Do you love taking a refreshing dip in the summer but hate overcrowded swimming spots?
Travellers hoping to enjoy a little more privacy while on vacation have several options through Airbnb in British Columbia.
Whether you're looking for a humble abode in a remote location or a luxurious stay in a popular resort town, Airbnb hosts offer a wide range of accommodations across B.C.
Now, the vacation rental company says it has made it easier to discover the best pools in the province with its all-new design built around Airbnb Categories. Using the new interface, guests can search curated collections, with over 50 categories of homes chosen for their style, location, or nearby activities — including “Amazing Pools.”
Many popular destinations are jam-packed with tourists during B.C.'s short-lived sunny season, making it difficult to relax on public beaches and pools.
Okanagan Lake, for example, welcomes thousands of visitors to its sandy shore. But if fighting crowds isn't your idea of a perfect summer day, you'll want to stay somewhere that offers a private respite.
Even Whistler, a destination renowned for its world-class ski resort, sees tourists flock in droves to its mountain lakes for refreshing summer dips.
In the Lower Mainland, West Vancouver's Ambleside Beach is breathtaking — but it is far from a secret swimming spot. Throngs of locals flood the city shore on hot days.
The best way to avoid crowded swimming spots is to book a private stay at a destination across the province.
Swimming pools in British Columbia Airbnb accommodations
Family-friendly private resort-style stay in Kamloops
Described as "family-friendly" and "resort-style," 12 guests can sleep in this Kamloops home with five bedrooms, six bathrooms, two bathrooms.
The property also has a private heated swimming pool, backyard basketball court, an outdoor grill, a karaoke machine, a foosball table, spike ball, and a "fire pit for roasting s’mores or star gazing," according to the listing.
The accommodation is also located close to shops, restaurants, parks, the lake and the downtown area.
Red cedar log cabin on Bowen Island
Eight guests can stay at this four-bedroom, red cedar log cab set on a wooded waterfront of Bowen Island. It has eight beds, three-and-half bathrooms,an infinity pool and a hot tub.
The host writes that it "is conveniently located, about [five] minutes by car to the quaint main town “Snug Cove” and its shops, restaurants, pubs and the ferry to the mainland. It is also a 10-minute walk to our local beach, September Morn."
Family-friendly rental with views in Peachland
This home in Peachland can accommodate up to eight guests and has three bedrooms, six beds, and two bathrooms. Guests have access to the top floor of the house, as well as two decks, the yard and the salt-water pool (open May 1 to Sep. 26). Of course, one of the biggest draws to the property is the stunning view of Okanagan Lake.
An on-site caretaker lives in a basement suite with a separate entrance so guests have privacy and exclusive access to all of the amenities including the pool.
Suite with pool and hot tub in West Vancouver
Up to six guests can stay at this West Vancouver suite, which has two bedrooms, four beds, and one bathroom. The property also has a stunning pool and a hot tub, but they are shared.
The private guest suite is ideal for families and groups of friends, writes the host in the listing. It has its own private entrance and is located near beaches, transit, hiking, skiing, Whistler and everything else the beautiful area has to offer.
Described as a "luxury stay," this beautiful ski-in/ski-out Chalet in Whistler sleeps up to 12 guests, six bathrooms, 13 bedrooms, and seven-and-a-half bathrooms and is located in the "exclusive Kadenwood neighbourhood."
There also is a cozy hot tub, a pool, a fireplace lounge on the balcony, and private gondola access.
"Maximizing its mountain views, Esha uses open-concept design and floor-to-ceiling windows, spread across 4 scenic floors, to make its guests feel at one with the rugged environment," describes the host.
