Canada is one of the most beautiful countries to visit. Check out all the most beautiful Instagram-worthy destinations in Canada.
Banff National Park, Alberta
Banff National Park is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and for good reason—the entire area is stunningly beautiful. If you want the best place to take in a wide-angle view of this area, look to the Banff Gondola on Sulfur Mountain.
The Banff Gondola is only a few minute’s drive from the main street in Banff, or you can take a bus there. The gondola ride up the mountain only takes 8 minutes and it’s a mile high. There’s a large viewing platform at the top where you can walk around to enjoy the spectacular views. Or, enjoy a coffee or a meal in one of the restaurants while you enjoy looking out over the area.
The Above Banff interpretive center provides a state-of-the-art experience that’s fun for the entire family. There’s also an interactive center where you can learn more about geography and there’s an interactive mobile app game as well. These serve to educate and bring the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains landscape to life.
Visiting the Banff Gondola varies in cost depending on when you visit, and it’s $62 USD or less. Hours vary during the year as well so check their website for more information. It’s a good idea to purchase your ticket online in advance, as they do sell out or have long waits, particularly over the summer.
There are many areas to appreciate how incredible Banff National Park is. The Banff Gondola is one of the most popular activities in Banff, and you’ll appreciate this incredible aerial view.
Recommended by: Sam at My Flying Leap
Lake Louise, Alberta
One of the best places for Instagram photos in Canada is the beautiful national park, Banff. One of the most popular lakes in Banff is Lake Louise. This stunning turquoise blue lake is breathtaking. But because it is so gorgeous and Instagram famous, you have to think about parking. This area is so crowded. Parking is challenging, so get there early or late, like for sunrise or sunset.
There is plenty of room to take Instagram photos, and if you want to take it to another level, rent a canoe and get closer to the mountain. You can even rent a canoe for sunrise and they provide breakfast! The sun hits the mountain early in the morning, making it a perfect time to take an Instagram photo. There is also a beautiful hotel at the lake called The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and you can eat dinner or lunch outside with the splendid views.
If you want to explore even further, you can walk around the lake and do the Lake Louise Lakeshore trail or the Fairview Lookout, which has a fantastic view from above. Another great Instagram-worthy spot. To get to Lake Louise, fly into Calgary and drive around 2 hours west to the town of Lake Louise. This lake is one of the most beautiful and pristine areas in Canada. Experiencing this lake is truly magical.
Recommended by: Michelle at The Wandering Queen
Moraine Lake, Alberta
There are few places in Canada to take gorgeous Instagram photos than Moraine Lake in Banff National Park. This lake is simply stunning, and as such, it is one of the most photographed lakes in all of Canada. Chances are, you’ve probably already seen Moraine Lake on postcards or in travel magazines – it is just that beautiful.
Moraine Lake is located only a short 10-minute drive from the town of Lake Louise. Visiting is easily one of the best things to do in Lake Louise and the reason many people stay there. The road to get to Moraine Lake is only open from May to October (roughly) depending on the snowfall and weather. In the winter, the road is covered in snow and as such, the only way to visit is by hiking the very long and grueling road.
The only downside to visiting Moraine Lake is that getting a parking spot there is very difficult. The parking lot is small, and once it is full there is nowhere else to park. For this reason, many people get to Moraine Lake as early as 6 am to try and a parking spot. Otherwise, consider booking the shuttle with Parks Canada from Lake Louise. You can also get lucky with parking later in the day if you head there around sunset.
Once you’ve made it to Lake Moraine you are sure to be impressed. This bright blue lake and towering mountain peaks are nothing short of picture-perfect.
Recommended by: Bailey at Destinationless Travel
Wells Gray Provincial Park, British Columbia
One of the best places to visit in British Columbia for Instagram-worthy photos is the waterfall paradise of Wells Gray Provincial Park. With 41 named waterfalls, dramatic peaks, and alpine meadows, this Provincial Park will blow your mind. As most waterfalls are accessible by a short walk or hike from the parking lot, you will easily be able to get several jaw-dropping photos.
Wells Gray is well-known for having the 4th largest waterfall in Canada, Helmcken Falls. Other popular falls in the park are Spahat Falls, Moul Falls, and Dawson Falls. If you have good footing and do not mind getting wet, you can even walk behind Moul Falls to feel its power. There is also more to Wells Gray than waterfalls, like clear-water lakes, the easiest accessible sub-alpine meadow in BC through hiking the Trophy Mountain trail and guided wilderness safaris.
