NANAIMO – Vancouver Island maintains the #1 spot and continues to be recognized as a premier vacation destination. North America’s largest Pacific island, with its irresistible mix of pristine wilderness and top-ranked food and lodging, has again been voted one of the world’s leading island destinations.
Readers of Travel + Leisure magazine have named Vancouver Island “The Best Island in Canada,” in the magazine’s annual World’s Best Awards published in the August 2016 issue. Vancouver Island has remained among the top 3 islands in the Continental US and Canada since 2001. The Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards feature top hotels, cities, islands, cruise lines, airlines, airports, and more.
“Once again we are thrilled with this recognition from the readers of Travel + Leisure as a top island destination,” said Dave Petryk, President & CEO of Tourism Vancouver Island. “We are delighted that the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine have once again selected Vancouver Island as the #1 Island in Canada. This is a reflection of the beautiful destination that Vancouver Island is and the delivery of fantastic hospitality that our tourism operators provide.”
Heather McEachen, Tourism Vancouver Island’s Trade and Media Specialist, will be accepting the award during the World’s Best Awards Winners’ Ceremony on July 20 in New York City.
The Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino was named #3 Resort in Canada and The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa was named #10 Resort in Canada, while the Magnolia Hotel & Spa in Victoria was named #7 City Hotel in Canada.
Also in the rankings is the City of Victoria, named #3 City in Canada. “Vancouver Island’s stunning geography, vast and abundant wilderness and remarkable tourism businesses offer travellers extraordinary experiences,” said Marsha Walden, CEO of Destination British Columbia. “Travel + Leisure readers have repeatedly recognized this special island in British Columbia as being among the world’s best.”
The Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards rely on guest experiences. Hotel/resort rankings are based on readers’ ratings of five characteristics: rooms/facilities, location, service, restaurants/food and value. This year’s results are featured in the August 2016 issue of the magazine, as well as on www.travelandleisure.com.
