Vrbo Vacation Homes of the Year: Canada's best holiday, long weekend rentals

As Canadians pack up to take advantage of the Victoria Day holiday, "May 24" long weekend, online vacation rental site Vrbo has revealed its 2023 Vacation Homes of the Year in Canada.

This year, Canadians staying in the country seem to have their eye on British Columbia and Alberta, in particular, making up the top five most popular cities for the long weekend.

Based on Vrbo data, these are the top vacation rental cities Canadians have been searching for the Victoria Day long weekend:

1. Canmore and vicinity, Alta.

2. Victoria, B.C

3. Vancouver,B.C

4. Kelowna, B.C

5. Whistler, B.C

6. Montreal, Que.

7. Tofino, B.C.

8. The Blue Mountains, Ont.

9. Prince Edward County, Ont.

10. Muskoka Lakes, Ont.

Conveniently for Canadian travellers, several homes that are part of Vrbo's 2023 Vacation Homes of the Year are in or near some of these popular long weekend destinations.

Whether travellers are looking for a great oceanside retreat, beautiful cabins or even treehouses, Vrbo has created a list of great vacation rental home options, based on star ratings, guest reviews, and Premier Host status, described as "Vrbo hosts that have been recognized for their proven track record of providing exceptional guest experiences."

Vrbo's 2023 Vacation Homes of the Year are:

Whistler, B.C.: Described as one of "the most prestigious" short-term rentals in all of Whistler, B.C., this luxury 10,000 sq. ft. chalet has a spectacular view, with a hot tub that overlooks a pine forest. It also includes a heated pool, wood burning fireplace, gym and direct access to the ski hills from the front door (for the winter months). Impressively, it also includes VIP Concierge services for special requests, like private chefs, restaurant reservations, or vehicle and shuttle services.

• Sea View, P.E.I.: This P.E.I. homes sits on three acres of oceanside land, "specifically chosen" for privacy and water views. The coastal farmhouse has 17-foot windows, ocean views from every vantage point, with open concept living, dining, and kitchen spaces. The house has four bedrooms and four bathrooms, sleeping 12 guests.

• Wasagaming, Man.: If you like a more modern aesthetic, this newly built two-bedroom Manitoba cabin is for you. It has heated floors, multiple fireplaces, a hot tub and fire pit area (with complementary firewood). There are also floor-to-ceiling windows and has some staycation extras, including board games and essential oils.

• Salt Spring Island, B.C.: It looks like all your childhood dreams can come true in this enchanting treehouse in British Columbia, above Ganges Harbour. The two-level property has an open concept living and dining room, gas fireplace, kitchen, and deck. Guests can get cozy by the fire while experiencing 180-degree views of Active Pass.

• Mont Tremblant, Que.: This over 5,000 sq. ft. modern home has eight bedrooms, a billiards table, private hot tub and impressive mountain views. For the winter months, there is ski-in and ski-out access and it's a short shuttle ride away from the Mont Tremblant village.

• Prince Edward County, Ont.: Another beautiful farmhouse property, this Ontario home sits on more than a dozen acres of land and has private waterfront access. The seven-bedroom house was renovated and restored to include natural wood detailing, original pine floors and soft whites for the interior.

• Banff, Alta.: This Rocky Mountain property is definitely a great choice for a big group, sleeping 23 guests across four floors. The 10-bedroom home is located in Bow Valley and has a bespoke chef’s kitchen, an outdoor deck and games area. The Premier Vrbo hosts are also available to coordinate mountain tours, attraction reservations, private chef experiences and other requests.

• Chester, N.S.: It's easy to be blown away by this Nova Scotia property's ocean view, located on the end of the cul-de-sac overlooking the Chester Basin. The three bedroom, three bathroom villa was built and decorated in 2020, with a spacious kitchen, private patio and a fire pit. It's also just 10 minutes from SENSEA Nordic Spa and Chester Village.

• Ibex Valley, Y.T.: Located just north of Whitehorse, this unique lodge promises to give guests the "authentic Yukon experience" and a comfortable stay. The three-bedroom home has beautiful mountain views, and you can get a front seat to the seasonal Northern Lights.

• Muskoka, Ont.: Just steps from the lake, this property has everything you need for a great Ontario cottage experience. There is over 350 ft. of water frontage on the private lot, it has a new chef's kitchen, and multiple indoor and outdoor dining areas. It has six bedrooms, a screened in pergola on the water, three dock slips and a swim out dock.