Canada is known for its natural beauty, friendly locals and diverse culture, so it might come as no surprise to see it was crowned the country people wanted to move to the most in one of our previous studies. With plenty of stunning views for locals and those new to the country, it’s easy to see why the North American nation is so popular with people around the world.
Whether you’re planning a short trip to soak up some of the country’s breathtaking natural landscapes or planning a big move to Canada, finding new viewpoints to admire is a great way to explore and get a feel for a new place.
To reveal the best viewpoints across Canada, we analyzed over 483,000 tourist reviews for landmarks, viewing points and popular tourist spots across the country to see which ones feature the highest percentage of positive mentions of the word ‘view’. From this research, we’ve created a ranking to crown Canada’s best views.
Our key findings:
- Bear’s Hump in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, is the most popular viewpoint among travellers in Canada – with an impressive 87.7% of views mentioning the stunning view.
- Overall, viewpoints in British Columbia impress visitors the most – with a third (10) of the top 30 viewpoints located in this province.
- Scenic trails stole the spotlight, with over half of the top 30 views found on walks, hikes and lookouts – outshining city and town panoramas.
- Some of the top underrated views (based on the percentage of positive mentions of ‘view’ in visitor feedback) include those found at Mount Tolmie Park in British Columbia, Soames Hill in British Columbia and the Dare Devil Trail in Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Top 5 viewpoints in Canada
1. Bear’s Hump – Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
One of the most iconic and accessible hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park, the trail leads hikers up to a rocky outcrop that offers stunning panoramic views of Waterton Valley, the townsite and Upper Waterton Lake. The hike itself is short, around 1.5 hours to do in total, but it is very steep, making it a challenging climb. However, the views that greet you once you reach the top are unforgettable.
2. Mount Maxwell Provincial Park – Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
Mount Maxwell, the highest point on Salt Spring Island, is famous for Baynes Peak. From the top of the climb, you can admire sweeping views of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and, on a clear day, even a glimpse of mainland British Columbia. This rewarding walk can take one to four hours, depending on the trail and your fitness level. However, there is an option to drive to the viewpoint, making it one of the more accessible scenic spots in the region.
3. Mount Tolmie Park – Victoria, British Columbia
A small mountain with a big view. This spot offers visitors one of the best panoramic overlooks of Victoria, where you can admire views of downtown, the Olympic Mountains in Washington and even parts of the Gulf Islands. The park also has some lovely picnic areas for visitors to relax for a while and enjoy the views while indulging in some alfresco dining.
4. Soames Hill – Gibsons, British Columbia
Known locally as Knob Hill, this is one of the best hikes on the Sunshine Coast, as it offers spectacular 360° views of Bowen Island, Keats Island, Gibsons and the sparkling waters of Howe Sound. Depending on the trail and your pace, the hike can take around an hour, and there are several viewpoints you can enjoy once you reach the summit.
5. Dare Devil Trail – St Anthony, Newfoundland and Labrador
Consisting of over 470 wooden steps that lead to a lookout, the views from this challenging trail are worth it. Offering unforgettable panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged cliffs and floating icebergs in Iceberg Alley, it’s one of the best places in Newfoundland to spot icebergs and whales, perfect for those who want to see some fascinating wildlife on their hikes.
Many of Canada’s top viewing spots are those found in nature, with hiking trails, peaks, lakes and mountains all leaving visitors with lasting impressions. While some top views in the study might not have the highest number of reviews, the percentage of people who found these less popular spots to have a stunning view was higher than those more well-known spots.
