The Most Popular Landmark in Canada, Ranked

Choose the landmark you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 8, 2024 06:43
When planning a visit to Canada, tourists often find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer number of impressive landmarks to explore. From historical sites to natural wonders, deciding which to visit can be a daunting task. Having a consolidated list of the most popular landmarks, as voted by the public, provides a clear guide that helps streamline travel planning. This website offers visitors the chance to contribute to a live ranking of Canadian landmarks, ensuring the list reflects real-time public opinion and preferences. By participating, users not only aid others in making informed travel decisions but also have the opportunity to influence the visibility of their favorite spots.

What Is the Most Popular Landmark in Canada?

  1. 1
    66
    votes
    CN Tower
    Wladyslaw · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Toronto's most iconic landmark, standing at 553.33 meters tall, attracts millions of visitors every year. It has a revolving restaurant, observation decks, and numerous thrill-seeking activities.
    The CN Tower is an iconic telecommunications and observation tower located in downtown Toronto, Canada. It stands at a height of 553.3 meters (1,815 feet), making it one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world. The tower's sleek design and slender profile have become synonymous with the Toronto skyline.
    • Height: 553.3 meters (1,815 feet)
    • Construction Duration: 1973 - 1976
    • Construction Cost: CAD $63 million
    • Architectural Style: Modernist
    • Number of Floors: 147
  2. 2
    29
    votes
    Niagara Falls
    Jason Pratt · CC BY 2.0
    One of the most famous waterfalls in the world, located at the border between Ontario and New York. It is a breathtaking sight, and visitors can witness it from multiple angles, ride the Maid of the Mist, or explore the nearby attractions.
    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
    29
    votes
    Parliament Hill
    Hellodavey1902 · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Parliament Hill

    Thomas Fuller
    Located in Ottawa, Parliament Hill is home to Canada's federal government and its iconic Gothic Revival architecture. Visitors can take guided tours, witness the changing of the guard, or attend political events.
    Parliament Hill is a prominent landmark located in the heart of Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. It is the home of the Canadian Parliament, where the country's legislative affairs are held. The hill is situated on the southern banks of the Ottawa River, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.
    • Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
    • Construction Started: 1859
    • Construction Completed: 1927
    • Architectural Style: Gothic Revival
    • Height: 92 meters (302 feet)
  4. 4
    10
    votes
    Banff National Park
    Gorgo · Public domain

    Banff National Park

    Canadian government
    Situated in the Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park is Canada's oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to numerous natural wonders, including glaciers, hot springs, and lakes, and activities such as hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching.
    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
  5. 5
    17
    votes
    Located in Vancouver, Stanley Park is a large public park that attracts millions of visitors every year. It features numerous attractions, including beaches, trails, gardens, and the Vancouver Aquarium.
    Stanley Park is a lush urban oasis located on a peninsula in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. It stretches over 1,000 acres and is surrounded by the waters of the Pacific Ocean, providing breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere. Stanley Park is often considered the crown jewel of Vancouver and is a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.
    • Size: Stanley Park covers an area of over 1,000 acres.
    • Location: The park is situated on a peninsula in downtown Vancouver, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.
    • Natural Beauty: Stanley Park boasts stunning natural features like scenic seawalls, lush forests, and beautiful beaches.
    • Flora and Fauna: The park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including raccoons, Canada geese, and various types of trees and flowers.
    • Attractions: Stanley Park offers numerous attractions such as the Vancouver Aquarium, scenic hiking trails, a miniature railway, beaches, and the iconic Totem Poles.
  6. 6
    3
    votes
    CN Tower EdgeWalk
    Wladyslaw · CC BY-SA 3.0
    A thrilling experience for visitors who want to test their limits. The EdgeWalk is a hands-free walk around the outside of the CN Tower's main pod, 116 stories above the ground.
    The CN Tower EdgeWalk is a thrilling outdoor experience at the top of the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada. It offers visitors the opportunity to walk around the circumference of the roof of the CN Tower's main pod, while being attached to an overhead safety rail.
    • Location: Toronto, Canada
    • Height: 356 meters (1,168 feet)
    • Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours including pre-walk preparation
    • Participants: Up to a maximum of 6 walkers per group
    • Safety: Walkers are attached to an overhead safety rail system and wear a full-body harness
  7. 7
    10
    votes
    Old Quebec
    Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Old Quebec

    Samuel de Champlain
    A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only fortified city in North America, Old Quebec is a charming and historic district that showcases French-Canadian culture and architecture. Visitors can explore its narrow cobbled streets, museums, and restaurants.
    Old Quebec is a historic district located in Quebec City, Canada. It is known for its well-preserved fortifications, charming cobblestone streets, and quaint European architecture. The district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often referred to as a living museum of French colonial history in North America. It was originally established in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, the founder of Quebec City.
    • Location: Quebec City, Canada
    • Established: 1608
    • Architecture Style: French Colonial
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yes
    • Fortifications: Well-preserved
  8. 8
    2
    votes

