Is there anything more romantic, soothing, and mesmerizing than a beautiful sunset? Canada abounds in natural beauty, from the northern lights to the midnight sun, and these gorgeous pictures of sunsets in Canada will melt your heart away!
“There is nothing more musical than a sunset.” Claude Debussy
17 Gorgeous pictures of sunsets in Canada to melt your heart!
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1. Elk Island National Park, Alberta
Located about 30-40 minutes away from the capital city of Alberta is the stunning Elk Island National Park. The park is home to bison and is a dark sky preserve (perfect for chasing northern lights and starry skies, in case you are wondering).
Inside the national park is a bison loop and the unspoiled Lake Astotin. Every summer, there are sunset tours conducted by Haskin Canoe, located inside the park. They also provide voyager canoes and kayaks for rent.
You can soak in those golden hues without a canoe tour too, but if you embark on one, you won’t be disappointed.
READ: Stunning national parks in Canada
2. Peggy Cove, Nova Scotia
The iconic lighthouse in Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia is a crowd-puller. Now imagine watching the sky being painted in warm orange colors in the after-glow of the sunset.
Peggy Cove is located only 45 minutes away from Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia. It is on the shore of St. Margarets Bay. You can drive up to the little village that houses the iconic spot. It is a perfect spot to visit in the morning and prettier in the evenings!
A gorgeous photography location in Canada and one of the most photographed spots in the world!
Another popular spot in Nova Scotia for sunsets is Cape Breton Island.
3. Victoria, British Columbia
The inner harbor of the capital city of British Columbia makes for an epic sunset moment in Canada. Imagine the sight of floatplanes, iconic landmarks such as the Fairmont Empress Hotel, and the Parliament buildings all painted in golden hues.
The downtown core and the inner harbor are hard to miss on your Victoria trip. Plus you don’t have to drive or hike to soak in the sunset views – just be there around the golden hour! That’s it.
If you happen to stay there when until the sun goes down, you will be welcomed to the illuminated lights at the BC Legislature Buildings.
Sunsets in Victoria are very special. To make it extraordinary, you can also book a whale watching cruise in the evening.
Another popular spot in Victoria for sunsets is Mount Tolmie, near the University of Victoria.
4. Toronto Harbourfront, Ontario
Toronto Downtown is the bustling city center. One of the coolest things about the downtown is quick access to Lake Ontario, ferry rides, and Toronto Island.
While exploring and wandering downtown, wait for the sun to go down and admire the golden hues. There are many walkways and boardwalks (with benches nearby) where you can sit back and enjoy a moment of utter gorgeousness.
To capture the beautiful Toronto skyline, yeah with the iconic CN Tower at its backdrop, you must go to the Toronto Centre Islands. It only takes about 15 minutes for a ferry ride from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal (located at 9 Queen’s Quay West) to the islands.
At Centre Island, you can hang out the entire day enjoying picnics, boat rides, romantic brunches, strolls at the beach, and more.
Wait for the evening and capture the stunning views of Toronto Skyline in (warm) candy colors.
READ: How to spend a day in Toronto?
5. Jasper National Park, Alberta
Jasper is the largest of the national parks in the Canadian Rockies. Many of the sightseeing attractions inside the national park are perfect photography spots for sunrises and sunsets.
From Spirit Island to Maligne Lake, the very downtown of Jasper is heaven for sunsets. However, keep in mind during summers the sun sets pretty late – sometimes even after 09:30 pm. So, make a note of the sunset hours to capture this beauty!
Sunset canoeing is also possible at the Patricia and Pyramid lakes.
“When the sun has set, no candle can replace it.” – George R. R. Martin
6. Sunset on the Prairies
The Canadian provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba (along with the Great Plains) are called the Prairies. This region consists of grasslands, plains, and lowlands, so there are essentially – no mountains.
And when the ‘golden hour’ (an hour before sunset) hits the ground, it blankets the entire landscape in warm orange hues, with golden lights falling on farms and open spaces.
When it is sunset, all you can see is the bright sun and its rays, and there is nothing to intervene or obstruct your view (or photographs).
Embarking on road trips in the Prairies in the evening is delightful; just lower your car window and soak in those views.
7. Forillon National Park, Quebec
Forillon National Park is the oldest national park in Quebec. Its location on the outer tip of the Gaspé Peninsula of Quebec makes for stunning sunset settings.
There is a lighthouse, called the Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse, near the village of Cap-des-Rosiers, which is perfect for viewing the sun go down. Visitors to the national park embark on trails (Mount Saint Alban) and whale watching at Gaspé Bay.
READ: Canadian travel bucket list challenge
8. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Canada is absolutely gorgeous – you just have to keep an eye out for those golden moments with the sun.
When I was vacationing in the capital city of Prince Edward Island, I saw this glow on the iconic Dunster Basilica of Charlottetown (from my hotel window). It lasted only a minute or two.
I am glad I was able to capture this moment!
9. Vermilion Lakes, Alberta
Vermillion Lakes are a group of lakes located inside Banff National Park. The part of the lake located between the Trans-Canada Highway and the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks is quite easily accessible.
