Canada’s rich history has resulted in a built environment that draws from various architectural structures, including Georgian, Greek, Gothic, and Modernism. We recommend taking a break and visiting these famous architectural buildings in Canada.
Art Gallery of Ontario
This structure in the Grange Park area of downtown Toronto is well-known for both the art it houses and the fact that it’s also a work of art. In 1913, the manor house known as The Grange first opened to the public as a museum and several additions to the building were made over the 20th century.
Yet, the cumulative effect of these enlargements made the gallery look like a mishmash of architectural styles, which is to be expected given the number of architects involved.
In the early 2000s, architect Frank Gehry was tasked with creating a unified aesthetic for the various approaches that had to be brought under control. Many visitors were impressed with the Art Gallery of Ontario’s makeover when it reopened in 2008. The Galleria Italia, with its new glass exterior, was the most noticeable alteration.
Since Gehry’s time, there have been other renovations done to the gallery. The next renovation will be done by Selldorf Architects. This company is not expected to start renovations until 2024.
CN Tower
This iconic building is a literal eye-catcher in the cityscape of Toronto. With its towering height of about 553 metres, the CN Tower can be seen nearly anywhere in the city.
In some aspects, it can be compared to the Eiffel Tower, providing as Toronto’s version of the iconic structure, which appears to pierce the horizon.
In 1973, work began erecting the skyscraper in the downtown core, and by 1976, it had welcomed its first tenants.
Casino de Montréal
The Casino de Montréal is open yearly with five levels of gaming, restaurants, bars, and a cabaret hall.
The Casino is not only one of the world’s largest casinos; its lively atmosphere and interactive spaces have also made it a must-see in the host city.
Choose from baccarat, blackjack, or poker at the tables, spin the reels at one of the 3,000 slot machines, and apply your strategies for roulette at casinos.
All skill levels are welcome in the highly interactive gaming environment. Get in on the fun with the vivacious hosts as you learn the game on one of eighty interactive terminals and see your real-time progress on massive screens.
The Cabaret Hall is the place to go if you want to keep the party going; hosting various shows including performances by well-known musicians and comedians and other fascinating and unique forms of entertainment.
The France and Québec pavilions from Expo 67 now house the Casino de Montréal on Île Notre-Dame. This shimmering architectural masterpiece is perfect for a spectacular evening out on the town.
Fogo Island Inn
Fogo Island, the largest of Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore islands, is home to this one-of-a-kind hotel on its northern shore. The inn’s website claims that Newfoundland-born architect Todd Saunders was responsible for the building’s distinctive appearance. Saunders was tasked with designing a structure that would serve as a contemporary landmark while paying homage to the island’s past. Because of this, its distinctive style is inspired by the legacy of the original houses that stood there.
Former island residents were not allowed to put down roots there. As a result, houses on the island are elevated on stilts rather than having their foundations dug deep into the island itself. The inn’s architecture took advantage of these stilts by raising a portion of the structure off the ground, giving it a dramatic yet ethereal profile against the sky.
This interesting tourist site was built between 2005 and 2013. In addition to the island’s beautiful environment, vegetation, and fauna, guests can participate in creative activities like pottery making, relaxing in the rooftop hot tubs, and much more. Fogo Island Hotel has succeeded despite its isolated location because of the rich array of activities it provides.
Province House
Another building worth a visit is Province House in Prince Edward Island’s capital city, Charlottetown. The Greek Revival style was prevalent throughout much of North America in 1844 when this architectural gem was built. It’s been carefully cared for, so it doesn’t look its age.
Sharp Centre for Design
If you want to see a great example of Toronto’s famous architecture, look no further than the Sharp Centre for Design. The building was designed by British architect Will Alsop and Canadian architect Rob Robbie in 2004.
Its cutting-edge style reflects the most recent developments in Canadian urban architecture. There are apartments, office space for the Ontario College of Art and Design and The Toronto Society of Architects has its annual spring tour here.
Gooderham Building
The Gooderham Building, also known as the Flatiron Building, is one of the most well-known examples of iconic red brick architecture in Canada. The magnificent structure, which dates back to 1892, was originally conceived as an office building for George Gooderham in Toronto. Even though George Gooderham was the son of a multimillionaire, he only spent $18,000 on the project.
The 5-story building is decorated with stained glass windows, a crank-style elevator, and 12-foot ceilings, all keeping with the period. The renowned Canadian architect David Roberts Jr., responsible for other nearby structures, designed this masterpiece.
Royal Canadian Mint
A structure deserving of the epithet “royal.” Canada’s circulation and collector coins are made at the Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg.
The building was designed in 1976 and built in Winnipeg after careful deliberation, and legendary Canadian architect Etienne Gaboury designed this beautiful triangular high-end skyscraper.
Habitat 67
Another magnificent example of Canada’s high-quality architectural output, Habitat 67, was designed in Montreal in 1967 for the World’s Fair.
One of the most well-known Canadian architects, Moshe Safdie, who also has Israeli and American citizenship, had one of the apartments in the building custom-designed for him as part of his undergraduate thesis project. The building is a must-see for every Canadian architecture buff.
The internal story of this amazing building is featured on HGTV Canada, so that you may feast your eyes on that as well.
