diff --git a/lib/matplotlib/backend_bases.py b/lib/matplotlib/backend_bases.py
index e3f8865fe04f..d052fe4d7f6c 100644
--- a/lib/matplotlib/backend_bases.py
+++ b/lib/matplotlib/backend_bases.py
@@ -3146,7 +3146,7 @@ def _update_view(self):
             a.set_position(pos[i][0], 'original')
             a.set_position(pos[i][1], 'active')
 
-        self.draw_idle()
+        self.canvas.draw_idle()
 
     def save_figure(self, *args):
         """Save the current figure"""