CN Tower is a concrete communications and observation tower situated in Toronto. Standing at an impressive height of 553.3 meters (1,815.3 feet), it was completed in 1976. The tower is prominently located in downtown Toronto, occupying the former Railway Lands. Its name, "CN," originates from Canadian National, the railway company responsible for its construction. When Canadian National decided to divest non-core freight railway assets before privatization in 1995, the tower was transferred to the Canada Lands Company, a federal Crown corporation responsible for the government's real estate portfolio.

For 32 years, from 1975 to 2007, the CN Tower held the distinction of being the world's tallest free-standing structure. It was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa and later the Canton Tower in 2009, relinquishing its title as the world's tallest tower. Nonetheless, it remains the tallest free-standing structure on land in the Western Hemisphere and currently ranks as the tenth-tallest free-standing structure globally. In 1995, the CN Tower was honored as one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Additionally, it is a member of the World Federation of Great Towers.

The CN Tower has become an iconic symbol of Toronto's skyline, drawing over two million international visitors each year. Within its remarkable structure, visitors can explore various observation decks, dine at a revolving restaurant situated approximately 350 meters (1,150 feet) above the ground, and enjoy an entertainment complex.

Why You Should Visit:
Simply put one of the best views in North America. The city is so incredibly planned and laid out and you can truly see this from the top of the CN Tower.

Tip:
You can pay for a time slot to avoid a long wait and some extra to go to the upper levels where it's a bit quieter.
The food at the tower can be quite pricey, so plan accordingly.

Toronto boasts an impressive architectural marvel known as the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), which houses the largest collection of Canadian art in the world. Spanning a vast 45,000 square meters (480,000 square feet), this museum complex ranks among North America's largest art venues.

Originally established in 1900 as the Art Museum of Toronto by a group of private citizens and members of the Toronto Society of Arts, it later acquired its first home, the historic Georgian manor known as The Grange, in 1911. In 1966, the institution adopted its present name, the Art Gallery of Ontario. Throughout its history, the museum has undergone several expansions to its north and west, with the most recent ones occurring in the early 2000s and 2010s.

AGO's permanent collection boasts an impressive total of over 120,000 items. These exhibits showcase various artistic movements and eras, organized into distinct "collection areas" dedicated to specific art forms, artists, benefactors, chronological periods, or geographic locales. On the second floor, visitors can explore an extensive collection of Canadian art, including works by First Nations and Inuit artists.

Additionally, throughout the museum's halls, over 80,000 European art pieces dating from 1000 CE to 1900 CE are on display. Noteworthy European artworks include those by renowned artists such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Edgar Degas, Thomas Gainsborough, Paul Gauguin, Claude Monet, Rembrandt, Auguste Rodin, and James Tissot. Paintings and sculptures adorn the ground floor, while the museum's concourse features a captivating collection of mostly British ship models.

Enthusiasts of modern and contemporary art will also find satisfaction in the works of Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg, and Jenny Holzer. The gallery's remarkable collection of modern sculptures, including the groundbreaking creations of Henry Moore, is equally awe-inspiring with its semi-abstract designs.

The AGO's architecture alone is a sight to behold, but combined with the wealth of artwork contained within, it guarantees an immensely enjoyable experience. Before leaving, visitors can also browse the museum's shop and discover an array of fun and intriguing items on offer.

Tip:
The museum policy allows for exiting and re-entering on your ticket within the day.

The Ontario Legislative Building in Toronto is the home of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and the Lieutenant Governor's official residence. It's located in Queen's Park on Wellesley Street, the former site of King's College. The building and the provincial government are known as "Queen's Park."

The Ontario Legislative Building, designed by Richard A. Waite, is a five-story structure in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. It has an asymmetrical design and features a load-bearing iron frame. The building has notable stone carvings, including gargoyles, grotesques, friezes, and large windows made possible by the iron structure.

In 1909, the North Wing was built by architect George Wallace Gouinlock, while E.J. Lennox added two floors to the west wing. The main façade faces south and aligns with University Avenue, creating a striking endpoint for the northern section of the avenue. The Legislative Chamber sits at the center, illuminated by three arched windows above the main entrance. Two domed towers flank the chamber, with the western tower originally meant for a clock but featuring a rose window instead due to budget constraints.

The structure has a central hall that runs from the main entrance in the south to a magnificent staircase on the opposite side. The parliamentary library can be accessed from the middle of the staircase. The top landing of the staircase leads to the legislative chamber lobby, and the chamber door is aligned with the southern wall. The east wing features Victorian-style dark wood paneling, while the west wing has an Edwardian Neoclassical design with white marble walls.

Tip:
Once you enter from the south main doors, you have the option of taking a tour, sitting in during sitting of the House (if in session), or observing some of the portraits on the west wing of former Speakers of the House – their is a wall of Women Members of Parliament near the west entrance. Special exhibits may be housed in glass cases in the east wing; there is also a gift shop.

