21 Iconic Canadian Landmarks Every Traveler Should See
Canada stretches from coast to coast with landscapes that range from thundering waterfalls to ancient mountain ranges, historic cities to wildlife-rich wilderness.
Every province holds treasures that tell stories of Indigenous heritage, European exploration, and natural wonders that took millions of years to form.
Whether you crave adventure, history, or breathtaking views, these landmarks promise unforgettable memories and experiences you’ll talk about for years to come.
1. CN Tower, Toronto
Standing tall at 553 meters, this iconic tower dominated the skyline as the world’s tallest free-standing structure for over three decades.
Your stomach might flip when you step onto the glass floor and look straight down to the streets below.
For thrill-seekers with nerves of steel, the EdgeWalk experience lets you walk around the outside of the main pod, harnessed but totally exposed to the elements and the dizzying height.
On clear days, you can spot Niagara Falls from the observation deck.
Sunset visits offer the best photo opportunities as the city lights begin to twinkle.
2. Banff National Park, Alberta
Picture turquoise waters so vivid they look photoshopped, surrounded by jagged peaks dusted with snow even in summer.
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake steal the spotlight, but countless trails lead to hidden waterfalls, alpine meadows, and wildlife encounters.
Elk wander through the townsite like they own the place, and you might spot grizzly bears from a safe distance if you’re lucky.
Winter transforms the park into a snowy wonderland perfect for skiing and ice skating on frozen lakes.
Pack layers because mountain weather changes faster than your mood on a Monday morning.
3. Old Quebec City, Quebec
Cobblestone streets wind past 17th-century buildings, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a European fairy tale without crossing the Atlantic.
The towering Chateau Frontenac dominates the skyline, looking more like a castle than a hotel.
Walking the fortified walls gives you sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River and the lower town below.
Street performers, cozy cafes, and French bakeries line every corner, filling the air with music and the smell of fresh croissants.
Bundle up in winter when the city hosts a spectacular ice carnival with frozen sculptures.
4. Niagara Falls, Ontario
Over 750,000 gallons of water thunder over the edge every single second, creating a roar you can hear from blocks away and a mist that soaks everything nearby.
Horseshoe Falls curves dramatically, offering the most impressive views from the Canadian side.
Boat tours take you right into the spray zone where rainbows dance in the mist and the power of nature feels almost overwhelming.
Nighttime illuminations paint the falls in vibrant colors, while fireworks displays add extra magic during summer months.
Bring a waterproof jacket or embrace getting completely drenched.
5. Parliament Hill, Ottawa
Gothic spires and green copper roofs create a striking silhouette against the Ottawa skyline, housing the heart of Canadian democracy.
The Peace Tower stands as the centerpiece, with a carillon that chimes throughout the day.
During summer, the Changing of the Guard ceremony brings pomp and pageantry to the front lawn, complete with red-coated soldiers and military precision.
Free tours let you explore the Senate and House of Commons chambers when parliament isn’t in session.
Come for Canada Day celebrations when the hill explodes with concerts, fireworks, and patriotic energy.
6. Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver
Suspended 70 meters above a rushing river, this swaying bridge stretches 137 meters through ancient rainforest canopy.
Every step makes the bridge bounce slightly, testing your courage while offering incredible views of towering Douglas firs.
Treetop walkways let you explore the forest from above, connected by smaller bridges that feel like secret pathways through a giant’s garden.
Cliff Walk clings to the granite canyon wall, with glass-bottomed sections for extra heart-pounding moments.
Visit early morning to beat the crowds and hear birdsong echoing through the misty forest.
7. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador
Dramatic fjords slice through ancient mountains, revealing geological secrets that help scientists understand how Earth’s crust formed billions of years ago.
Western Brook Pond isn’t actually a pond but a stunning landlocked fjord with waterfalls cascading down sheer cliffs.
Hiking trails range from easy coastal walks to challenging mountain scrambles, each offering different perspectives on this UNESCO World Heritage wonderland.
