Here are the islands to visit in Canada, chosen for Canadian travellers. Canada’s islands are diverse.
Islands to visit in Canada
1. Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is Canada’s smallest province, famous for red-sand beaches, Anne of Green Gables, lobster suppers and the Confederation Bridge. Read our Prince Edward Island travel guide.
- Best time: June to September
- Getting there: About 3 hours from Halifax via the Confederation Bridge, or by summer ferry from Caribou, Nova Scotia
- Don’t miss: Green Gables Heritage Place, PEI National Park and Charlottetown
- Mid-range hotels: C$220–380 a night
2. Cape Breton Island (Cabot Trail)
Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail is a 298 km loop of coastal highlands, Celtic music and whale watching, one of the world’s great drives. Read our Cape Breton Island (Cabot Trail) travel guide.
- Best time: July to mid-October
- Getting there: About 4.5 hours from Halifax to Baddeck
- Don’t miss: Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Skyline Trail
- Mid-range hotels: C$220–380 a night
3. Haida Gwaii
Haida Gwaii is a remote archipelago with Haida culture, old-growth forest and Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve. Read our Haida Gwaii travel guide.
- Best time: June to August
- Getting there: By air from Vancouver or ferry from Prince Rupert
- Don’t miss: Haida Heritage Centre, Gwaii Haanas and SG̱ang Gwaay
- Mid-range hotels: C$320–550 a night
4. Vancouver Island
Victoria and Tofino.
Before you go: gear checklist
- Travel phones and smartwatches Buyzello
Phones with great cameras and wearables that track your hikes. - Top-rated wireless earbuds VerdictFox
Compact earbuds for flights, trains and long drives. - Best weekender bags Opulique
A refined weekender is perfect for two-night escapes.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
5. Newfoundland
Icebergs.
6. Salt Spring Island
Artisans.
7. Magdalen Islands
Red cliffs.
8. Toronto Islands
City escape.
9. Thousand Islands
River cruises.
Tips
Book ferries.
How to choose
Start with when you can travel and how you like to spend your days. Some destinations on this list shine in summer, others in shoulder season; some suit active travellers, others are made for slow days and good food. Pick one or two that match your style rather than trying to see everything, and read the linked guides for timing, costs and where to stay.
How we chose
We picked destinations that consistently impress first-time and returning visitors, balanced famous names with lesser-known gems, and considered access, value, seasonality and the quality of the experience on the ground. Prices, opening dates and reservation rules change, so confirm the details before booking.
Plan a trip around it
Victoria
Victoria, BC’s capital on Vancouver Island, has a mild climate, a historic Inner Harbour, gardens and whale watching. Read our Victoria travel guide.
- Best time: May to September
- Getting there: About 1.5 hours by ferry from Vancouver (plus terminal drives); 35 minutes by floatplane
- Don’t miss: Butchart Gardens, Inner Harbour and Royal BC Museum
- Mid-range hotels: C$220–380 a night
St. John’s
St. John’s is North America’s oldest English-founded city, with colourful Jellybean Row houses, Signal Hill, icebergs and lively George Street. Read our St. John’s travel guide.
- Best time: June to August
- Getting there: About 30 minutes to Witless Bay
- Don’t miss: Signal Hill, Jellybean Row and Cape Spear
- Mid-range hotels: C$220–380 a night
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require government-issued photo ID; carry a passport if you might cross into the US.
- Money: GST or HST is added to most prices at the till, so budget 5–15% more than the shelf price; tipping 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
- Insurance: Provincial health plans may not pay the full cost of care in another province, and ambulance and air-ambulance costs can be high, so check whether an out-of-province travel insurance policy makes sense for you. Read our guide to out-of-province travel insurance.
- Driving: Most Canadians road-trip in their own car; rentals are widely available, and winter tyres are required on many BC highways and in Quebec in winter. Fuel is usually cheapest in Alberta and most expensive in BC and the North.
- Saving money: see our Canada budget travel and cheapest places to travel in Canada guides.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$150–C$220 | motel, hostel or campsite, casual meals, self-drive |
| Mid-range | C$300–C$480 | good hotel, restaurant meals, some tours |
| Luxury | C$700–C$1,400 | resort or historic hotel, fine dining, guided experiences |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Our luxury travel edit
- Designer luggage for first-class travel Opulique
Premium luggage that arrives at the resort looking as good as it left. - Best luxury backpacks Opulique
A polished backpack for city breaks and carry-on days. - Luxury bags Opulique
Elegant day bags for city strolls and dinners out.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best choice on this list?
It depends on your travel style, but Prince Edward Island is a standout for most travellers.
When should I go?
Most of these destinations are best in spring and fall, when crowds are lighter and prices lower.
How many days do I need?
Plan at least two to three days per destination.
Are these good for families?
Most are; check each guide for family tips.
How much should I budget?
Mid-range travellers typically spend C$300–C$480 per person per day.
Plan the rest of your trip
- PEI Travel Guide: Beaches, Lobster and Green Gables
- Cape Breton Travel Guide: Cabot Trail, Highlands and Celtic Music
- Haida Gwaii Travel Guide: Haida Culture and Wild Coast
- How to Travel Canada on a Budget: 25 Money-Saving Tips