    Butchart Gardens

    Jennie Butchart
    Located on Vancouver Island, Butchart Gardens is a stunning floral display featuring over 900 varieties of plants. It attracts over a million visitors every year and offers activities such as concerts, fireworks, and dining.
    The Butchart Gardens is a breathtaking botanical garden located in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Canada. It covers an area of 55 acres and attracts more than a million visitors each year with its stunning floral displays and landscaped gardens. The gardens were initially established in the early 20th century by Jennie Butchart, a visionary entrepreneur and garden lover. Today, it stands as one of the most popular and iconic landmarks in Canada, showcasing a rich tapestry of plant life and horticultural artistry.
    • Size: 55 acres
    • Location: Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Canada
    • Visitors per year: Over a million
    • Established: Early 20th century
    • Main Attractions: Stunning floral displays and landscaped gardens
  9. 9
    1
    votes
    Canadian Museum of History
    Wladyslaw · CC BY 3.0

    Canadian Museum of History

    Douglas Cardinal
    Located in Gatineau, Quebec, the Canadian Museum of History is the country's most visited museum. It showcases Canadian history, culture, and achievements, with exhibits that range from indigenous artifacts to Canadian inventions.
    The Canadian Museum of History, located in Gatineau, Quebec, is the most visited museum in Canada and is known for its exceptional collection of artifacts and exhibitions.
    • Location: Gatineau, Quebec
    • Visitors: Over 1.2 million annually
    • Opening Year: 1989
    • Architect: Douglas Cardinal
    • Exhibition Space: 40,000 square meters
  10. 10
    9
    votes
    Royal Ontario Museum
    Staka · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Located in Toronto, the Royal Ontario Museum is one of Canada's largest museums, with a collection of over six million objects. Its exhibits showcase natural history, world culture, and Canadian art and history, from dinosaurs to ancient Egypt.
    The Royal Ontario Museum is a renowned museum located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is one of the largest museums in North America and attracts millions of visitors each year. The museum is widely recognized for its diverse collection of artworks, cultural artifacts, natural history specimens, and scientific exhibits.
    • Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    • Size: Total floor area of 920,000 square feet
    • Architectural Style: Romano-Byzantine and Renaissance Revival
    • Year of Establishment: 1914
    • Exhibit Areas: Six major exhibit areas spanning multiple disciplines

Missing your favorite landmark?

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Ranking factors for popular landmark

  1. Cultural significance
    The landmark should have historical or cultural importance for Canada and its people, representing some significant aspect of the country's heritage.
  2. Recognizability
    A popular landmark should be easily recognizable by both Canadians and international visitors. Iconic symbols or structures that have become synonymous with Canada can be considered in this category.
  3. Accessibility
    A significant factor in a landmark's popularity is its accessibility to the public. Landmarks that are easy to reach and navigate for all types of visitors, including those with disabilities, will be more likely to rank high in popularity.
  4. Ratings and reviews
    Public opinion, as reflected in ratings and reviews on travel websites, social media, and other sources, can provide valuable insight into the popularity of a landmark.
  5. Media coverage and portrayal
    Landmarks that have been featured prominently in films, television shows, or other media (including print) may have a higher level of public awareness and popularity.
  6. Geographic diversity
    It's essential to consider landmarks from various regions of Canada, showcasing the natural beauty and cultural diversity of the country.
  7. Sustainability and environmental impact
    The landmark should promote sustainable tourism and have a minimal negative impact on its surrounding environment.
  8. Educational value
    A popular landmark should offer some level of educational value, either through exhibits, guided tours, or other resources, to inform visitors about its history, culture, and importance.
  9. Economic impact
    The landmark should contribute to the local and national economy, either directly (through tourism-related business) or indirectly (through the promotion of Canada as an attractive tourist destination).

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular landmark in Canada. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or landmark is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2128 views
  • 175 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

More information on most popular landmark in canada

Canada is a country renowned for its natural beauty, diverse culture, and iconic landmarks. From the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the sprawling urban centers of Toronto and Vancouver, there is no shortage of breathtaking sights to behold in this vast and vibrant nation. But when it comes to the most popular landmark in Canada, there is one clear winner that stands above the rest: the CN Tower. This towering structure, located in the heart of downtown Toronto, has become an instantly recognizable symbol of Canada's modernity and innovation, drawing millions of visitors each year to its observation deck, restaurants, and other attractions. But while the CN Tower may be the most well-known landmark in Canada, there are many other iconic sites across the country that are equally deserving of recognition and appreciation. Whether it's the majestic beauty of Niagara Falls, the historic charm of Old Quebec, or the stunning scenery of Banff National Park, there is no shortage of awe-inspiring landmarks to explore and enjoy in this truly remarkable country.

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