From the Coast to the Capital, Enjoy an Eyeful of Extraordinary Eastern Canada

See 15 images of our neighbor to the north from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

Photographs selected by Jeff Campagna

OPENER - More than 1,800 feet high, the CN Tower, a communications hub and tourist attraction, pierces the night sky just after dusk in downtown Toronto.
More than 1,800 feet high, the CN Tower, a communications hub and tourist attraction, pierces the night sky just after dusk in downtown Toronto. Leonard Theivendra, Ontario, 2012

An ideal mix of landscape and cityscape, eastern Canada offers a lot to see and appreciate. Whether you want to spend your time touring tall towers or watching whales, it can all happen in the country with which the United States shares its largest border. No matter the season, there’s something spectacular to behold or enjoy in the Great White North.

But you don’t have to journey there to see it for yourself—check out these Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest images for a virtual tour.

2 - The small town of Elliston is a nesting site for approximately 300 pairs of Atlantic puffins that return each May to breed and raise their chicks.
The small town of Elliston is a nesting site for approximately 300 pairs of Atlantic puffins that return each May to breed and raise their chicks. Sandra Nelson, Newfoundland and Labrador, 2023
3 - Reminiscent of Italian seaside villas, colorful homes dot the cliffs on the coast of St John’s.
Reminiscent of Italian seaside villas, colorful homes dot the cliffs on the coast of St John’s. Nigel Tan, Newfoundland and Labrador, 2012
4 - Fireworks light the night sky above Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Canada Day, celebrated July 1.
Fireworks light the night sky above Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Canada Day, celebrated July 1. David Richard, Ontario, 2019
5 - With its bright fur and bushy, white tail, Canada’s red fox is one of the nation’s best-loved animals.
With its bright fur and bushy, white tail, Canada’s red fox is one of the nation’s best-loved animals. Wendy Riley, Nova Scotia, 2017
6 - The setting sun adds a serene ambiance for passengers on a ferry connecting Prince Edward Island to Nova Scotia.
The setting sun adds a serene ambiance for passengers on a ferry connecting Prince Edward Island to Nova Scotia. Stephanie Foden, Prince Edward Island, 2017
7 - The Agawa Canyon Tour Train truly comes alive in fall, when breathtaking views of rich red, orange and yellow flora beautify the landscape.
The Agawa Canyon Tour Train truly comes alive in fall, when breathtaking views of rich red, orange and yellow flora beautify the landscape. Rakesh Baro, Ontario, 2024
8 - During a whale watching tour, a mother whale and her baby leapt from the waters, with mom’s tail making a splash before re-entering the sea.
During a whale watching tour, a mother whale and her baby leapt from the waters, with mom’s tail making a splash before re-entering the sea. Phyllis Westland, Nova Scotia, 2015
9 - Bras d’Or Lake reflects the golden glow of the sunset over Cape Breton Island on a clear summer evening.
Bras d’Or Lake reflects the golden glow of the sunset over Cape Breton Island on a clear summer evening. Stephen Shively, Nova Scotia, 2024
10 - Fishing sheds along the Bonavista Peninsula stand in all stages of repair, indicating how important the fishing industry was to this area in the past.
Fishing sheds along the Bonavista Peninsula stand in all stages of repair, indicating how important the fishing industry was to this area in the past. Larry Blankenship, Newfoundland and Labrador, 2023
11 - Thousands of gannets—known for their yellowish heads, black-tipped wings and long bills—and other seabirds frequent the cliffs outside of St. Bride’s.
Thousands of gannets—known for their yellowish heads, black-tipped wings and long bills—and other seabirds frequent the cliffs outside of St. Bride’s. Jeanne Garrett, Newfoundland and Labrador, 2019
12 - Near the Bathtub, nicknamed for the natural pools separated by this remote, isolated island, the sounds of white noise from the river rapids can be heard.
Near the Bathtub, nicknamed for the natural pools separated by this remote, isolated island, the sounds of white noise from the river rapids can be heard. Brenton Ayers, Newfoundland and Labrador, 2021
13 - Beneath ominous clouds, the iconic CN Tower is seen from a harbor cruise.
Beneath ominous clouds, the iconic CN Tower is seen from a harbor cruise. Kevin Kasmai, Ontario, 2024
14 - A wild Atlantic puffin seemingly stops to smell the wildflowers, before considering its petals for nesting material.
A wild Atlantic puffin seemingly stops to smell the wildflowers, before considering its petals for nesting material. Megan Lorenz, Newfoundland and Labrador, 2013
15 - Peggy’s Cove is an iconic destination, and its lighthouse on Peggy’s Point is a must-see attraction.
Peggy’s Cove is an iconic destination, and its lighthouse on Peggy’s Point is a must-see attraction. Cyrus Sedaghat, Nova Scotia, 2017
Jeff Campagna

Jeff Campagna is a photo editor at Smithsonian magazine. You can follow him on Instagram at @jeffcampagna.

Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine.

Planning Your Next Trip?

Explore great travel deals

A Note to our Readers Smithsonian magazine participates in affiliate link advertising programs. If you purchase an item through these links, we receive a commission.