14 Best Sunsets in Canada to See Before You Die (2024)

If you’re anything like me, you might be curious where you can find the best sunsets in Canada.

There are so many beautiful places to see across Canada, but there’s something about a good sunset that never fails to put me in awe.

I’ve lived in Canada for most of my life, and I love how some of the best sunsets happen right here in my backyard.

I also love that I get to enjoy them with friends and family or at the end of a long workday with Theo napping on my lap.

From the rocky mountains to the Great Lakes and East Coast harbors, here are the most beautiful spots to see the sunset in Canada!

1. Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax is a stunning city located on a peninsula in Nova Scotia, and Downtown Halifax has the perfect waterfront view of the Halifax Harbour.

Walking along the boardwalk is one of the best things to do in Halifax, and each evening, the sunset paints the harbor with hues of bright reds and oranges.

Another great place to enjoy the sunset in Halifax is from a local bar or restaurant. In my opinion, Bicycle Thief’s outdoor patio has the prettiest view of the sunset during dinner.

But if you’re looking for a more ‘natural’ setting, try Point Pleasant Park on the South End!

I always loved going for an evening run in this park. It overlooks historic battlements and rolling hills, and I would often sit on a pebbled beach and watch the sun slowly sink below the horizon.

The unfortunate part is that you need to get lucky. Nova Scotia is known for having British-esque weather with lots of misty days.

Summer is your best shot at finding a day without clouds or rain during summer. It also has much later sunsets. Depending on the month, plan to be near the shore between 8PM and 10PM. 

👉 Want a full Canada Experience? Check out this 6-day Eastern Canada Tour.

2. Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia

Are you up for a day trip from Halifax?

Peggy’s Cove is only an hour outside Halifax and a beautiful spot to see the sunset behind a lighthouse.

This picturesque fishing village is one of Canada’s most recognizable landmarks, and the white lighthouse perched on the edge of the rocky coastline is the main reason why!

The village has colorful houses along the coastline, fun boutique shops, and local restaurants.

Then, once evening rolls around, you can take a stroll along the coastline and sit on the rocks to admire the sunset.

I visited Peggy’s Cove countless times while living in Halifax, and the Peggy Cove sunset never ceased to amaze me!

3. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia (Cabot Trail)

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is the iconic sunset spot along the scenic Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia.

The best way to enjoy the Cabot Trail is by car. The famous highway circles around Cape Breton and offers some of the best views in Canada.

There’s a reason it’s nicknamed “the scenic route.” There are so many hidden gems along the trail that you could spend weeks hiking through them all and exploring the side roads by car.

And best of all, you can enjoy a sunset almost anywhere on the Cabot Trail.

While the best sunsets happen at the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, there are also countless scenic lookouts along the way that offer spectacular views as well.

I loved the Skyline Trail, but I would definitely be worried about hiking all the way back in the dark.

Instead, I often enjoyed the sunset with a lobster roll at one of the many small shacks along the route.

I should warn you that this area is known for being a few degrees colder than anywhere else in Nova Scotia, and it’s notoriously rainy. So make sure you pack an extra layer and check the weather before you go!

4. Ferry on the St. Lawrence, Quebec

One of the best sunsets I experienced in Canada was on the ferry from Saint Simeon to Rivière-du-Loup.

We crossed the St. Lawrence River in the middle of May on a Toronto to Halifax road trip, and as the sun set, it painted the water in beautiful colors. Honestly, it was an incredible way to end a long day exploring the St. Lawrence River. 

The ferry is about an hour long, so book one that leaves about a half hour before sunset!  

Out on the deck, you’ll have a clear view of the horizon and the sunset on a clear day. The coolest part is that you can also spot dolphins or a beluga whale from the deck. 

The ferry costs roughly $27.60 CAD ($20.40 USD) for adults and $52.90 CAD ($39.26 USD) for cars. So, if you’re in Quebec, this is a relatively inexpensive way to see one of the best sunsets in Canada.

