Whether you’re planning ahead for summer or want to escape the winter blues, there are plenty of unique island vacations out there to consider. And to help make it easier, Condé Nast Traveler just released its list of the best island vacations across the globe. While you might be tempted to hop hemispheres for a spell, there is a local option that made the cut as well. Among top destinations like Hawaii and Thailand is none other than Vancouver Island.

CNT tapped into its extensive network of travel experts to compile this list of 16 top islands to consider for vacation this year. Before we dive into the full list, let’s take a look at what they had to say about BC’s own island experience.

In addition to classic Victoria experiences like touring Butchart Gardens and orca-watching, CNT notes that there’s more to Vancouver Island than just Victoria. Tofino is recognized as a top west coast destination with a ton of outdoor adventures and “fantastic food and lodging.” On that, we can definitely agree!

In terms of the best things to do, CNT recommends travellers tap into wildlife-watching activities, from gray whales and humpbacks to bear watching.

Now, for the full list of top island destinations for 2023 – which range from the Mediterranean and Caribbean coasts to the Galápagos:

  • Con Dao, Vietnam
  • Lanai, Hawaii
  • Mauritius

  • Mallorca, Spain
  • Koh Samui, Thailand
  • Vancouver Island, Canada
  • Zanzibar

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  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
  • Nevis
  • Tikehau, French Polynesia
  • Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
  • Vega Island, Norway
  • Big Island, Hawaii
  • Lord Howe Island, Australia
  • Dominica
  • Crete, Greece

And that’s the list, Vancouver. Which island vacations are on your bucket list?