Canada, with its sprawling coastlines and thousands of inland lakes, is home to some of the most enchanting islands in the world. Whether you crave rugged wilderness, quaint villages, or sun-warmed beaches, there’s a Canadian island waiting to steal your heart. Here are 27 islands across the country where adventure, beauty, and peace converge.
Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
in the Salish Sea between Vancouver and Victoria, Salt Spring Island is a haven for artists, organic farmers, and nature lovers. Its lush forests, idyllic beaches, and charming markets invite slow, meaningful travel. Enjoy local cheese, wine, and art as you explore an island community that thrives on sustainability and creativity.
Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Fogo Island’s rugged beauty and unique culture have drawn international acclaim. Once a traditional fishing community, it has reinvented itself through art and architecture, thanks in part to the Fogo Island Inn. Hike windswept trails, watch for icebergs, and connect with locals whose deep-rooted hospitality leaves a lasting impression.
Manitoulin Island, Ontario
As the world’s largest freshwater island, Manitoulin offers an unmatched mix of natural splendor and Indigenous culture. It lies in Lake Huron and is home to several Anishinaabe communities. With scenic hiking trails, sacred sites, and crystal-clear lakes, this island invites spiritual reflection and outdoor adventure alike.
Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
Haida Gwaii, formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, is an archipelago rich with Indigenous heritage and untamed beauty. The islands are the heartland of the Haida Nation. Visit ancient totem poles, moss-draped rainforests, and remote beaches while learning about a culture that dates back thousands of years.
Prince Edward Island
Canada’s smallest province is actually one large island, beloved for its red sand beaches, pastoral landscapes, and Anne of Green Gables heritage. PEI is a cyclist’s paradise, with scenic coastal routes and welcoming small towns. Its seafood, especially the oysters and mussels, are world-renowned—and taste even better when enjoyed seaside.
Galiano Island, British Columbia
Part of the Southern Gulf Islands, Galiano is a peaceful retreat known for its forested trails, sandstone cliffs, and panoramic viewpoints. Kayakers, hikers, and birdwatchers will find much to love, but it’s also ideal for those seeking silence and solitude. Art studios and cozy B&Bs add to the island’s charm.
Bonaventure Island, Quebec
Just off the coast of the Gaspé Peninsula, Bonaventure Island is famous for its massive northern gannet colony, the largest in North America. Accessible by boat from Percé, the island also offers dramatic cliffs, rustic trails, and a peaceful, windswept atmosphere. It’s a must for birders and photographers alike.
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Cape Breton feels like a world unto itself, with the Cabot Trail weaving through highlands, cliffs, and sweeping ocean vistas. This island offers a mix of Gaelic, Acadian, and Mi’kmaq cultures. Don’t miss the music-filled pubs, dramatic coastal hikes, and chances to spot moose or whales in the wild.
Baffin Island, Nunavut
For the truly adventurous, Baffin Island is Arctic Canada at its most striking. It’s home to Auyuittuq National Park, with jagged mountains, glaciers, and deep fjords. Inuit communities offer cultural experiences that blend ancient tradition with modern resilience. This remote, icy world leaves a deep emotional and visual imprint.
Toronto Islands, Ontario
Just a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto, this chain of small islands offers a surprising escape from city life. Enjoy car-free streets, sandy beaches, and shady picnic spots. Rent a bike or kayak, stroll the boardwalk, and admire skyline views, especially magical at sunset.
Sable Island, Nova Scotia
Located far out in the Atlantic, Sable Island is famed for its population of wild horses and its shifting sand dunes. It’s difficult to reach, but those who do are rewarded with haunting beauty and rare wildlife, including grey seals and migratory birds. It’s a true edge-of-the-world experience.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Though massive in size, Vancouver Island offers intimate encounters with nature. It’s home to old-growth rainforests, surf-friendly beaches in Tofino, and vibrant cities like Victoria. Whale watching, storm watching, hiking, and beachcombing are just a few of the ways to explore this west coast jewel.
Griffith Island, Ontario
Located in Georgian Bay, Griffith Island is private and used mostly for conservation and outdoor sporting events. Though not typically open to the public, its nearby waters are accessible by boat and make for excellent cruising. The surrounding area is dotted with smaller, charming islands worth exploring.
Anticosti Island, Quebec
Wild and remote, Anticosti is a massive island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Known for its white-tailed deer population and dramatic limestone cliffs, it’s a rugged destination for those who love backcountry hiking, fishing, and solitude. Shipwrecks and caves add to the mystique of this untamed wilderness.