Even if you’re not in the photo, you are sure to capture attention-grabbing scenes. A visit to the park will also help you to get a bit off of the beaten path and away from the crowds. Wells Gray Provincial Park is a five-hour drive from Vancouver. Start on Highway 1, then take the Coquihalla (Highway 5) to Kamloops, and continue on north to Clearwater.
Recommended by: Debbie at World Adventurists
Elfin Lakes, British Columbia
Drive an hour north of Vancouver on the Sea to Sky Highway and you will enter Garibaldi Provincial Park, a scenic mountainous area known for its gorgeous alpine hikes. One of the most stunning hikes is the Elfin Lakes Trail, where you will find two alpine lakes at the end you can take a rewarding swim in.
It’s the perfect photo op as you take a refreshing dip with the magnificent alpine valley all around you. You will also be amazed by the gorgeous scenery along the way, which opens up many more photo opportunities. Elfin Lakes Trail is one of the best weekend getaways from Vancouver and a favorite trek among locals. If you do this hike during the weekday you will see fewer people on the trail. The best time of year to hike to Elfin Lakes is during July – September when the snow has melted. The total distance there and back is 22km with a 600m elevation gain. Give yourself 6 hours to complete the trek.
You can also opt to camp the night at the lakes, which will break up the hiking distance. Book a tent pad through Discover Camping and you will have plenty of time to get the perfect picture as the sunsets. To get to the Elfin Lakes Trailhead, drive past the town of Squamish and turn right down Mamquam Road. Mamquam Road eventually turns into Garibaldi Park Road which takes you to the Elfin Lakes Trailhead.
Recommended by: Cecily at Groovy Mashed Potatoes
Garibaldi Lake, British Columbia
The beautiful Garibaldi Lake with its turquoise glacial waters is one of the most Instagrammable places in Canada. Located at an elevation of 1450m above sea level, this spectacular lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, and volcanic structures. Located inside Garibaldi Park, hiking to Garibaldi Lake on a strenuous 18km round trip trail is the only way to reach the lake.
The hike takes most people about 6 hours to complete. The best spots to take some awesome shots for Instagram are at the top around the lake. Following a challenging 9 km hike that ascends 900 meters, there is a 1.6 km trail surrounding the lake with some awesome Instagrammable spots overlooking the perfect turquoise lake. The trail to the lake is wide and well-maintained winding through old-growth forest, passing creeks in a series of steep uphill switchbacks.
Garibaldi Lake is a great camping spot and is nice for swimming. The trailhead for the hike is at the Rubble Creek parking lot located 70 kilometers, about 1.5 hours drive, north of Vancouver. Spending a weekend camping in the park affords you the opportunity to hike to more jaw-dropping views, perfect for photographers, including the well-known Black Tusk and Panorama Ridge hiking routes. From Vancouver, the trailhead at Rubble Creek can be reached by public transport using the Parkbus.
Recommended by: Stingy Nomads
Vancouver, British Columbia
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the biggest attractions in Vancouver and one of the best Instagram locations in Canada. The suspension bridge is located on Vancouver’s North Shore. Tucked away in this temperate rainforest, the Capilano Suspension bridge sits 230 above the forest floor and stretches 450 feet across the canyon.
There are many opportunities for Instagram in this park, including the main Suspension Bridge, the Treetop Adventure, Living Forest Walk, and Cliff Walk. On the way into the attraction, you will also pass by a section named Kia’palano. This area features several first nations totem poles and features information boards on the area’s history.
Getting the perfect Instagram shot on the bridge is incredibly difficult if you come at the wrong time. The bridge is almost always full of visitors. Coming at an opening time will give you a better chance at getting a photo with minimal people or no one at all. Also, note the quieter times of the year as this will help.
Once visitors have crossed the main suspension bridge, they tend to spread out among the remaining areas, therefore these sections of the park are easier to get Instagram shots for.
The weather in Vancouver can be very unpredictable, it may rain during your visit but most Instagram photos of the Capilano Suspension Bridge are in the rain and make for interesting reflections.
To get to the Capilano Suspension Bridge from Downtown Vancouver you can either take the free shuttle from Canada place (schedule listed on the website) or drive. The drive to the bridge takes approximately 15 minutes with light traffic.
