The Best Islands in Canada
Elegant red wines that accompany remarkable meals. Singular walkings through forests to cliffs from which to view migrating humpback whales. First-class hotels and lovely inns. No marvel Canada’s Vancouver Island, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton Island continue to get accolades from our readers.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards study, Travel + Leisure asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the world– to share their opinions on the leading cities, islands, cruise ships, health spas, airlines, and more. Readers ranked islands according to their activities and sights, natural tourist attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and general value.
Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island (No. 3), became well-known as the home of Anne of Green Gables, but it’s creating a new track record for its restaurants. The pristine island is well-known for its Malpeque oysters, and you’ll find them served with design at places like The Inn at Bay Fortune, where chef Michael Smith supervises an experience that includes a trip of the farm and a multicourse banquet. Beyond dining, travelers can enjoy the 2,185 square-mile island’s rust-tinted sand, verdant fields, and 25 golf courses.
It’s worth a journey to Vancouver Island (No. 2) if just to taste the lauded red, white, and rosé white wines that are produced by its some 30 wineries, few of which export to the U.S. Travelers can delight in the elegance of the historic city of Victoria or invest their days exploring the miles of routes, where it’s common to identify black bears and cougars. As one reader described, “The environmentally friendly locals welcome visitors to excellent public parks and beaches,” while another applauded the ease with which one can browse the island: “Lots to do within walking range of the hotels.”
When it comes to the winner, it not just declares the leading spot here for the 3rd year in a row, however a place on the very best Islands worldwide.
3. Prince Edward Island
Rating: 81.74
2. Vancouver Island
Rating: 83.54
1. Cape Breton Island
Rating: 90.06
Trip along the 185-mile Cabot Trail, which weaves through a national park along the coast, or meander through historical websites that reflect the island’s Acadian, First Nations, and Gaelic history. Require to the water for a whale-watching trip, or look for artisanal souvenirs at Huge Fiddle Market. The Resort at Cabot Hyperlinks uses a luxurious perch from which to endeavor; house to two globally celebrated golf courses, the lodge’s smooth 72 spaces and 19 vacation homes provide sunset views of the Atlantic and are outfitted with Frette linens, L’Occitane toiletries, and marble bathrooms. Enthused one reader of the island experience, “Cape Breton has history, natural attractions, terrific food, and fantastic accommodations,” while another wrote, “It has a laid-back vibe, and the rolling hills and water views are breathtaking.”
