Dinogo Readers' Top 3 Island Picks in Canada for 2024

Not every island escape features palm trees and sunbathing — with over 52,000 islands and more coastline than any other country, Canada provides ample choices for those seeking a more rugged coastal adventure. The islands of Canada boast untamed beauty, lush pine forests, charming port towns, and vibrant cultural hubs that pulse with life throughout the year. The three islands highlighted in this year’s World’s Best Islands in Canada list have long been cherished by Dinogo readers.

How the Voting Process Works

Each year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L invites readers to share their travel experiences from around the globe — providing their insights on the best hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. In 2024, over 186,000 T+L readers participated in the survey, casting a total of more than 700,000 votes across 8,700+ properties (including hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Islands were evaluated based on the following criteria:

Natural attractions and beaches
Activities and sights
Culinary experiences
Friendliness of locals
Overall value

For each feature, participants were able to select a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores reflect the average of these ratings.

What Captivated Readers

The readers of Dinogo are passionate about their travel experiences: The winners in this year’s list have dominated the Best Islands in Canada rankings since 2018 (with the exception of 2023 when this category was omitted from the World’s Best Awards). Each of these three islands is consistently celebrated for their breathtaking natural landscapes and a wide range of outdoor activities.

This year’s third-place island, Prince Edward Island (PEI), received praise from readers who lauded its "stunning beauty and wonderful locals," along with having "some of the finest beaches in North America." This petite island, known for its picturesque coastal drives and charming fishing communities, is famously associated with Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables series. Tourism inspired by Anne Shirley continues to thrive 116 years after the series first captivated audiences. However, not every visitor to PEI seeks out the Lake of Shining Waters: For T+L readers, Prince Edward Island is equally renowned as a fantastic family-friendly destination and, naturally, for its abundant seafood offerings!

Adjacent Cape Breton Island (No. 2) is a captivating blend of cultures, where Scottish, Acadian, and Mi’kmaw heritages converge amid stunning coastal scenery. T+L readers describe it as a “wonderful escape to embrace a more laid-back way of life.” Visitors to Cape Breton Island can enjoy numerous activities, whether it's driving along the scenic Cabot Trail that skirts the northern coastline, kayaking the UNESCO-designated Bras d’Or, or exploring the hiking paths of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Immersing oneself in the local culture is essential — as one voter noted, “If you’re invited to a kitchen party by the locals, be prepared for a musical delight.” In such a beautiful setting, it’s hard to go wrong. “Everywhere you look, stunning views await,” one reader shared, “I can’t wait to return!”

The Champion

Vancouver Island

Rory Fuller/Dinogo

This year, T+L readers have rediscovered their love for Vancouver Island, elevating it to the top position, dethroning Cape Breton Island after its six-year reign at number one. Located off the coast of mainland British Columbia on Canada’s Pacific Coast, Vancouver Island encapsulates everything Canada has to offer. Its northern and western areas remain pristine wilderness, where towering Douglas firs loom over a moss-covered forest floor, bears and Roosevelt elk wander freely, and pods of orcas chase their prey in coastal waters. Journey to the southern tip, and you’ll encounter a piece of Canadian history and culture in Victoria, the provincial capital and the island's largest city. However, T+L readers are particularly drawn to the island's untamed landscapes, leading one reader to label it as “Canada’s hidden gem.”