The 2025 World Travel Awards have been announced, revealing the best honeymoon destinations of the year. The long-time North American favourite, Maui, Hawaii — which claimed the title 11 times in the past 16 years — has been dethroned. Las Vegas also didn’t make it to the podium. Napa Valley, California, USA, known for its wine charm, was featured in the top list but didn’t take the win either. Other nominees included Miami Beach and Sanibel & Captiva Islands (both in Florida, USA), as well as Niagara Falls, representing Ontario, Canada. And the winner in the category of North America’s Leading Honeymoon Destination for 2025 is Vancouver Island!

The island earned first place thanks to its breathtaking scenery, cozy hideaways, and laid-back West Coast vibe. From wild beaches and misty rainforests to boutique hotels and ocean-view spas, Vancouver Island offers the perfect blend of adventure and serenity. Whether it’s a sunset stroll along Tofino’s wave-washed shores or a quiet retreat among the vineyards of the Cowichan Valley, the island’s natural beauty and understated luxury make it an unforgettable place to celebrate love.

British Columbia as a whole was named North America’s Leading Regional Destination for 2025 by the World Travel Awards. In this category, the province outshone regions such as California, Colorado, Florida, and Quebec.

And, as a bonus, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, located north of Tofino, was crowned Canada’s Leading Wilderness Resort for 2025, surpassing other contenders — including another Vancouver Island nominee, Eagle Nook Resort, located east of Ucluelet.

A campfire ban will take effect across the Coastal Fire Centre — including Vancouver Island — at noon on Thursday, July 17. The Category 1 fire prohibition was announced by fire information officer Kimberly Kelly earlier this week. This prohibition is being enacted to help prevent human caused wildfires and protect public safety.

Good news for drivers: DriveBC has officially launched a brand-new website that makes checking road conditions faster and easier than ever. The updated DriveBC platform now provides real-time information through a modern, user-friendly map.

Parks Canada has announced free admission to all national parks and historic sites across the country, along with discounted overnight stays at select locations — including several spectacular spots right here on Vancouver Island.

The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail will remain closed throughout summer to repair extensive damage caused by multiple fall and winter storms, but people can still enjoy day-use areas in Juan de Fuca Park.

Several key sections of the 47-kilometre trail have been washed away or blocked by fallen trees, making the trail impassable and unsafe for hikers. There is also extensive damage to bridges, boardwalks, shelters and campsites.

Five backcountry campgrounds along the trail remain closed, including Bear Beach, Chin Beach, West Sombrio Beach, Little Kuitsche Creek and Payzant Creek. People can still enjoy backcountry camping and day use at Mystic Beach and East Sombrio Beach. The day-use area is also open at China Beach and Botanical Beach.

A phased reopening of the trail and backcountry campsites is planned as repairs are completed. For future updates about trail repairs and reopening timelines, people are encouraged to check here.

Spanning part of Vancouver Island's southwest coast, the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is designed for challenging day or multi-day hikes through rugged, coastal terrain that is often affected by wet and extreme weather.