Canada is home to some of the world鈥檚 most stunning views. From the majestic Rockies to the bucolic eastern coastline, tourists travel far and wide to witness the beauty of the maple leaf country.
Despite the high level of competition, fully half of Canada's top viewpoints are right here in B.C., according to a recently released ranking.
A recent report by financial services company Remitly has determined that Mount Maxwell Provincial Park on Salt Spring Island ranks as Canada's second-best view. Saanich鈥檚 Mount Tolmie was deemed the country鈥檚 third best vista. Soames (Knob) Hill in Gibsons was fourth, the Malahat Skywalk on southern Vancouver Island finished eighth, and Greater Vancouver's Burnaby Mountain Park was ninth.
Delighted by the news, Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock was proud to see his local gem ranking so high.
鈥淚t certainly gives a big boost to Mount Tolmie viewpoint,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e're listed among some pretty iconic spots across the country and it confirms what a lot of folks in this community know is that we've got a really beautiful, special place.
Despite competing with numerous iconic Canadian viewpoints, Murdock believes Mount Tolmie rivals the best spots, meriting its well-deserved recognition.
鈥淭here are panoramic views in every direction,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou can see the water and the mountains鈥� and if you get up there at sunset, it creates a beautiful view over Saanich and all the way to downtown.
鈥淚t's a gorgeous spot, just steps away from the urban environment, and yet it feels like you're in a completely different space.鈥�
With over 1,500 metres of trails meandering to its summit, Mount Tolmie is a popular urban lookout located a few minutes' drive north of downtown Victoria. The 120-metre peak provides an accessible viewpoint with panoramic views of the Saanich Peninsula, Victoria, and the Olympic Mountains across the Salish Sea.
Named after 19th-century biologist William Fraser Tolmie, the park is home to a Garry oak meadow, arbutus trees, rocky slopes, picnic areas, and excellent birdwatching spots.
This urban gem is a frequent stop for residents and visitors seeking a quick adventure within the region.
More than just a place to take a breather and enjoy the surrounding nature, Mount Tolmie holds a significant place in Murdock鈥檚 heart.
鈥淚t's the place where I got married and so it adds a romantic flavour to the enjoyment of this place.鈥�
Meanwhile, Mount Maxwell, Salt Spring Island鈥檚 highest peak with an elevation of 580 metres, is known for its sweeping views of the Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island, and the mainland.
The Sunshine Coast Regional District describes Soames Hill Park as "impressive second growth forest trails leading to spectacular views of Howe Sound, the North Shore mountains, Keats, Gambier and Bowen Islands, Gibsons and the Georgia Strait."
The Malahat Skywalk, which opened in 2021, is a 32-metre-high spiral tower that offers views of Saanich Inlet, Mount Baker, and the Coast Mountains. The attraction includes a treetop walkway and an optional slide descent.
And Burnaby Mountain Park is a centralized high point for the Greater Vancouver area offering views of the city and its surrounding mountains and shores.
Although Alberta鈥檚 Bear鈥檚 Hump in Waterton Lakes National Park has been crowned the country most popular viewpoint, B.C. had the most locations in the top 20, with nine spots.
The study, which examined more than 483,000 online reviews of 411 locations across Canada, ranked sites based on the percentage of positive mentions of the word 鈥渧iew.鈥�
The full study and rankings can be found on .
