There’s certainly no shortage of attractions in Canada. From world-famous Niagara Falls to massive ski resorts and mountain lakes, there are loads of things to do in Canada. While we could certainly put together a list of what we feel are the best attractions in Canada, we thought we’d use Instagram to find out what everyone else is taking photos of. After all, Instagram is used by more than a billion people and has become an influential tool in promoting tourism in Canada and around the world. So, we waved our magic Instagram wand and found the…
100 ‘Most Instagrammed’ Attractions in Canada
From unspoiled landscapes to urban splendour, Canada has it all.
One of the best things to do in Canada is to take advantage of the fabulous outdoors – and there’s a lot of it. Approximately 90% of the country is uninhabited, with thousands of miles of untouched natural wonders, including 48 national parks and reserves and 970 national historic sites.
What’s more, Canada boasts some wonderful man-made attractions too, such as the world’s largest totem pole and the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere. Its cosmopolitan cities each have their own distinct personality but are all friendly, multicultural and full of fun things to do.
So, it may come as no surprise to hear that people come from far and wide to experience Canada’s wonder. But as the second-largest country in the world, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to exploring.
We decided to crunch the numbers, with a little help from Instagram, and shine a light on the most picture-worthy things to do across the country…
Read on to find out which attractions secured a place on the top 100 list, but first, let’s have a look at the top 10…
10. Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia (363,022)
Located in downtown Vancouver, this multi-activity sporting arena is the home of the Vancouver Canucks hockey team, as well as the venue for some of the biggest concerts and shows in the city. Rogers Arena also holds the prestige of being the site of the ice hockey events at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. All Canadians remember that goal by Sydney Crosby that bid farewell to team USA.
Visiting Vancouver? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Vancouver!
9. Granville Island, Vancouver, British Columbia (370,738)
Once an industrial manufacturing area, Granville Island is now a shopping district that is popular for entertainment in Vancouver. The tourist hotspot offers visitors the opportunity to explore its large public market, marina, theatres, art galleries, and a variety of shopping areas.
8. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Toronto, Ontario (405,005)
Opened fairly recently in 2013, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is now one of the top things to do in Toronto. The country’s largest indoor aquarium houses roughly 20,000 exotic sea and freshwater specimens, including sharks, jellyfish, stingrays, and more.
7. Capilano Suspension Bridge, North Vancouver, British Columbia (481,131)
Crossing the Capilano River in North Vancouver, this attraction has welcomed visitors since as far back as 1889. At 140 metres long and 70 metres high, the Capilano Suspension Bridge offers breathtaking views to those who walk across it – views good enough to capture by the looks of its top 10 position!
6. Old Port of Montreal, Québec (509,464)
This 1.2 mile-long, historical port in Montreal has been used from as early as 1611 when French fur traders used it as a trading post. Now a popular leisure attraction, the Old Port of Montreal offers a range of activities to visitors including walking, cycling, roller-blading, and boating on the Saint Lawrence River.
Visiting Montreal? Don’t miss our guide to the best things to do in Montreal!
5. Mont-Tremblant, Québec (512,052)
As the world’s second-oldest ski resort, Mont-Tremblant has been attracting snow enthusiasts since the first chairlift opened in 1939. And it’s still as popular as ever, now offering 95 trails, 18 acres of ramps, rails and jumps, and an Olympic-calibre super-pipe. The picturesque ski resort is also clearly one that visitors think is Instagram-worthy…
Visiting Quebec? Don’t miss our guide to the best things to do in Quebec!
4. CN Tower, Toronto, Ontario (548,969)
Standing at a height of 553 metres, the CN Tower is one of Toronto’s most well-known sights and landmarks. It was the world’s tallest freestanding structure until 2007 when it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, but it still remains the tallest in the Western Hemisphere. Its grandeur has captured attention since it was built, and continues to do today!
3. Whistler Blackcomb, Whistler, British Columbia (567,932)
By many measures, Whistler Blackcomb holds the title of North America’s biggest ski resort, boasting over 8,100 acres of snow-covered slopes, 16 alpine bowls, 3 glaciers, world-class terrain parks, and over 200 marked trails. With all of this on offer, the ski resort often surpasses 2 million visitors a year – and its top-three position indicates that people like to share it on the ‘gram!
Skiing in Canada? Don’t miss the chance to go skiing in Banff, as well as Golden, BC!
2. Lake Louise, Banff, Alberta (767,268)
Lake Louise is a picturesque lake in Banff National Park that entices visitors all year round. In winter, it freezes over, creating a wonderful ice skating experience, and in the summer, it is a hotspot for canoeing and paddle boarding. Its popularity is evident, with the turquoise lake securing second place.
Want more? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Lake Louise!
1. Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario (1,144,605)
Coming out in the top spot as the most Instagrammed attraction in Canada is Scotiabank Arena, with a whopping 1,144,605 photos.
The multi-complex centre in Toronto, Ontario, is home to the Toronto Raptors (NBA), the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), and the Toronto Rock (NLL). In 2018, it was ranked by Billboard Magazine as the 13th busiest arena in the world and the busiest in Canada for its size – a mecca for sports fans.
In fact, Canada is renowned for its passionate sporting culture so it’s no wonder that the majority of its most Instagrammed attractions offer activities of this nature – skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, canoeing, and hiking to name a few.