If you're looking for coffee, there is a spot on the lower level, but better yet, try the restaurant where you can order from a set menu OR it may be the day that a full hot and cold buffet is set up!

Trinity-Saint Paul's United Church and Centre for Faith, Justice, and the Arts, situated in downtown Toronto, is a church affiliated with the United Church of Canada. It is located on Bloor Street West, just west of Spadina Avenue. The church is the result of a merger between three distinct congregations, and it also houses an independent congregation.

Renowned for its activism, Trinity-Saint Paul is committed to various social justice causes. The church actively supports same-sex marriage, fair trade practices, and improved living conditions for the homeless. Bill Phipps, a prominent activist, and former United Church moderator, served as the minister from 1974 to 1983.

Originally known as Trinity Methodist Church, the present building was constructed in 1889. After the church union in 1925, it became Trinity United Church. In 1980, a merger took place between Trinity United Church and Saint Paul's-Avenue Road United Church, which itself had formed from the amalgamation of Saint Paul's Methodist and Avenue Road Presbyterian.

Trinity-Saint Paul's, constructed in the Revived Romanesque architectural style, utilizes stone sourced from the Forks of the Credit River. This remarkable structure is an exemplary contribution by architect Edmund Burke, whose magnificent edifices grace the urban landscape of Toronto. Acknowledging its exceptional design that embodies a revolutionary sense of democracy, Trinity-Saint Paul's has been officially recognized as a Heritage Building by the Toronto Historical Board.

Bloor Street United Church is a United Church of Canada church (William R. Gregg, Architect) located at 300 Bloor Street West in downtown Toronto, near the intersection with Huron Street. It is just north of the University of Toronto, and between the Spadina and Saint George Subway Stations. As with many of the downtown Toronto churches, Bloor United is today noted for its progressivism. Three Bloor Street ministers have become Moderator of the United Church of Canada, George C. Pidgeon, Ernest M. Howse, and Bruce McLeod. Robert Baird McClure was also Moderator 1968–1971 and a member of this congregation though a layman and not its minister. The affirming congregation is currently led by Reverend Martha Ter Kuile. The church has a large choir and a strong music program led by David Passmore. The congregation has a strong commitment to helping refugees, and has a program devoted to helping Latin American refugees become permanent members of Canadian society. In addition, there are groups dedicated to helping grandmothers caring for AIDS orphans in Africa. The children's program includes Sunday school classes for ages 4-18, with a special tween/teen group called Youth on Bloor.

The church began as a Presbyterian congregation in 1887 to serve the rapidly growing population of then-northern Toronto with the church building opening in 1890. In 1924, the church voted by a substantial majority to join the United Church. Three years later, a portion of the church was demolished when the City decided to widen Bloor Street. The church grew greatly in size in the 1940s and 1950s as an influx of immigrants arrived in the area. The congregation was so large that on several occasions Massey Hall was rented to hold some services. It was decided to renovate the church, however, in 1954 as these were nearing completion a fire broke out and the church was badly damaged and most of the sanctuary destroyed. Money was quickly raised to rebuild the church and in the interim the congregation met at nearby churches and Convocation Hall.

The Chapel of Saint James-the-less in downtown Toronto is a High Victorian Gothic Revival style funeral chapel, built in 1860 by F.W. Cumberland and Storm. The church sits on a slight rise, and has a small parish, a soaring spire, short and square bell tower, rough-cut stone walls, steeply pitched roof, low eaves, and intricate woodwork with a nave, porch, tower and transept. The building itself is made from Georgetown grey sandstone, Ohio stone trim, slate, and white brick.

The non-denominational chapel fulfills its vocation as a consecrated “mortuary chapel.” Due its slight elevation, it offers a picturesque view of the adjacent cemetery. Built in 1844, the cemetery holds about 20 historic burials which are shown on guided tours around the chapel and allowed to be photographed. The cemetery’s records, traditionally made on paper, are now scanned and stored in appropriately.

Edward, Prince of Wales planted a peach tree at the entrance to the chapel during his visit in 1919.

As a non-profit organization, this chapel collects revenue and invests it into its own development and maintenance. The regular life-cycle program takes care of the maintenance and repairs of the building. In 2002, a major refurbishment was done wherein the stone work was cleaned and woodwork re-varnished, the stained glass and furniture were also sent for repair and cleaning. The renovated chapel is now open for visitors.

In 1990, the city declared the Chapel of Saint James-the-less a National Historic site.

Nestled modestly along Kings Street in Toronto's Corktown neighborhood stands the city's oldest surviving church. The Little Trinity Church, unassuming and plain in its appearance, has been a sanctuary for worship, serenity, and community unity for countless generations of Torontonian families. Erected in 1844, this venerable structure holds the distinction of being the oldest standing church building in the city.

