A brief getaway would be nice. Astonishing panoramas, picturesque beaches, and island paradises are all around.
Canada is home to a large number of islands where you may escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the smooth beaches, blue waters, and breathtaking scenery instead.
The best aspect is how simple it is to get to these locations; all can be reached by ferry from surrounding cities, so there’s no need to go through the trouble of buying a pricey plane ticket and boarding a long-haul flight.
Ready to start discovering? Here are nine beautiful islands you should check off your list this summer.
1. Manitoulin Island
On the shores of Lake Huron, Manitoulin Island is situated in northern Ontario.
The biggest freshwater island in the world, Providence Bay features towering cliffs with beautiful vistas, a sandy beach, the well-known Cup and Saucer hiking routes, and the breathtaking Bridal Veil Falls.
You can go to the island by car by taking Highway 6 from Sudbury via the Little Current Swing Bridge, or you can take the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry from Tobermory.
2. Hornby Island
Hornby Island is a well-kept secret on the West Coast and is situated in British Columbia, tucked away in the Salish Sea.
The island offers a lot of sights to see and things to do, including three provincial parks and 70 biking and hiking paths.
Little Tribune Bay Beach, a must-see location, is located in Tribune Bay Provincial Park.
Because of its stunning turquoise waters and white sand, which warm to near-tropical temperatures in the summer, the beach has earned the moniker “Little Hawaii of Canada.”
3. Grand Manan Island
Uncrowded beaches, hiking trails, and other chances for environmental immersion may be found on the island of Grand Manan in the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick.
The island, which is composed of volcanic rock and resembles something you might find in Hawaii rather than Canada because of its appearance, was named one of the world’s top seven small islands by Reader’s Digest in 2018.
Beautiful beaches, chances to observe birds like puffins, eagles, and peregrine falcons, whale watching, and an abundance of scenic hiking routes can all be found here.
4. Flowerpot Island
Flowerpot Island, which is part of the Fathom Five National Marine Park in Georgian Bay in Ontario, is a must-see.
The island is located a little over 6 kilometers off the Ontario coast near Tobermory.
The “flowerpots,” or sea stacks that were created through a time when wind and water eroded the cliff that formerly stood at the edge of the lake have earned it a reputation as one of Canada’s most unique natural wonders.
You can go climbing, cave exploring, swim in the glistening blue lake, and visit a former lighthouse on the island.
You can schedule a tour with one of the two private tour boat companies that do roundtrips from Tobermory to the island from mid-May to mid-October to get there.
5. Gabriola Island
Off the coast of Vancouver Island is a little island called Gabriola Island.
With wonderful walking routes along the ocean, charming shops to explore, and delectable restaurants where you can grab a bite, it provides an opportunity to escape the bustle of the city.
Most notably, the region has amazing sandstone tunnels that run beside the water and give it a European rather than a Canadian appearance.
6. Bell Island
Bell Island is close to St. John’s, Newfoundland, but unlike the rest of the province, it has a distinctive geological composition.
The island is littered with sea caves and sea stacks and is made up of cliffs that rise 100 feet high and resemble those in American desert regions.
It promises beautiful hiking paths, saltwater beaches, and a lighthouse with a café in the former lighthouse keepers’ home right next door.
The island’s marine caverns can be explored by kayak, and shipwrecks can be discovered through scuba diving.
7. Cape Breton Island
In 2022, Cape Breton Island was rated as one of the top islands in the world, and it’s easy to see why.
The island is well-known for being the location of the 298-kilometer Cabot Trail, which is one of the world’s most spectacular drives. The Cabot Trail is a mixture of roads, pathways, and steps.
Amazing coastline vistas, hiking and kayaking options, warm-water saltwater beaches, and whale viewing are all available on the island.
Hiking the Skyline Trail, a straightforward climb that leads you along a stunning boardwalk with coastal views is one activity you shouldn’t miss.
