Known for its vast coastlines and rocky mountain peaks, Canada is so expansive that it's nearly impossible to explore all the nooks and crannies of beauty within its borders. Often overlooked though are Canadian islands, peppering the oceans and lakes of the Great White North, each offering up its own kind of escape.
We've put together a list of the best islands to visit in Canada this year, each perfect for a trip that makes you feel like you're a world away from home.
After polling our team of experts at Narcity, we narrowed the favourites down to a list of isles sprinkled throughout the country, so there's a little something for everyone.
Whether you want to play tourist in your home province or are planning a visit to Canada, it's worth exploring these slices of paradise in 2024.
Anticosti Island, Quebec
One glance at photos of the sandy beaches framed by towering cliffs spanning the coastline of this island will have you captivated. Anticosti Island is set in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and offers the ideal retreat for anyone wanting to escape into nature.
MTL Blog Assistant Editor Mike Chaar gave his stamp of approval for this destination, pointing to its stunning hiking trails, plummeting waterfalls and crystal-clear waters as reasons everyone should visit.
"You feel like you're on another planet. It's super isolated and remote feeling, almost like it's newly discovered (mainly cause there's so many fossils found there too)," Chaar said.
It was well worth the trip, despite the over-18 hours it took for him to reach the island from Montreal.
Chaar isn't the only one to sing the praises of this place. A portion of the island has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it's home to "the most complete and best-preserved palaeontological record of the first mass extinction of animal life, 447-437 million years ago," according to UNESCO.
"It contains the best-preserved fossil record of marine life covering 10 million years of Earth history."
Explore pieces of history at the History, Culture and Paleontology Interpretation Centre, or take a scuba diving tour to get a different perspective. You can also just spend your days here meandering along the trails and beaches, soaking up the enchanting surroundings of the island.
Manitoulin Island, Ontario
As the largest freshwater island in the world, this place is on the bucket lists of a few Narcity staff members.
Madeline Forsyth, a Narcity writer and expert on all things dreamy in Ontario, is drawn to the island thanks to its "stunning hikes, a waterfall and more."
Located in Lake Huron, this island has beautiful beaches, clear waters and rolling sand dunes to top it all off. While on the island, you should stop by Providence Bay Beach to soak up the sun on the 2-kilometre stretch of sand and take a dip in the lake.
Bridal Veil Falls is also a must-see stop on the island, as the majestic waterfall cascades into a turquoise pool that you can cool off in on a hot summer day.
Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
This is a personal favourite of mine, thanks to my visit this past summer. All it takes to fall in love with this place is stepping your foot off the ferry, where you'll be greeted by towering trees, quaint farm stands along the side of the road and local shops that lend themselves to the lively atmosphere of the island.
Driving down the winding roads, you can tour around the island in just one day, with the sparkling ocean to one side of you and the greenery of the forest on the other, interrupted only by lush, rolling farmlands. Along the way, you can stop by the roadside stands, which are full of local products and food and operate on the honour system, adding to the charm of the community.
The island is small, but there's no shortage of restaurants and shops to check out while visiting, including a cidery where I spent an afternoon and some delicious food trucks.
Make sure to stop by the local lavender farm, which you'll want to stay at forever if you're anything like me. Wandering through the rows of purple blooms and breathing in the relaxing smell of lavender mixed with the salty air was like an instant stress cure.
Peak season is in the summertime, but if you want a quieter visit, you can go in the off-season. The benefit of making the trip when the weather is warm, though, is ending your day with a dip in the turquoise waters and lying out on the rocky beach.
Newfoundland
Newfoundland sets itself apart from the rest of this list, as a massive island chock full of charming villages, scenic hikes and hidden wonders. While many of the islands on this list can be explored in a few hours or days, you'll need weeks to explore the entirety of Newfoundland — maybe even months.
The character of this island seeps into everything from the architecture to the friendly locals, making a visit here truly unique. I've visited a handful of times and on each trip, I'm left breathless at the unbelievable views. Just a quick walk along the coast here is more beautiful than some of the most challenging hikes I've done elsewhere in the country.
If you're up for an adventure here, then Gros Morne National Park is the place to go, where you'll find deep fjords, massive cliffs and long stretches of beach.
Sweeping ocean views, whale spottings (and maybe iceberg sightings if you go at the right time), and picturesque streets lined with colourful houses are all on deck with a trip to Newfoundland.
Vancouver Island
This is no hidden gem, but it can't go without mention on a list of the best Canadian islands. Beauty is tucked away in every corner of Vancouver Island, just waiting to be explored. From the popular beaches of Tofino to the serene shores of San Josef Bay and the wild mountain peaks of Strathcona Park, there's a little something for every kind of adventurer here.
Asymina Kantorowicz, a Narcity writer and Vancouver Island resident, said that her home "is the perfect vacation spot for anyone who loves the outdoors, history, great food and being close to the ocean."
"There are countless stunning hikes you can do and beautiful road trip options. You can also go camping, kayaking and whale watching — the options are endless," she added.
If you really want to have an island-filled vacation, you can take a ferry from Vancouver Island to explore the nearby Gulf Islands. The tiny islands off the shore are full of their own beauty, local communities and adventure.
Île d'Orléans, Quebec
This island set in the stunning St. Lawrence River was recommended by Narcity's Product Manager, Shelby Renaud. History buffs will love exploring this picturesque island full of French heritage. You can tour around the island — which becomes especially enchanting when the fall colours arrive — stopping in at the charming villages and attractions.
Take a tour of one of the vineyards on the island, or visit the historical Mauvide-Genest Manor and be transported to life in the 18th century. You can then stroll through the streets of Saint-Jean-de-l'Île-d'Orléans, a little village with a beautiful shoreline and cute shops to explore.
With loads of other activities, gardens, strawberry fields and U-pick farms, there's no way you'll be bored on a visit to this island.
Prince Edward Island
This place holds a special place in many people's hearts thanks to the classic children's novel Anne of Green Gables. Growing up on the East Coast, this was the spot to escape to in the summertime. The island comes alive when the weather is warm, with tourists filling the red sand shores and walking along the picturesque cliffsides with lighthouses perched along the points.
It's one of the most scenic places I've ever been, and driving across the massive Confederation Bridge to get to P.E.I. feels like you're leaving your worries behind.
If you visit in the off-season, you'll be greeted by a serene solitude, but you'll also miss out on the incredible hikes and summer views. I highly recommend going in the spring or summer, when you can enjoy the island to its fullest.
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.
