This Canadian region was just named one of Lonely Planet's best 10 to visit

It’s lush, it’s coastal, it’s mountainous, and now it’s been officially recognized as one of the world’s most desirable places to travel.

Vancouver Island was named one of the top 10 regions to visit in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022 book. The publisher releases the volume annually that ranks the planet’s must-visit countries, cities, and regions.

Vancouver Island was the only Canadian destination to crack the top 10 in any category, and the local tourism industry association is thrilled.

Yuri Choufour/Destination BC

“We are honoured to receive such positive recognition for Vancouver Island at a time when our tourism industry is embarking on a road to recovery,” Anthony Everett, president and CEO of Tourism Vancouver Island, said in a statement. “As international visitors begin to travel again, they will look to trusted travel authorities such as Lonely Planet for direction on which destinations to choose first.”

This year’s book is pivotal because it comes as many people look to travel with a new appreciation following the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s volume places particular emphasis on sustainable travel experiences where travellers will have a positive impact.

The destinations are chosen for how topical they are and their “wow” factor, according to Tourism Vancouver Island.

Reuben Krabbe/Destination BC

“This criteria is particularly meaningful given Tourism Vancouver Island’s dedication to developing and promoting responsible and sustainable travel,” Janet Docherty, chair of Tourism Vancouver Island’s Board of Directors. “We thank the residents of Vancouver Island for contributing to making the region a special place to live and visit.”

Lonely Planet chose the Westfjords in Iceland as the number one region to visit, West Virgina in the US came in second, and Xishuangbanna, China, placed third.

Vancouver Island took ninth place in the top 10 ranking.

Here’s a complete list of the rankings:

Top 10 cities

1. Auckland, New Zealand
2. Taipei, Taiwan
3. Freiburg, Germany
4. Atlanta, US
5. Lagos, Nigeria
6. Nicosia/Lefkosia,Cyprus
7. Dublin, Ireland
8. Merida, Mexico
9. Florence, Italy
10. Gyeongju, South Korea

Top 10 countries

1. Cook Islands
2. Norway
3. Mauritius
4. Belize
5. Slovenia
6. Anguilla
7. Oman
8. Nepal
9. Malawi
10. Egypt

Top 10 regions

1. Westfjords, Iceland
2. West Virginia, US
3. Xishuangbanna, China
4. Kent’s Heritage Coast, UK
5. Puerto Rico
6. Shikoku, Japan
7. Atacama Desert, Chile
8. Scenic Rim, Australia
9. Vancouver Island, Canada
10. Burgundy, France