The Most Beautiful Places in Canada: A Scenic Journey from Coast to Coast

Choose the Place you think is the most beautiful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Sep 21, 2023 05:15
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Canada through our latest ranking, "What are the most beautiful places in Canada?" Here at StrawPoll, we've curated a list of awe-inspiring destinations that showcase the diverse landscapes and natural wonders of this incredible country. From the rugged coastlines to the serene lakes, magnificent mountains to enchanting forests, we've got it all covered! Now it's your turn to vote for your favorite or suggest a hidden gem that deserves to be on the list. Join thousands of fellow travelers and nature enthusiasts in this exciting quest to unveil Canada's most picturesque destinations. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of breathtaking vistas, enchanting wilderness, and mesmerizing scenic beauty – and help us crown the ultimate winner. Happy voting!

What Are the Most Beautiful Places in Canada? (September 2023)

  1. 1
    65
    votes
    Banff National Park
    Gorgo · Public domain

    Banff National Park

    Canadian government
    Known for its turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, and abundant wildlife, Banff is one of Canada's most popular and picturesque destinations.
    Description
    Banff National Park is a protected area located in Canadian Rocky Mountains, Alberta, Canada. It was established in 1885 as Canada's first national park and covers an area of over 2,500 square miles. Banff National Park is known for its stunning scenery, including picturesque lakes and mountains, abundant wildlife, and hot springs. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, camping, and more.
    • Established date: November 25, 1885
    • Area: 2,564 square miles
    • Highest mountain: Mount Forbes (3,612 m)
    • Number of lakes: more than 1,000
    • Number of species: Around 58 mammal species and more than 260 bird species
    Banff National Park in other rankings
  2. 2
    39
    votes
    Niagara Falls
    Jason Pratt · CC BY 2.0
    One of the world's most famous natural wonders, Niagara Falls is a breathtaking sight to behold.
    Description
    Niagara Falls is a natural phenomenon located in the Niagara River, which separates Canada (Ontario) and the United States (New York). It consists of three waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls (located in the US), and the Bridal Veil Falls (also located in the US). The Horseshoe Falls are the most famous and largest of the three, measuring 671 meters (2,200 feet) wide with a drop of 57 meters (188 feet).
    • Location: Niagara River, between Canada and the United States
    • Number of Falls: 3 (Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls)
    • Height: Horseshoe Falls: 57 meters (188 feet); American Falls: 21-30 meters (70-100 feet); Bridal Veil Falls: 55 meters (181 feet)
    • Width: Horseshoe Falls: 671 meters (2,200 feet); American Falls: 323 meters (1,060 feet); Bridal Veil Falls: 17 meters (56 feet)
    • Water Flow Rate: Horseshoe Falls: 2,271,247 liters (600,000 gallons) per second; American Falls: 104,000 liters (27,000 gallons) per second; Bridal Veil Falls: 567,811 liters (150,000 gallons) per second
    Niagara Falls in other rankings
  3. 3
    19
    votes
    Jasper National Park
    Florian Fuchs · CC BY 3.0
    With its stunning glaciers, pristine lakes, and rugged mountains, Jasper is another must-see destination for nature lovers.
    Description
    Jasper National Park is a beautiful protected area located in western Alberta, Canada. It is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies and is home to stunning scenery such as mountains, glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls. The park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, and wildlife viewing.
    • Size: 10,878 km²
    • Elevation: 1,600 - 3,747 m
    • Highest Peak: Mount Columbia (3,747 m)
    • Glaciers: Over 100
    • Lakes: Over 1,200
    Jasper National Park in other rankings
  4. 4
    9
    votes
    Lake Louise
    Gorgo · Public domain
    Located in Banff National Park, Lake Louise is renowned for its sparkling blue waters and stunning mountain vistas.
    Description
    Lake Louise is a glacial lake situated in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, and it's one of the most famous and picturesque lakes in Canada. Its stunning emerald color transforms with the changing sunlight, and the surrounding mountain peaks and glaciers provide a breathtaking backdrop.
    • Location: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
    • Surface Elevation: 1,730 m (5,680 ft)
    • Length: 2.4 km (1.5 mi)
    • Width: 0.8 km (0.5 mi)
    • Depth: 70 m (230 ft)
    Lake Louise in other rankings
  5. 5
    19
    votes
    Gros Morne National Park
    Adavyd · CC BY-SA 4.0
    This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Newfoundland and Labrador boasts some of Canada's most spectacular coastal scenery, including towering cliffs and fjords.
    Gros Morne National Park in other rankings
  6. 6
    19
    votes
    Cabot Trail
    Aconcagua · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Cabot Trail

    Government of Canada
    This scenic drive on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia takes visitors past some of Canada's most stunning coastal landscapes, including rugged cliffs and picturesque fishing villages.
    Description
    The Cabot Trail is a scenic roadway that winds around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. The trail covers 298 km (185 mi) of breathtaking views of forests, mountains, cliffs, and ocean. The road is surrounded by charming fishing villages, historic and cultural sites, and ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife watching, and whale watching. The Cabot Trail was named after John Cabot, an Italian explorer who landed in Atlantic Canada in 1497.
    • Total Length: 298 km (185 mi)
    • Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
    • Scenic Views: forests, mountains, cliffs, ocean
    • Attractions: fishing villages, historic and cultural sites, outdoor activities
    • Named after: John Cabot
  7. 7
    11
    votes
    Moraine Lake
    Gorgo · Public domain

