As autumn arrives on Vancouver Island, the landscape begins to whisper in golds and ambers. I can feel the shift even before the trees turn — a hush in the forest, a softness in the air, the rhythm of rain against cedar. From my Airbnb retreat near Nanaimo, I love watching guests settle into the slower pace of the season — curling up by the fire, lighting a candle, or simply listening to the wind move through the trees. Fall here feels like an invitation to return home to yourself.

I’ve always seen travel as a kind of art — a canvas we paint with new experiences, textures, and sensations. Perhaps it’s the gallery owner in me, or the part of me that believes beauty is found in the smallest details: the scent of woodsmoke, a steaming mug of local coffee, or the warmth of a handmade quilt. Autumn on Vancouver Island holds these moments in abundance, and your Airbnb experience can be a reflection of that — a cozy, memorable retreat infused with intention and creativity.

Here are some ways to craft a fall getaway that guests will fall in love with — whether you’re hosting, visiting, or dreaming up your next island escape.

1. Create a Space That Feels Like a Warm Embrace

The magic of a fall stay begins the moment your guest steps inside. Vancouver Island’s fall days can be cool and misty, which makes warmth and texture everything. Think natural fabrics — wool throws, linen cushions, woven baskets. A soft, neutral palette layered with earthy tones mirrors the forests outside and invites rest.

As a host, I love curating small moments of comfort: locally made candles, a pot of herbal tea ready to steep, an art book on the coffee table. These gestures tell your guests they’re somewhere special. If you’re visiting, look for Airbnbs that celebrate that same cozy aesthetic — spaces where authenticity and artistry shine through.

2. Celebrate Local Design and Creativity

After years of running White Ocean Gallery, I learned how deeply people connect to stories told through art and place. Bring that same spirit into your Airbnb by featuring local artisans — pottery from Gabriola Island, paintings from a Nanaimo studio, or hand-woven blankets from a nearby craft market.

Guests love discovering pieces with a sense of story and locality, and it’s a beautiful way to support the island’s creative community. A simple framed note about where the artwork came from or who made the ceramic mugs turns décor into a conversation.

3. Invite Guests to Experience Fall Outside the Door

Autumn on Vancouver Island is pure magic — the trails glow with maple leaves, and waterfalls roar after the first rains. Encourage your guests (or yourself) to explore beyond the doorstep.

• Ammonite Falls: Just 20 minutes from Nanaimo, the trail winds through moss-covered forest to a dramatic cascade — a local favourite, especially after rain.

• Cable Bay Trail: A serene walk ending in ocean views where seals often play in the surf.

• Cathedral Grove: For those willing to drive a little farther, these towering old-growth trees near Port Alberni are breathtaking under autumn mist.

Provide a printed map or a few handwritten suggestions for your guests — it adds a personal touch and helps them feel grounded in the rhythm of island life.

4. Make Comfort an Experience

A true fall retreat is more than a cozy space — it’s how that space makes you feel. Think about adding sensory experiences that engage the body and calm the mind.

At my retreat, I like to offer guests the option to book a morning yoga session, borrow a sketchbook, or simply listen to soft music as rain falls on the roof. If you’re hosting, consider including small luxuries: fluffy robes, a slow-drip coffee setup, or an essential oil diffuser with cedar and orange.

If you’re the traveler, bring along your favourite book, a journal, and time to do nothing. The stillness of fall on Vancouver Island can be deeply restorative — a chance to breathe, reflect, and reconnect.

5. Embrace the Season Through Food

Fall in British Columbia means harvest time — apples, pumpkins, squash, and the sweetest late-season carrots. I love visiting local markets like Cedar Farmers Market or Yellow Point Farms to gather fresh produce, homemade jam, or a loaf of sourdough from the local bakery.

For Airbnb hosts, leaving a small welcome basket with local snacks or cider instantly adds heart to your stay. Guests remember those thoughtful touches. For travelers, supporting local makers is one of the best ways to experience island culture.

6. Light, Scent, and Soul

As the days shorten, lighting becomes your secret ingredient for atmosphere. Soft lamps, fairy lights, and candles create warmth even on the rainiest evenings. I also use scent intentionally — a drop of cedarwood or clove oil in a diffuser, or a simmer pot of cinnamon and orange peel.

These small sensory layers make guests feel held and comforted, turning a stay into an experience.

7. Capture and Share the Beauty

Autumn is fleeting, but its beauty lingers in memory and imagery. Encourage your guests to share their stay — perhaps by leaving a Polaroid camera or a guest book where they can note favourite moments. The forest light, the fog, the amber tones — all make for stunning photos that naturally promote your retreat.

And if you’re a traveler? Take those moments home with you. Vancouver Island in fall isn’t just a destination — it’s a feeling.

🍂 Closing Thoughts

Each season on Vancouver Island tells a story, but fall feels particularly soulful. It’s a time when the island exhales — when the tourists thin out, and locals linger longer over coffee. For me, it’s the season of artistry and reflection. Running my Airbnb here isn’t just about offering a place to sleep; it’s about creating an experience that mirrors the landscape — authentic, cozy, and deeply connected to nature.

Whether you’re planning a trip, hosting guests, or simply dreaming of your next escape, let autumn guide you. Wrap yourself in the beauty of change. Light a candle, open a window, and breathe in that crisp, woodsy air. Vancouver Island will do the rest.