The 11 Most Impressive Buildings in Canada
Canada's breathtaking scenery receives endless camera attention. But there are also some iconic buildings well worth focusing your lenses on here.
After extensive research – our own cross-country travels plus a straw poll of highly opinionated friends – we've constructed a celebratory skyline of what we think are Canada's absolute best architectural landmarks.
Fogo Island Inn
Canada’s most dramatic contemporary hotel building, this awe-inspiring Newfoundland landmark thrusts towards the water like a space-age boat about to launch.
Château Frontenac
The most imposing of Canada’s historic railway hotels, this castellated multi-turreted edifice is Québec City’s most-photographed building – for good reason.
Canada Place
The sail-shaped building that launched a million postcards, Vancouver’s pier, conference centre and cruise ship terminal is a must-see for downtown visitors.
Banff Springs Hotel
Nestled among Rocky Mountain forests, this iconic Fairmont property looks like a giant wedding cake – especially when its gabled rooftop is frosted with fresh-fallen snow.
Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec
Canada’s most famous church, this Old Québec landmark has an achingly ornate interior. Built more than 350 years ago, it’s also one of North America’s oldest places of worship.
Parliament Buildings
Perfectly framed on Parliament Hill, Ottawa’s grand, gothic revival pile echoes but improves on the 19th-century British architecture that inspired it.
Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Winnipeg’s most striking modern landmark, this 2014-opened structure was designed by Antoine Predock and resembles a huge hand holding a beacon of hope.
Habitat 67
Built for the Expo 67 World’s Fair yet still looking decidedly futuristic, Montreal’s most famous housing complex was designed by architect Moshe Safdie.
Art Gallery of Ontario
A 19th-century building transformed by Frank Gehry’s sparkling glass and wood-framed façade, Toronto’s AGO is one of North America’s largest and best-looking art museums.
Marine Building
Once the British Empire’s tallest skyscraper, Vancouver’s 1931-built art deco masterpiece is richly adorned with aquatic and transportation-themed decorative motifs.
Studio Bell
The 2016-opened Calgary home of the National Music Center wraps its silvery arms around an old-school live music tavern, moved here from across the city.
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