8 breathtaking islands in Canada that feel like a tropical vacation
Discover white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, right here in Canada.
A person on an island in B.C. Right: A person on an island in Ontario.
Dreaming of a tropical getaway? If you want to visit white sand beaches, secluded coves, and lagoons with crystal-clear waters, you don't have to leave the True North.
Canada is home to some incredibly beautiful islands offering all the makings of a tropical vacation — minus the international flight.
From wild, wave-lapped shores to hidden waterfalls tucked away in nature, these spots offer tons to see and do in lush settings that'll have you forgetting you're still in Canada.
Here are eight dreamy islands in Canada to add to your summer bucket list.
Cape Breton Island
Location: Nova Scotia
Why You Need To Go: Cape Breton Island has been called one of the best islands in the world, and it's not hard to see why.
The island offers incredible coastal views, opportunities for hiking and kayaking, whale watching, and fresh and saltwater beaches with pristine, white-sand shores.
The island is known for being home to the world-renowned Cabot Trail, a 298-kilometre-long trail that's a mix of roads, paths and stairs and is said to be one of the world's most scenic drives.
One not-to-miss activity on the island is hiking the Skyline Trail, a moderate hike that takes you along a beautiful boardwalk overlooking the ocean.
You can get to Cape Breton Island by air, by ferry, or by car via the Trans Canada Highway.
Don't forget to enjoy some fresh seafood while you're here.
Grand Manan Island
Location: New Brunswick
Why You Need To Go: Grand Manan is an island in the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick where you'll find uncrowded beaches, hiking trails and tons of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature.
The island is made up of volcanic rock, making it look more like something you'd find in Hawaii rather than Canada, and has been called one of the world's seven best small islands by Reader's Digest.
Here, you'll find gorgeous beaches, opportunities to see birds such as puffins, eagles and peregrine falcons, and tons of picturesque hiking trails.
Grand Manan is also world-renowned for its whale-watching. The waters around the island are important feeding areas and nurseries for species, including finback and humpback whales, as well as the rare North Atlantic right whale.
To get to the island, you can take the Grand Manan ferry service from the mainland, which begins in Blacks Harbour.
Pelee Island
Location: Ontario
Why You Need To Go: Lying south of Point Pelee National Park between Canada and the U.S., Pelee Island is the southernmost point of Canadian land, and is home to beaches, hiking trails and historical sites.
The island has been called "Canada's best-kept secret," thanks to the many sights and unique activities it offers visitors.
The island is regarded as the birthplace of winemaking in Canada, and sits at the same latitude as wine-making appellations in Portugal, Spain and France. It's also where you'll find Canada's Southernmost Estate Winery, the Pelee Island Winery.
On the island, you'll find quaint shops and restaurants, a historic lighthouse, and a number of warm, sandy beaches.
To get to the island, you can take the Pelee Island ferry or travel by plane.
Vancouver Island
Location: B.C.
Why You Need To Go: Home to some of the best beaches in Canada, Vancouver Island should definitely be a spot on your summer bucket list.
With its lush rainforests, dramatic coastlines, and charming beach towns, Vancouver Island is basically Canada's answer to the Pacific tropics.
On the island, you can surf year-round or unwind on sandy shores that feel more like Hawaii than B.C.
Head to Tofino, a surf haven known for its rugged beauty, chill atmosphere, and some of the best sunsets in the country, to find pristine beaches where you can surf or enjoy walks along the shore at low tide.
There’s also Ucluelet, a quieter alternative to Tofino with equally stunning views and epic hiking trails like the Wild Pacific Trail.
Beyond the coast, you’ll find lush hiking trails through old-growth forests, private lagoons and hidden coves, and charming small towns.
Prince Edward Island
Location: Prince Edward Island
Why You Need To Go: A land of seemingly endless beaches, P.E.I. is definitely a Canadian island you'll want to visit at least once in your life.
The small island is home to miles of gorgeous sandy beaches with some of the warmest waters north of the Carolinas.
While you'll find no shortage here of beaches with soft white sand perfect for sunbathing, the island also has unique red-sand shores, like Chelton Beach Provincial Park, and massive rare sand dunes, like those found in Prince Edward Island National Park.
Beyond beaches and pristine shores, you'll also find picturesque views, quaint small towns, sprawling farmlands, and unique attractions on the island.
One such attraction is the Green Gables Heritage Place, where you can visit the idyllic farmstead that inspired author Lucy Maud Montgomery to create Ann of Green Gables.
Magdalen Islands
Location: Quebec
Why You Need To Go: Located in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Magdalen Islands are an archipelago of eight islands home to white-sand beaches and red cliffs.
The islands are known for their gorgeous scenery and warm hospitality. They offer 300 kilometres of pristine, sandy beaches to explore, with lagoons and bays where the crystal-clear waters can reach temperatures of more than 20 C.
Besides beaches, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had on the islands, including hikes along coastal trails, sea kayaking, scuba diving sites, surfing and water sports, cycling and more.
Summer in the Magdalen Islands is also a time of festivals and events, including outdoor concerts, artisan markets, and cultural and traditional music performances and local art exhibitions. While you're here, don't forget to also try some fresh seafood.
To travel to the Magdalen Islands by road, visitors must go to Prince Edward Island and take a ferry to the archipelago.
The archipelago also has its own airport, so it's also possible to fly directly to the islands.
Hornby Island
Location: B.C.
Why You Need To Go: Surrounded by the Salish Sea, Hornby Island in B.C. is a lush island with stunning beaches and crystal-clear water.
The island is home to three provincial parks, including Tribune Bay Provincial Park, where you'll find Caribbean-blue waters and a pristine white sandy beach.
While there aren't any swaying palm trees to be found here, the area exudes major tropical vibes thanks to its warm, turquoise waters.
It's so tropical-like that it has even earned the nickname of Canada's "Little Hawaii." According to BC Parks, the waters here also meet near-tropical temperatures during the summer, with the bay considered to be one of the warmest saltwater swimming areas in the province.
In addition to stunning shores, you'll also find hiking and biking trails on the island and tons of opportunities for water activities, like snorkelling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Manitoulin Island
Location: Ontario
Why You Need To Go: The world's largest freshwater island, Manitoulin Island, is definitely worth a visit this summer.
The island is considered a hidden gem in Ontario thanks to its stunning natural features. Here, you'll find crystal-clear inland lakes and many scenic swimming spots.
For instance, the island is home to the breathtaking Bridal Veil Falls, an easily accessed waterfall with a natural pool at the bottom, perfect for taking a dip.
If you're after beaches, the island has plenty to choose from. Providence Bay Beach, a horseshoe crescent of golden sand set on a bay of Lake Huron with warm, shallow waters, is considered one of the Island’s top natural attractions, and is one of the longest freshwater beaches in Northern Ontario.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.