5 Airbnb Alternatives in Canada: Better Options for Hosts

Airbnb isn't the only platform available to short-term rental hosts in Canada. With rising fees and more competition, many hosts are exploring alternatives that better suit their property and goals. Platforms like Vrbo and Homestay offer unique advantages—Vrbo typically draws group travellers looking for space, while Homestay attracts guests who want host interaction. 

Each platform comes with its own audience, pricing structure, and features that can lead to more consistent bookings and higher short-term rental profits. Let's break down the top Airbnb alternatives in Canada to help you find the right fit for your rental and take control of your hosting strategy.

Quick Host Tips: Top 5 Airbnb Alternatives

• Vrbo specializes in entire homes and attracts groups with children, who are willing to pay more for space
• Booking.com has major international pull, as many international travellers prefer it over Airbnb
• FlipKey uses TripAdvisor's huge customer base to get your listing seen by more travellers
• Homestay connects you with guests who want a more personal experience
• Plum Guide is perfect if you have a luxury property and want higher-paying guests

Vrbo: Where Guests Want to Stay

Travellers with children love Vrbo because it focuses on entire homes, not shared spaces.

Unlike Airbnb, where you find everything from spare bedrooms to treehouses, Vrbo only lists complete properties. This means you'll get guests looking for more space and already expecting to pay more for it.

Most Vrbo guests are travellers with children or groups planning longer stays. They typically book further in advance and cause fewer problems than party-seekers. No surprise bachelor parties showing up at your door!

This fits well with a large segment of the Canadian vacation market—cottages, fishing trips, long ski weekends, etc.

For hosts with larger properties, this focus means less wear and tear and more respectful guests.

Vrbo is Owned by Expedia Group, Which Also Owns:

• HomeAway
• Expedia
• Trivago
• Hotels.com
• Travelocity
• Hotwire
• Ebookers
• And more

This can be great in some cases, such as getting free listings on Expedia when you make listings on Vrbo, making it easier to market your rental. However, if you don't want to work with Expedia Group or want more control over how many sites you're listed on, it's helpful to know which brands fall under their umbrella.

Booking.com: Tap Into a Global Pool of Guests

Booking.com puts your property in front of millions of travellers from around the world. This global reach can fill your calendar fast, especially during slower seasons.

Listing your place is super easy. The site walks you through each step and helps you set competitive rates. Their mobile app lets you manage bookings from anywhere, even at the beach.

The fees are clear from the start, meaning no hidden surprises later. While you'll pay more than some sites, the huge number of potential guests often makes up for it.

A significant advantage is that many international tourists exclusively use Booking.com and do not browse Airbnb. This means access to guests you'd miss otherwise. For hosts in tourist spots like Banff or Vancouver, this global connection can mean much higher occupancy rates.

Booking.com is Owned by Booking Holdings, Which Also Owns:

• Priceline
• KAYAK
• Agoda
• Rocketmiles
• FareHarbor
• HotelsCombined
• Momondo
• And more

FlipKey: Backed by TripAdvisor's Huge Audience

FlipKey taps into TripAdvisor's massive user base, putting your property in front of people who already trust the platform.

Most FlipKey guests check reviews carefully before booking. If you provide great experiences, those positive reviews keep working for you 24/7, bringing in more bookings without extra effort. Pay close attention to your hosting checklist to start the positive review snowball effect.

The platform makes it easy to showcase your place with lots of photos and detailed descriptions. Their messaging system keeps communication clear between you and guests.

What makes FlipKey stand out is its connection to TripAdvisor's 463 million monthly users. That's a lot of potential guests seeing your listing while researching their trips to Canada.

FlipKey is Owned by TripAdvisor, Inc., Which Also Owns:

• BookingBuddy
• HolidayLettings

Homestay: Connect With Guests Who Become Friends

Homestay creates a completely different hosting experience. Guests book with you because they want to meet locals and experience real Canadian life.

With Homestay, you're typically renting a room in your home while you live there. This typically attracts respectful travellers looking for cultural exchange, not party-seekers.

Many hosts find that Homestay guests become friends. They often share meals, conversations, and create connections that last beyond the stay.

The platform offers great support through its host community. You can get tips from experienced hosts and solve problems together.

For hosts who enjoy meeting people from around the world and sharing their local knowledge, Homestay offers rewards beyond just extra income. If you've bought an investment property that you manage from afar, it may be less of a good fit.

Plum Guide: For Luxury Properties Only

Plum Guide handpicks only the best properties. If your property makes the cut, you'll stand out in a very exclusive club.

Unlike other sites where anyone can list their property, Plum Guide inspects homes before accepting them. Only about 3% of properties that apply make it onto the platform.

This strict screening means guests trust Plum Guide listings and are willing to pay premium prices. Your beautiful luxury property won't be lost among thousands of mediocre listings.

The guests are typically professionals looking for something special. They tend to be respectful, appreciative, and less likely to cause problems.

If you have an exceptional property and want to attract discerning guests, Plum Guide could be your perfect match.

Find the Platform that Best Fits Your Needs

Consider exploring options beyond Airbnb. Different platforms cater to various guest profiles and provide distinct advantages for hosts.

Vrbo works best for child-friendly, entire homes. Booking.com brings in global travellers. FlipKey leverages TripAdvisor's trusted reputation. Homestay creates personal connections. Plum Guide showcases exceptional properties.

A vacation home can be a great investment, but only if you can reach an audience who wants what you're offering. Savvy hosts list on multiple platforms, at least until they figure out which one brings them the best guests and most profit. Try a couple that match your property type and hosting style—you might be surprised which one works best for you.