In 1843, the foundation stone for the church was laid, symbolizing the establishment of a congregation that catered to the working class. These individuals sought an alternative to the costly pews at the sole Anglican Church in existence at the time, the Saint James Cathedral. The Little Trinity Church, constructed with modest means and a humble budget, aimed to provide a welcoming space for all worshipers, regardless of wealth or social status. Skilled craftsmen and artists offered their services voluntarily and with limited resources to embellish and enhance the church's interior.

The church's exterior, adorned with a brick red facade punctuated by subtle hints of stone grey, may not immediately dazzle the eye, but it possesses its captivating vintage allure. Its architect, Henry Bower Lane, was a young English prodigy of merely 25 years old when he envisioned the Little Trinity Church. Lane's influence on Toronto's architectural landscape during the mid-19th century remains noteworthy.

Standing elegantly close to the Saint Lawrence Market is a building fit to put any other structure in the vicinity to shame. Such is the grandeur and immense presence of the Saint Lawrence Hall. This spectacular building took shape in the mid-19th century and was the work of the renowned Anglo-Canadian architect, William Thomas. Thomas first moved to Canada with his wife and 10 children in 1837 to escape economic hardship in his native England. Thomas's career took off no sooner than he set foot in Toronto and he is now considered to be one of the most gifted architects of his time.

The Saint Lawrence Hall is believed to be one of William Thomas’s best works. Designed in Renaissance Revival style, this colossal building has a fantastic facade that complements its width. An interesting feature is the typical Roman temple that takes center stage atop this building.

The overall breathtaking view of the edifice makes it seemingly unlikely that any single element thereof can enchant you more. Still, the interiors of Saint Lawrence manage to achieve exactly that, displaying elegance, sophistication and opulence. No wonder, the Hall has been the epitome of Toronto’s artistic society.

One of the most enthralling churches of Toronto is the Saint James Cathedral. Not only does the facade of this church make it captivating, but it is also the story that accompanies it.

Home to the oldest congregation in Toronto, established in 1797, Saint James's serves as the spiritual center of Saint Lawrence neighborhood and is the episcopal seat of the Anglican Church of Canada's Diocese of Toronto. All of this makes it one of the most treasured heritage sites in the city.

Built in the mid-19th century, the cathedral boasts a magnificent Gothic Revival style of architecture. Designed by Frederick William Cumberland, the Saint James Cathedral greets spectators from far and wide coming to admire its sheer beauty. The structure flaunts a wonderful harmony of proportions and grandeur. With its white brick and sandstone exterior, the building conspicuously stands out in contrast to its surrounding landscape. Along with its exteriors, the cathedral's insides are also equally breathtaking. The architectural elements include high raised ceiling, ribbed vaults and pointed arched lights that brighten the interiors with natural illumination, making it a truly magnificent sight to behold during daylight.

In the heart of every art enthusiast, resides an art critic waiting to blossom. The ideal environment to nurture this inclination lies in a setting that strikes a balance between formality and informality, not quite a museum or a gallery but something in between. Experience the unconventional ambiance of the Toronto Sculpture Garden, where you can closely examine captivating works by emerging artists and renowned sculptors from around the world.

Situated across from the magnificent Cathedral Church of Saint James, the Toronto Sculpture Garden offers an ideal haven for those seeking modern and contemporary art. Since its establishment in 1981, this haven has served as a dynamic canvas for countless struggling sculptors and artists. It has also provided a platform for aspiring learners and amateur artists to exhibit their creations. Over the years, the Garden has proudly hosted a diverse array of talented individuals, including Susan Schelle, Stacey Spiegel, Brian Scott, Mark Gomes, John McKinnon, and many more.

The Toronto Sculpture Garden is a result of a remarkable collaboration between a civic organization and a private entity. Today, the management of the Garden is overseen by both the city of Toronto and the Louis L. Odette family. The Odette family, through their non-profit organization, generously supports the funding of exhibits, ensuring the Garden continues to thrive as a symbol of artistic expression.

Among the many places worth visiting in the Saint Lawrence neighborhood, especially for an architecture buff, is the Gooderham Building. Hardly five stories tall, wedged in a triangular intersection between Front and Wellington streets, this structure is one of the most photographed sights in the city. The house was built in 1892, ten years before its famous kin, the Fuller Building in New York City, and as such, represents an early example of the flatiron form of architecture.

