Top 12 Famous Buildings In Canada - Updated 2024

famous buildings in canada
Celeste
Celeste 
Updated
| 4 min read

Be introduced to the various stunning Canadian landscapes from coast to coast with an exhilarating virtual flight during a visit to Vancouver’s Canada Place. Try out CN’s Tour’s adrenaline-pumping Edgewalk experience created for thrillseekers to indulge in the most daring climbing adventure for spectacular city views of Toronto. Learn about Canadian history during a visit to Ottawa’s Parliament buildings and perhaps have a chance encounter with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau while taking selfies in front of the Peace Tower. Also, don’t forget to check out the top green hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals for your accommodation needs. In the meantime, continue reading to learn more about the top famous buildings in Canada.

1. Sharp Centre for Design

OCAD
Source: Photo by Flickr user Ian Muttoo used under CC BY-SA 2.0

One of the most famous structures in Canada, the Sharp Centre for Design is located in Toronto and is a striking architectural marvel and a renowned hub for design education and innovation. Designed by the acclaimed British architect Will Alsop, this iconic structure is part of the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD U). Its most distinctive feature is a vibrant, multicolored, geometric box that appears to hover dramatically above a series of black-and-white, industrial-style columns. This visually striking addition to Toronto’s skyline serves as a symbol of creativity and artistic expression.

Inside, Sharp Centre for Design houses cutting-edge design studios, classrooms, galleries, and exhibition spaces, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment for students and faculty.

Sharp Centre for Design

Address: Toronto, Ontario

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2. Canada Parliament Buildings

Parliament Buildings
Source: Photo by Flickr user Shawn Kent used under CC BY 2.0

The Parliament Buildings in Ottawa stand as an enduring symbol of the country’s democratic heritage and political governance. Located in the heart of Canada’s capital city, these iconic structures are home to the federal government and the heart of Canadian politics. The complex consists of three main buildings: the Centre Block, which houses the Senate and the House of Commons, the East Block, and the West Block. The most iconic feature is the Peace Tower, rising majestically from the Centre Block and adorned with a carillon of bells.

The intricate Gothic Revival architecture and the masonry work on the Parliament Buildings are nothing short of breathtaking. Visitors can explore the public galleries, attend parliamentary sessions, and take guided tours to learn about the country’s political history and governance.

Canada Parliament Buildings

Address: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Website: Canada Parliament Buildings

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3. Gooderham Building

Gooderham (Flatiron) Building.Toronto.
Source: Photo by Flickr user Bernard Spragg. NZ used under CC0

Hop on the subway while visiting Toronto to catch a glimpse of the historic red-brick Gooderham Building or Flatiron Building. After strolling through the nearby St. Lawrence Market district, where you’ll find many things to buy, wander over to admire Toronto’s most photographed historic structure designed by David Roberts, Jr. The stunning red-brick Gothic masterpiece constructed in 1891 once housed the offices of the Gooderham family and was known for its famous distillery. Drop by to admire its rear mural, mint green conical tower accent, and narrow wedge-shape jutting out from surrounding modern skyscrapers.

Gooderham Building

Address: 49 Wellington Street E, Toronto, ON M5E 1C9

Website: Gooderham Building

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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4. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (from USD 18.76)

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Source: Photo by Flickr user daveynin used under CC BY 2.0

Experience Quebec City’s famous landmark, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, through a guided tour which showcases the beautiful interior of the iconic castle. Learn about the historical figures who once called the stunning castle home through a guide dressed in period costume. Admire the luxurious decor of rooms accented in brocade walls, dark wood furnishings, and glittering chandeliers. Get a glimpse of daily life in this beautiful historic castle which has undergone renovations in recent years.

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Quebec City: Guided Visit of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

Duration: 1.0 hour

1418 reviews

5. CN Tower

CN Tower
Source: Pixabay

CN Tower is one of the most famous towers in Canada. Take a speedy ride up the elevator of Toronto’s 553.3 mile-high (890 kilometres) concrete observation and communications tower one of the things Canada is famous for. Enjoy sweeping panoramic views of downtown Toronto and pristine Lake Ontario. For the daring at heart, wander over to walk across the plexiglass floor before ascending to the top of the tower by means of the skypod. Thrillseekers can experience the ultimate adrenaline-pumping adventure by being tethered with safety ropes as they climb along the tower’s exterior.

CN Tower

Address: 290 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9

Website: CN Tower

Opening hours: 9am - 10:30pm (daily)

Price: From 53 USD (includes Edgewalk Experience)

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6. The Bow

The Bow Tower Calgary.
Source: Photo by Flickr user Bernard Spragg. NZ used under CC0

While in Calgary, make certain to visit its stunning 236 metres (774 foot) modern glass architectural gem, The Bow. The steel atria feature stretches the full height of the tower to provide the building with an innovative way of heating and cooling. The Bow provides office workers of Encana Corporation and Cenovus Energy with unobstructed panoramic views of Calgary’s downtown skyline and the snowcapped Rocky Mountains. There is no need to turn on the heat or air conditioning with Calgary’s well-known sudden weather changes as the building’s bow-shaped features create a comfortable climate for all to enjoy.

