The Canadian Islands are awe-inspiring. These isolated and beautiful restaurants don’t receive as many tourists as Canada’s mainland owing to their extremes in weather. However, tourists interested in exploring the fauna and flora, and those interested in wildlife find these islands a must-visit destination. Travelling to Canadian Islands requires a fair bit of planning and foresight. In addition to checking the requirements for Canada tourist visa, enthusiasts are also recommended to check the modes of transportation, as not all destinations are reachable through flights. Check out these interesting tips while you plan a trip to the Arctic Archipelago.
Decide what you’re going for, and then choose your travel dates
Are you heading to the archipelago for getting a first-hand experience of snow? Do you want to indulge in some really breathtaking winter sports? Or are you keener on enjoying watersports, such as rafting and kayaking?
Your preference needs to take into account while booking the flight tickets, as during winters, you may not be able to participate in any watersport as entire lakes freeze due to the sub-zero temperatures. June to September remains the best time for summer activities, whereas November to April is recommended for those interested in winter activities.
Know your travel options
There are over 36,000 Canadian Islands, and once you have figured out which ones you are travelling to, it’s also important to know your travel options. Travelling between islands takes time, and there are feasible options available. You can get across through cable cars, boats, and for long distance – flights. Snowshoeing and snowmobiling also remains a popular option for short distances.
Follow safety precautions at all times
Weather conditions in many remote Canadian islands change pretty quickly. So, if you are travelling solo, ensure you seek the advice of locals and experienced travelers. This is especially true of those islands which are further up the north. When you are kayaking or skiing, make sure to get a background of the place so that you can call for help if something goes amiss. We highly recommend following all safety precautions while exploring the islands. If certain places have been declared off-limits by authorities, please do not try to be too adventurous by venturing there.
Be prepared to pay top dollar
As most things need to be imported from mainland, the price of meals and transportation is relatively higher. So, be prepared for paying more, which means your daily budgets on accommodation and food can easily stretch more to what you would have originally planned. On islands such as Newfoundland, this may not be such a big issues, but the further north you go, the more isolated things become. During times of high demand, prices can skyrocket pretty easily. It is better to have extra cash in your wallet to deal with any contingencies.
Indulge in some dogsledding!
There are only few places on planet earth where dogsledding is still a means of transport. And, in those places, it is not a necessity, but a tourist activity. In Canadian Islands, you may find some options for indulging in dogsledding; we highly recommend giving it a go, as other activities like rafting and kayaking can be carried out at many tourist destinations, but dogsledding is quite rare to be honest.
Hire the services of organized trekking providers
You always have the option of going solo with your trekking expeditions, but in uncharted territories of Canadian Islands, it is recommended to have someone’s back. In many Canadian Islands which have grown up to become tourist epicenters, you will find numerous service providers offering trekking and other adventure activities. We highly recommend spending some time reviewing these organizers to get a gist of what you can expect.
Rent a bike wherever you can
If you have settled on a particular island and plan to spend a good part of your week there, renting a bike can be a good option. It will not only give you the liberty of taking in the views at your own will, but also save you significantly in cash. On most of the popular Canadian Islands, renting a bike is a seamless affair, and off you are with some of the world’s most beautiful sights for company!
Avoid ferrying your vehicles
While renting a bike is a value-for-money proposition, many tourists give away the savings when they decide to take their vehicles on the ferry. The prices are astronomical when you take your vehicle with you. We highly recommend boarding the ferry as a walk-on passenger. In addition to money savings, you also save up some quality time, as the waiting time can be painfully long.
Most Beautiful Canadian Islands
Well, first and foremost, we would like to tell you that we believe in beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder! Tagging something more beautiful than other is highly subjective and personal. However, there are many tourists out there who are planning a trip to Canadian Islands for the first time. For them, it can be a bit of dilemma to choose the best Canadian islands that offer them the ideal setting for a vacation well spent. We have shortlisted some popular Canadian Islands which you can consider for your trip.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
The reason Vancouver Island is first on our list is because of its popularity. Just off British Columbia, it attracts not only Canadians but people from all over the U.S. and Europe. On offer are sights that you will stay with you for a lifetime. There are a host of options to reach Vancouver Island, including daily flights and a ferry ride.
Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Sitting on the edge of Canada, Fogo Island remains a popular travel destination for tourists who do not like sweltering crowds. The unique aspect about Fogo Island is its tranquility, which takes you away from the hustle and bustle. If you are looking for a quiet retreat, there are few places that can offer the ideal setting as Fogo Island.
Prince Edward Island
For Anne’s fans, visiting the Prince Edward Island is akin to taking a pilgrimage. Canada is known for being a cauldron of multiculturalism, and what better place to exemplify this. With the inhabitants of the place tracing their ancestry to England and France, you can feel the vibe in the air. If you haven’t read Anne of Green Gables, don’t worry of being isolated for there are many things to do and indulge in!
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Get a first-hand experience of the Celtic heritage at Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. Home to the Cabot trail, the Cape Breton Island has remained popular among hikers owing to the interest in the Cabot trail. The island offers a host of relaxation and rejuvenation activities, giving tourists ample opportunities to have a great time.
These were some of the best Canadian islands that you can consider for your upcoming trip. As we mentioned earlier, travelling to the Canadian Islands can be a unique experience in itself, but it is important to keep some safety tips in mind, especially if you are visiting isolated islands. Let us know about your Canadian travel experiences.