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.

Canadian swimming sensation Summer McIntosh delivered a breathtaking performance on Vancouver Island last week, shattering three individual long-course world records during the Bell Canadian Swimming Trials at Saanich Commonwealth Place.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, on the remote west coast of Vancouver Island, has earned a place on the New York Times’ list of Canada’s five most spectacular parks — a nod to its dramatic coastal scenery, ancient rainforests, and over 100 protected offshore islands.