The top 30 best views in Canada
| Rank | Viewpoint | Location | Province | Total Reviews | % of Reviews Mentioning ‘View’ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bear’s Hump | Waterton Lakes National Park | Alberta | 162 | 87.7% |
| 2 | Mount Maxwell Provincial Park | Salt Spring Island | British Columbia | 360 | 87.2% |
| 3 | Mount Tolmie Park | Victoria | British Columbia | 137 | 85.4% |
| 4 | Soames Hill (aka Knob Hill) | Gibsons | British Columbia | 75 | 85.3% |
| 5 | Dare Devil Trail | St Anthony | Newfoundland and Labrador | 50 | 81.5% |
| 6 | Cape George Point Lighthouse | Cape George | Nova Scotia | 50 | 78.0% |
| 7 | Signal Hill | St Johns | Newfoundland and Labrador | 3,658 | 76.3% |
| 8 | Malahat Skywalk | Malahat | British Columbia | 212 | 75.9% |
| 9 | Burnaby Mountain Park | Burnaby | British Columbia | 339 | 75.8% |
| 10 | Ha Ling Peak | Canmore | Alberta | 324 | 75.4% |
| 11 | Tunnel Mountain Trail | Banff | Alberta | 748 | 74.6% |
| 12 | Mount Douglas Park | Saanich | British Columbia | 128 | 74.2% |
| 13 | Niagara Falls Observation Tower | Niagara Falls | Ontario | 1,104 | 73.7% |
| 14 | Quarry Rock Hike | North Vancouver | British Columbia | 192 | 73.4% |
| 15 | Cypress Provincial Park | West Vancouver | British Columbia | 91 | 72.5% |
| 16 | Fort Howe National Historic Site of Canada | Saint John | New Brunswick | 71 | 71.8% |
| 17 | Goderich Lighthouse | Goderich | Ontario | 101 | 71.3% |
| 18 | Sulphur Mountain | Banff National Park | Alberta | 756 | 71.0% |
| 19 | Stawamus Chief Park | Squamish | British Columbia | 337 | 70.9% |
| 20 | Fairview Lookout | Lake Louise | Alberta | 173 | 70.5% |
| 21 | Big Beehive | Lake Louise | Alberta | 142 | 70.4% |
| 22 | Bell Island Lighthouse | Bell Island | Newfoundland and Labrador | 77 | 70.1% |
| 23 | Menesetung Bridge | Goderich | Ontario | 149 | 69.8% |
| 24 | Cape Split Hiking Trail | Scots Bay | Nova Scotia | 251 | 69.7% |
| 25 | Sea to Sky Gondola | Squamish | British Columbia | 2,235 | 69.4% |
| 26 | Cabot Tower | St Johns | Newfoundland and Labrador | 440 | 69.3% |
| 27 | Mount Nemo Conservation Area | Burlington | Ontario | 123 | 69.1% |
| 28 | Niagara Skywheel | Niagara Falls | Ontario | 6,361 | 68.5% |
| 29 | Skylon Tower | Niagara Falls | Ontario | 8,121 | 68.2% |
| 30 | Castle Hill National Historic Site | Placentia | Newfoundland and Labrador | 126 | 67.5% |
With so many wonderful views on offer across the country, we wanted to dive deeper into the different provinces to reveal the best views for locals and tourists to admire.
The best views in Alberta
Famous for its Rocky Mountains, badlands and prairies, this is one of Canada’s most geographically diverse provinces. Home to stunning natural landscapes, rich history and vibrant cities, including Calgary and Edmonton.
Topping the list in Alberta is Bear’s Hump, one of the most iconic hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park, with 87.7% of reviews mentioning the word ‘view’, and also making the top five is Fairview Lookout at Lake Louise, which offers unobstructed views of the lake from above, making it one of the best vantage points to admire the famous stunning blue waters. Two Banff views rank in the top five, too, with the Tunnel Mountain and Sulphur Mountain ranking in third and fourth spots, respectively, with 70% and 75% of reviews mentioning the word ‘view’.
The five best views in Alberta
| Rank | Viewpoint | Location | Total Reviews | % of Reviews Mentioning ‘View’ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bear’s Hump | Waterton Lakes National Park | 162 | 87.7% |
| 2 | Ha Ling Peak | Canmore | 324 | 75.6% |
| 3 | Tunnel Mountain Trail | Banff | 794 | 74.4% |
| 4 | Sulphur Mountain | Banff National Park | 756 | 71.0% |
| 5 | Fairview Lookout | Lake Louise | 173 | 70.5% |
The best views in British Columbia (BC)
Home to 10 of the top views in the top 30, this province has so much to offer those looking for incredible views. Hailed for its stunning natural beauty, captivating coastlines, towering mountains and lively cities, this province is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The province is home to many stunning natural viewpoints, including Mount Maxwell Provincial Park and Soames Hill. A man-made attraction, Malahat Skywalk, also features in the top five. Designed to showcase BC’s natural beauty, it offers visitors impressive views of the Salish Sea, Gulf Islands and Mount Baker on clear days.
