Helping you discover the best places to go in Canada – from West to East!
Does Canada have any famous landmarks? What’s worth seeing in Canada? Well, I’m glad you asked!
As the second largest country in the world by land mass, there’s an abundance of room for incredible Canadian landmarks! From buzzing metropolis cities to stunning natural landscapes, there’s no shortage of sites to see throughout the Great White North (aka Canada)!
I’ve been fortunate to see so much of the world but have yet to fully explore my own homeland. As such, I’ve enlisted the help of some well travelled fellow bloggers to put together a list of the top landmarks in Canada you have to visit!
Travelling through province by province, from west to east, we’ll cover some of the most incredible both natural and man made landmarks as well as diving into their stories and their importance!
While many of these you’re likely to have heard of, there may be some surprise underrated Canadian spots you’ll discover and add to your Canadian bucket list!
Canadian Landmarks – British Colombia
Stanley Park, Vancouver
Contributed by Kenny from Knycx Journeying
Canada is an amazing country with no shortage of nature – maple tree forests, dramatic coastlines, rugged mountains, glacier, lakes, and many more. One of the most memorable moments was seeing the magnificent northern lights in Yellowknife. There is also a slice of nature in cities, and the Stanley Park in Vancouver is one of the most beloved and well-known urban parks in the country.
The park is located at the waterfront of Vancouver’s downtown. The park features a vast green space, and popular attractions like the Vancouver Aquarium, Brockton Point Lighthouse, Totem Poles and Naval museum at HMCS Discovery.
Take a stroll on the Seawall, enjoy the view of Vancouver’s skyline at the Nine O’Clock Gun, take pictures of the Lions Gate Bridge at the Prospect Point Lookout, or have a picnic and set a camp in an outdoor area – you will find this park a wonderful place to discover.
Vancouver Seawall
Contributed by Riana from Teaspoon of adventure
As a Canadian, I’m so proud to be from a country that is full of so many beautiful spots. But my personal favourite would have to be the Seawall in Vancouver.
The Seawall is a stone wall that was built to protect the perimeter of Vancouver’s Stanley Park from eroding into the ocean. Construction began in 1931 and today the wall runs from Crab Park to Spanish Banks and all around Stanley Park. The Seawall is amazing because it’s the place to go to see the best of Vancouver and experience Vancouver life.
On a sunny day (rare in Vancouver!), you’ll find everyone out on the Seawall. There will be families, couples, tourists and locals. They’ll be on bikes, on foot, on rollerblades. They’ll have their strollers, their dogs, picnic baskets and beach gear. And they’ll be walking along one of the most beautiful routes in the city, admiring views over the ocean, stopping by the beaches and parks, and enjoying the beautiful west coast.
Cathedral Grove, Vancouver Island
Contributed by Lesley from Freedom 56 Travel
Visiting Cathedral Grove on Vancouver Island in British Columbia is an other-worldly destination that I highly recommend!
Located just 25 minutes from Parksville, Cathedral Grove is a collection of ancient Douglas Fir trees. The biggest trees are over 800 years old and 250 feet high with a circumference of 29 feet. This lush old-growth forest is unique to British Columbia in that it remains as it was before the arrival of Europeans to the area.
When you walk through this beautiful place, you’ll not only be struck by the massive size of the trees but also by the peace and tranquility that is created by the forest canopy. It is easy to feel closer to the distant past at Cathedral Grove and to imagine how life would have been for the Indigenous people of the area. Don’t miss this amazing place!
Haida Gwaii
Contributed by James Ian at Travel Collecting
Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands) is off the beaten path, but one of the best destinations in Canada. The only ways to see the highlights are on a kayaking trip (read more about kayaking Haida Gwaii here) or a boat trip.
The southern half of the islands is a national park and it is common to see ospreys and bald eagles; seals and sea lions; and sitka deer and black bears. The highlight, however, is to SG̱ang Gwaay Llanagaay (Ninstints in English), an abandoned Haida village where dozens of weathered totem poles stand guard over the pebbly beach and surrounding woods. Seeing them in the early morning light, bleached by the sun and shrouded in mist, is a mystical experience. You can reach Haida Gwaii by ferry from Prince Rupert and by plane from Vancouver.
Prince Rupert
Contributed by Erin from Curiously Erin
Prince Rupert in British Columbia is a hidden gem that most tourists miss. This coastal gateway town is visited in passing to and from the inside passage ferry en route to Vancouver and Alaska. However, make sure you leave a few days to explore the town itself.
