A Canadian island brimming with fall magic and coastal beauty named among the world's best

It's time to head East. 🍂

Cape Breton Island. Right: Cabot Trail Capes Breton Island in the fall.

Person on a fall hike. Right: A road along the ocean.

Editor

Rolling hills of fall colours, jagged cliffs alongside the sparkling ocean, hidden waterfalls and small-town charm — it's all within the island of Cape Breton and is why it deserves its new title, as one of the best islands in the world.

On the list of the best islands in the world, created by Condé Nast Traveller it landed in tenth place, within the group of North American Islands. The only other Canadian spot to make the list was Vancouver Island, far across the country on the other coast.

There's something about the East Coast charm though you can't experience anywhere else, which blends with the natural beauty of Cape Breton to create a thoroughly special place to visit.

Known for its showing of fall colours along the winding driving route that is the Cabot Trail, this season makes for an ideal time to visit the island. The route is 298 kilometres, looping around the island and taking you through the Cape Breton Highlands and past unbelievable scenery.

In addition to the tapestry of fall colours, you'll see the rugged coastline that screams of untouched beauty, and if you're lucky you may even spot a moose.

The Skyline Trail here is famed for its picture-perfect views of the ocean stretching out into the horizon paired with the distant hills and rocky cliffs hugging the shoreline.

If you need more adventure head to Meat Cove for one of the most dramatic East Coast scenes you could ask for. On the northern tip of the island, this little cove is jaw-droppingly stunning and the perfect place to feel completely immersed in nature.

Dive deeper into the remote nature with the hike to Pollett's Cove, which is known for the wild horses grazing the area.

Add in waterfalls like Egypt Falls, sandy beaches like Inverness, and small towns like Badeck and it's easy to see why a trip here is like no other.

Enjoy the outdoors, stop by cozy spots like Salty Rose's & the Periwinkle Café, stroll around the streets of the towns dotting the island, and take in all that is one of the best islands in the world.

  • Editor

    Morgan Leet (she/her) is an Editor for Narcity Media Group. After graduating from Carleton University’s School of Journalism and Communication, she jumped into fulfilling her dream as a journalist, merging her passion for travelling with writing. After working in the print media world on Canada’s East Coast, she joined Narcity with a move to B.C., drawn to the beauty of Western Canada. Since then, she's documented her experience moving to Vancouver, covering everything from local events to bucket-list travel destinations across Canada's West Coast.

8 breathtaking islands in Canada that feel like a tropical vacation

Discover white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, right here in Canada.

11 cozy places in Canada that'll transport you to a European fairytale during fall

Skip the transatlantic flight and discover Europe's magic right here at home. 🍂

8 Ontario snow laws you might not know you can get fined up to $2,000 for breaking

Some of them also have time limits — so you'd better get shovelling. ❄️⏳