10 Best Islands in Canada
What are the Most Beautiful Islands to Visit in Canada?
Famous for their wilderness, the best islands in Canada possess some of the most spectacular examples of natural beauty, providing fantastic opportunities for hiking, hunting, and scenic photography.
Beyond the awe-inspiring terrain, many islands also show off Canada’s rich, multicultural history and heritage, from picturesque Newfoundland fishing villages to Inuit art and culture. The nation’s rich maritime culture, on both the oceans and the Great Lakes, remains particularly vibrant on its islands, and lovers of seafood in particular are in for a treat. So, read on to learn about Canada’s best islands.
1. Vancouver Island, British Columbia
The lure of the Pacific
Ideal para: Foto, História, Aventura
Vancouver Island, in the southeastern corner of British Columbia, hosts the provincial capital of Victoria and many natural wonders. Among them are the swimming hole destination of the Sooke Potholes and the majestic Horne Lake Caves.
The presence of the Pacific Ocean can be felt everywhere on Vancouver Island, and whale watching is definitely a must-have experience for any visitor. Sports fishing is another major attraction at places like Port Renfrew. For tourists who are less nautically inclined, the beautiful 19th century architecture of Victoria and the many picturesque coastal villages might be more appealing. The historic Butchart Gardens near Victoria are a particular highlight for many, with their elaborate floral arrangement and statues.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
2. Prince Edward Island
The historic birthplace of the Canadian Confederation
Ideal para: Foto, Casais, Famílias
Prince Edward Island is the smallest of Canada’s provinces, but its natural beauty and historic significance make it a real jewel of the Atlantic coast.
Whether immersed in the Victorian-era charm of Charlottetown or experiencing the rural idyll that made “Anne of Green Gables” a beloved children’s classic, Prince Edward Island will leave a lasting impression on you. The many lighthouses dotted along the island’s rocky coast are also a popular tourist destination and make for some memorable photos. For hikers and bicyclists, the 270-kilometre Confederation Trail built over a decommissioned rail line offers a unique way of experiencing the island from one end to the other.
Prince Edward Island
3. Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Rugged meeting place of many cultures
Ideal para: Aventura, Foto, Viagens alternativas
Cape Breton Island has a unique cultural identity and some of Nova Scotia’s most picturesque and imposing coastlines. The different cultures that have come together at Cape Breton remain a vibrant part of its life today.
The island is famous for preserving the traditional Celtic fiddle music traditions of Scottish immigrants, and Scottish Gaelic has a rich local history. The rugged terrain of Cape Breton also lends itself excellently to golf, and the local courses provide both unique challenges to overcome and staggeringly beautiful vistas to enjoy.
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
4. Baffin Island, Nunavut
Canada’s largest island
Ideal para: Aventura, Viagens alternativas
Baffin Island is the most popular tourist destination in the province of Nunavut, and the seat of its capital, Iqaluit. It’s the perfect holiday for those looking for an arctic adventure.
The glacial landscapes and rich Inuit culture are just 2 of Baffin island’s many attractions. You can visit Auyuittuq National Park to experience some of the island’s spectacular wildlife or to undertake the challenge of hiking one of the many trails across its unforgiving terrain. The town of Iqaluit on the other hand affords visitors the opportunity to familiarise themselves with vibrant local Inuit culture and artworks.
Baffin Island, Nunavut
5. The Magdalen Islands, Quebec
A unique island community
Ideal para: Alimentação, Foto, Casais
The Magdalen Islands form a unique, tight-knit community in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, famous for their many beaches and sandstone cliffs. Shallow lagoons lend themselves to high-speed water sports in the summer while ice fields provide seal watching in early March.
The relative isolation of the islands has nourished their Acadian heritage and today’s islanders remain proud of their uniqueness. As the islands are surrounded by many reefs and shoals, the local waters are rich in fish and seafood, and visitors can enjoy the ocean’s bounty in a multitude of ways. Freshly caught lobster in particular is a local delicacy.
The Magdalen Islands, Quebec
6. Discovery Islands, British Columbia
British Columbia’s coastal paradise
Ideal para: Aventura, Foto, Viagens alternativas
The Discovery Islands, located between Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia, are an archipelago that offers many adventure opportunities amid some of the region’s most picturesque and exhilarating scenery.
Local attractions include fishing, hunting and kayaking, and many of the islands have cabins and lodges visitors can hire as the base of operations for their adventures. The largest of the islands, Quadra Island, hosts a small but thriving local community that includes a cultural centre celebrating local First Nations traditions, as well as local artisans, festivals and amenities.
Discovery Islands, British Columbia
7. Thousand Islands, Ontario
A thousand things to see
Ideal para: Foto, Casais, História
The Thousand Islands archipelago, straddling the US-Canada border in the St. Lawrence River, are a beautiful location popular with tourists from both sides of the border.
Visitors to the Thousand Islands can choose between lodging options to suit any budget and comfort level, from private island homes to cosy bed-and-breakfasts and inviting campsites. Cruises around the islands are a great way of experiencing the region’s unique charm, and for those preferring to stay on dry land, a visit to the Thousand Islands History Museum at Gananoque tells the story of the archipelago’s past, a tale replete with pirates and bootleggers alike.
Thousand Islands, Ontario
8. Newfoundland
Canada’s earliest settlement
Ideal para: História, Famílias
The island of Newfoundland comprises about a third of the land area of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador but is home to over 90% of its population. Tourists flock here for their magnificent icebergs, awesome national parks and friendly wildlife.
It’s one of the first sites of European exploration and settlement in what is today Canada, and traces of those early visitors can still be seen by today’s visitors at sites like L’Anse aux Meadows, which hosts the remains of an 11th century Viking settlement. The province’s rich fishing and whaling history is commemorated at the Red Bay National Historic Site, preserving the legacy of past generations’ hard struggle to make their living on the waves.
Newfoundland
9. Anticosti Island, Quebec
A hunter’s paradise atop ancient fossils
Ideal para: Aventura, Viagens alternativas, Foto
Anticosti Island has been listed a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional fossil beds that preserve the remains of ancient marine life. Explore the island’s history at its only town, Port-Menier, before discovering shipwrecks, trawling the Grotte à la Patate and swimming in the Chicotte River.
The island is also rich in living animals, thanks in part to past attempts at introducing new species for the benefit of hunters. Of these, white-tailed deer have been particularly successful, and Anticosti has become a popular hunting and fishing destination. For more peaceful visitors, the island also has many hiking trails and spectacular viewpoints for photographers.
Anticosti Island, Quebec
10. Gabriola Island, British Colombia
The Isle of the Arts
Ideal para: Casais, Foto
Gabriola Island, in the Strait of Georgia in British Columbia, has been dubbed the “Isle of the Arts” for its large number of working artists and several cultural events. Located a short, 20-minute ferry trip away from downtown Nanaimo, Gabriola Island today has some 70 artisan studios for visitors to discover.
In addition to festivals and workshops, you are treated to artisanal products and fresh farm grown produce. The island also has many hiking and bicycle trails and beautiful scenic spots to take in. You’ll want to bring your camera, as you’ll be sure to spot all kinds of wildlife, from sea lions, dolphins and orcas.
Gabriola Island, British Colombia
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