The Bow

Address: 500 Centre Street S, Calgary, AB T2G 0E3

Website: The Bow

Opening hours: Sun: 5am - 8pm, Mon - Fri: 6am - 9pm, Sat: 8am - 4:30pm

Price: Free

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7. Habitat 67

habitat-67
Source: Photo by Flickr user Jon Evans used under CC BY 2.0

Sign up for a guided tour of Montreal’s architectural gem to admire its unique design concept. This residential property seems futuristic with its 354 grey-beige modules stacked on top of one another. Be sure to be on time as no latecomers will be allowed to join the group once the tour has commenced. Sadly those with mobility issues won’t be able to see the suspended terraces, skylights, and interiors up close since there are stairs to ascend.

Habitat 67

Address: 2600 Avenue Pierre-Dupuy, Montréal, QC H3C 3R6

Website: Habitat 67

Opening hours: English tours: May 1 - Oct 31, 2020: 10:30am, 2pm, French tours: May 1- October 31, 2020: 9:30am, 1pm

Price: 23 USD

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8. Peace Tower

Peace Tower in Parliament Buildings
Source: Pixabay

The Peace Tower is the crowning jewel of Ottawa’s Parliament buildings and doesn’t require admission to visit. During the evenings the focal bell and clock tower are illuminated during an amazing light show featuring pivotal Canadian figures. If you’d like to sign up for a tour at the information centre to wander the halls of the Parliament buildings, guides can provide an in-depth history lesson about the Peace Tower. Make certain to check Parliament’s website to ensure that the day you visit, the buildings are open to the public since they close throughout the year.

Peace Tower

Address: 111 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

Website: Peace Tower

Price: Free

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9. Fairmont Banff Springs (from USD 448)

While visiting beautiful Banff National Park, take time to wander through the stunning coffee marble lobby accented with bedazzling chandeliers and an exposed rock wall at Fairmont Banff Springs. Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments or head out onto the green for a relaxing game of golf. Enjoy world-class dining while taking in panoramic views of the pristine lakes, dense coniferous forest, and the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. Take a soothing shower in the Carrera marble shower before tucking into your fluffy feather duvet for the night.

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Fairmont Banff Springs

Wheelchair accessible

Address: 405 Spray Avenue
15.05 km (9.4 mi) from Sunshine Village

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court

10. Science World at TELUS World of Science

Science World
Source: Pixabay

Let your little scientists loose to experiment and innovate at the many interesting exhibits located in this Expo ‘86 historical landmark. Enjoy coming together to view one of the spectacular Imax movies featured on the massive big screen. Hop aboard the skytrain’s Expoline to learn about faraway galaxies, lush jungle rainforests, and amazing wildlife. Join one of the many interesting workshops alongside other creative minds during your visit to Vancouver’s intriguing Science World.

Science World at TELUS World of Science

Address: 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 3Z7

Website: Science World at TELUS World of Science

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10 am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 6pm

Price: 13 - 19 USD

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11. Canada Place

Canada Place
Source: Photo by Flickr user Cliffano Subagio used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Take the Canada Line to Waterfront Station or wander over to Canada Place on foot while exploring Vancouver’s vibrant downtown. Watch as the seaplanes take off over False Creek while taking enjoying stunning views of the coastal mountains. Take a selfie with the breaching killer whale monument before heading over to Cactus Club for Happy Hour on the waterfront. Soar over Canada’s prestigious landmarks during your FlyOver Canada virtual flight which will introduce you to Canada’s maritime, prairie, and mountainous landscapes.

Canada Place

Address: 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3T4

Website: Canada Place

Opening hours: 7:30am - 10pm (daily)

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12. Canadian Museum of History (from USD 18.61)

famous buildings in canada | canadian museum of history

Why don’t you skip the theme parks just this time and take your kids to this iconic Canadian building instead? At the Canadian Museum of History, you can learn about Canadian history by exploring the permanent exhibitions, housing such curiosities as cedar totem poles and canoes created by western Canada’s Haida people. Enjoy an exciting educational experience with a film at CINE before checking out the Canadian History Hall to learn about pivotal figures in Canadian history. Be educated about Canada’s First Peoples through special exhibits showcasing daily life and cultural items. Delight in travelling the world through arts, culture, and history by participating in immersive activities at the Children’s Museum.

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Gatineau: Canadian Museum of History Admission

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Visit Canada's innovative landmarks

During a visit to the Great North, make certain to schedule in time to visit noteworthy buildings. Upon admiring some of the most famous architecture in Canada’s provinces, make plans to return to see more captivating architectural gems along with Canada’s famous great outdoors.

To make the most of your vacation, consider staying in one of the camper rentals or themed hotels in Canada.

Frequently asked questions about famous buildings in Canada


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Celeste is a writer based in British Columbia with a profound passion for travel and the exploration of new destinations. Her adventurous spirit leads her to engage in exciting activities during...Read more

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