From the Atlantic to the Pacific, the great country of Canada covers an enormous stretch of land. If you’ve ever done a road trip across Canada, you really feel it!
I visited each of these fifteen famous landmarks in Canada and finally made it to Newfoundland in 2022! It took me years to visit all these sites, and I have fond memories of each one, but I’d love to revisit all of them again!
So when planning your epic Canadian adventure, you’ll want to put a few of these on the itinerary. The truth is that there are important Canadian landmarks in every corner of the country.
To give you some ideas for cool places to visit, this list has 15 of the most famous Canadian landmarks. Here, you’ll find natural wonders like Niagara Falls, historical sites including Signal Hill, and super cool things to do, like admire the view from outside atop the CN Tower.
Let’s get into it and discover the awesome landmarks in Canada.
1. Moraine Lake – Alberta
Starting out the list is one of the most beautiful glacial lakes in Canada, Moraine Lake.
Seeing the stunning blue water and the surrounding white-capped mountains is a view to remember.
There is no substitute.
It’s become so popular that Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles all year now. So it’s best to take a shuttle bus to Moraine Lake or book one of the tours from Lake Louise or Banff.
If you’re really into cycling, you can bicycle there too!
Moraine Lake is an exceptionally beautiful glacial lake in Banff National Park
2. Lake Louise – Alberta
Located in the ever-popular Banff National Park, Lake Louise is such a special place that it’s no wonder it’s one of the most famous landmarks in Canada.
The beautiful, turquoise glacier waters that fill the lake are unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.
With the sun shining, the waters reflect the image of the surrounding mountains and the iconic Victoria Glacier in the distance.
A great destination any time of year, in winter you can go ice skating on Lake Louise during the day or nighttime under the stars.
Any season is great for hiking around Lake Louise, and in the summer and fall, enjoy a bite to eat after hiking up to Lake Agnes Tea House from Lake Louise.
Lake Louise and Chateau Lake Louise – famous landmarks in Alberta
3. Peggy’s Cove – Nova Scotia
Located to the southwest of Halifax in St. Margaret’s Bay, Peggy’s Cove is a top destination in Nova Scotia.
You’ll love the iconic lighthouse and the giant boulders left smooth by the powerful sea.
This popular maritime landmark is one of the most photographed places in Canada and is especially stunning at sunset.
One of the most popular tourist spots in Nova Scotia is Peggy’s Cove
4. Niagara Falls – Ontario
Niagara Falls is one of the most iconic wonders of the world. And clearly, it’s one of the most talked about landmarks in Canada.
Yes, watching the water pour over the edge of the falls from an observation deck is powerful in itself, but it’s a whole different experience to see it up close.
Consider taking the Journey Behind the Falls or feeling its power at the base of the falls on a boat tour.
Powerful and beautiful Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls Canada
5. Bay of Fundy – Nova Scotia
The Bay of Fundy is a unique body of water located between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
This is the location for the highest tides in the world at over 50 feet (16 meters). The difference between low tide and high tide is stunning to see firsthand.
One of the best places to experience the Bay of Fundy is Burntcoat Head Park, where the record high tides were recorded.
Here you can walk on the ocean floor at low tide and look at sea creatures in the tide pools, walk around the flowerpots, and check out the view from the lighthouse. When you return for high tide, it’s wild to see the same space flooded with water!
Check it out and see for yourself why the Bay of Fundy is one of the most amazing landmarks to see in Canada.
For an amazing experience visit Burntcoat Head Park at Bay of Fundy and walk the ocean floor at low tide
The difference at high tide is startling to see after walking on the ocean floor
6. CN Tower – Toronto
Hands down, the absolute best view of Toronto is from the CN Tower, one of the coolest man-made landmarks in Canada.
From the top of the tower you can see up to 100 miles (160 km) on a clear day.
From a height of 1,000+ feet, you’ll have the incredible bird’s-eye view of it all.
To really get your heart pumping, stand over the glass floor or do the thrilling hands-free EdgeWalk outside the tower! You go ahead and do that; I’m too chicken! The super-fast elevator ride up and the view were enough for me!
The CN Tower dominates the skyline in Toronto
7. Signal Hill – Newfoundland
The view from Signal Hill at St. John’s Newfoundland and the outstretching water are breathtaking, but it’s more than just an awesome peak.
Instead, its location is a whole lot more involved and is one of the most famous Canadian landmarks.
A strategic point, the hill was held by both the French and British as a lookout for defense and communication with arriving ships.
It is also where the first transatlantic wireless communication was received by inventor Guillermo Marconi.
