Accommodation
AirBnB & VRBO in the Victoria, BC area
Overview: Victoria does offer some Short-Term Rentals at various price points but City is a tourist destination so book early.
In the City of Victoria and surrounding area, short-term rental (STR) regulations are highly restrictive due to a combination of municipal bylaws and the provincial Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act.
Principal Residence Requirement:
Since May 1, 2024, short-term rentals (stays under 90 days) are only permitted in the operator’s principal residence.
- Entire Home: You may rent out your entire principal residence while away for a maximum of 160 nights per year.
- Partial Home: You may rent up to two bedrooms within your principal residence year-round, provided you are present and sharing the kitchen and living spaces.
- Prohibited Units: Self-contained units that are not a principal residence—such as secondary suites, garden suites, or investment condos—can no longer be used for short-term rentals.
Availability:
Victoria and surrounding neighbourhoods (e.g., Oak Bay, Cadboro Bay, Saanich) offer short-term rental options including private homes, suites, and private rooms.
Local Regulations:
- Victoria and surrounding municipalities operate under specific short-term rental regulations, including:
- Business Licensing: Hosts must be licensed to operate short-term rentals.
- Zoning Restrictions: Some neighbourhoods restrict rentals to certain types (e.g., owner-occupied vs. whole-home).
- Taxation: Transient accommodation taxes apply (often collected through booking platforms).
- Safety Standards: Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency information may be required by local bylaw.
Participants booking AirBnB or other short-term rentals should:
- Confirm the host is compliant with City of Victoria regulations.
- Verify cancellation and refund policies.
- Check proximity to transit or RVYC.
ACTION: Book through Short Term Rental Websites.