Canada is enormous, and its most famous landmarks are just as varied as the country itself. You can stand beside Niagara Falls one day, walk through the cobblestone streets of Old Québec another, or find yourself surrounded by turquoise lakes and snow-covered mountains in the Canadian Rockies.

Some of Canada’s best-known landmarks are natural wonders, while others tell the story of the country’s history and cities. There are castles, lighthouses, national parks, historic canals, archaeological sites, and a few buildings that have become instantly recognizable symbols of Canada.

I’ve traveled throughout Canada over the years, and some of these places are every bit as impressive in person as they look in photographs.

Whether you’re planning a Canadian road trip or simply trying to decide what deserves a spot on your bucket list, these are 25 famous landmarks in Canada worth seeing.

 

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Niagara Falls is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Canada and absolutely deserves a spot on any Canadian bucket list.

The falls are made up of three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Horseshoe Falls, the largest, sits along the Canada-U.S. border.

You can admire the falls from the viewpoints on the Canadian side, take a boat cruise toward the base, or get even closer at Journey Behind the Falls. There is also plenty to do in Niagara Falls beyond the waterfalls themselves, making it easy to spend a full day or weekend here.

There is a ton to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

CN Tower in Toronto

At 553 meters tall, the CN Tower dominates the Toronto skyline and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Canada.

Take the elevator up for panoramic views over Toronto and Lake Ontario, stand on the famous Glass Floor, or head even higher to the observation levels near the top. If you want something a little more adventurous, EdgeWalk lets you walk outside the tower while harnessed in, 116 stories above the ground. It is a little scary if you don’t like heights but totally worth the view.

Even if you don’t go up, it’s nearly impossible to visit downtown Toronto without spotting the CN Tower.

Parliament Hill, Ottawa

Parliament Hill sits above the Ottawa River and is one of Canada’s most recognizable landmarks. It’s home to Canada’s federal government and the Gothic Revival buildings that have become symbols of the country’s capital.

Even while the Centre Block is undergoing a major restoration, Parliament Hill is worth visiting for its architecture, views, and Canadian history. Free tours are available, although where Parliament meets and which buildings you can tour can change during the renovations.

Check out our post about Ottawa to find the best way to buy tickets

Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal stretches more than 200 kilometers from Ottawa to Kingston and was completed in 1832. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Ottawa’s most famous landmarks.

In warmer months, you can walk or bike alongside the canal and watch boats travel through its historic locks. In winter, a section of the canal traditionally becomes the Rideau Canal Skateway when weather and ice conditions allow.

Chateau Frontenac in Québec City

The Chateau Frontenac is a hotel located in Québec City and it’s one of Canada’s most recognized landmarks. It claims to be the most photographed hotel in the world!

The Quebec City skyline is dominated by the castle-like hotel and you can see it everywhere you go in the old city.

This hotel was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway and it has been standing since 1893. The building itself is known for its red roof with copper flashing and stunning views over the St Lawrence River.

Over the years many famous guests have stayed here including Princess Diana, Charles De Gaulle and Winston Churchill.

Quebec City is one of our favorite spots!

Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal

This incredible cathedral is located in downtown Montreal and the design includes a mix of Gothic, Romanesque and Byzantine architecture.

The church was constructed in 1829 and it’s a testament to the history of this city.

The interior of Notre Dame Cathedral is a beautiful and quiet place to visit, especially with the stained glass windows.

 Mount Royal, Montreal

Montreal is known as one of the most European cities in North America, so it’s no wonder that there are plenty of great landmarks to visit here. One of these is Mount Royal, a large hill that’s located in the middle of the city.

The park on top of the mountain has a great view of Montreal and is surrounded by maple trees that turn orange in October. You can reach the top by car or on foot, but if you walk up the stairs from Beaver Lake you will be rewarded with a great view of Montreal on one side and the Laurentians on the other.

Banff National Park

Banff is located in the province of Alberta and is one of the most-visited parts of Canada. It’s known for its great nature with lakes, waterfalls, forests and wildlife. The best way to explore all these things is by hiking or just taking a boat ride on one of the many lakes.

Apart from that there are plenty of tours like the Banff Gondola, Glacier Skywalk and driving through Johnston Canyon.

If you are brave enough, you can do a cowboy cookout, complete with horseback riding from Banff.

Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver

Vancouver is one of Canada’s biggest cities and is known for its great nightlife, food scene, and beautiful scenery. It’s located on the west coast of Canada with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Coast Range on the other.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a must-see for anyone who visits Vancouver. It is a 164-meter long bridge built in 1889 that goes across the Capilano River. It’s famous for its beautiful views of the river and the surrounding forest.