The five best views in British Columbia
| Rank | Viewpoint | Location | Total reviews | % of reviews mentioning ‘view’ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mount Maxwell Provincial Park | Salt Spring Island | 360 | 87.2% |
| 2 | Mount Tolmie Park | Victoria | 137 | 85.4% |
| 3 | Soames Hill (aka Knob Hill) | Gibsons | 75 | 85.3% |
| 4 | Malahat Skywalk | Malahat | 212 | 75.9% |
| 5 | Burnaby Mountain Park | Burnaby | 339 | 75.8% |
The best views in Manitoba
Situated in the heart of Canada, this province is known for its vast prairies, boreal forests, stunning lakes, and rich culture. It’s often called “The Land of 100,000 Lakes” and features rugged wilderness, incredible wildlife and vibrant cities. Topping the list is one of Canada’s most famous roadside attractions; standing at over 40 feet, this fish statue attracts scores of visitors, where they can admire views across the lake. Another impressive viewpoint is the Prince of Wales Fort, where visitors can take in breathtaking coastal views as they soak up the fort’s history.
The five best views in Manitoba
| Rank | Viewpoint | Location | Total reviews | % of reviews mentioning ‘view’ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Husky the Muskie | Kenora | 120 | 29.2% |
| 2 | Prince of Wales Fort | Churchill | 116 | 16.4% |
| 3 | Hecla Provincial Park | Winnipeg | 106 | 16.0% |
| 3 | Splash Dash | Winnipeg | 106 | 16.0% |
| 5 | Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre | Stony Mountain | 103 | 12.6% |
The best views in New Brunswick
Canada’s hidden coastal gem, this province is known for its dramatic Bay of Fundy coastline, charming small towns and vast wilderness. The Quaco Head Lighthouse offers up some impressive views for those visiting, boasting sweeping ocean views where you can admire the crashing waves and red sandstone cliffs; this is a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers hoping to capture some of the extraordinary views. With the Bay of Fundy being home to the highest tides on earth, sometimes reaching as high as 14 meters, the Reversing Falls Observation Deck is one of the most fascinating tidal phenomena in the world. From the observation deck, you can witness the dramatic battle between the river and the ocean for yourself.
The five best views in new Brunswick
| Rank | Viewpoint | Location | Total reviews | % of reviews mentioning ‘view’ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fort Howe National Historic Site of Canada | Saint John | 71 | 71.8% |
| 2 | Quaco Head Lighthouse | St Martins | 52 | 53.8% |
| 3 | Cape Enrage | Alma | 465 | 51.6% |
| 4 | Fundy Trail Provincial Park | St Martins | 651 | 49.9% |
| 5 | Reversing Falls Observation Deck | Saint John | 50 | 48.0% |
The best views in Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the more unique provinces in Canada, known for its dramatic coastal cliffs, iceberg-filled waters and welcoming cultures. It offers some of the best wildlife experiences in Canada, so whether you want to take in the natural beauty on a hike or catch a glimpse of some impressive wild animals, this is the province for you. Top views in Newfoundland include those from Cabot Tower, which ranks as the fourth-best view in the province. From the top of the tower, visitors are welcomed by views of the city, coastline, and vast Atlantic waters.
The best views in Newfoundland and Labrador
| Rank | Viewpoint | Location | Total reviews | % of reviews mentioning ‘view’ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dare Devil Trail | St Anthony | 65 | 81.5% |
| 2 | Signal Hill | St Johns | 3,658 | 76.3% |
| 3 | Bell Island Lighthouse | Bell Island | 77 | 70.1% |
| 4 | Cabot Tower | St Johns | 440 | 69.3% |
| 5 | Castle Hill National Historic Site | Placentia | 126 | 67.5% |
The best views in Nova Scotia
With charming fishing villages, rich maritime culture, historic lighthouses and jagged coastlines, it’s one of the most picturesque places in Canada. Whether you’re driving along the coastal roads admiring the beauty as you pass by or want to explore one of the many beautiful trails in the province, there’s plenty to see. For those hoping to hike, Cape Split offers up some of the most stunning views, with a dramatic look at the towering sea cliffs that overlook the Bay of Fundy.
