The Islands of Tahiti: Where Canadians Can Have Amazing Adventures
Tell people that you’re heading to The Islands of Tahiti and immediately, they’ll think of Bora Bora, where turquoise waters gently lap below luxurious overwater bungalows idyllic for taking in the evening sunset from your deck.
That was the response I got from friends when I visited French Polynesia. They weren’t entirely wrong. Yes, I did stay in an overwater bungalow—given that the lush accommodation was pioneered in the South Pacific in the 1960s, it felt like it’d be rude not to. But I also climbed through caves clinging to ocean cliffs, zipped through the waves on a vaʻa (traditional outrigger canoe) and hiked to towering waterfalls.
French Polynesia is so much bigger than Tahiti and Bora Bora, its two most famous islands. Spread across five archipelagos, French Polynesia has 118 islands and atolls, with adventures that are just as vast and varied. Your biggest challenge won’t be finding things to do; it’ll be narrowing down where to go.
Experience Polynesia Culture in Tahiti and The Society Islands
Tahiti, the main gateway to French Polynesia and the Society Islands, was put in the spotlight in 2024, with Olympians riding waves of mythic proportions at Teahupoʻo. Its capital city, Papeʻetē, is where you’ll find an open-air market and colourful French architecture. The streets are only further enlivened in July when Heiva i Tahiti, a celebration of Tahitian song, dance and culture, takes place.
Across the water, just a short 18-kilometre ferry ride away, you’ll find the jagged peaks of Moʻorea, beloved for hiking (best done with a local guide). This part of the Society Islands is also host to the epic XTERRA triathlon, with the next event scheduled for October 2026.
The Society Islands are also where you’ll find the overwater bungalows of Bora Bora. And, for an even more off-the-beaten-path experience, book a day trip to Tahaʻa, where you’ll taste locally distilled rum and have the opportunity to visit black pearl and vanilla farms.
Dive the Pristine Waters Surrounding the Tuamotu Islands
French Polynesia’s diving is legendary, and you’ll understand why as soon as you arrive in the Tuamotus. The protected coral atoll of Fakarava has one of the largest lagoons in the destination, providing a haven for birds and marine animals. In the South Pass, hundreds of grey reef sharks gather to create the iconic “Wall of Sharks,” which many divers rate as one of their top underwater experiences. The island of Rangiroa also boasts incredible visibility and diverse marine life, making it a good pick for beginner divers. Snorkellers won’t be disappointed either, as the clear water makes it possible to see abundant schools of fish from above.
Whale Watch and Explore Caves in the Austral Islands
Humpback whales are protected and central to Polynesia culture, visiting the islands every year from roughly July to November. It’s possible to witness them resting and playing through French Polynesia, but the best viewings are from Rurutu. Its lack of surrounding barrier reef makes it possible for the whales and their young to come very close to shore, meaning it’s only just a short boat ride to find them and even jump in the water with them, if conditions allow.
But even if you arrive outside of whale season (as I did) you won’t be disappointed by the experience. Stay at a family-owned Tahitian guesthouse (a very popular and budget-friendly option) and spend your days exploring the island’s limestone caves, including the oceanside “Monster’s Mouth,” a fun scrambling excursion.
Another option is Raivavae, a remote paradise where you can cycle the road encircling the island, snorkel in the lagoon or hike through the mountains—all without the crowds of the more popular islands.
Go off Grid in The Marquesas or The Gambier Islands
If all the above options don’t sound bold enough, why not visit one of the most remote destinations on Earth: The Marquesas? The 12 volcanic islands that makeup The Marquesas are a designated UNESCO Heritage Site known for their remote terrain exceptional for hiking and mountain biking. South of The Marquesas, The Gambier Islands are similarly rugged and a true adventurer’s escape, where ancient ruins, pearl farms and turquoise waters invite exploration at every turn.
As Island for Every Budget and Adventure
A trip to French Polynesia doesn’t have to just be about flopping and dropping at a destination (although no one is judging you if that’s what you have in mind). It’s a place where it’s possible—and encouraged!—to island hop from one adventure to the next.
The incredible hospitality of Polynesians absolutely lives up to its reputation. From the moment that you are greeted at the airport with a garland or hei of tiare blossoms—a fragrant flower that symbolizes the hospitality of Polynesians—until you wave goodbye, you’ll be made to feel like this is the place you’re meant to be.
This article was sponsored by Tahiti Tourisme
The Islands of Tahiti are the perfect place for your vacation! Magnificent, breathtaking scenery and a famously welcoming local population. You’ll have an unforgettable stay in Tahiti, Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Rangiroa, Huahine and any of our other beautiful French Polynesia islands.