The Tablelands look like Mars landed in Newfoundland, with rusty-orange rock from deep beneath the ocean floor.
Boat tours provide the best views of the fjord’s towering walls and hidden waterfalls.
8. Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
Winding 298 kilometers around Cape Breton Island, this legendary road trip delivers jaw-dropping ocean views, highland plateaus, and hairpin turns that’ll make your passengers gasp.
Whales breach offshore during summer, while moose occasionally wander onto the pavement.
Fall transforms the landscape into a riot of reds, oranges, and golds that rivals any New England foliage tour.
Fishing villages dot the coastline, offering fresh seafood and Celtic music that reflects the region’s Scottish heritage.
Plan at least a full day to drive the loop without rushing past the countless scenic pullouts.
9. Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal
Step inside and your jaw will drop at the deep blue vaulted ceiling studded with golden stars, creating an atmosphere more magical than any cathedral you’ve seen in Europe.
Intricate wood carvings, stunning stained glass windows, and a massive Casavant organ with 7,000 pipes showcase incredible craftsmanship.
The altar glows with religious sculptures and detailed artwork that took years to complete.
Light shows projected onto the basilica’s interior tell the city’s history through music and visual effects.
Photography is allowed, so bring your camera to capture this architectural masterpiece.
10. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
Two massive mountains connected by the Peak 2 Peak Gondola create North America’s largest ski resort, with over 8,000 acres of terrain for every skill level.
Powder hounds flock here for legendary snowfall, while beginners appreciate the gentle learning slopes.
Summer transforms the mountains into a playground for hiking, mountain biking, and zip-lining through alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers.
The pedestrian village buzzes year-round with restaurants, shops, and that distinctive mountain-town vibe.
Book accommodations early because this world-class resort fills up fast during peak seasons.
11. Signal Hill, Newfoundland and Labrador
Perched above St. John’s harbor, this windswept hill witnessed history when Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901, connecting continents through invisible waves.
Cabot Tower crowns the summit, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic and the colorful row houses lining the harbor.
Military history buffs appreciate the preserved fortifications and cannon placements that once defended the harbor.
Hiking trails wind along dramatic cliffs where you might spot icebergs drifting past in spring.
Bring a windbreaker because the Atlantic breezes blow strong up here year-round.
12. Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia
Twice daily, the highest tides on Earth raise water levels by up to 16 meters, completely transforming the coastline in just six hours.
Walk on the ocean floor at low tide among towering flowerpot rock formations, then return at high tide to kayak over the same spot.
Fossil cliffs, red sandstone cliffs, and unique geological formations make every beach walk an adventure.
Whale watching tours offer excellent chances to spot humpbacks, finbacks, and the endangered North Atlantic right whale.
Check tide schedules carefully to experience the dramatic transformation safely.
13. Columbia Icefield, Alberta
Massive rivers of ancient ice flow between mountain peaks, covering an area larger than Vancouver and feeding glaciers that stretch toward three different oceans.
The Athabasca Glacier provides accessible glacier walks where you can touch ice that fell as snow centuries ago.
Specially designed Ice Explorer vehicles drive right onto the glacier, letting you walk on the ice and taste pure glacial meltwater.
The Glacier Skywalk extends out over the valley with a glass floor that reveals the drop below.
Dress warmly because temperatures on the ice stay chilly even during summer heat.
14. Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Brightly painted wooden buildings cascade down to a working fishing harbor, creating one of the most photographed waterfronts in Atlantic Canada.
Founded in 1753, this UNESCO World Heritage town preserves its original layout and colonial architecture better than almost anywhere else in North America.
The famous schooner Bluenose II calls this harbor home, continuing the town’s proud shipbuilding tradition.
Art galleries, seafood restaurants, and maritime museums line the streets, celebrating the town’s deep connection to the sea.
Stroll the waterfront at sunset when golden light makes the colorful buildings absolutely glow.
