The Smotrych Canyon is the natural feature that shaped Kamianets-Podilskyi — a deep gorge cut by the Smotrych River through the local Silurian limestone, creating the rocky peninsula on which the old town stands. The canyon walls rise up to 20 metres in places, and the river makes an almost complete loop around the old town before continuing southwest. The result is that three sides of the old town are defended by sheer rock and fast-moving water rather than walls.
The best views of the canyon are from the bridges crossing it: the Old Bridge (Staryi Most) connecting the old town to the New Town is the classic viewpoint, with the castle visible to the right and the cathedral towers visible to the left. Walking along the canyon rim on either side gives a succession of views of the old town from below and across. The canyon is most dramatic in early morning or at sunset when the light hits the stone walls.