This B.C. island has been named the best in Canada 

Vancouver Island has been named the Best Island in Canada by Travel + Leisure. Pictured is San Josef Bay in Cape Scott Provincial Park on the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Photo by Shayd Johnson, Destination B.C.

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Canada is home to more than 52,000 islands. And the best one is apparently right off the coast of B.C.

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Vancouver Island has been named the best island in Canada by the 2026 World’s Best Awards by Travel + Leisure magazine. The publication mentions the islands “rainforests, rocky coasts, and whale watching” as highlights, along with the presences of “beloved” outposts such as Tofino.

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“This British Columbian island is the ultimate wilderness escape,” the magazine said.

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The annual awards, which are back for the 31st year, rank international travel hotspots in categories such as best hotels and resorts, cruises and cities.

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The publication seeks reader input on their favourite travel experiences and this year more than 207,000 readers cast 661,000 votes for 10,088 properties and destinations. The International lists include more than 35 countries.

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As well as Vancouver Island, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island were named.

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The best island win wasn’t the only major nod for Vancouver Island. The region scored several other top-ranking positions in city, hotel and resort categories.

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Rosemead House in Victoria. Photo by Rosemead House /Publish Partners

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Victoria ranked No. 2 as best Canadian cities, behind Quebec City. Vancouver ranked No. 5.

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The Fairmont Empress hotel, located in Victoria’s inner harbour, topped the list of best city hotels in Canada. Other Vancouver properties to appear on the ranking included the Rosewood Hotel Georgia (No. 2), Wedgwood Hotel & Spa (No. 5) and Fairmont Pacific Rim (No. 6).

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The Fairmont Chateau Whistler was ranked the best resort property in Canada at the 2026 World’s Best Awards, with Tofino’s Wickaninnish Inn at No. 2.

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Rosemead House, located at 429 Lampson St., in Victoria., opened in 2025 with an 118-year-old manor near the city’s downtown area revamped into a unique, 29-room boutique accommodation.

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The Vancouver Island hotel, which also features a restaurant and spa, joined just two other properties in Canada on that list: The Kendrick Hotel in Banff and Huttopia Les Deux Lacs – Laurentides in Mont-Blanc, QC.

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Looking for a quick getaway from Vancouver this summer? Check out our day trip guides to Whistler and Galiano Island. Read more travel features and guides HERE. 

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