BC Tourism Shines in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards
British Columbia is once again earning global recognition, with destinations, accommodations, and tourism experiences across the province ranking among the best in Canada in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards. Based on feedback from more than 207,000 readers who cast over 661,000 votes on their favourite travel experiences around the world, the annual awards celebrate excellence across the global tourism industry.
BC claimed top honours across several of Canada’s most competitive categories, showcasing the province’s exceptional breadth of tourism experiences.
Best Island in Canada
Travel + Leisure described Vancouver Island as “the ultimate wilderness escape,” highlighting its rainforests, rugged coastlines, whale watching opportunities, and world-class tourism experiences.
BEST HOTELS IN CANADA
- #1 Fairmont Empress, Victoria
- #2 Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Vancouver
- #5 Wedgewood Hotel & Spa, Vancouver
- #6 Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver
BEST RESORTS IN CANADA
BEST CITIES IN CANADA
BEST TRAINS
These results highlight the extraordinary range of experiences available across British Columbia, from Vancouver Island’s rugged coastline and wildlife encounters to Whistler’s mountain luxury, Tofino’s iconic oceanfront escapes, world-renowned rail journeys, and vibrant urban experiences in Victoria and Vancouver.
Why This Matters
Recognition from one of the world’s most influential travel publications helps put British Columbia in front of millions of potential travellers as they research and plan future trips. Because the awards are based on traveller experiences, they carry significant credibility and can influence where people choose to visit next.
The benefits extend far beyond the destinations and businesses that receive the awards. Travellers rarely visit just one place. Visitors who begin their planning around an award-winning hotel, destination, city, or rail experience often explore additional communities, restaurants, attractions, Indigenous tourism experiences, outdoor adventures, and seasonal activities along the way.
This increased visibility encourages travellers to spend more time researching British Columbia, building longer itineraries, and exploring multiple destinations during a single trip. The result is broader awareness of what BC has to offer and greater opportunities for tourism businesses and communities across the province to benefit from visitor spending and increased demand, reinforcing BC’s reputation as a world-class destination for unforgettable travel experiences.
About the World’s Best Awards
Now in its 31st year, Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards recognize the destinations, hotels, resorts, cities, islands, transportation experiences, and travel companies that have left the strongest impression on travellers around the globe. The rankings are determined through an annual reader survey, with more than 207,000 readers participating in 2026 and casting over 661,000 votes across more than 10,000 travel experiences worldwide. Because the awards are based on first-hand traveller experiences, they are widely regarded as one of the travel industry’s most influential and trusted measures of excellence.