The main thing to do in Prince Rupert is hiking the beautiful surrounding area. Many hikes can be accessed by foot from the town centre but you’ll feel like you’re worlds away. There are numerous museums, one that depicts the canning history of the city. You’ll also be able to join a tour to visit the local grizzly bear population and see the migrating whales up close. Find out the rest of my top things to do in Prince Rupert here.
Victoria
Contributed by Ellie from Exploring VI
No trip to British Columbia would be complete without a visit to its capital (Vancouver is not the capital!) of Victoria, on the confusingly named Vancouver Island. A 90 minutes ferry ride from Vancouver itself, Victoria is awash with culture, great food, colonial and indigenous history and plenty of charm. You can happily spend a day trip exploring the narrow alley ways of Victoria’s Chinatown (the oldest Chinatown in Canada), admire stunning gardens inspired from around the world at Butchart Gardens, or even head out on a whale watching tour.
If you have more than a day to spare, head to Victoria for a night or two and use it as a base for exploring the rest of Vancouver Island – you might just never want to leave!
Canadian Landmarks – Alberta
Johnston Canyon
Contributed by Brianna from Curious Travel Bug
Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park is one of Canada’s must-visit destinations. It’s one of Banff’s most popular hiking trails and after a visit to Johnston Canyon, you will see why.
The boardwalk here takes you along the canyon walls in some places, high above the river below. Along the way, you pass several waterfalls that fall into teal blue water. There are some really fantastic waterfalls here, with the most popular being the lower falls. The lower falls even have a small cave you can walk through to get closer to the spray of the water.
Although the boardwalk can get quite busy, it’s still a relaxing hike to connect to nature. I recommend heading to Johnston Canyon outside of the summer months as it is particularly lovely in the spring and autumn. If you enjoy winter hiking, the trail is still open in the winter so you can see the snow-covered forest as well as frozen waterfalls.
Hiking this trail takes about 2 hours roundtrip if you go to the upper falls. Many people stop at the lower falls so the crowd thins out further on. I loved the part of the hike between the lower and upper falls so it is definitely worth it to continue on.
While Johnston Canyon is Instagram famous for its “secret cave,” this unofficial trail was closed in 2018 because it’s the only known nesting site for black swifts in Alberta and numbers had dropped.
Johnston Canyon is an easy day trip from Calgary. If you are including it in your Banff itinerary, it is easily combined with a scenic drive on the Bow Valley Parkway on your way to another Canadian gem, Lake Louise.
Morraine Lake
Contributed by Roxy from The Coastal Campaign
Canada is famous for its glacial blue lakes and in our humble opinion, none of them are better than Moraine Lake in Banff National Park. We arrived before sunrise on a chilly September morning and watched as the golden light lit up the incredible scene in front of us. The jagged mountains tower over the electric blue lake and it is all surrounded by deep green pine trees. The sheer scale of the landscape really is extraordinary.
While there are numerous glacial lakes across Canada, none of them has water quite as blue as here, nor mountains as large and rugged. Moraine Lake is a truly breath-taking place and should be top of your bucket list when visiting Canada.
Athabasca Glacier
Contributed by Michelle from The Wandering Queen
The Athabasca Glacier is located on the Icefields Parkway near the border of Jasper National Park and Banff National Park. You must visit Athabasca Glacier as soon as possible because the glacier has receded more than 1.5 km and has lost over half of its volume in the past 125 years! You can take a tour to walk on the glacier at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center. But if you are on a budget, you can easily hike to the glacier and view it from a distance. The trail is straightforward and short.
Even if you are not going to walk on the glacier, I highly recommend checking out the discovery center. The center has excellent views of the glacier, surrounding mountains and plenty of food.
Another great hike located close by, called Wilcox Pass, has incredible views of the Athabasca Glacier from a higher altitude, showings its true grandness and full landscape. The hike is 4 km one way with a 335 m Elevation Gain, and it takes about 3.0 to 3.5 hours round trip to complete.
Canadian Landmarks – Ontario
Tobemory
Contributed by Stephanie from The World As I See It
If you’re looking for the best destinations in Canada look no further than Tobermory, Ontario. It may be a small town but it has a wealth of things to do, especially for nature addicts. Located on the northern tip of Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula and a 3 hour drive from Toronto, Tobermory is chalked full of incredible natural beauty.