The five best views in Nova Scotia
| Rank | Viewpoint | Location | Total reviews | % of reviews mentioning ‘view’ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cape George Point Lighthouse | Cape George | 50 | 78.0% |
| 2 | Cape Split Hiking Trail | Scots Bay | 251 | 69.7% |
| 3 | Cape d’Or Lighthouse | Advocate Harbour | 140 | 65.0% |
| 3 | Five Islands Lighthouse | Five Islands | 60 | 65.0% |
| 5 | Luckett Vineyards | Wolfville | 800 | 60.3% |
The best views in Ontario
Ontario, One of Canada’s most diverse provinces, is well known for its iconic cities, stunning lakes and vast forests. From the skyscrapers of Toronto to the world-famous Niagara Falls, there are views of cities and natural wonders to impress everyone. Topping the list is the Niagara Falls Observation Tower, one of the best and most accessible places to take in the views of all three waterfalls. Menesetung Bridge also has one of the top five views in Ontario. Initially built in 1907, the bridge offers magnificent views of Lake Huron and the Maitland River.
The five best views in Ontario
| Rank | Viewpoint | Location | Total reviews | % of reviews mentioning ‘view’ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Niagara Falls Observation Tower | Niagara Falls | 1,104 | 73.7% |
| 2 | Goderich Lighthouse | Goderich | 101 | 71.3% |
| 3 | Menesetung Bridge | Goderich | 149 | 69.8% |
| 4 | Mount Nemo Conservation Area | Burlington | 123 | 69.1% |
| 5 | Niagara Skywheel | Niagara Falls | 6,361 | 68.5% |
The best views in Prince Edward Island
Although it is the smallest Canadian province, Prince Edward Island is home to some impressive views. Topping the list is the Port-la-Joye Fort Amherst, a National Historic Site with breathtaking water and surrounding landscape views. The province is also home to more than 60 lighthouses and range lights, with three of them, Souris Lighthouse, Cape Tryon Lighthouse and East Point Lighthouse making the top five. Many of the lighthouses date back to the 19th century and offer some incredible views over the stunning coastline of the province.
The five best views in Prince Edward Island
| Rank | Viewpoint | Location | Total reviews | % of reviews mentioning ‘view’ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Port-la-Joye Fort Amherst | Rocky Point | 91 | 64.8% |
| 2 | Souris Lighthouse | Souris | 158 | 57.6% |
| 3 | Cape Tryon Lighthouse | French River | 50 | 54.0% |
| 4 | East Point Lighthouse | Elmira | 197 | 49.7% |
| 5 | Prince Edward Battery | Charlottetown | 47 | 44.7% |
The best views in Quebec
Quebec is the largest province in Central Canada and the only predominantly French-speaking province. Known for its European touches, vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, Quebec offers a blend of charming cities and magnificent wilderness. The top view in the province is Nepean Point, one of Ottawa’s best lookout spots, offering gorgeous views of the city and its landmarks. Montrėal has beautiful views for locals and visitors, with three local spots, including Mount Royal Park, making the top five. A refreshing green space with nature trails and excellent views, it’s the perfect natural escape in the heart of the city.
The five best views in Quebec
| Rank | Viewpoint | Location | Total reviews | % of reviews mentioning ‘view’ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nepean Point | Ottawa | 119 | 52.9% |
| 2 | Le Tour de Montréal | Montréal | 509 | 52.1% |
| 3 | Musée Marguerite-Bourgeoys | Montréal | 66 | 48.5% |
| 4 | Quebec City Ferry | Quebec City | 1,417 | 47.8% |
| 5 | Mount Royal Park | Montréal | 10,707 | 46.6% |
Methodology
For this study, we compiled a list of 411 popular Canadian sights and viewpoints by reviewing top attractions and viewpoints from each province in Canada. We then examined over 483,000 reviews of travellers and visitors on a popular travel review website for each viewpoint and determined the percentage of reviews that mention ‘view’ positively. Using this method, we created our final ranking and analyzed the best views in Canada.
Viewpoints that had less than 50 total reviews were excluded from the ranking. Results where the term ‘view’ was used negatively or for another context (a sports stadium offering a good view of the pitch) were omitted from the final results.
Data correct as of February 2025.