Canada is a country with varied architectural influences, drawing from Georgian, Greek, Gothic, Modernist and many other styles over the course of its history. This has resulted in the creation of some of the most amazing buildings you will find anywhere in the world.
If you want to take a break from playing online casino games and enjoy some of these architectural sights, be sure to take a look at these famous buildings in Canada (and one honorary mention) that are listed here.
Art Gallery of Ontario
This building, located in the Grange Park neighborhood of downtown Toronto, is not only famous for the art that it houses but also for the fact that it could be considered a work of art itself. Originally, The Grange manor house was opened as a museum in 1913. Numerous expansions were then added over the course of the 20th century.
However, these expansions left the gallery as a whole looking rather like a smorgasbord of styles, which isn’t surprising considering the number of architects involved. The likes of Darling and Pearson, John C. Parkin and Barton Myers have, in some way or another, been involved in creating the museum’s various façades and structural changes. At one stage, even the artist Henry Moore had a say in some of the developments.
These disparate approaches needed to be brought into check. In the early 2000s, architect Frank Gehry was commissioned to develop a cohesive look for the different styles. When the Art Gallery of Ontario reopened in 2008, many were pleased by its new look. The most prominent change was the Galleria Italia, which was given a glass façade reflecting the city around it.
Other upgrades have been made to the gallery since Gehry worked on it, with the latest addition coming from Selldorf Architects. This firm is expected to begin work in 2024.
CN Tower
This world-renowned design quite literally stands out against the Toronto skyline. The CN Tower is visible from almost every corner of the city, thanks to its impressive height of almost 1815.3 ft. It seemingly pierces the horizon and, in some ways, may be considered Toronto’s equivalent of the Eiffel Tower.
Construction of the tower in the Downtown area began in 1973, with the building opening its doors in 1976. This tourist attraction has numerous features that you’d want to explore, including the following.
The Skypod
For those who are brave enough to ascend over 1,400 ft in the air, you can take in the sights from the swaying (yes, swaying!) Skypod at the peak of the tower. If the movement of the pod doesn’t put you off, you’ll be treated to an incredible view!
The Edgewalk
This one is for those who truly enjoy a walk on the wild side: You can leave the safety of the interior of the building behind in exchange for a harness on the Edgewalk. At 1,168 ft, this is not for the faint of heart.
The Observation Level
The main observation level gives you a full view of the city below. Meanwhile, those who want to get a unique perspective on Toronto can stand on the reinforced glass floors and see what’s happening directly below their feet.
360 The Restaurant
When you’re done taking in all the sights, you can kick back, relax and enjoy a memorable culinary experience — all while the restaurant gently rotates, giving you an ever-changing panoramic view of the city.
Fogo Island Inn
This unique hotel stands on the northern shore of the barely populated Fogo Island — the largest of the offshore islands of Newfoundland and Labrador. According to the inn’s website, this unusual-looking getaway spot was designed by Newfoundland-born architect Todd Saunders. Saunders was commissioned to create a building that was both modern and connected to the island’s history. This is why its unique look draws on the history of homes that were once built there.
In the past, settlers on the island were prohibited from building permanent dwellings. This meant that, instead of digging into the island to build deep, solid foundations, homes were built on stilts. These stilts were incorporated into the inn’s design, with part of the building raised above the ground, creating a striking yet ethereal silhouette against the sky.
Construction of this unusual holiday destination began in 2005 and was completed in 2013. Visitors to this unique destination can enjoy the island’s picturesque scenery, flora and fauna, take part in artistic endeavors such as pottery making, soak in the rooftop hot tubs and much more. With such a variety of experiences on offer, Fogo Island Inn has continued to thrive despite its remote location.
The Château Frontenac
The Château Frontenac, located in Québec City, is a captivating and historic landmark that has become an iconic symbol of both the city and Canada. Perched on a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River, this grand hotel boasts stunning architecture and a rich history.
Designed in the style of a French château, the Château Frontenac exudes an air of elegance and charm. Its distinctive copper turrets, steep roofs and intricate details make it a true architectural masterpiece. Originally built in 1893, the hotel has welcomed numerous notable guests throughout its history, including celebrities, royalty and political figures.
Beyond its architectural allure, the Château Frontenac offers luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining options and breathtaking views of the cityscape. Its location in the historic Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adds to its allure, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s rich culture and explore nearby attractions such as the Plains of Abraham and the fortified walls.
Habitat 67
Habitat 67 in Montreal challenges conventional notions of housing and offers a vision of urban living that harmonizes with nature and promotes a sense of individuality within a collective setting. It stands as an architectural landmark, attracting visitors and architectural enthusiasts from around the world.
Designed by Moshe Safdie for the 1967 World Expo, this innovative housing complex defies traditional notions of residential architecture.
Composed of stacked and interlocking concrete modules, Habitat 67 presents a unique and striking appearance. The complex offers a visionary approach to urban housing, combining the benefits of high-density living with private outdoor spaces and a sense of community. Its geometric arrangement provides residents with terraces, gardens and stunning views of the surrounding area.
Honorary Mention: The Fallsview Casino
While there are undoubtedly many more famous architectural designs, as players of casino games online, this is one of the most picturesque casino buildings in Canada. Many visitors to Canada are not aware that gambling is legal or that the country has a complicated and interesting gambling history. So, it’s essential that you visit The Fallsview Casino Resort, an icon of Canada’s gambling resilience.
This casino is located right next to the Horseshoe Falls, one of the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls. This gives the venue a fantastic eye-catching backdrop, while the building itself is a mixture of pastel blues and whites, helping it blend into the daytime sky.
Visitors to this casino resort can enjoy more than 3,500 slot machine games with amazing jackpot slots, 130 casino games tables, as well as spa services, shops, restaurants and the 1,500-seat Avalon Theater. The Fallsview Casino is undoubtedly worth a visit — if only to appreciate its dramatic location!
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