READ MORE: 15 Best Things to Do in Newfoundland
The views from the hiking trails on Signal Hill are gorgeous!
8. Confederation Bridge – Prince Edward Island
The Confederation Bridge makes the list of famous Canada landmarks as it’s the longest bridge in the world over ice-covered water.
That’s right, the 8-mile (12.9-km) roadway covers the waters between Prince Edward Island and the mainland in New Brunswick.
Completed in 1997, the Confederation Bridge makes it easy to road trip to/from Canada’s smallest province and enjoy the beauty of the Maritimes.
Confederation Bridge connects Prince Edward Island to mainland Canada, view from PEI across a potato field :)
9. Château Frontenac – Quebec City
Towering above Old Quebec City is the grand Château Frontenac.
Built in the late 1800s as a luxury chateau to entice visitors to the city, it makes for an impressive sight.
Today, you can stay at this castle-like hotel to enjoy its lavish rooms, spa, restaurant, and indoor pool.
Spring through fall is a great time to visit, but Christmas is especially beautiful in Old Town Quebec too.
If staying the night isn’t in your plans, you are still welcome to explore the Château Frontenac and take in the beautiful view of the St. Lawrence River below.
A famous landmark in Quebec City – Fairmont Le Château Frontenac hotel
10. Rideau Canal – Ontario
Not only is it a famous Canadian landmark, but the Rideau Canal has also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What makes it so important? Built in the early 19th century, the canal, with its series of locks, is a great engineering accomplishment.
In downtown Ottawa, you can watch boats and kayaks as they make their way through eight of the locks, which are still hand-operated.
The entire Rideau Canal is 125 miles (202 km) and connects the Ottawa River to the St Lawrence River.
Fun Fact: In the winter, the Rideau Canal in Ottawa turns into the longest ice skating rink in the world!
The series of 8 locks on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa
11. Hopewell Rocks – New Brunswick
One of the most famous naturally occurring landmarks in Canada is Hopewell Rocks.
These incredible flowerpot rock formations rise from the waters of the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick.
Created by years of tidal erosion, they are a sight to see.
During low tide (which happens twice a day), you’ll be able to walk down to them to get an up-close look.
Meanwhile, high tide offers a completely different perspective.
You can head out on the water in a kayak to experience these awesome formations.
The Hopewell Rocks flowerpots in New Brunswick Canada
12. Parliament Hill – Ottawa
No list of famous Canadian landmarks is complete without Parliament Hill.
Its Gothic-style building is not just impressive visually; its function is also immensely important as the home of the Parliament of Canada.
Today, you can tour Parliament and the grounds with a guide or on your own.
One of the best times to visit Parliament Hill is during the summer to view the Changing of the Guard each morning from 9:45 to 10:30. Get there early to get a great view of this amazing event.
READ MORE: Solo Trip to Ottawa (Best Things to Do)
Parliament Hill in Ottawa is an important landmark in Canada
13. Hoodoos Drumheller – Alberta
On the road to Drumheller in Alberta, you will come across incredible hoodoos.
These rock formations are uniquely formed by eroding sandstone to create tall columns that are a wondrous sight.
To get the best view, take a hike on the Hoodoo Trail.
This 4-mile path will lead you through the hoodoos. Although you can get up close and personal, please remember how vulnerable these spires are. So, look but don’t touch!
Hoodoos Drumheller
14. Capilano Suspension Bridge – Vancouver
One of the coolest (and nerve-rattling) things to do in Canada is walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver.
Spanning 450 feet (137 m) across the forest, you’ll be 230 feet (70 m) above the Capilano River.
To give you a sense of size, it generally takes 5-15 minutes to walk across the bridge. Imagine being that high up for that long. It’s really one of the famous landmarks in Canada that’ll get your heart pumping!
Capilano Suspension Bridge over the Capilano River in North Vancouver
15. Notre-Dame Basilica – Montreal
It may be a bit younger than the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, but Montreal’s Notre-Dame Basilica holds its own.
Built in 1824 and 1829 in the Gothic Revival style, the church is one of the most famous landmarks in Canada.
The stunning exterior is matched by the glorious interior.
Anyone visiting Montreal should head to Old Montreal to experience this architectural masterpiece firsthand.
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal in the historic district of Old Montreal
Final Thoughts
There you have it. This list has 15 famous landmarks that you can add to your must-see list for Canada. Checking off these special places on the list, you’ll see everything from natural phenomena to historical sites and even get your blood pumping with adrenaline. I hope you enjoyed reading about these amazing Canadian landmarks. Which ones have you visited?
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