House rental in Greater Victoria
 

We are planning to go to Vancouver Island/Victoria in September. We are trying to decide on a house to rent for a week. We will be spending some time in Victoria so want to keep the drive to about 20 minutes. Is there an area within a 20 minute drive radius that is more fabulous than any other? We are from Oregon so are more interested in the ocean than the rain forest on this trip.

So anyone have a 3+ bedroom house they rented that was great? Or which city/village/location within driving distance to Victoria do you recommend? We enjoy small towns - but which one? We are not opposed to staying within Victoria but think the country sounds good for relaxing.

Thanks!

Generally areas like Oak Bay, Rockland and Ten Mile Point are considered to be more fabulous than 'across the bridge' in Esquimalt, View Royal, etc. However the right house on the water can be fabulous just about anywhere. House prices are usually highest in Oak Bay followed by North Saanich on the peninsula. Furthest point on the peninsula would not be much more than an half hour's drive from Victoria. I'm not clear on whether or not your intention is to stay right by the ocean. If so, since you mention wanting to be more in the country, Cordova Bay or Cadboro Bay are a couple of spots that might be suitable. Metchosin is nice but there you can be dealing with the "Colwood crawl" on the highway to downtown Victoria.

You might enjoy a day trip to Sidney Spit by ferry from Sidney.

Hi Sara,
Hubby and I rented a cottage in Oak Bay for a month in month of August a few years back. Oak Bay is very, very pretty and very close to downtown Victoria and all the "buzz." I don't believe the family we rented from is still renting out their home or not? As April posted above, Cordova and Cadboro Bays are also beautiful, too. There are many websites you can search for vacation rentals in B.C. In fact, we are considering again renting for a month on the island. I'll get back w/you on the websites and post here.
Best, Francie

Sara,

Here is one website that I have been working on. You may be interested in this one?

http://www.vancouverislandaccomodations.com

Thanks for the input. We have found several great websites for renting homes. Some of the homes are fabulous, we are just having trouble deciding among them so thought we might narrow it down by location. We want to be a short drive to the bustle of Victoria but more in a village type setting or in the country. Waterfront is especially appealing.

Two websites we have found:
www.bcacc.com
www.elitehomevacations.com

Thanks!
Sara

Sara,
Thanks. Those are the other two sites I have viewed also.
Recommend: Village-type -- Oak Bay
Country -- Cordova Bay

Good luck on your find.

Francie

We have two choices of gorgeous houses. One is in Parksville and the other in Chemainus. Both are on the water. Any opinions on those two towns?

Either might be nice in its way. If the mill is still running in Crofton, that might tip the scales in Parksville's favour for me.