Tobermory is home to two National Parks, a marine one and the Bruce Peninsula National Park. In Tobermory’s marine park is Flowerpot Island, home to the area’s iconic flowerpot rock formations. In the Bruce Peninsula National Park you’ll find incredible hiking trails and epic clifftop views over Georgian Bay. One of the park’s most famous sights is a sea cave along the coast with water that resembles the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean known as the Grotto. Whether you’re looking for a small town getaway or a week of adventure travel then Tobermory is the destination you’re after.
Toronto Island
Contributed by Gemma from Two Scots Abroad
Take the scenic boat ride over Lake Ontario and watch the Toronto skyline fade as you approach the secluded Toronto Island.
The boat docks at one of three points, Ward Island, Centre Island or Hanlan’s Point. Depart at your chosen port and then take a leisurely stroll through this unique community.
What makes it so unique? Ward Island is home to 100 old houses and residents claimed their space by putting their name of a very sought after list! You can hire a bike to pedal around the island, house hunting and getting a bit of easy exercise in too.
Other remedying features of Toronto Island include a park, a lighthouse, beaches and a couple of cafes, making it a nice day trip from Toronto.
Skylon Tower
Contributed by Jen and Ed Coleman from Coleman Concierge
There are thousands of ways to see Niagara Falls, but if you had to choose one, it should from the top of the Skylon Tower. From the observation deck or rotating restaurant, you will be nearly 800′ in the air with the view that made the Falls famous. You’ll see both sets of falls, the Great Gorge, and on a clear day, all the way to Buffalo and Toronto. In the evenings, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the light show and, if you’re lucky, the fireworks.
Skylon Tower itself is a Niagara landmark. Built in 1965 for at a cost of over 7 million dollars, the ultra-modern tower with its spaceship-like top has become an iconic part of the skyline for more than 50 years. Kings, queens, dignitaries, and rock stars have come to ride the bug-eyed external elevators to the top for that spectacular view.
Niagara Falls
There’s nothing quite like this iconic landmark. As a Canadian (from Ontario), Niagara Falls is always the first place you take any out of town family or friends that visit you. I’ve probably been at least eight times in my life, but at every stage it doesn’t cease to amaze. The infamous view of the falls is taken from the Canadian side, as there are falls located on both side of the Canadian/US border (sorry Americans, but our side is nicer!).
If you’re brave you can venture in for a ride on the Maid of the Midst and get relatively close to the crashing waves of the falls themselves. They’ve also recently opened up a zipline course (near the falls) that will get your adrenaline pumping! If not, enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk and get views of the falls from every angle.
Casa Loma
Contributed by Sam from Sam Sees World
Toronto is known for being an epic big city full of huge buildings and modern designs. However, on a hill overlooking the whole city of Toronto is a gothic castle called Casa Loma. This stunning structure was built in 1911 as a house for Sir Henry Pallett. Today the castle is open to the public for self-guided tours of the whole estate. The interior of the castle is just as beautiful as the exterior and exploring every room and secret passage is exciting. I recommend going to the top of the castle, the view of the Toronto skyline is amazing from up high.
CN Tower
Arguable one of the most infamous structures in Canada (if not THE most) is the CN tower. It was named after Canadian National, the railway company that built it at the time.
Venture up 147 stories to get unparalleled views of the six (Toronto). If you’re the adventurous type you can even participate in the EdgeWalk where you can step outside the observation deck for the world’s highest sky walk. Or you prefer to remain on the inside, opt for some delicious food at the 360 restaurant.
Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO world heritage site and the crown jewel of Ottawa. It passes through a large part of the city to connect us with Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence River in Kingston, which is over 202 kilometres away!
It was originally built for military purposes (to prevent invasions from the Americans) today it’s a hot spot for local activities. In the winter it turns into the world’s largest skating rink where thousands of people come to brave the cold and enjoy a unique experience. Then in the summer it’s still used as an operating canal and so you’ll still see boats passing through. Kayak and canoe rentals are also options, just don’t go for a swim, the water doesn’t have a good reputation for cleanliness.
The canal also has a beautiful boardwalk that is a popular spot for biking, running or just having a stroll.
Parliament Hill
A visit to the Parliament when in Ottawa, is a must! The Parliament building is to Ottawa, what Big Ben is to London, it’s the icon of the city! In the summer months also make sure to circle back and take a seat for the sound and light show in the evening. It’s also worth going up inside to the top of the peace tower where you can spot dozens of Canadian flags spread throughout the downtown core.
