The 6ix

Toronto architecture

Toronto is the most multicultural city on Earth, with over 50% of its residents having been born outside of Canada. It is the nation's financial heart and home to the iconic CN Tower, which held the record for the world's tallest freestanding structure for over 30 years.

10Landmarks
1859Oldest · Distillery District (Stone Distillery)
553 mTallest · CN Tower
9Architects

CN Tower
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Gooderham Building

Before you go

Fly intoPearson Int'l (YYZ)
Pearson International is the busiest airport in Canada and serves as a major global hub, featuring an automated 'Terminal Link' train and high-end lounges. It is famously referenced in pop culture through its 'YYZ' code and acts as the primary gateway for international business and immigration into Canada.
CurrencyCanadian Dollar ($)
LanguageEnglish
English is the primary language, though the city's immense diversity means you will hear over 160 languages spoken on its streets. The local accent is noted for its soft 't' sounds and a unique rising intonation that is instantly recognizable to other Canadians.
Getting aroundThe TTC
The Toronto Transit Commission operates the largest and busiest streetcar network in the Americas. The subway system consists of two primary lines that form the core of the city's transit movements. GO Transit provides a massive regional network of trains and buses connecting Toronto to the rest of Ontario.

10 landmarks in Toronto

Photo: Chris Woodrich, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

CN Tower

290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9

Once the world's tallest free-standing structure, the CN Tower remains the defining icon of the Canadian skyline. It was built by Canadian National Railway to solve telecommunications problems caused by the city's rising skyscrapers. The tower features a revolving restaurant and the 'EdgeWalk,' where visitors can walk hands-free along the ledge of the main pod. This engineering marvel held the record for the world's tallest tower for over three decades. Today, it remains a critical telecommunications hub and the most popular tourist destination in the country.

Built
1976
Architect
WZMH Architects
Style
Modernist
Height
553 m (1,814 ft)
Stories
147
Today
Communications / Tourism
Photo: Maksim Sokolov (Maxergon), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6

The 'Michael Lee-Chin Crystal' is one of the most provocative architectural additions in Canada. It consists of five interlocking self-supporting prismatic structures that jut out from the original 1914 neo-Romanesque building. The design is composed of 25% glass and 75% aluminum, creating a deconstructivist look that mimics mineral formations. This angular expansion was designed to breathe new life into the museum's historic identity. It now serves as a soaring entrance that bridges the gap between the city's past and its future.

Built
2007
Architect
Daniel Libeskind
Style
Deconstructivism
Height
37 m (121 ft)
Stories
5
Today
Museum
Photo: DXR, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Gooderham Building

49 Wellington St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1C9

Toronto’s own 'Flatiron' building pre-dates the famous NYC version by ten full years. Built as the office for the Gooderham & Worts distillery, its red-brick exterior and copper roof are classic Victorian examples. The back of the building features a famous 'trompe l'oeil' mural that mimics the windows of the building across the street. This optical illusion has made the narrow structure one of the most photographed spots in the city. It remains a high-demand office space located in the historic St. Lawrence neighborhood.

Built
1892
Architect
David Roberts Jr.
Style
Romanesque Revival
Height
20 m (66 ft)
Stories
5
Today
Office
Photo: Arild Vågen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Toronto City Hall

100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N2

A modernist landmark featuring two curved towers of unequal height surrounding a central white 'saucer' council chamber. From above, the building is said to resemble a giant human eye watching over the municipality. The surrounding Nathan Phillips Square features a massive reflecting pool that turns into a public skating rink. This site has become the primary location for civic gatherings, festivals, and New Year's Eve celebrations. Its bold design was the result of an international competition that helped define Toronto's modern era.

Built
1965
Architect
Viljo Revell
Style
Modernist
Height
99 m (325 ft)
Stories
27
Today
Government Seat
Photo: Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

OCAD University (Sharp Centre)

100 McCaul St, Toronto, ON M5T 1W1

Often called the 'Tabletop,' this striking addition hovers 26 meters above the ground on twelve giant multi-colored legs. The black-and-white pixelated 'box' creates a bold contrast with the traditional brick buildings located below. It is a world-renowned example of playful, innovative architecture that symbolizes Toronto's creative side. The structure was designed to provide extra space for the university without occupying a larger ground footprint. It has since become one of the most recognizable and debated structures in the downtown core.

Built
2004
Architect
Will Alsop
Style
Postmodern / Deconstructivism
Height
35 m (115 ft)
Stories
2
Today
University / Design School
Photo: JK Liu, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Brookfield Place (Allen Lambert Galleria)

181 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5J 2T3

Often described as the 'Cathedral of Commerce,' this building features a stunning six-story high pedestrian thoroughfare. The freestanding steel supports form an arched canopy that mimics an avenue of towering trees. It is famous for integrating the historic 1845 Merchant's Bank facade within the modern glass atrium. This interior space is widely considered one of the most beautiful public walkways in North America. It also serves as the prestigious home of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Built
1992
Architect
Santiago Calatrava
Style
Neo-Futurism
Height
261 m (856 ft)
Stories
51
Today
Office / Public Atrium
Photo: Priscilla Jordão from São Paulo, Brasil, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Casa Loma

1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8

A Gothic Revival castle that looks like it was transported from the European countryside to midtown Toronto. Built for financier Sir Henry Pellatt, it features nearly 100 rooms and secret passages. Its crenellated towers and lush gardens make it a unique anomaly in the modern city landscape. The estate includes an 800-foot tunnel and three indoor bowling alleys that were ahead of their time. Today, it serves as a historic museum and a premier location for Hollywood film productions.

Built
1914
Architect
E.J. Lennox
Style
Gothic Revival
Height
42 m (138 ft)
Stories
3
Today
Museum / Landmark
Photo: Richard Kang from Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Old City Hall

60 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2M4

This massive Romanesque Revival structure dominated the city’s skyline for decades before the new City Hall was built. It features heavy stonework, rhythmic arches, and a clock tower standing at 103 meters. The building's facade is famous for its grotesque stone carvings of historical city politicians. These carvings were reportedly the architect's way of mocking his rivals during the construction phase. Currently, the building functions as a courthouse while preserving its grand, historic architectural details.

Built
1899
Architect
E.J. Lennox
Style
Richardsonian Romanesque
Height
103 m (338 ft)
Stories
4
Today
Courthouse
Photo: Arild Vågen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

First Canadian Place

100 King St W, Toronto, ON M5X 1A9

Standing as the tallest skyscraper in Canada, this tower is the headquarters for the Bank of Montreal. Originally clad in 600 tons of white Carrara marble, the building was completely refaced with glass in 2012. Its sleek, minimalist design serves as the literal center of Canada's financial world. The building is connected to the PATH system, allowing thousands of employees to navigate the city underground. It remains a dominant fixture of the skyline and a symbol of Toronto's economic power.

Built
1975
Architect
B+H Architects
Style
International Style
Height
298 m (978 ft)
Stories
72
Today
Office
Distillery District (Stone Distillery)

55 Mill St, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4

The Stone Distillery is the heart of a massive complex that was once the largest distillery in the world. This Victorian-era industrial site has been preserved as a pedestrian-only cultural and retail hub. The massive limestone walls and original machinery provide a window into 19th-century industrial life. It is widely considered the best-preserved collection of Victorian industrial architecture in North America. Today, the district is home to art galleries, theaters, and the city's popular Christmas market.

Built
1859
Architect
David Roberts Sr.
Style
Victorian Industrial
Height
22 m (72 ft)
Stories
5
Today
Cultural Hub / Retail