Skip to main content

Local's guide: Canada's best views

Best views in Canada

Local's guide: Canada's best views

Canada offers up unique experiences that you won't find in any guidebook -- you just have to know where to find them. To help you explore like a local, we've asked friends from across the country to share their top spots and experiences from the cities they call home. Bundled by interest or passion, consider this your local's guide to traveling through the country's vibrant cities and boundless wilderness.

 

Thanks to Jeff FrenetteExternal Link Title, Jason FitzExternal Link Title, and Kael RebickExternal Link Title for their local tips.

When you see Canada, it's best to see it from the top. These lookouts will take you from the wilderness to the city, then back again. Bring your camera and appreciation for unadulterated beauty.

Au Sommet PVM - Montreal

Montreal’s best observatory

Au Sommet PVMExternal Link Title is a newly-opened observatory in downtown Montreal. The striking view from within the city center offers locals and travelers a new perspective of the cityExternal Link Title they love. The observatory is also home to an interactive exhibition where you can create a custom itinerary to plan the rest of your time. And if that's not enough, enjoy the view with a glass of wine at Les Enfants Terribles, a restaurant at the top of the tower.

Polson Pier and Tommy Thompson Park - Toronto

World-class skyline views

Polson PierExternal Link Title and nearby Thompson Park are to ideal places to take in Toronto's skyline. Our tipster recommends wandering through natural Thompson ParkExternal Link Title before making the 10-minute trek to Polson Pier for amazing sunset scenes of the city.

Cypress Mountain - Vancouver

See the city from the mountain

Vancouver's known for beautiful views of its coastal mountains. But a view from the mountains is better according to our insider. Drive up Cypress MountainExternal Link Title in North Vancouver and take in the city from above and one of two picnic areas. You'll be able to see the city lights below at night and Mount Baker in the distance during the day. Bring a blanket and thermos and settle in for sunrise or sunset. And definitely don't forget your camera.

Thompson Hotel - Toronto

Toronto’s best view

The Thompson HotelExternal Link Title is a chic hotel with an equally exclusive rooftop cocktail lounge with breathtaking 360? panoramas of Toronto's world-class skyline and Lake Ontario. The view is, frankly, ridiculousExternal Link Title.

Expo 67 - Montreal

North America’s only biosphere

One of our local's favorite views of Montreal is also an architectural landmark. Expo '67External Link Title, the former site of the World's Fair, is home to the famous Montreal BiosphereExternal Link Title and environmental museum. The best time to go: In the evening when the lights go out and you can catch a unique glimpseExternal Link Title of the city.

Gallagher Park - Edmonton

Best seat in the house

Who doesn't love a city skyline? Gallagher Park in Edmonton's downtown is the perfect spot to take in the city from a unique vantage point. Also home to Edmonton's Folk FestExternal Link Title, this park is more than just a view point - there's always a ton of activity going on, no matter the season. One of our insider's favorite parts? Spotting the glass pyramids of the Muttart ConservatoryExternal Link Title below.

Port Airport Helicopter Tours - Toronto

An unreal tour of Toronto

If the view from the photogenic underground pathway at Porter AirportExternal Link Title isn't enough, try a breathtaking helicopter tourExternal Link Title for an insanely close panoramic perspective of Toronto. The island airport is full of beautiful views in all weather, we think.

Pont Jacques-Cartier - Montreal

An offbeat perspective of Montreal

Even some locals don't know about the obscure view of Montreal from Pont Jacques-CartierExternal Link Title. The bridge has a pedestrian and bike path that offers a distant view of the city. You can get there by taking the metro to Station Papineau and heading to the bridge entrance just north of the station.

Chebucto Head - Halifax

Home to rugged coastal views

Thirty minutes outside of Halifax by way of (partially) unpaved road, you'll find Chebucto HeadExternal Link Title on the Chebucto Peninsula. Locals describe it as like Peggy's CoveExternal Link Title with fewer tourists -- sounds good to us! Check out the lighthouse built in 1872 and take in the views of the Atlantic Ocean and Halifax on the horizon.

The Pilot - Toronto

Historic rooftop bar

The PilotExternal Link Title is a historic bar in the affluent YorkvilleExternal Link Title district. Sure, part of the local landmark's charm is nostalgic, but the Flightdeck roof patio is a great place to observe the picturesque neighborhood and catch live jazz acts.

 

Canada is full of views worth taking in. Stop by with your camera, but be sure to take a moment sans lens to really experience it.