Recommended by: Rachael at A City Girl Outside
Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria on Vancouver Island is one of the prettiest towns to visit in Canada. The Coast Salish First Nations had lived in these regions long before the British settled here in 1843 and named it after Queen Victoria. Because of its importance as the capital city of British Columbia, there are many impressive buildings to be found here. Such as the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, Criagdaroch Castle and the Empress Hotel.
The historic city center of Victoria has many colorful streets with Victorian-style buildings and hidden courtyards that provide a great background for pictures. The Fisherman’s Wharf and Johnson Street. When photographing people or storefronts, always ask permission!
Victoria is also home to the second-oldest Chinatown in North America (after San Francisco). This colorful neighborhood full of traditional Chinese decoration and architecture is very Instagram-worthy. Especially the big arch at the entrance of Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley make for great shots.
Beacon Hill Park is a lovely spot for a stroll to the beach. The pretty gardens with fountains and flower beds. The park also has great cultural significance for the Esquimalt Nation and Songhees Nation Peoples and houses an ancient burial ground and the Story Pole.
For some truly epic Instagram pics, book a whale watching tour. Vancouver Island is famous for the different types of whales and sea life that swim along the shores. The peak season is from May to October when you have the best chance of spotting an orca or a humpback whale.
Recommended by: Sophie at Just Heading Out
Toronto, Ontario
Get the best Instagram shots of the Toronto skyline by leaving the city. Hop on a ferry from the Toronto boardwalk to take a 20-minute ride across Lake Ontario to the Toronto Islands. The ferries run regularly but stop at 7 pm. To get home later, you’ll need to book a private water taxi which is about $5 CAD extra.
This archipelago of islands is home to stunning lakeside views, botanical gardens, a small amusement park, and native wildlife. Whether you’re looking for Instagram shots of the city skyline or a stunning natural backdrop, the Toronto Islands have what you need. Pack an assortment of flowy skirts to twirl in front of the gardens or to drape over the bridge side as you pose.
Pack a tripod or a patient friend to help you make the most of an Instagram-worthy visit to the Toronto Islands. To get the best photos of the skyline, take a sunset canoe tour of the Toronto Islands through the rivers of the main Toronto Island. It winds its way through the island, offering tranquil moments with the birds. Once you come out to the harbor, you’ll see the stunning colors of sunset burst forth behind the CN Tower and its peers. Pack a waterproof camera or have a bag to put your phone in so it doesn’t get wet on the canoe!
Recommended by: Nina at Nina Out and About
CN Tower
Another great place to visit in Toronto is the CN tower! This is one of Canada’s highest skyscrapers. I am not a very big fan of heights and the elevator ride up was the scariest part for me (think glass windows and floors).
Once you are up in the tower, there are floor-to-ceiling windows to see the view – which is incredible! There is an option to do the Sky Walk in the summer – this is where you experience the outside of the CN Tower roof hands-free! There is also a place inside, where you can walk on glass!
- $53 to get up into the tower
- Opens: 9 am Sunset, we arrived in the morning and there was hardly anyone else there!
- Edge Walk is available starting in April!
Tobermory, Ontario
Forget about traveling to Europe to visit the grottos of Italy and Greece, you can visit one right here in Ontario! In one of Ontario’s most popular summer destinations, Bruce Peninsula National Park, you’ll find one of Canada’s top Instagram spots – The Grotto! On the tip of the Bruce Peninsula is the charming small harbor town of Tobermory. And hiking within the park and to The Grotto is one of the top things to do in Tobermory. The park runs along the northern stretch of the peninsula, with everything from towering cliffs to stretches of beach along the shores of Georgian Bay.
To get to The Grotto it’s a short hike, approximately an hour round trip. From the Cyprus, Lake Campground parking lot take the Cyprus Lake Trail to the Georgian Bay Trail which leads you to Indian Cove. From here you’ll continue north along the Bruce Trail where you’ll soon find The Grotto. This magical limestone sea cave is filled with crystal blue water. And from above you can get a stunning Instagram-worth photo!
There are a few things you’ll need to know before going to The Grotto to get your photo. The Bruce Peninsula National Park is four hours northwest of Toronto. You’ll need to reserve a time slot before you go to enter the park as well as pay the park entrance fee, which is currently $7.90.
Recommended by: Stephanie at The World as I See It
The Crack, Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario
Killarney Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada is home to one of the country’s most stunning views – the La Cloche mountain range. At nearly 3.5 billion years old, it’s one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges and among the highest points in the province. If you are into beautiful scenery combined with adventure, here’s a Canadian Instagram-worthy spot you can’t miss – the views from the glistening quartz peaks atop The Crack hike along the La Cloche Silhouette Trail. You won’t be the only ones this park will have captivated – a century ago, The Group of Seven (monumental figures in Canadian art history) created iconic paintings inspired by the same view.
