Canada Has the Longest Coastline in the World—and These 3 Islands Were Just Named the Best in the Nation

Travel + Leisure

08-07-2025

Canada has the longest coastline in the world, and along its coastal regions lie more than 50,000 islands, with a few spectacular examples that stand out. In this year's World's Best Awards survey, T+L readers voted for their favorites for 2025, naming some of the country's largest islands into the top three—in the exact same order as last year. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Islands were specifically rated on the criteria below: Natural attractions/beaches Activities/sights Restaurants/food People/friendliness Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.
The Provincial Parliament Building of British Columbia in the harbor of Vancouver Island.
Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure
The islands on this year's list have made the top three nearly every year for the last decade. Once again, readers showed their love for Canada's Maritime Provinces, naming two winners on the east coast. Prince Edward Island (No. 3), Canada's smallest province, is a perennial favorite, known among travelers for its agritourism opportunities, outstanding restaurants, and delicious seafood. 'An amazing province to discover culinary culture and history,' wrote one T+L reader—who added that PEI also has 'amazing beaches and the friendliest, most welcoming people you will ever meet.'
Just to the east is Cape Breton Island (No. 2), known for its rich Gaelic and Acadian culture, 'great hiking, and the most beautiful ocean views,' as one survey respondent put it. Readers also shouted out Cabot, the island's premier resort and a world-renowned golf destination. 'It's an absolute jewel,' wrote another respondent, who reminisced about the amazing views over the cliffs to the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
T+L readers' favorite Canadian island for 2025, however, takes us across the country to the rugged edge of the Pacific.
Vancouver Island People swimming on Vancouver Island.
Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure
Vancouver Island was 'an unexpected find,' wrote one T+L reader of this large island off of mainland British Columbia—they were so enamored, in fact, that they were already contemplating 'going back again and staying longer.' Just an easy ferry ride from the city of Vancouver, the island offers a diversity of settings for travelers, from the charming provincial capital, Victoria, to the wilds of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, and picturesque small towns like Tofino and Comox. 'Whale watching, green trees, gorgeous water,' another survey respondent remembered of a recent trip: 'So much beauty to see.'
Whale watching, green trees, gorgeous water. So much beauty to see.
— T+L Reader
1. Vancouver Island, British Columbia
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 89.31
2. Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 88.79
3. Prince Edward IslandReader Score: 83.40