5 Vancouver Island resorts named among the best in Canada

Vancouver Island has had an impressive showing on a new list of the best resorts in Canada.

Five Vancouver Island resorts have been named among the top 15 in the country in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, including one that took the number one spot.

The annual rankings were released Tuesday, October 6th, and are based on responses from Conde Nast Traveler readers.

Taking the top spot in Canada was Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, which received a score of 99.08.

The popular resort sits on Chesterman Beach and has long been a destination for visitors looking to experience Tofino and Vancouver Island’s west coast.

Another Vancouver Island resort that wasn’t far behind, Kingfisher Pacific Resort & Spa in the Comox Valley was ranked fourth best in Canada with a score of 98.80.

The independent, family-owned resort has been operating on Vancouver Island’s eastern shore since 1979 and is approaching its 50th anniversary. It has 65 rooms, including recently renovated beachfront suites, along with its Pacific Mist Spa and two restaurants.

Owner Bill Brandes said the property has gone through a major transformation since his family acquired it more than 20 years ago.

“From reimagining our brand, accommodations and culinary experiences to introducing new wellness offerings like the Healing Caves, it has been incredible to see the vision come to life,” said Brandes.

He added that the recognition is a reflection of the care, creativity and work the resort’s team puts into the guest experience.

Tofino had two more resorts make the list. Long Beach Lodge Resort came in at number nine, with a score of 97.60, while Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge was ranked 10th with a score of 97.22.

There was also some recognition closer to Victoria with Brentwood Bay Resort, located on the Saanich Peninsula, coming in at number 15 in Canada with a score of 95.11.

Altogether, Vancouver Island resorts took five of the 15 spots on the Canadian list. That means one-third of the resorts ranked are located here.

Three Vancouver Island properties also made the national top 10.

The Vancouver Island resorts that made the list:

• #1: Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino 
• #4: Kingfisher Pacific Resort & Spa, Comox Valley
• #9: Long Beach Lodge Resort, Tofino
• #10: Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, Tofino
• #15: Brentwood Bay Resort, Brentwood Bay

The rankings are part of Conde Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards, which ask readers to rate their favourite hotels, resorts, destinations and other travel experiences around the world.

According to Conde Nast Traveler, more than 798,000 survey responses were received from readers across the United States for this year’s awards.

For Vancouver Island, it’s a strong showing on a list that includes resorts from some of Canada’s biggest tourism destinations, including Whistler, Banff and Jasper.

And with the number one resort in Canada located in Tofino, Vancouver Island has plenty to brag about this year!