Toronto is Canada’s largest city and one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. It has a number of well-recognized landmarks.
CN Tower
The tallest free-standing structure in North America rises 1,815 feet above the Toronto skyline. The CN Tower, once owned by the Canadian National railroad, is one of the most popular landmarks and attractions in Toronto. The observatory and revolving restaurant provides visitors an unparalleled view of Lake Ontario and the surrounding Toronto area. The CN Tower is often considered Toronto’s signature landmark.
Old City Hall
With its distinctive clock tower that has the third largest clock in the world, Toronto’s Old City Hall still commands attention as a prominent landmark. The Romanesque Revival-styled city hall was completed in 1899 and at the time was North America’s largest municipal building. Today, it used as a courthouse and is often featured in films and television shows.
New City Hall
Toronto’s new City Hall complex was built in 1965 as a replacement for the old City Hall. The two curved high-rise towers are among the most architecturally distinctive buildings in North America. When it was completed, many considered it too modern and futuristic. Even more than 40 years later, it still has a very modern feel. The New City Hall is one of the most popular landmarks in Toronto.
Toronto Eaton Centre
The Eaton Centre is a shopping mall that draws millions of shoppers and tourists to its downtown Toronto location. With over 1.7 million square feet of retail area, it is also one of the largest shopping centers in Canada. The Eaton Centre complex is connected to transit stations, office buildings, and hotels. The Eaton Centre is a much visited Toronto landmark.
Casa Loma
Casa Loma is a castle located in the uptown section of Toronto. Built in the neo-classical style, Casa Loma was completed in 1914 as a residence for Canadian financier and soldier, Sir Henry Pellatt. The castle contains Today it is a tourist attraction and one of the city’s most popular landmarks.
Ontario Legislative Building
The Ontario Legislative Building is the home of the legislative provincial government. The building is built in a Richardsonian Romanesque style with pink-hued bricks and sandstone. Completed in 1893, the distinctive building is located in Queens Park and is a familiar Toronto landmark.
Fairmont Royal York Hotel
The Fairmont Royal York Hotel is one of Toronto’s most venerable and historic hotels. The hotel opened in 1929 as the Royal York Hotel and since then has been the hotel of choice for English royalty and other dignitaries and celebrities. The Chateau-style architecture of the hotel gives it an imposing presence in downtown Toronto. It is among Toronto’s most popular landmarks.
Rogers Centre
Located adjacent to the CN Tower, the Rogers Centre is home to the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team and the Toronto Argonauts football team. It opened in 1989 as the SkyDome and its claim to fame was being the first stadium with a fully-retractable roof. The name change occurred in 2005 when it was bought by Rogers Communications and it is a familiar landmark in downtown Toronto.
Maple Leaf Gardens
Maple Leaf Gardens was the home of the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team. The grand old building which opened in 1931 was considered one of the most famous hockey arenas. Maple Leaf Gardens also hosted many of the top concerts and other cultural events in Toronto until other venues were constructed. It no longer is home to the Maple Leafs but the building remains as a reminder of its status as one of Toronto’s most popular landmarks.
The grandeur and opulence of Toronto’s Union Station welcomes rail travelers to the city. When it opened in 1927, Union Station was the largest rail station in Canada. Today, the Beaux Arts-styled building is the busiest transportation facility in the country.