The 65-meter-high bridge overhangs the rocks underneath it by nearly 90 meters, making it a breathtaking experience.

Jasper National Park

Jasper is located in the province of Alberta (near Banff) and is known for its glaciers and great views of the Rocky Mountains. If you’re a nature lover, this is an area to visit.

There are many hikes here for all levels of experience, but if you want a gentle walk then head over to Patricia Lake. Or take a boat ride on the lake, and there is even the option of hiring a canoe if you want to go on your own.

If you want something a little more daring you should do the Maligne Canyon Icewalk.

Another great option is the Maligne Lake Cruise which takes you over an enormous lake with the most amazing views.

Lake Louise, Alberta

Lake Louise is one of the most recognizable landscapes in Canada, with bright turquoise water surrounded by the peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

Located within Banff National Park, the lake is beautiful in every season. In summer, you can hike or paddle on the lake, while winter transforms the area with snow and ice. Even if you only stop long enough to take in the view, Lake Louise is one of those Canadian landmarks that really does look like the photographs.

Stanley Park, Vancouver

Stanley Park is a huge green space on the edge of downtown Vancouver, surrounded almost entirely by water. It’s one of the city’s most famous landmarks and an easy place to spend several hours.

Walk or bike along the Seawall for views of Vancouver Harbour, the mountains, and the city skyline. You’ll also find beaches, forest trails, gardens, and the well-known collection of First Nations totem poles at Brockton Point.

Butchart Gardens, British Columbia

Butchart Gardens is one of the most famous attractions on Vancouver Island. What began as a former limestone quarry has been transformed into more than 100 years of gardens filled with flowers, trees, ponds, and walking paths.

The Sunken Garden is the most recognizable part, but there are several different gardens to explore. It’s especially beautiful during the spring and summer, although the gardens are open throughout the year.

Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, Nova Scotia

Peggy’s Point Lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove is one of the most photographed landmarks in Atlantic Canada. The white-and-red lighthouse sits on a rocky stretch of the Nova Scotia coast about an hour from Halifax.

The lighthouse and surrounding granite shoreline are beautiful, but the ocean here can be dangerous. Stay off the dark, wet rocks near the water and follow the posted safety warnings while exploring.

Old Québec, Québec City

Walking through Old Québec feels very different from visiting almost any other city in North America. The historic district is filled with cobblestone streets, stone buildings, fortifications, and landmarks including Château Frontenac.

Old Québec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only fortified city north of Mexico whose walls still remain. Walk along Dufferin Terrace, explore the streets of Petit-Champlain, and leave plenty of time to simply wander.

Signal Hill, Newfoundland and Labrador

Signal Hill rises above St. John’s and offers sweeping views over the city and the Atlantic Ocean. At the top is Cabot Tower, one of the most recognizable landmarks in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Signal Hill has played an important role in the military and communications history of St. John’s. Today, you can explore the historic site, hike its trails, and look out over the colorful buildings and harbor below.

L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland and Labrador

L’Anse aux Meadows is one of Canada’s most fascinating historic landmarks. Located at the northern tip of Newfoundland, it contains the remains of an 11th-century Norse settlement.

The archaeological site provided evidence that Norse explorers reached North America centuries before Columbus. Today, you can see the remains of the original settlement and reconstructed Norse buildings while learning what life may have been like for the people who lived here roughly 1,000 years ago.

Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta

Dinosaur Provincial Park is the largest dinosaur fossil field in Canada. It’s located in Alberta; if you love dinosaurs, this is the place to go!

There are more than 1,500 bones on display here of about 300 different species. These include some of the largest plant-eating dinosaurs as well as the smallest carnivorous dinosaurs.

If you want to go on a tour then there are options available from 2-hour tours up to all-day tours. There is also an onsite museum explaining the history of this park and how it was formed in the first place.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia

This national park is located on the east coast of Canada. It covers over 221 square kilometers and includes over 800 islands. Cape Breton Highlands National Park was created to preserve the natural landscape along with flora and fauna which are representative of the Appalachian Mountains.

There are many hiking options here where you can see all kinds of wildlife, including moose, red squirrels, porcupines, and incredibly diverse birdlife.

For more information on hikes check this out.

Fundy National Park in New Brunswick, Canada

Fundy National Park is the only coastal national park in all of Canada. It’s located on the east coast and covers over 100 square kilometers.

The best way to explore this amazing place is by taking a boat tour out onto the bay where you will see whales, eagles, various species of birds, well-marked trails and much more.

You should try and time your visit here with the tide as you will see huge areas of mudflats at low tide which many birds feed on during high tide.

Boardwalks are leading out to these flats so you can get great close-up views of all the wildlife.

