The phrase “island adventure” may evoke images of white sand beaches and cerulean waves, but not all island adventures are set in a tropical paradise. Here are five islands from around the world that offer a variety of exotic adventures for your family to enjoy!
Madagascar
![Madagascar Lemurs Credit - Treehgr Treehgr at English Wikipedia [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC BY 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://www.familyfuncanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Madagascar-Lemurs-Credit-Treehgr.jpg)
Madagascar Lemurs Credit – Treehgr
In addition to its natural bounty, Madagascar also has a rich history and strong cultural roots, including Unesco world heritage sites and the historical Route Nationale 7. Traverse RN7 and your family can visit many communities, taking in their individual cultures and handicrafts along the way.
Saint Pierre & Miquelon
![Port of Saint-Pierre Photo Credit By Doc Searls By Doc Searls from Santa Barbara, USA [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://www.familyfuncanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Port-of-Saint-Pierre-Photo-Credit-By-Doc-Searls.jpg)
Port of Saint-Pierre Photo Credit By Doc Searls
Although Saint Pierre and Miquelon remain a territory of France, these islands exude a unique culture all their own. Featuring a distinctive French dialect, a custom architectural style born from the old world and moulded by new world geography, and an exceptional seafood culinary tradition, there’s something here for each member of your family to enjoy.
Svalbard
![Svalbard Tourists Glacier Photo Credit Woodwalker By Woodwalker (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://www.familyfuncanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Svalbard-Tourists-Glacier-Photo-Credit-Woodwalker.jpg)
Svalbard Tourists Glacier Photo Credit Woodwalker
Svalbard has three seasons to discover. During Polar Summer, the sun never sets and the wildlife population explodes as birds and sea mammals arrive. The Northern Lights Winter, in contrast, is uniformly dark 24/7. Your family can expect unmatched stargazing, complete with the eerie beauty of the Northern Lights. The light returns during Sunny Winter, making dog sledding and snowmobile safaris possible. Your family may even spot a polar bear during your journey!
Sri Lanka
![Sri Lanka Buddah Statue Photo Credit Carlos Delgado By Carlos Delgado (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://www.familyfuncanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Sri-Lanka-Buddah-Statue-Photo-Credit-Carlos-Delgado.jpg)
Sri Lanka Buddah Statue Photo Credit Carlos Delgado
Sri Lanka is also home to a richly diverse animal population and boasts the highest biodiversity density in Asia. Over 20% of the animals found here are totally unique to Sri Lanka, and they can be experienced at any of the 24 wildlife preserves located across the country.
Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands Aerial Photo Credit Jim Lounsbury
All right – some islands are a tropical paradise, like the incomparable Solomon Islands. Situated in the South Pacific just southeast of Australia, the Solomon Islands boast thousands of years of history, sandy beaches, and a reliably temperate climate.
Your family can opt to enjoy the tropical weather beachside at one of the many resorts here or explore the islands and peoples who remain steeped in their ancient cultural traditions. The Solomon Islands were also an important locale during WWII, producing an exclusive mix of war and aboriginal artefacts set against this tropical backdrop.
By Amanda Rafuse
Amanda is a Halifax, N.S.-based freelance writer and public relations practitioner. When she’s not writing, she’s either volunteering with a local charity or spending time cuddled up with her husband and fur-baby.