Viewpoints and towers in Alberta

Scenic Viewpoints & Towers

This collection features diverse vantage points across Alberta, from the iconic turquoise waters of Spirit Island in Jasper National Park to historic fire towers in the northern boreal forest. Explore mountain scenery around Canmore, including the reflection-heavy Rundle Forebay and the industrial heritage of the Engine Bridge. The list also highlights active and decommissioned forestry lookouts like Flattop and Tom Hill, which offer elevated perspectives over the province's vast wilderness and mountain passes.

Scenic Viewpoints & Towers — Map

A

First Grassi Lake

Clear turquoise lake fed by a waterfall, accessible via the Grassi Lakes Trail. Features views of the surrounding Bow Valley limestone cliffs.

B

Little Grassi Knob Viewpoint

Elevated rocky outcrop above the Grassi Lakes area providing views of the town of Canmore and the Bow Valley.

C

Quarry Lake

Former coal mine site reclaimed as a recreational lake. Offers panoramic views of Mount Rundle and Ha Ling Peak.

D

Second Grassi Lake

Upper lake in the Grassi Lakes system, known for its deep blue and green hues caused by light refraction on rock flour.

E

Rundle Forebay

Calm reservoir used for paddleboarding and photography, known for its clear reflections of Mount Rundle and Ha Ling Peak. The area is wheelchair accessible.

F

Canmore Engine Bridge

Historic steel truss bridge built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1891. It spans the Bow River and provides views of the Three Sisters peaks.

G

Three Sisters Pass

High-altitude mountain pass located between the Three Sisters and Mount Lawrence Grassi, accessible via hiking trails from the Smith-Dorrien Trail.

H

Middle Sister

The central peak of the Three Sisters massif, reaching an elevation of 2,769 meters. Offers 360-degree views of the Spray Valley and Bow Valley.

I

Spirit Island Lookout

Vantage point overlooking a small tied island in Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park. Accessible via boat tours or long-distance paddling.

J

Cameron Falls

Natural waterfall located within the Waterton townsite. It features 1.5-billion-year-old Precambrian rock and occasionally turns pink during heavy rainfall due to argillite sediment.

K

Flattop Fire Tower

Active forestry lookout station located on Flattop Mountain near Lesser Slave Lake, used for wildfire detection in the Marten Hills.

L

Moberly Fire Lookout

Fire lookout site offering views of the Athabasca River valley and the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies near the border of Jasper National Park.

M

Tom Hill Fire Lookout

Forestry observation tower located near Whitecourt, providing a vantage point over the surrounding foothills and industrial timberlands.

N

Heart Lake Forestry Tower

Steel fire observation tower situated within the Lac La Biche region, part of Alberta's wildfire detection network.

Other Lists

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