With Harry and Meghan leaving behind their lives as senior royals in the UK and currently residing in Vancouver Island, they should find the peaceful life they are seeking. With a population of just 775,000, many homes on the island are nestled amongst soaring conifer trees, and some are bookable on Airbnb. Here are a few of our favourites.
Owl's Perch
Nestled between large cedars and a giant maple, Owl’s Perch in Sooke is a treehouse located 30 feet off the ground. It offers stunning views across the Salish Sea to the mountains of Washington state. It sleeps two people and and has a full bathroom and kitchenette. You'll need to have a head for heights as there are almost 50 steps to the canopy and a ladder to reach the loft bedroom.
Stones Throw Cottage Retreat
This cozy, pet-friendly cabin in the woods is located a ten-minute drive to downtown Qualicum Beach. The 700-square-foot dwelling has three bedrooms, and there is a barbecue located on the front deck. There's a TV, books, games and cards in the living room, and doggy guests are catered for with collars, leashes, dog dishes, beds and umbrellas.
Maple Bay Dome
Guests can stay in the east wing of this home in picturesque Maple Bay, a quiet village near Duncan. The owners live in the geodesic dome and the guest rooms are in the hexagonal addition, which is almost like a separate house. Those staying there have their own deck looking over the sea and can use the swimming pool, and Maple Mountain Park and its hiking trails are behind the house.
Fern Gully Cabin
This tranquil rainforest cabin on the creek sleeps three people. It has an outdoor shower, loft bed, wood fireplace and an outhouse. Located near China Beach and close to many nearby surf breaks, it provides a basic and rustic experience in a peaceful setting.
Port Hardy
This space is a private room that sleeps two in a house in Port Hardy. It has a private backyard and large deck for entertaining. The house has 16-foot ceilings and large living room windows, through which guests can enjoy wildlife sightings, including bear, deer and eagles.
Beau Mountain
Beau Mountain is a modern cottage nestled in the West Coast Hills. Guests staying there can look out on the Juan de Fuca Strait and Olympic Mountains. There is an alpaca farm where you can hand-feed the friendly alpacas at the bottom of the cottage's private steps. It sleeps two, and there's a private rooftop patio overlooking the ocean and a gas fire pit.
The Sanctuary
The Sanctuary is situated on four acres in the forest, nestled among the trees and surrounded by natural light. It's only a three-minute drive to Ganges Harbour and the space is situated on two levels, with an open concept living room, gas fireplace and expansive private deck. It has three bedrooms and sleeps six people, and it's a peaceful and tranquil escape.
Herons Perch
This cozy and elegant beachfront cottage is nestled in the trees right on Chesterman's Beach. It is a very romantic location as you can hear the ocean while in bed and watch magnificent Pacific sunsets from your deck chair. There is also a hot tub with an ocean view. There are board games and comfy reading chairs, where you can watch bald eagles and whales go by.