The previous building on this site was shorter but of the same shape and was called the Coffin Block. The current vermilion red-brick edifice, with tinges of Romanesque styling, was constructed for distiller George Gooderham and served as the office of the Gooderham & Worts distillery until 1952. The Gooderham family sold the property in 1957, following which it changed hands several times. In 1975, the building was designated a historic site under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Besides its shape, the Gooderham Building is well-known for the mural on its back wall. The Flatiron Mural – created by renowned Canadian artist Derek Michael Besant – uses a trompe-l'œil effect to make the wall appear to have more windows than it does, as well as to give it a more mobile effect with the help of a picture of the Perkins Building, which is located directly across the street, depicted as if loosely 'tacked' down to the wall, with some of its edges 'fluttering' away.

Right behind the Gooderham Building is a tree-lined spot called Berczy Park. This park, housing a sizeable three-tier fountain fitted with 27 cast-iron dogs spouting water, a cast-iron cat, and crowned with a bone, was completed in 2017. The drinking trough for dogs has made this fountain a popular destination, particularly for dog lovers.

On your architectural tour of Toronto, the Church that will definitely make the A list is the Metropolitan United Church. With an overpowering appeal and majestic dignity, the Metropolitan United Church stands at the junction where Queen Street meets Church Street. Designed by Toronto’s revival godfather- Henry Langley, the Church took form in 1872.

Built with the capacity to seat more than 1900 people, the church was very often referred to as Cathedral of Methodism. So elaborate and rich is the architecture of the church that on several occasions the structure was referred to as the most handsome building in the city.

The chief architect of the Metropolitan Church was Henry Langley. Known for his conservative architectural ideas and designs, his style is reflected in this brilliant structure. Having a typical orientation towards Gothic architecture as displayed in most of his designs, the Metropolitan United is no exception. As brilliant as his other designs, this structure too stands as an example of how each of his work supersedes the previous one. With shades of grey and undertone of brick, the exterior of the church comes across as quite stern yet elegant. Equally stunning is the interior of the church where the sheer grandeur and opulence of the architecture can be appreciated.

On Church Street in the Garden District of Toronto stands Saint Michael’s Cathedral. Clad in tones of grey and brick, this cathedral stands solitary with its exceptional majestic appeal and timeless architectural pride. And why not, Saint Michael's is the oldest temple in Toronto, dating back to the mid-19th century.

This overpowering structure demands attention of any passer-by with its robust Neo-Gothic appearance and linear, geometric patterns. Although its exterior may be quite overwhelming and severe, the interior of the cathedral comes as a total surprise. Balancing the exacting exterior, the insides of the church are dabbed with color, grandeur and gentle elegance. Unlike many Christian places of worship in Toronto, built in Gothic Revival (where the Gothic is tweaked to fit modern times), Saint Michael's Cathedral sticks to the classic Gothic style – featuring rich stained glass windows, high vaulted ceiling with richly hued murals and paintings along with sculptures of various saints and other figurines. The cathedral was designed by William Thomas, an Anglo-Canadian architect, best known for his stunning and timeless creations and vintage architectural landscape in Canada.

Other than being a place of faith for the Catholics of the region, this cathedral was heavily involved in the establishment of the Saint Michael’s Hospital, a medical center and a teaching hospital in Toronto.

Why You Should Visit:
Beautiful architecture, magnificent in terms of colors and comfort.
After an extensive renovation, the basement is now functional, the pews are all cushioned and the solemnity of the place is well kept!

Tip:
This is a great place to attend mass, especially when the Saint Michael's choir is singing.

Located at the intersection of Queen and Bay Streets in Downtown Toronto stands an impressive building with Romanesque-style architecture. This remarkable structure, known today as the Old City Hall, served as the Toronto City Council's home from 1899 to 1966, becoming the third city hall constructed for the flourishing city. Upon its completion, it ranked among the largest buildings in Toronto and stood as the largest civic edifice in North America.

Renowned architect Edward James Lennox led the creation of this masterpiece. Over a decade of construction, the majestic City Hall emerged as an iconic landmark. Its remarkable clock tower, standing at 103.6 meters (340 feet), became the city's crown jewel. The clock mechanism was crafted in Croydon, England. Inside the clock room, three bells were placed: two smaller ones that chimed every quarter hour, and a bourdon bell weighing 5,443 kilograms, which tolled every hour.

Matching the splendid exterior, the interior of the building exuded charm, adorned with intricate details. Noteworthy features include a grand staircase adorned with stained glass windows depicting Canadian history, various murals, statues, and other decorative elements.

Despite its grandeur, the Old City Hall proved inadequate for Toronto's expanding municipal government within a few decades of its construction. In the 1960s, plans were made to demolish the building and make way for a retail complex known as the Eaton Centre. However, thanks to public outcry, the Old City Hall was saved and repurposed as a courthouse. In 1984, it received the prestigious designation as a National Historic Site, preserving its historical significance for future generations.

Tip:
Make sure to visit the small "lake" close by, as many of the pictures from Toronto you might know are taken from this place while facing the "TORONTO" sign.