Top 10 Instagram spots in Western Canada

A trip to Western Canada promises a full souvenir album of gorgeous photos.

With all the spectacular scenery you'll encounter on your trip, even novice photographers will make people jealous on Instagram

Here are 10 places as iconic as they are photogenic to include in your road trip itinerary!
 

#1. Peyto Lake

After being closed for several months for infrastructure improvements, the Peyto Lake viewing platform is once again open to the public.

And the good news is that it's easy to get there via a fifteen-minute walk along an easy trail.

This wolf-shaped lake surrounded by mountains and dark pine forest is extremely photogenic.

In summer and winter alike, it's a must-see stop along the Icefields Parkway.

Featured road trip

The West by RV

4.5

from €867 / adult + vehicle

See the itinerary

• RV
• 15 days

#2. Spirit Island

Accessible only by boat, Spirit Island can be discovered during a Cruise on Maligne Lake.

Take in this fascinating landscape aboard a heated cruise boat, accompanied by Canadian Heritage tour guides. 

You'll learn all about the geology, glacial history, flora and fauna of Maligne Lake and Jasper National Park.

This is not the time to have your camera batteries run out! You too can take home a picture of the most photographed island in the world!

#3. Moraine Lake

A picture of Moraine Lake in an Instagram feed always makes an impact

Go as early as possible so you can pretend you're alone in the world because, let's be honest, that won't be the case!

In addition to a photo session, take the time to admire one of the most beautiful lakes in Western Canada.

Canoeing or hiking are good options for enjoying this spectacular setting. 

#4. Helmcken Falls

Helmcken Falls is in Wells Gray Provincial Park in British Columbia (also known as “the Waterfall park”), about 3.5 hours from Jasper. A visit to the park is a perfect addition to a Western Canada road trip.

At 141 m, Helmcken is the highest waterfall in the park.

To get a good picture of the falls, which is at top of our list of the most beautiful waterfalls in Western Canada, simply take the short trail from the parking lot, which leads to this magnificent view.

#5. Capilano Suspended Bridge in Vancouver

This is definitely the most Instagrammable spot in the Vancouver area.

The suspension bridge stretches 70 metres above the Capilano River and is 137 m long.

It is located in Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, which has an admission fee of about $60 for adults and $30 for children (free for children under 6). 

Admission includes a number of attractions like the Cliffwalk—a narrow wooden walkway clinging to the granite cliff high above Capilano Canyon—and the Treetops Adventure, which will take you high into the treetops along a series of elevated suspension bridges.

#6. Vancouver Lookout

For a 360-degree view of Vancouver, head to the Vancouver Lookout in the heart of downtown, not far from the famous Gastown steam clock.

A glass elevator will whisk you to the top of the tower in 40 seconds.

From a height of 168 m, you'll have a fantastic view of the Vancouver harbour, Gastown, North Vancouver and the surrounding mountains.

For the best photos, I suggest you go at sunset.

#7. Lake Louise

Yes, it's a classic, but it belongs in this Top 10 of the most beautiful Instagram photo spots in Western Canada, right?

Located in Banff National Park, Lake Louise is accessible year round. But it's definitely during the summer that it's the most photogenic: its emerald waters and the Victoria Glacier in the background offer a real postcard-perfect setting.

Don't just stand in front of the prestigious hotel and gaze at it. Take the short 2 km trail along the lakeshore, or better yet, rent a canoe and paddle its calm waters.

#8. Long Beach

Head to the west coast of Vancouver Island and the longest beach in Pacific Rim National Park.

Here you will witness the power of the Pacific Ocean as it relentlessly pounds the rugged coastline. 

To take in this unique landscape and get plenty of great photos, I suggest walking south from Tofino along the beach until you reach the rocky headland that marks the division between Long Beach and Wickaninnish Beach.

Keep your eyes peeled, you might see whales on the horizon.

#9. Telegraph Cove

In my opinion, Telegraph Cove is the most beautiful village in Western Canada.

This picturesque village with its small fishing port and colourful historic wooden houses is also known for being one of the best places in Canada to see orcas (killer whales). 

A great place to find peace, tranquility and unspoiled nature.

#10. Icefields Parkway

I like to say that the Icefields Parkway is to Western Canada what Route 66 is to the American West: it's an iconic road and a must for visitors.

Connecting Lake Louise to Jasper, it's about 229 km of pure pleasure.

Surrounded by glaciers and turquoise lakes, the road is a photo spot in itself. But it also has many must-see stops like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake and Spirit Island mentioned above.

This is where my TOP 10 ends.

What's the most beautiful photo you brought back from Western Canada? Let us know in the comments below!