Canadian Landmarks – Québec
Québec City
Yes, the whole city deserves to be on the list! It’s a city rich in history and is without a doubt one of the best cities in Canada to visit!
Vieux-Québec (or Old Québec) provides a glimpse into the past and is a charming area of cobblestone streets and nice boutiques and restaurants. Not only the that, but it’s the site of major historic sites like the Plains of Abraham, the Citadel and the fortified walls.
The Château Frontenac, a luxury hotel in the city, is a Québec landmark itself! It was built near the Citadel by the railway company at the time, and also teeters on the edge overlooking the river.
The city sits right on the Saint Laurence and has this incredible feel of old meets new, with a charm that is so unique. It’s a little slice of Europe in the middle of Canada.
Canadian Landmarks – Nova Scotia
Cape Breton
Contributed by Julie from Always On The Way
Cape Breton is an island on the east part of Canada’s Atlantic province, Nova Scotia. It has abreathtaking natural landscape, stunning coastal views, and highland scenery. There are many historical sites, beautiful hiking trails, and a rich history, and regional culture – be it Celtic, Acadian, or Aboriginal.
The best way to take in the scenery and the cultural heritage is to road trip through the Cabot Trail,drive through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, whale watch on Pleasant Bay, and hike through the Skyline Trail during the sunset. End your trip by visiting Baddeck, which has Alexander Graham’s summer home and is famous for the Alexander Graham Bell Museum.
Peggy’s Cove
The charming fishing village of Peggy’s Cove is a quaint and small rural area. It’s a wonderful place to watch the waves crash against the rocks and the fishing boats out in the distance. There’s lots of hiking options available in the area, just be careful as the waves can get unpredictable.
The cove is home to the infamous lighthouse, is likely one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.
Canadian Landmarks – New Brunswick
Hopewell Rock – The Bay of Fundy
Considered one of the seven natural wonders of North America, the beautiful bay of Fundy is unlike anywhere else. It’s considered unique because of it’s high tides, particularly at spots like the Hopewell Rocks.
Located in between two provinces, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, the area also has a rich geological history, with many rare minerals and fossils having been found here.
Canadian Landmarks – Newfoundland
Gros Morne National Park
Contributed by Claire from Curious Claire
Any nature lover visiting Canada will not want to miss out on a visit to Gros Morne National Park. This UNESCO world heritage site located on the west coast of Newfoundland is guaranteed to leave you speechless. With its stunning scenery it’s the perfect place for hiking, especially as Newfoundland’s second highest mountain peak (at 2,644ft) is within the park.
Gros Morne National Park is also home to Western Brook Pond, a Canadian fjord surrounded by steep rock walls reaching as high as 2,000 ft! Here you can take boat tours to get some fantastic views of some of the highest waterfalls in eastern North America.
Canadian Landmarks – Prince Edward Island
PEI National Seashore
Contributed by Alicia from Travels with the crew
PEI national seashore might just be the most beautiful beach in Canada. Not only is it beautiful but unlike most Canadian beaches it is warm enough to swim in! The water depth is very shallow leading the PEI beaches to be the warmest North of the Carolinas.
The beaches in the national seashore are red tinged due to the high amount of iron in the region and contrasting with the blue of the water it makes for a lovely sight. The best part about the beaches is that you often have them to yourself. There are dozens of beaches across the North Shore of PEI that make up the national seashore and we have often found ourselves to be completely alone even in the middle of the summer!
Our favorite beach is North Rustico beach. It has a small parking lot with easy access to the beach so we can bring kayaks with us and easily launch them. It is also a great beach for shallow and calm water and skipping rocks.
Another fabulous way to enjoy the National seashore is to ride bikes down the sea road in the evening. You will find the most amazing sunsets when the suns dips to the level of the water. It is easy to access the beaches from the sea road, so you can make a day of hiking and beach hopping.
Many of these incredible sites are now becoming busier and busier with tourists from all over coming to see the best that Canada has to offer! So if you’re eager to come visit and wondering…
What are the best places to visit in Canada?
What are the most beautiful landmarks to visit in Canada?
My hope is this list gives you a solid starting point for your Canadian adventure!
Looking for more inspiration for your visit to Canada? Take a look at some of these guides on the most underrated capital in the world!
- Top instagram spots in Ottawa
- Feel like royalty at the Chateau Laurier High Tea
- Local’s Guide to a weekend in Ottawa
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