Published on March 7, 2025 by Coralie Pinhal, Bilingual Coordinator, Marketing and Communications
When visiting a city, we naturally seek out the best vantage point — the perfect spot to take it all in and capture a photo that defines the place. A lookout point not only gives us a sweeping view of the skyline but also helps us map out the city, find its landmarks and situate ourselves in the space. These unique places offer a new perspective. They make us aware of the city’s scale and deepen our sense of connection to it.
Even in our own city, sometimes we just need to take the time to slow down, relax and observe the bustling city from the outside. Whether it’s a public park, historic site or even a well-placed public bench, public spaces offer some of the best (and most affordable) views of the urban landscape.
From east to west, here are our favourite public spaces with the best lookouts of Canada’s cities.
Situated in the heart of downtown Halifax, this historic hilltop fort offers one of the best views of Halifax Harbour. The grounds, open year-round, are also a perfect place to learn more about the history of Halifax. Visit the website to find a tour with a costumed guide or take the ghost tour if you dare.
If your time permits, step away from the city core and head to Woodside Area Regional Park in Dartmouth, where you can enjoy lush greenery, hiking trails and stunning views of the Halifax skyline.
Probably the most famous viewpoint of Montreal, Kondiaronk Belvedere on the terrace of Mount Royal offers breathtaking views of the largest city of Quebec. From hiking, bird watching or even snow tubing, Mount Royal has activities for all season; find your fun here.
A hidden gem to see the city from a different angle is Parc de Dieppe. Ideally located on a point extending out into the St. Lawrence River, Parc de Dieppe is the perfect location to photograph Montreal’s downtown and Old Port.
Called the Centre of Canadian Democracy, Parliament Hill is a place to meet, connect and enjoy a panoramic view of the Canadian capital. Right next to Ottawa’s downtown, this historic space is easy to access by foot, bike or public transportation.
If you are looking for a view that includes the Parliament building in the picture, head to the Canadian Museum of History on the other side of the Ottawa River. You can walk on the Trans Canada Trail or take a break at the Panorama Café to enjoy stunning views of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill.
Famous for the wonderful sunsets on Toronto’s skyline, Riverdale Park East is a popular spot to have a summer picnic or toss a frisbee around. The winter also offers its wonder: you can enjoy the breathtaking viewpoint while sledding down the hill.
For another lookout in Toronto, continue your adventure by taking our Free Shuttle Bus to Evergreen Brick Works at the nearby Broadview Station. Explore the trails and quarry, then head up to the Governor’s Bridge Lookout for a different view of the city. You might even spot some wildlife while you take it all in.
A visit to Winnipeg isn’t complete without stopping by The Forks, one of our favourite public places. Hit two views with one trip by crossing Esplanade Riel Footbridge for a beautiful panorama of the city. On the other side of the bridge, enjoy a walk along the riverside on Tache Promenade all the way to Tache Public Dock for another great photo opportunity.
For a view of the city from higher ground, head to Westview Park. It’s also one of the off-leash dog parks in Winnipeg. This park offers walking trails and picnic areas for a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Edmonton counts many great viewpoints along the River Valley. Easily accessible from downtown, we recommend River Valley Overlook, where the scenic view of Edmonton features the gracious Walterdale Bridge in the foreground and Edmonton’s skyline in the background.
The iconic landmark of Edmonton, the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald (or “The Mac” as it’s known locally), can be best viewed from Yurinatus Lookout. Yurinatus Lookout is also known for its amazing sunsets — so bring a blanket and some snacks and get comfortable for the show.
Right in the middle of the city, Scotsman’s Hill is the perfect vantage point of Calgary’s skyline. Easily accessible by public transit, Scotsman’s Hill is a historic landmark. From this viewpoint, you will be able to see the Stampede Grounds, the Saddledome, the National Music Centre and the Calgary Tower.
To see Calgary from the other side, head to Crescent Heights Lookout Point. Being one of the most famous lookouts in Calgary, this public space can be busy, so consider visiting early in the morning or during weekdays for a less crowded experience.
Stanley Park, Vancouver’s largest and most beloved urban park provides several viewpoints of the city. We recommend heading to Hallelujah Point for a panoramic view of Vancouver’s skyline.
If you’re looking for a higher view of Vancouver, Cypress Lookout is a wonderful option. This lookout offers magical sunrises or sunsets, so bring your camera with you. Cypress Park features multiple hiking trails from 1 km to 48 km!
Learn more
Could you imagine Montreal without Mount Royal, Winnipeg without The Forks or Vancouver without Stanley Park? Us neither! Public spaces offer the best views of Canada’s largest cities — and so much more. Public places connect us to nature, to our community and to each other. They also add a bit of needed joy to our urban lives, whether it’s a moment of tranquility or the perfect spot for a photo.