Prince Edward Island National Park

This popular park on the island of PEI covers over 18 kilometers of beautiful coastline. Visitors can enjoy some amazing views along with exploring all kinds of natural habitats.

Natural attractions here include sandy beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes, and many types of sea life.

The beaches themselves are world-class and are a family-friendly destination for people all over Canada and the United States.

Green Gables National Park, PEI

Green Gables is a very important place in Canadian history. It was built for author L.M. Montgomery, who wrote the book Anne of Green Gables.

The park itself covers over 5,000 acres and is located southwest of Cavendish, Prince Edward Island.

One of the most popular attractions here is Green Gables, which features the main house that inspired Green Gables in the book.

It also features walking trails like “Lover’s Lane” and the “Haunted Woods.”

If you love Anne of Green Gables, you won’t want to miss it.

Halifax Citadel

The Halifax Citadel is a star fort that was built back in 1828 as a defense to protect the city from any attacks.

Visitors here can enjoy seeing all kinds of different weapons, including cannons, which are fired regularly throughout the day.

There are also guided tours available, along with numerous events and activities, such as battle reenactments, dressing like a soldier, and learning how to stay fighting-ready.

Hopewell Rocks, New Brunswick

Hopewell Rocks are located along the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada.  The tides here can change up to 56 feet between high and low tide which is what creates the rocks that have been eroded into these unique shapes.

You can go walking out or around them and also check out the beach and waterfalls.

The Forks, Winnipeg

The Forks park in Winnipeg is one of the city’s major attractions as it features an amphitheater, an ice skating rink, a Children’s Museum, a conservatory, a skate park, and much more.

There’s also an excellent food court here which has some of the best places to eat in the city.

The Forks park is also home to many festivals including the Winnipeg Folk Festival which brings in over 80,000 people every summer.

The Carcross Desert

The Carcross Desert in the Yukon territory has been nicknamed “The Little White Spot in the North.”

It contains sand dunes and, in the distance, beautiful white snow, which is an amazing sight, especially for those who love nature and hiking.

It is one of the most amazing attractions in Canada because it’s a desert that appears alongside the glacial melt of nearby Bennett Lake.

It is often called the smallest desert in the world.

There are tons of different activities here, including ATV tours, hiking tours through the desert, off-road mountain biking, and much more.

If you’re planning a visit to the Yukon Territories, this is one of the most important stops you should make.

 

How to Choose Which Canadian Landmarks to Visit

Canada is enormous, so you probably won’t see all of these landmarks on one trip. The easiest way to choose is to focus on one region and build your itinerary around it.

For a first trip to Eastern Canada, you can combine Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Québec City and see several of Canada’s most famous landmarks in one vacation.

If mountains and outdoor scenery are the priority, head west to Banff and Jasper, where you can see Lake Louise and some of the most spectacular scenery in the Canadian Rockies.

For coastal scenery and smaller towns, Atlantic Canada has Peggy’s Cove, Cape Breton, Hopewell Rocks, Green Gables, Fundy National Park, and the historic sites of Newfoundland.

And don’t overlook western Canada. Vancouver and Vancouver Island make it easy to combine Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge, and Butchart Gardens on the same trip.

You don’t need to see every famous landmark in Canada to have a great trip. Pick the region that interests you most and save the rest for another visit.

Famous Landmarks in Canada FAQ

What is the most famous landmark in Canada?

Niagara Falls is probably the most famous landmark in Canada. The falls sit along the Canada-U.S. border, but Horseshoe Falls and the views from the Canadian side have become one of the country’s most recognizable sights.

What are the top landmarks to see in Canada?

For a first trip, I’d put Niagara Falls, the CN Tower, Château Frontenac and Old Québec, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, and Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse high on the list. They give you a good mix of Canada’s cities, history, mountains, and natural scenery.

What are some famous natural landmarks in Canada?

Canada has some incredible natural landmarks, including Niagara Falls, Lake Louise, Banff and Jasper National Parks, Hopewell Rocks, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and Fundy National Park. The Canadian Rockies are especially good if natural scenery is the main reason for your trip.

What are some famous historical landmarks in Canada?

Old Québec, Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, Halifax Citadel, Green Gables, and L’Anse aux Meadows are some of Canada’s best-known historic landmarks. They represent very different periods of Canadian history, from the Norse settlement in Newfoundland to the country’s political history in Ottawa.

Which part of Canada has the most famous landmarks?

Ontario and Québec are probably the easiest provinces for seeing several famous Canadian landmarks in one trip. A route through Toronto, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Montreal, and Québec City includes the CN Tower, Niagara Falls, Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, Notre-Dame Basilica, Mount Royal, Château Frontenac, and Old Québec.