15. Mount Royal, Montreal
Rising 233 meters above the city, this beloved mountain park gives Montreal its name and provides a green escape right in the urban heart.
Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed New York’s Central Park, created the winding paths and natural landscapes here.
Kondiaronk Belvedere offers postcard-perfect views of downtown skyscrapers, the St. Lawrence River, and distant mountains.
Locals flock here year-round for picnics, jogging, cross-country skiing, and the famous Sunday tam-tam drum circles.
Climb or drive to the summit for views that’ll help you understand the city’s layout.
16. Churchill, Manitoba
Known worldwide as the Polar Bear Capital, this remote Hudson Bay town offers front-row seats to one of nature’s most magnificent predators.
Every fall, hundreds of polar bears gather near town, waiting for the bay to freeze so they can hunt seals on the ice.
Specialized tundra vehicles take visitors safely among the bears for up-close encounters you’ll never forget.
Summer brings beluga whales to the Churchill River by the thousands, along with incredible northern lights displays.
Book tours months in advance because this bucket-list destination fills up fast each season.
17. Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park, Alberta
Sandstone hoodoos rise from the prairie like ancient sentinels, carved into bizarre shapes by wind and water over thousands of years.
Sacred to the Blackfoot people, these rocks bear petroglyphs and pictographs that tell stories stretching back over 3,000 years.
Guided tours reveal the meanings behind these ancient images, offering glimpses into Indigenous spirituality and history.
The Milk River winds through the valley, creating a lush ribbon of green through the otherwise dry badlands.
Respect the sacred nature of this UNESCO site by staying on designated paths and never touching the rock art.
18. Jasper National Park, Alberta
Bigger and wilder than its famous neighbor Banff, Jasper sprawls across 11,000 square kilometers of pristine Rocky Mountain wilderness.
Maligne Lake stretches deep into the mountains, with Spirit Island creating one of the most photographed scenes in Canada.
Dark sky preserve status makes Jasper one of the best places on Earth for stargazing, with the Milky Way stretching brilliantly overhead on clear nights.
Hot springs, glaciers, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife make every visit an adventure.
Allow extra time because wildlife jams happen frequently when bears, elk, or bighorn sheep cross the roads.
19. Fortress of Louisbourg, Nova Scotia
Step through the gates and suddenly it’s 1744, with costumed interpreters playing soldiers, merchants, and townspeople going about daily life in this reconstructed French colonial fortress.
Massive stone walls surround cobblestone streets lined with authentic buildings filled with period furnishings.
Cannons boom during military demonstrations, while the smell of bread baking in wood-fired ovens drifts from the bakery.
Once among the busiest ports in North America, Louisbourg tells the story of colonial conflicts between France and Britain.
Plan several hours to fully explore the fortress and chat with the knowledgeable historical interpreters.
20. Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta
Seventy-five million years ago, dinosaurs roamed these river valleys, and today their fossilized remains make this one of the richest dinosaur fossil sites on Earth.
Badlands stretch to the horizon in layers of rust, cream, and gray, eroded into fantastic shapes by wind and rain.
Over 40 dinosaur species have been discovered here, with new fossils still emerging from the ancient rock.
Guided hikes take you into restricted areas where you might spot bones weathering out of the hillsides.
Bring binoculars for wildlife watching because pronghorn antelope and rattlesnakes also call these badlands home.
21. Rideau Canal, Ottawa and Kingston
Built in the 1830s as a military supply route, this 202-kilometer waterway now provides a scenic journey through lakes, rivers, and hand-operated locks that still function using original mechanisms.
In summer, pleasure boats glide through the system, passing through charming towns and pristine wilderness.
Winter transforms downtown Ottawa’s section into the world’s largest skating rink, where locals commute to work on skates while sipping hot chocolate.
UNESCO recognizes the canal as the best-preserved example of a slackwater canal in North America.
Rent a boat or bike the waterfront paths to experience this engineering marvel at your own pace.