Submitted by Cosette from KarsTravels

👉 See whales while you watch the sunset in Quebec on this tour! 

5. Toronto Islands, Ontario

Some of the best sunsets in Ontario happen on the Toronto Islands, mainly because they also come with a view of the city skyline.

Non-locals usually aren’t even aware of these rural islands located just 15 minutes across the harbor from Toronto.

You can grab a ferry from downtown or a private water taxi to get to Centre Island. 

Also, I’d get here early because there are a lot of things to do on the islands before sitting down to watch the sunset. You can enjoy the lush natural landscape, the theme park, and the best sunset view in Toronto.

You can also go canoeing or kayaking from the Toronto Islands in the summer!

If you do this close to sunset, you’ll have an unimpeded view of the sunset behind the CN Tower and the best picture of the Toronto skyline.

Also, if you want something a little more luxurious, sunset sails around Lake Ontario give you a similarly epic Canadian sunset experience.

Be sure to keep an eye on the ferry schedule. The last ferry back to Toronto is right before sunset, so you’ll have to book a water taxi. 

Luckily, the price difference is only a few dollars!

👉 Take a sunset canoe tour around the islands!

6. The Muskokas, Ontario

Muskoka (particularly the Muskoka Lakes) is a really popular area for people living in Toronto to escape city life.

But it also happens to have a couple of great sunset spots in Ontario.

It’s about an hour and a half from Toronto, so you’ll notice a few farming communities, but it’s not completely rural. Most people from the city rent cottages here in the summer.

We used to go cottaging here, and my favorite sunsets (in the world!) have all been in Muskoka, especially on Lake Joseph.

It’s so peaceful here. Whether you visit in the spring, summer, or fall, the crystal clear water reflects the sky, making it the perfect area to watch a blazing sunset slowly darken.

I love watching every color shift and glow over the lake from a Muskoka chair with a cup of tea and Theo beside me.

It’s tough to beat a Muskoka sunset!

7. Manitoulin Island, Ontario

Located in Northern Ontario, Manitoulin Island is the largest freshwater island in the world.

It sits in Lake Huron, just south of Sudbury.

Most Canadians never consider visiting this island, but they’re missing out. Manitoulin Island has excellent beaches, lots of hiking trails, and the best sunset spots in Canada.

The Cup and Saucer Trail is a local favorite for getting a better vantage point for the sunset, but it is a lot easier to be at sea level when the darkness falls.

I loved watching the sunset each night over Lake Huron from my RV park on Manitoulin Island. I could sip my sparkling water from the small beach while my friends built a fire.

It was such a lovely moment of quiet solitude each night after a full day of hiking and RVing.

Also, the lack of light pollution shortly after sunset makes for incredible stargazing!

8. Breakwater Park in Kingston, Ontario

Breakwater Park is yet another great sunset spot, allowing visitors to watch the sunset right over Lake Ontario.

The lake is so big that you can’t see its end, so the sun appears to set right on the water!

While there are plenty of spots along the shore of Lake Ontario, Breakwater Park in Kingston is one of the best. It even has a sandy beach and ladders to take a sunset dip.

However, most people prefer to watch the sunset lying on the grass in the park, looking out over the water, or on the pier with their feet in the water. 

If you come too early, park your car at the Waterfront Lot and walk along the shore a little before going to the pier!

The best time of the year to visit is summer, right before the university classes start and students from Queen’s University flood the city.

But if you want to view an earlier sunset, fall is also a great option. You just probably won’t have the place all to yourself.

Submitted by Emma of Emma’s Roadmap

9. Niagara Falls, Ontario

You may not initially think of Niagara Falls as having one of the best sunsets in Canada, but there are actually several great places nearby to see the sunset. 

Without a doubt, the Skylon Tower is the best place to watch the sunset in Niagara Falls. The beautiful panorama of Niagara Falls in the foreground is spectacular. 

