Vancouver Island has been named the best island in Canada by the 2026 World's Best Awards from Travel + Leisure magazine. The publication highlighted the island's "rainforests, rocky coasts, and whale watching" as key attractions, along with beloved destinations such as Tofino. This recognition places Vancouver Island at the top among Canada's more than 52,000 islands.
Top Rankings for Vancouver Island and Beyond
The annual awards, now in their 31st year, rank international travel hotspots across categories including hotels, resorts, cruises, and cities. This year, over 207,000 readers cast 661,000 votes for 10,088 properties and destinations, with international lists spanning more than 35 countries. Alongside Vancouver Island, Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island also earned spots on the best island list.
"This British Columbian island is the ultimate wilderness escape," the magazine stated. The win was not the only accolade for the region; Victoria ranked No. 2 among best Canadian cities, behind Quebec City, while Vancouver placed No. 5.
Hotels and Resorts Shine
The Fairmont Empress hotel in Victoria's inner harbour topped the list of best city hotels in Canada. Other Vancouver properties on the ranking included Rosewood Hotel Georgia (No. 2), Wedgwood Hotel & Spa (No. 5), and Fairmont Pacific Rim (No. 6). In the resort category, Fairmont Chateau Whistler was named the best resort property in Canada, with Tofino's Wickaninnish Inn at No. 2.
Earlier this year, another Vancouver Island hotel earned recognition from Travel + Leisure. Rosemead House, located at 429 Lampson St. in Victoria, was included in the magazine's 100 Best New Hotels of the Year list. Opened in 2025, the 29-room boutique hotel is housed in a revamped 118-year-old manor near downtown and also features a restaurant and spa. It joined only two other Canadian properties on that list: The Kendrick Hotel in Banff and Huttopia Les Deux Lacs – Laurentides in Mont-Blanc, Quebec.
Implications for Travelers
These accolades underscore Vancouver Island's appeal as a premier travel destination, offering a mix of wilderness experiences and urban charm. The recognition by Travel + Leisure, which relies on reader feedback, signals strong satisfaction among visitors. For travelers planning trips, the rankings provide a curated guide to top accommodations and experiences in British Columbia, from the Fairmont Empress in Victoria to the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino.
