North Beach and Tow Hill, Haida Gwaii. File photo (2015): Murray Foubister / CC BY-SA 2.0. Display cropped to fit.
Airbnb’s latest data says domestic searches for British Columbia stays rose over the past year, with rural destinations gaining ground this fall.
The Story
Airbnb data indicates that British Columbia is emerging as a travel draw this season, particularly for travellers looking at rural and small-town stays. The platform says domestic destination searches for British Columbia increased by 40 per cent over the past year.
The destinations identified include Haida Gwaii, Powell River on the Sunshine Coast, and Colwood on Vancouver Island. The pattern aligns with Airbnb’s broader finding that families are searching for stays in villages and lake towns, suggesting interest in smaller communities rather than only major urban centres.
Among the specific rural and water-focused options cited, Airbnb pointed to Parksville, described as a Vancouver Island beach town, and Invermere on Lake Windermere. The data also highlights Kootenay National Park, noting that the area offers warm-water swimming and hot springs.
Airbnb’s compilation also reports that domestic stays across Canada are up 25 per cent from 2025, while rural destinations are up 30 per cent. The company ties this shift to increased spending that can support small businesses in communities that benefit from visiting travellers.
The trend is presented as particularly relevant for this fall, with the report emphasizing that British Columbians appear to be staying closer to home. It also frames the movement toward rural and small-town travel as a potential boost for local services and businesses that cater to visitors.
For communities listed in the data, the interest—based on search activity—can serve as an early indicator for what accommodations and local businesses may see in terms of demand. However, the figures cited are searches and do not by themselves confirm how many bookings or stays will result.
Overall, the Airbnb data points to a province-wide mix of scenic and coastal interests, from island destinations to interior lakeside areas, as travellers plan domestic trips this season. The identified destinations span several regions of British Columbia, including the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island and the North Coast archipelago.
← More stories