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Oh Canada: These 15 Instagram Photos Show Canada in All Its Glory

This drool-worthy list includes our picks of some of the best Instagram views of 2016, specifically featuring shots from some of our favourite accounts across Canada, showcasing talent, architectural artistry and mind-blowing scenery from many storeys above the cities we roam on a daily basis.
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Written by Brandon Bastaldo

We can't deny that we all love something about lofty views. One of the greatest things about the Instagram generation is that tourists, amateur photographers and hardcore photo-heads alike have been able to promote and draw attention to their unique perspectives using this viral photo sharing app. What's even more interesting is that these photo junkies have been able to give their friends and strangers the ability to see the world through their eyes.

This drool-worthy list includes our picks of some of the best Instagram views of 2016, specifically featuring shots from some of our favourite accounts across Canada, showcasing talent, architectural artistry and mind-blowing scenery from many storeys above the cities we roam on a daily basis.

Vancouver, British Columbia

This entry comes from Where.ca's snazzy Vancouver Instagram account. What's really great about the first shot is that it nearly perfectly encapsulates the laid back community that is Granville Island. There's a bustling art scene and exploding culinary community that inhabit this gem of a neighbourhood that is tucked deep inside B.C.'s English Bay. With sentiments like "I love you Granville" posted on comments of this expansive photo, it's clear that people and photographers love it there.

The weather can't decide what it's doing today. #clouds #marina #falsecreek #vancouver #vancouverisawesome #🌥#⛵️

A photo posted by Where Vancouver magazine (@wherevancouver) on

Not just focused on Granville's rustic elements, Where.ca's Vancouver Instagram account also features some spectacular shots of highrise construction in the #YVR, like the upcoming Trump Tower.

The user doesn't forget Granville Island's neighbouring False Creek 'hood. This epic image showcases beautiful B.C. scenery as well as tourist and local hotspot, Burrard Bridge.

Check out our fun False Creek neighbourhood tour video featuring comedian Julie Kim.

Calgary, Alberta

The next on our list comes from...me! I had a BLAST travelling through Calgary, Alberta in August 2015. I specifically found the architecture in Downtown Calgary impressive and quite captivating. Being a true-blooded Eastern Canadian boy, born and raised in Toronto, I'm slightly ashamed to say that like many other Torontonians, I've naturally grown to believe that Toronto is the epicentre of the Canadian universe.

Visiting Downtown Calgary and the Mission & Cliff Bungalow neighbourhoods, I quickly came to realize that I was very wrong. The Bow building in Downtown Calgary, for example, is a 1.7 million-sq. ft. work of art that shows the great diversity and artistic representation that have come to characterize Calgary's cityscape over the last century. Standing tall at 58 floors, the Bow is currently the tallest office tower in Calgary.

Baby Blue 🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵 #yyc #calgary #downtowncalgary #archilovers #cityhall

A photo posted by Brando (@b_munney) on

Some of the ongoing construction in Downtown Calgary also lent itself to photo-worthy opportunities:

Downtown #YYC #calgary #travelalberta #architecture #skyscraper #lookupclub #igerscanada

A photo posted by Brando (@b_munney) on

Click here to check out our Downton Calgary neighbourhood tour video featuring Dragons' Den entrepreneur Brett Wilson.

Edmonton, Alberta

As Canadians, we've gotten used to "outsiders" and our neighbours to the south seeing the north only for its frigid cold (it's okay, we love it up here and we wouldn't have it any other way). Luckily, our diverse terrain allows for a unique perspective, and that's exactly why CBC video journalist John Robertson's photos make the list of best Instagram views in Canada.

Robertson's unique perspective presents Edmonton's iconic architecture at some of its finest moments: covered in snow! One has to love the electric mix of Edmonton views that seamlessly blend Robertson's profession with the city's smoky cityscape:

It's that time of year when people start thinking about the year that was 2015. #FeelingReflective

A photo posted by John Robertson (@johnrobertsoncbc) on

Capturing some of Edmonton's most futuristic architecture like the Muttart Conservatory, Robertson has been able to interestingly convey the beauty of this snow-clad city, #AlbertaProud.

Sundown on the double pyramids, while jet streams unfold overhead #SkyGazing

A photo posted by John Robertson (@johnrobertsoncbc) on

Want to see more of Downton Edmonton? Click here to see our neighbourhood tour video featuring Interior Stylist Jenna Pryor.

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Winnipeg is a northernly city that is home to exceptional beauty, diverse architecture and a unique community culture. That explains why Winnipeg's Instagram page for The Forks neighbourhood gets a spot on this list. Similarly to John Robertson's channel, The Forks does a great job of illuminating the snowy beauty of Winnipeg.

An industrial looking area, The Forks community holds its charm in its serene all-white scenery.

❄️Snow {or rain} or shine you are mine!❄️ Perfect #RRMTrail 📷 by @robtibbs #MeetMeAtTheForks #exploreMb #fromhereandaway

A photo posted by ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀The Forks (@theforkswinnipeg) on

The Forks also does a great job of displaying the transformation that this city has undergone, by showcasing some of the jaw-dropping modern architecture that has been built like the Canadian Museum of Human Rights:

❄️❄️We aren't the only ones getting excited about the winter weather!❄️❄️ Magical 📷 by @uncletrevv #MeetMeAtTheForks #exploreMB #fromhereandaway

A photo posted by ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀The Forks (@theforkswinnipeg) on

Want to see more of The Forks? Click here to see our neighbourhood tour video featuring Interior Stylist Lynn Fenwick.

Toronto, Ontario

In Toronto, one Instagrammer has become an urban legend of sorts, and if you haven't heard of the infamous Jayscale yet, then you're in for a treat. Jayscale is arguably one of the most popular Instagram photographers to emerge from the Big Smoke, and his dreamy photo captures of the #6ix speak loud and clear as to why this is.

Photographing some of Toronto's most iconic neighbourhoods like the St. Lawrence Market, Jayscale has upped the ante on urban Internet artistry:

Count your blessings. #hbouthere

A photo posted by Toronto (@jayscale) on

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