Interestingly, more than half of the top 100 most Instagrammed places of interest in Canada are, in fact, outdoor attractions: Nova Scotia’s picturesque Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, Alberta’s “drive of a lifetime” Icefields Parkway, and even Vancouver’s clothing-optional Wreck Beach.
You can view the entire table of results here…
10 ‘Most Instagrammed’ Lakes in Canada
Of course, there is a long list of reasons why Canada entices visitors from all over the world and one that is up there with the best is the lure of its vast, breathtaking lakes.
Did you know there are thought to be over 2 million of them across the country?! So we’ve dived back into the data to find out which of these are the most Instagrammed.
Banff National Park is one of Canada’s great national treasures, so it may not be surprising that the lake considered to be its crown jewel has taken the number one spot.
That’s right, with its soaring mountains, lush alpine forest and brilliantly blue waters, Lake Louise secured first place with an impressive 767,268 photos.
Following Lake Louise, the top 10 ‘most Instagrammed’ lakes in Canada are:
Somewhat amusing is the fact that Alberta has fewer lakes than almost any other province in Canada and yet it’s home to half of Canada’s top 10 most Instagrammed lakes. This is thanks to the beauty of both Banff National Park and Jasper National Park.
Methodology
To compile our list of the top 100 most Instagrammed attractions in Canada, we curated a list of the most popular ‘things to do’ across the country, taken from countless articles and sources listing the must-visit places of interest.
This included places of interest where tourists visit, typically for its inherent and/or exhibited natural or cultural value, historical significance, natural or built beauty, offering leisure and/or amusement. Large sites like Niagara Falls and National Parks such as Banff and Jasper were consequently split up by their individual attractions.
We then scoured Instagram to identify how many photos on Instagram had been posted in the specific location and ranked the attractions based on this number to identify our top 100. For the list of lakes, we simply took all of the lakes in Canada that made it onto the initial list and ranked those again by the number of photos.
Some of them surprised us. For example, we never imagined any arena coming out on top, but when you think of the entertainment inside the arenas, it makes sense.
Did anything surprise you? What’s your favourite attraction in Canada? Let us know in the comments!
Sources: Tripadvisor, listchallenges, Internationaltraveller, and Must Do Canada.
Jacqui says
I’m surprised that there weren’t more attractions from the East Coast on this list. What about the infamous Cabot Trail?
Matthew G. Bailey says
I know. We were surprised too. This was compiled using “location” and not tags, so it’s possible people on the Cabot Trail aren’t adding the actual location tag. I was surprised with Scotia Arena being #1 but I guess with all the events, it kinda makes sense.
Tommy Hartlin says
That top 10 makes sense but wish there was NS or Newfoundland places on the list.
Matthew G. Bailey says
Us too. Hard to believe with so much beauty there
Heather says
All look fun to see and do
Heather says
I want to go to them all again without restrictions!
Davita says
Love lake Louise, but Moraine Lake is also a must visit imo
Christian L says
Well balanced selection- great job!
CL says
Such an awesome site…so glad to have found you!
Sarah says
They all look amazing
Ann says
Thank you for the suggestions! I’ll be sure to check them out this summer
Molly Jones says
Can’t believe the Burmis Tree (Crowsnest Pass, Alberta) did not make the list, but I guess it is not really an attraction. Maybe you can do a list of the most instagrammed flora/fauna and dead trees in Canada 🙂
Matthew G. Bailey says
haha yes. Even more surprising is I don’t think anything from the east coast made it, and there’s so much beauty there
Joanne Elford says
We have such a beautiful country! We should all be sharing the beauty of our own little piece of heaven with the rest of the world!
John says
Awesome!
Adam says
Nothing better then the mountains!!
Debbie S. says
What a great article. I haven’t actually been to too many of these places. I’d love to though.
Gillian says
This makes me miss travelling!
Carole says
I have been to a few of these. Canada is so beautiful!
Jackson says
Alberta always lookin right
Tammy says
The north shore of Lake Superior is magical!!
Ashley Stefaniszyn says
Wow some cool places in Canada, surprised two arenas made the list rather than some of Canada’s natural beauties.
Deb Roberts says
Looks like I have some places to visit!
Juliet S. says
The Capilano Suspension Bridge and Lake Louise have long been on my bucket list and I guess I’m going to have to wait a bit longer!
Amber says
love love love the Alberta lakes… even got married at Moraine Lake
Amie says
So many great places to see in Canada!
Allison says
Not sure these are the best representation of Canada? Just because it is Instagram popular doesn’t mean it’s that great.
Matthew G. Bailey says
I guess it depends. But the whole purpose of this study was just to see what attractions were being tagged the most
Kitty says
I can’t wait to check some of these out!
Craig says
Some places i would love to go see.
Trish says
Beautiful!
Ashley Spooner says
I’ve done the ripleys aquarium and it is pretty cool!
Janice Cournoyer says
Where is Manitoba? We have many beautiful lakes, beaches, and hikes
Matthew G. Bailey says
It does. They just didn’t get “Instagrammed” as much.
cathy erdle says
It’s really interested for me to see which sites attract the most buzz on instagram!
Sabrina says
So many places I still need to visit!
Terry Perron says
Great list, so many beautiful lakes in Canada. Never get bored.