A BC island with white-sand beaches and ancient forest was just ranked among the world's best
This island in B.C. is a place full of hidden wonder, with charming small towns scattered around, a coastline dotted with sandy beaches, and thick rainforest teeming with life. It's a place to escape to and leave your worries behind on the ferry ride over, soaking in the nature and slow pace that it can offer.
It was recently ranked among the best islands in the entire world, by Travel + Leisure, coming in at 13th place on the ranking. The list included spots like Páros, Greece and the Maldives, but there were only two Canadian spots to make the cut.
Vancouver Island scored the top spot for Canada, ahead of Cape Breton Island, which landed in 20th place.
The ranking praised Vancouver Island for its proximity to Vancouver (just a short one-and-a-half-hour ferry ride away), its British-influenced city of Victoria, and, of course, the breathtaking scenery.
It's home to "some of the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful landscapes," and Travel + Leisure noted that "no visit is complete without heading into the mossy temperate rainforest and walking the rocky, cliff-lined beaches."
It's not hard to find the beauty that they're talking about. Take your pick of more accessible spots like Victoria with its city beaches and downtown charm, or opt for remote spots like San Josef Bay in Cape Scott Provincial Park.
A nice in-between is the small town of Tofino — a tourist hotspot that manages to maintain a classic beach town feel and pristine natural surroundings. It's just over four hours away from Victoria, and it's where you'll find those soft sandy beaches with jagged cliffs, and lush rainforest alongside them.
The little town is lively and has lots to do, but within minutes you can escape into the rainforest trails and feel like you're far away from everything else.
It's a popular stop for surfers too, thanks to the waves crashing up onto the scenic beaches. You'll often spot people bobbing out in the water and can grab a lesson from one of the shops in town if you want to give it a go.
For a less crowded option that offers similar scenery, drive 30 minutes away to the town of Ucluelet. It's more low-key but gives you access to the same breathtaking nature.
That area of the island feels like everything you could hope for all wrapped into one spot, but don't be fooled — there's a lot to see on Vancouver Island. There are other small towns scattered around, from the dreamy seaside streets of Comox to Duncan, known as the "urban heart of Cowichan."
Road trip stops here range from quirky things like the famous "goats on the roof" market in Coombs, to swimming spots with emerald green water like Taylor River Rest Area.
Then there's the rugged mountains of Strathcona Provincial Park, or the rocky shoreline and stunning scenery of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail — the list goes on.
Vancouver Island has a lot to offer, and it's no surprise it landed a spot among the best in the world.
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.