    Moraine Lake

    Glaciers
    Another gem in Banff National Park, Moraine Lake is famous for its crystal-clear waters and surrounding peaks.
    Description
    Moraine Lake is a glacially-fed lake located in Banff National Park within the Canadian Rockies, near the hamlet of Lake Louise
    • Max. Depth: 45 m
    • Surface elevation: 1,884 m
    • Length: 1.5 km
    • Width: 0.5 km
    • Surface area: 50 ha
    Moraine Lake in other rankings
  8. 8
    9
    votes
    Vancouver Island
    NASA · Public domain
    Vancouver Island is a nature lover's paradise, with rugged coastlines, old-growth forests, and abundant wildlife.
    Description
    Vancouver Island is a large island located off the west coast of mainland British Columbia, Canada. It is known for its rugged wilderness and stunning natural beauty, as well as its unique blend of urban and rural communities. With a rich cultural history dating back thousands of years, Vancouver Island is a fascinating destination for visitors of all kinds.
    • Location: Off the west coast of mainland British Columbia, Canada.
    • Size: Approximately 32,134 km².
    • Population: Approximately 870,000 people.
    • Geography: Rugged coastlines, rainforests, mountains, and rivers.
    • Climate: Mild and rainy with cool winters and warm summers.
  9. 9
    7
    votes
    Quebec City
    Wilfredo Rafael Rodriguez Hernandez · CC0

    Quebec City

    Samuel de Champlain
    This charming city in the province of Quebec is known for its historic architecture, quaint streets, and French Canadian culture.
    Description
    Quebec City is a historic city located in the province of Quebec, Canada. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful cities in Canada. It is full of historic architecture, including the famed Chateau Frontenac, and has a strong French influence that can be seen in its culture, cuisine, and language.
    • Founded: 1608
    • Population: 542,298
    • Language: French
    • Area: 485.77 km²
    • Elevation: 98 m
    Quebec City in other rankings
  10. 10
    8
    votes
    Peggy's Cove
    Aconcagua · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This picturesque fishing village in Nova Scotia is famous for its iconic lighthouse and stunning coastal scenery.
    Description
    Peggy's Cove is a small picturesque fishing village located on the eastern shore of St. Margarets Bay, in Nova Scotia, Canada. It is well-known for its iconic lighthouse which is positioned on a granite outcrop over the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by several granite boulders, and is considered one of the most photographed locations in Canada.
    • Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
    • Province: Nova Scotia
    • Coordinates: 44.4936° N, 63.9180° W
    • Lighthouse Height: 15 meters (50 feet)
    • Light Characteristics: Flashing white, alternating every 5 seconds
    Peggy's Cove in other rankings

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Ranking factors for beautiful places

  1. Natural beauty
    Consider the landscape, natural formations, and overall scenery of the location. This may include mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, beaches, forests, and other natural features.
  2. Biodiversity
    Assess the variety of flora and fauna that can be observed in the area, including rare or endangered species and unique ecosystems.
  3. Cultural significance
    Examine any historical or cultural factors linked to the area, such as indigenous heritage, historical events, or architectural marvels, which contribute to its beauty.
  4. Recreational opportunities
    Evaluate the availability of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, skiing, wildlife watching, or water sports, that may enhance visitors' appreciation of the location's beauty.
  5. Accessibility
    Consider the ease of reaching and navigating the area. Factors may include proximity to major cities, available transportation options, and well-maintained roads and trails.
  6. Seasonal variations
    Evaluate the attractiveness of the location throughout the year, considering factors such as weather conditions, foliage, and lighting that can impact its beauty.
  7. Environmental conservation
    Assess the efforts made to preserve and protect the area's natural beauty, including sustainable tourism practices, conservation initiatives, and supportive local communities.
  8. Visitor experience
    Take into account visitors' feedback and experiences in the area, including factors such as safety, cleanliness, and crowd management.
  9. Photography and visual appeal
    Consider how photogenic the location is, as well as the impact of social media exposure on contributing to its status as a beautiful place.
  10. Unique and stunning features
    Weigh the overall uniqueness and awe-inspiring aspects of the location that set it apart from other places and contribute to its overall beauty.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful places in Canada. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or your favorite Place is missing from the list, feel free to help us improve the ranking.

Statistics

  • 1682 views
  • 205 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Place once every 24 hours. The rank of each Place is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.


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More information on most beautiful places in canada

Canada is home to some of the world's most stunning natural landscapes, from towering mountains to pristine lakes and sprawling forests. With such diverse and dramatic scenery, it's no wonder that Canada is often ranked among the most beautiful countries in the world. From the rugged coastline of Newfoundland to the majestic Rocky Mountains in Alberta, there are countless breathtaking destinations to explore. Whether you're an avid outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Canada's natural beauty is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, let's dive into some of the most beautiful places in Canada and discover the wonders that await.