If you wish to capture Mount Rundle’s mesmerizing views, you must make your way to the Vermillion Lakes. This location is also a popular spot to chase northern lights.
The lake is accessible all year round. In the height of the summer months, the sun sets as late as 10:00 pm, and if you visit during ‘regular’ evening hours like 06:00 or 07:00 pm, you will see the sun shine brightly minus the golden hues.
During winter, you can also skate here and, of course, catch those green dancing lights for free!
10. Niagara Falls Sunsets, Ontario
The popular Niagara Falls is the perfect heaven to view Canadian sunsets. The sun’s rays fall on the gushing waterfalls, making it tranquil and a moment to behold forever.
Whether a day trip from Toronto or a weekend getaway, ensure you head to one of the viewing platforms to capture the sunsets at Niagara. For a romantic dinner, opt for a meal at the Skylon Tower restaurants.
“When I admire the wonders of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in the worship of the creator.” – Mahatma Gandhi
11. Montreal, Quebec
If you are an urban dweller, Montreal has tons of sunset viewpoints to keep you happy. Start with the neighborhood of Cité du Havre to witness those candy-colored skies.
Love skyscrapers? Don’t miss evenings in downtown Montreal from rooftop bars or apartment buildings, where sunsets are a breeze. During summer, the sun sets at around 08:30 pm (earlier than on the western side of Canada).
Mont-Royal Park, another popular spot for sunset viewing, is not too far away from downtown Montreal.
12. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia
Sunsets on the coast of Cape Breton Highlands National Park are some of the most beautiful in the world. The colors are simply stunning, and there is nothing like watching the sun sink below the horizon while enjoying a scenic drive along the coastline.
The most remarkable feature of northern Cape Breton is the Highlands. Steep cliffs and deep river gorges cut the plateau surrounding the sea, and when the sun’s rays touch them – it is pure magic.
If you are lucky enough to be in Cape Breton during the fall, you will be treated to some of the most incredible sunsets of your life. The trees’ leaves change color, the air is crisp and clean, and everything turns golden.
Whether you are watching the sunset from a lookout point, while road-tripping, or from the beach, you will surely be mesmerized by Mother Nature’s colors and beauty.
13. Edmonton neighborhoods, Alberta
Edmonton is the capital of Alberta. It is North America’s northernmost metropolitan area, with a population of over one million. Everyday life in Edmonton offers quiet moments to enjoy incredible natural wonders.
We have pictured a photo of Edmonton neighborhoods where the sun shines brightly against the houses.
In downtown Edmonton, the sun sets over tall buildings, bridges, and the North Saskatchewan River.
Here is another picture from Edmonton of the Legislative building (or the Ledge), captured during one day when wildfires were spread in Fort Mac.
The time of sunset here during summer is around 09:00 pm, and the picture above was taken in the summer months at around 5:00 pm.
READ: Stunning fall destinations to visit in Canada
14. St Lawrence River and Quebec City, Quebec
In Quebec City, Canada, sunsets are absolutely breathtaking.
The colors are so vibrant and beautiful that it’s hard to believe they’re real. Every day, as the sun sets behind the cityscape, locals and tourists flock to the banks of the St. Lawrence River to take in the view.
It’s truly an unforgettable experience.
If you happen to be in Quebec City during the summer, you’re in for an even bigger treat. During the longest days of the year, the sun sets much later, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the show and outdoors comfortably.
But no matter what time of year you visit, though, a sunset in Quebec City is sure to take your breath away. (pictured here sunsets in the winter in Quebec City)
15. Lake of the Woods Provincial Park, Ontario
Located on the borders of Ontario, Manitoba, and Minnesota, the Lake of the Woods Provincial Park is a perfect transition zone where three distinct natural environments meet—northern, southern, and prairies.
The sun sets here late (like in the western region) at about 09:00 pm. You can easily spend a day at the provincial park fishing, camping, hiking, and picnicking. Or stop by as part of your road trip!
Another popular spot in Ontario is capturing the Caribbean-blue Lake Huron in Grand Bend.
READ: Scenic lakes in Canada
16. Vancouver Harbourfront, British Columbia
Harbour Fronts are a treat for an amazing sunset experience. And Vancouver is no different, in fact, it is our favorite. Wandering through the urban jungle, with beautiful gardens and skyscrapers, the waterfront of Vancouver will melt your heart.
Stroll the promenade or hang out at Canada Place and soak in the views of the English Bay. You can also view sunsets at Stanley Park and the Vancouver Seawall.
17. Algonquin Park, Ontario
Algonquin Provincial Park, located in southeastern Ontario, is one of the first provincial parks spanning vast acres. The park boasts breathtaking forests, rivers, and numerous lakes, including the magnificent Lake of Two Rivers. This vast wilderness is home to various wildlife, from majestic moose and bears to the enchanting calls of common loons.
Imagine the golden hues falling on the gorgeous lakes and taking it all in!
You can explore the park’s extensive trail network and maybe embark on the Barron Canyon Trail to enjoy the beautiful views and gifts of Mother Nature.
Beautiful, isn’t it? Sunsets make for great Instagram shots, as well!
We hope you enjoyed this article and our blog post list of gorgeous sunsets in Canada. Share with us, which is your favorite?
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