But another fantastic spot for Niagara Falls’s sunset view is Table Rock Welcome Centre, located on the edge of the waterfall.

Also, some people say that Niagara SkyWheel is the best spot for sunset. The enclosed gondola goes up to 53 meters high, and you’ll have a view directly west for most of the ride. 

Several hotels in Niagara Falls also provide amazing views, including the Marriott Fallsview or Hilton Niagara Falls. At either hotel, you can watch the sunset from your room! 

Niagara Falls is open to visitors year-round, and regardless of the season you want to visit this place, sunsets in Niagara Falls are some of the best in Canada. Just double-check the time because daylight varies dramatically in Niagara Falls.

During winter, sunset is between 4:30 PM. and 5:30 PM. In spring or summer, the sun goes down between 7:45 PM. and 9 PM.

Submitted by Paulina of UKeveryday

👉 Watch the sunset as you dine beneath Niagara Falls on this tour.

10. Bruce Peninsula, Ontario

If you’re looking for the best sunset spots in Ontario, head to the Bruce Peninsula, specifically the northern or western shores.

The Bruce Peninsula is about 3-4 hours north of Toronto. It’s known for The Grotto (a famous limestone sea cave) and the charming small town of Tobermory. 

Tobermory is a popular road trip destination, and one of the best things to do in Tobermory is to watch the sunset!

My favorite sunset spot in town is Sunset Park, but for a truly memorable experience, you can book a sunset cruise from Tobermory out onto Lake Huron! 

Sunsets on the northern edge of the Bruce Peninsula are best in the summer and fall, but they are busy, so you’ll need to book any tours or activities a few months in advance.  

An alternative place to witness the sunset on the Bruce Peninsula is Black Creek Provincial Park, about 35 minutes south of the city.

Oh, one last note. Since this is a provincial park, expect to pay a small parking fee.

Submitted by Stephanie of The World as I See It

👉 I recommend this day trip to Tobermory from Toronto.

11. Moraine Lake, Alberta

Moraine Lake, with its snowy peaks and lush alpine valleys, might be the most photographed location in the country.

Sunset brings a heavy golden light over aqua-blue waters, so it’s become a favorite among both locals and travelers during sunset. 

The 14km stretch of road leading to Moraine Lake is closed during winter, so you’ll want to visit the lake (along with the town of Lake Louise) between May and October. 

Once you get to the parking lot, it’s just a short hike to what’s aptly named the “Moraine Lake Rockpile” – a heap of mountainous debris that’s since been converted to arguably the most visited viewpoint in the western region.

This trail is suitable for all ages and skill levels but requires a brief climb up a natural, stone-carved staircase.

I suggest arriving 1-2 hours before sunset, especially during high season, since parking is limited and attendants start turning away cars once they hit capacity. 

Submitted by Natasha of Planes, Trains, and Karcz

👉 This sightseeing tour is the best tour around Moraine Lake!

12. Abraham Lake, Alberta

You’re going to want to bundle up for this next sunset! The best time to see the sunset at Abraham Lake in Alberta is in January or February.

You’re probably wondering, Why the middle of winter? 

Abraham Lake is famous for its ice bubbles, which are best at the peak of winter. The bubbles are visible through the crystal clear mountain ice for several feet. They come in all shapes and sizes and contrast beautifully with the green-blue of the deep.

But the ice starts getting cloudy after February.

The lake is about 130km north of Lake Louise, just outside Banff National Park, and it’s pretty easy to access from the highway. 

If you are going up here to see the ice bubbles, I highly recommend staying until sunset. The mountains and the beautiful color of the frozen lake are otherworldly.

Also, the best time to see the ice bubbles is at sunrise or sunset when the glare is off the frozen lake, so this is a win-win! 

The winter sunset is early at Abraham Lake, though! Plan to be there around 3:30 PM, as the sun will set between 4:45 PM and 5:45 PM.

