Top 5 Airbnb listings in Canada all in B.C. and Ontario

The most popular Airbnb rentals in Canada are unique cottages tucked away in remote, lush wilderness — and most of them are in B.C. or Ontario. Here's a look at the top five.

Listings in lush, remote locations offer drool-worthy summer vacation inspiration

Laura Wright · CBC News · Posted: Apr 17, 2016 11:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: April 17, 2016

The most popular listing in Canada is this mushroom-looking house on an island between Vancouver and Victoria. The owners say the building was hand-sculpted out of sustainable, natural materials. (Airbnb)

The most popular Airbnb rentals in Canada are unique cottages tucked away in remote, lush wilderness — and most of them are in B.C. or Ontario.

Only one of the listings that made the top five in Canada is in a city.

While not without its problems and controversies, many travellers use the home rental service instead of traditional hotels. Airbnb told CBC News that Canadians have hosted more than 627,000 guests since the service started operating here in 2009.

Here's a look at the listings — out of more than 50,000 in the country — that get the most requests for bookings. These should offer ample summer vacation inspiration.

1. Hobbit-esque cottage on Mayne Island, B.C.

For $140 a night, spend time at this cottage on a ferry-accessible island between Vancouver and Victoria.

The listing says the building is hand-sculpted out of local, sustainable, natural materials. The cottage is home to gardens, orchards and sheep.

No car? No problem. A local bus can pick travellers up at the ferry. On days when the bus doesn't run, the hosts have offered to pick up guests to encourage no-car travel.

If the scenic spot, cozy pictures and price didn't sell you already, reviewers said the "fairy tale" spot also had freshly baked banana bread, fresh eggs and flowers. It's not a surprise that this listing is also one of the most popular Airbnb listings in the world.

2. No-wifi dream on a private island near Ottawa

For $220 a night, you can stay at this "funky older cabin" on its own private island 20 minutes from Perth, Ont., which is about an hour southwest of Ottawa. It can sleep up to nine people "before you even start talking tents," writes the host.

You can swim, canoe, kayak, and fish, and there's a treehouse for kids. There are ducks, geese, turtles, beavers and the occasional deer to see, too. Because it's an older cottage located in nature, the host warns bug-averse travellers to watch out for the occasional mouse, spider or wood roach.

There's limited cellphone service and no internet access, which can offer a welcome-to-some break from 24/7 connectivity.

3. A-frame cabin on Sechelt Inlet, B.C.

Another B.C. stunner, this cabin has views of Sechelt Inlet and is located in Tuwanek, about 2½ hours north of Vancouver via drive and ferry ride.

For $90 a night, you get beach access at your doorstep in a quiet community. You can go swimming, hiking, mountain biking, and enjoy festivals in the summer, according to the hosts.

The place isn't particularly accessible by public transit — you need to take a ferry then a car. For those without a car, the hosts can sometimes pick up guests, and there are also cabs.

4. Unique dome house in Duncan, B.C.

For $108 a night, guests get half of this two-dome house in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. The owners live in the other half — the two sides are connected by what they call a "conservatory" space.

The house has views of Maple Bay, and visitors can canoe, kayak, hike, and check out one of the local wineries nearby.

Animals are everywhere — the hosts say they can see a bald eagle's nest from the living room. Deer frequently visit the lawn, and sometimes an otter takes a dip in their pool.

Bonus: homemade granola, and the owners will give you tango lessons for $40.

5. Toronto penthouse with #6ix views

This spacious Toronto penthouse near the downtown King West neighbourhood offers views of the CN Tower and the waterfront.

It's the only city listing that cracked the top five, costing $74 a night. Guests rave about its central location — it has easy access to the city's main art galleries, sports venues, the waterfront, and a plethora of bars and restaurants.