home experience. It’s particularly ideal for families or large groups, as many of the listings are spacious and well-equipped.
Unlike Airbnb, VRBO does not offer shared spaces, such as standalone rooms for rent within someone else’s home. The platform is designed this way to help users find private locations for their vacations.
With an emphasis on family-friendly stays, VRBO is a great option for finding the best vacation rentals for large groups, as well as groups with kids or pets.
3. SiniStar
SiniStar is another emerging player in the short-term rental market designed to provide fully furnished insurance housing options to users.
Similar to Airbnb, it offers a variety of accommodations across Canada. The key difference between the two platforms is the emphasis on insurance housing — a type of temporary housing solution aimed to provide housing accommodations to people suffering from natural disasters or other major events that have prevented them from staying within their own homes.
Keep an eye on this platform for unique and diverse options, as it continues to grow its presence.
4. Booking.com
While Booking.com is renowned for its hotel bookings, it also provides a substantial selection of vacation rentals, apartments, and alternative accommodations.
With an extensive global network available to users, you can find a wide range of rental options in even the most remote parts of Canada. What makes Booking.com even more advantageous is that the platform can help you book flights, car rentals, taxis, and even attractions all from one platform.
5. Expedia Hotels
Expedia is another giant in the travel industry, offering a broad range of vacation accommodations.
From hotels and resorts to standalone vacation rentals and B&Bs, Expedia has the diverse selection you need to find your ideal place to stay in Canada. The site’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to compare prices and amenities, ensuring you find the perfect place for your stay.
Like Booking.com, the Expedia platform can also help you find flights, car rentals, and attractions all from one platform, making it even easier to plan your trip to Canada.
6. Kid & Coe
If you have ever traveled with children, you know finding family-friendly accommodations can sometimes be more difficult than it should be.
Kid & Coe is a vacation rental platform designed specifically for family-friendly accommodations equipped with kid-friendly spaces and amenities. The team behind Kid & Coe handpicks the rentals listed on the platform, ensuring you can find the perfect place to stay that can meet the needs of your family.
For a smooth vacation experience that you and the whole family can enjoy, Kid & Coe is the perfect platform to turn to.
7. FlipKey
FlipKey is a platform powered by TripAdvisor that offers a variety of vacation rentals across Canada.
On the FlipKey platform, you can find listings from local hosts who can provide more personalized experiences compared to traditional hotels. The platform itself works very similarly to Airbnb, allowing users to search for different destinations at varying times of year to find the places and times that work best for their vacation needs.
Other Airbnb Alternatives to Consider
While online booking platforms are convenient, there are additional alternatives beyond these websites to consider when planning your trip to Canada.
Here are three additional Airbnb alternatives in Canada to consider that are not vacation rental platforms:
Home Exchange Services
Home exchange services — such as HomeLink or Love Home Swap — allow you to swap homes with other travelers for a set amount of time.
This unique approach to accommodations not only saves you money but also immerses you in the local lifestyle. It’s a fantastic way to experience Canada from a local’s perspective without breaking the bank to reserve a nice place to stay in your ideal destination.
The one key requirement for a home exchange is that you must have a home of your own to swap. This can also require you to take the time to make your normal living space an accommodating location that is fit for guests while you are away.
Bed & Breakfasts
Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs) are known for their warm hospitality and charming ambiance.
Canada is home to numerous B&Bs, offering cozy rooms and delicious homemade breakfasts. This option is perfect for those seeking a personal touch to their stay, as well as those who want a more social experience while traveling.
B&Bs can come in many different varieties and offer a wide range of accommodations. Typically, a B&B will offer a complimentary breakfast service, though some may offer multiple meals per day.
Campgrounds
If you are a nature lover who is traveling during the warm months of the year, consider checking out one of Canada’s many excellent campgrounds.
With top outdoor destinations — Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and Whistler Ski Resort Town — Canada is home to a haven of outdoor adventures. The vast wilderness of Canada has led to an abundance of campgrounds in areas free from tourists and urban activity.
Whether you prefer tent camping or RVs, camping allows you to connect with the great outdoors while exploring Canada’s stunning natural beauty.
Final Thoughts
While Airbnb has been a trusted option for travelers seeking unique accommodations, exploring alternatives in Canada can enhance your travel experience.
Whether you desire more variety, specialized experiences, or the flexibility to compare options, the platforms and accommodations mentioned above offer something for everyone. Before making your choice, consider your preferences, travel dates, and the type of experience you want to have.
Canada’s diverse range of accommodation options ensures you’ll find the perfect place to stay on your next adventure. When you’re ready to start planning your Canadian getaway, check out each of the platforms and options discussed hear to discover the beauty and charm of Canada!