Magdalen Islands, Quebec
A sandy archipelago in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Magdalen Islands offer a blend of Acadian culture, vibrant artistry, and wind-swept dunes. The beaches here are spectacular, perfect for kite surfing, sea kayaking, or leisurely walks. The cuisine is distinctively maritime, with fresh seafood and traditional French-Canadian dishes.
Quadra Island, British Columbia
Part of the Discovery Islands, Quadra is popular with artists, kayakers, and hikers. With lush forests, calm waters, and abundant wildlife, it offers a laid-back lifestyle rooted in nature. Visit local galleries, hike to secluded lakes, or join a sea kayaking tour to spot seals, eagles, and maybe even orcas.
Campobello Island, New Brunswick
Linked to Maine by a bridge, Campobello is best known as the site of the Roosevelt Campobello International Park. It combines rich history with maritime beauty. Lighthouses, whale-watching cruises, and quiet beaches make it a serene, family-friendly escape steeped in both American and Canadian heritage.
Thetis Island, British Columbia
A lesser-known gem among the Gulf Islands, Thetis is small, quiet, and community-driven. It’s the perfect spot for kayaking through calm bays or wandering through forested trails. With its slower pace and welcoming locals, Thetis offers visitors a true chance to disconnect and recharge.
Wolfe Island, Ontario
Sitting at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River near Kingston, Wolfe Island is a scenic rural getaway known for its cycling routes and wind turbines. Reachable by ferry, the island offers beaches, nature reserves, and a laid-back vibe that feels far from urban life yet surprisingly accessible.
Pelee Island, Ontario
Canada’s southernmost inhabited island, Pelee sits in Lake Erie and is part of a unique ecosystem shared with the U.S. The island is known for its vineyards, monarch butterfly migration, and rare plant species. You can take the ferry, rent a bike, and explore its flat terrain and quiet charm.
Brier Island, Nova Scotia
Located at the Bay of Fundy’s western edge, Brier Island is a whale-watching hotspot. Its basalt cliffs, lighthouses, and wildflower-filled meadows make it perfect for scenic drives and nature walks. The tides here are dramatic, and the sunsets are among the most beautiful in the Maritimes.
Saturna Island, British Columbia
One of the least developed Gulf Islands, Saturna is prized for its peace and natural beauty. Hike Mount Warburton Pike for stunning views, or explore the protected beaches of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Orca sightings are common in the summer, making this an unforgettable island getaway.
Sainte-Hélène Island, Quebec
In the heart of Montreal, Sainte-Hélène Island is part of Parc Jean-Drapeau, a green oasis amid urban energy. With bike trails, event spaces, and public art, it’s perfect for a day trip. The Biosphere, La Ronde amusement park, and summer music festivals bring both fun and culture.
Southampton Island, Nunavut
Remote and starkly beautiful, Southampton lies in the Canadian Arctic and is home to the Inuit community of Coral Harbour. It’s a place of migratory bird sanctuaries, polar bear sightings, and ice-laden seas. Visits here are limited and guided, offering a rare glimpse into an isolated northern lifestyle.
Middle Island, Ontario
The southernmost point in Canada, Middle Island is part of Point Pelee National Park and a vital bird sanctuary. It’s off-limits to the public to protect its fragile habitat, but nearby Pelee Island offers boat tours that pass close by. The waters around the island are serene and teeming with life.
Deer Island, New Brunswick
Situated in the Bay of Fundy, Deer Island is known for its dramatic tides and marine life. Small and friendly, it offers a taste of traditional Maritime living with excellent fishing, boating, and hiking. Don’t miss the “Old Sow,” the largest tidal whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere.
Granville Island, British Columbia
Though technically part of Vancouver, Granville Island has an island vibe all its own. With its bustling public market, artisan shops, and waterfront dining, it’s a cultural and culinary hub. Walk the docks, see a show, or sample local fare, it’s one of the city’s most beloved urban escapes.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
When people think of innovation, they often picture Silicon Valley. However, Canada has a history of innovation, too. Whether it’s redefining sports, revolutionizing medicine, or just showing America up at its own game, Canadian inventors, thinkers, and dreamers have had their fair share of mic-drop moments. Here are 22 times Canadian ingenuity left the U.S. in the dust.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