To reach this spot, you’ll hike 6km over rocky terrain and numerous steep climbs. The trail is rated “difficult” and may appear to be challenging, but it’s manageable for children and dogs. Make sure you are prepared with snacks, water, and hiking boots, and start early to beat the crowds. Plan about 4 hours, which will be enough to complete the round-trip climb as well as a picnic at the top and soak in the views. The best time of year to visit is late September through mid-October when the scenery comes to life with hues of red, orange, and yellow. You’ll find yourself in the shoes of those legendary painters, looking out to hundreds of kilometers of nature and having your breath taken away.
Recommended by: Candace and Geoff at A Journey Inspired
Montreal, Quebec
Montreal is named for Mount Royal, the majestic mountain overlooking the city. Head to Mount Royal Park, the ultimate bucket list destination for stunning views, and an iconic top-of-the-world photo – hiking shoes not required!
Basically, the entire city of Montreal is an Instagram gold mine, with quaint cobblestone streets, and vibrant street art on every corner. Visiting Montreal from any major Canadian city is as easy as hopping on the train. Pro tip: the cheapest train tickets from Ottawa to Montreal are available in April just as the city’s flowers start to bloom!
Once you’ve made it to Montreal, set your sights on the tree-covered Mount Royal directly West of downtown. There are several ways to make it to the terrace at the top of Mount Royal Park. Including by foot, bike, bus, or car. Various hiking paths start from surrounding streets, but the most direct way is a 20-minute jaunt from McGill University. Via the Grand Staircase of Mount Royal – beware this can get slippery in the winter!
A bicycle path runs along Olmsted Road, and the Number 11 bus stops in the middle of the park. By car, you can drive along Remembrance Road to the summit and pay a small parking fee.
The broad observation deck, Kondiaronk Belvedere, features sprawling vistas of Montreal and the rivers and mountains beyond. There are usually a good number of tourists and locals snapping a picture. But there is plenty of space to throw your arms wide and embrace the view. While your Instagram boyfriend (or best friend or stranger-turned-personal- photographer) captures the moment.
Recommended by: Lina at Bucket List Places
Mount Royal Lookout, Quebec
The charming city of Montreal can be found in Quebec, the French-Canadian part of the West of Canada. Best-known for its incredible foodie scene, a wealth of museums, lovely architecture, and traditional bagels. The largest French-speaking city also has its fair share of fantastic photo spots that are perfect for capturing stunning shots.
Those in search of the most instagrammable place in Montreal need to look no further than the Mount Royal Lookout. Many visitors claim that downtown Montreal looks a little bit like a mini New York. And it’s from this photo spot, in the heart of Mount Royal Park that the best views can be found.
The absolute best time to visit the viewpoint (or belvedere as it is known locally) is during the autumn. When the fall leaves on the park’s trees frame the view of downtown Montreal. Free to visit and access, nearby winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sliding, and skating. Alternatively, those visiting in the summer months will soon discover a beautiful view that is the perfect backdrop for an ever so instagrammable picnic!
Recommended By: Sophie at Solo Sophie
Stanley Park, Vancouver
Among the many major cities in North America, Vancouver is consistently voted as the most liveable city – thanks to its pleasant weather, city planning, civic systems, and infrastructure – all of them create an impressive skyline along Vancouver’s harbourfront and the best place to marvel at the city’s establishment is at the sea wall of the city’s greatest backyard, Stanley Park.
This world-famous urban park is a slice of nature in Vancouver, it’s one of the most beloved locations for the locals to have a short getaway, it’s also filled with photo-taking spots and attractions for visitors to create their own unique Instagram moment.
Stanley Park is located at the waterfront of Vancouver’s downtown, with over 4 square kilometers in size, the park offers vast green space places like the Totem Poles, Vancouver Aquarium, Brockton Point Lighthouse, and Naval Museum at HMCS Discovery. The best time to visit the park is during the fall when under the foliage, take a stroll on the Seawall, a 10-kilometer-long path that captures the view of Vancouver like no others. The Nine-O’clock Gun is a perfect spot to do the shooting, and moving on, 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.
Recommended by: Kenny at Knycx Journeying
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