Those who brave the cold will be rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a stunning Canadian sunset.

Submitted by Celeste of Slow Travel Blog

👉 I recommend this helicopter tour over the lake.

13. Whistler, British Columbia

Whistler is a world-renowned ski destination famous for its epic powder runs, but did you know it’s also one of the best places in Canada to watch the sunset?

That’s because just after the sun sets here, the sky lights up in what is known as an alpenglow. 

This phenomenon occurs when the light illuminates the mountain peaks in shades of orange and pink. It’s most dramatic in winter (mid-November to March) when the peaks still have snow.

Lost Lake – particularly the huge pier along the right side of the lake – is an amazing setting to catch the sunset in Whistler.

The lake is a 20-minute leisurely walk from Whistler’s upper village, but it can be hard to find the starting point. You’ll want to go right across the road from the Four Seasons Hotel, and from there, it’s well-marked. 

At Lost Lake, you can see Blackcomb Mountain. When the sun sets, the snow-covered peak of the mountain lights up in an alpenglow. The pink and orange hues often reflect off the lake, creating a perfect photo opp.

Watching the sunset at Lost Lake is easily one of the most unique things to do in Whistler, but make sure to bring a flashlight for the walk back. The trail back to the village isn’t well-lit. 

An alternative spot to watch the sunset in Whistler is Nita Lake. The trailhead is roughly 15 minutes outside town, though, so it’s slightly less convenient.

Or, if you don’t want to leave town at all, simply grab a sunset drink and sit on the large patio of Garibaldi Lift Company. 

It’s the highest patio in Whistler, and you can spot the last light of the day hitting Blackcomb, Whistler, Sproatt, and Rainbow mountains from your prime vantage point.

Submitted by Aimee of Snap Happy Travel

👉 I love this Whistler tour from Vancouver

14. Tofino, British Columbia

If you’re looking for a sunset destination on the West Coast, plan a trip to Tofino, British Columbia!

Tofino gets one of the last sunsets of the day in Canada, with the sun setting along the ocean’s horizon.

The easiest way to Tofino is to take a ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo. From there, it’s a three-hour drive from the coastal rainforest to the town.

The best time to see the sunset here is after a storm when the clouds break up, generally during spring (March to May). Make sure to bring your raincoat and waterproof boots because rain here is constant, even when it looks like the clouds are parting!

Tofino is right on the ocean, so there are tons of good places to watch the sunset! 

If you want to stay nearbyby, take a short hike to Tonquin Beach and see the sunset among the rainforest trees and boardwalks.

A little further down the shore in Long Beach, you can enjoy sunset views with happy surfers riding the waves in the foreground.

Even further down the shore in Ucluelet is the Wild Pacific Trail. 

This 8.8-kilometer loop takes you to some of the wildest and most undisturbed coastlines, viewing the sunset with waves crashing right in front of your eyes! For this hike, make sure to pack some water, snacks, and sturdy hiking shoes. 

With the vast number of beaches in Tofino, you can plan to see beautiful sunsets every night of your itinerary!

👉 This tour offers the best view of the Tofino sunsets.

Wrap Up  

You probably knew Canada had tons of snow, autumn leaves, and Timbits, but it’s also home to some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.

From Tofino on the West Coast to the Rocky Mountains, Great Lakes, and Halifax on the East Coast, you should have at least a few of these sunsets in Canada on your bucket list!

No matter where you go in Canada, you will find a naturally beautiful vantage point to end each day.

If you’re looking for somewhere new to see your next sunset, I hope this list inspires you. 

---

Related Posts:

• Top 10 Reasons to Move to Canada: From a Canadian Expat
• 190 Best Canada Quotes and Captions for Instagram
• 202 Fun Facts About Canada You’ve Never Heard
• 86 Bucket List Canada Things to Do: The Ultimate Must Do List
• 30 Best Souvenirs from Canada to Take Home

Pin this for later!