The 6 Most Impressive Buildings in Toronto

The most impressive buildings in Toronto are not only striking in their architecture, they are also among the most vital cultural hubs of the city. Here are six examples of Toronto’s most interesting and iconic structures.

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Royal Ontario Museum

Building, Museum, Park

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), designed by Daniel Libeskind, juts out over Bloor Street with its striking aluminum and glass ‘crystal’ structure erupting from the old, historical façade. There’s hardly a right angle in sight! Torontonians and visitors alike have polarizing opinions about the ROM, but it’s certainly one of the city’s most impressive buildings either way.

CN Tower

Architectural Landmark

An obvious choice when talking about Toronto’s most memorable buildings, the CN Tower is certainly what makes the city’s skyline instantly identifiable. One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, the CN Tower stands at 1,815 feet (553.2 meters) in height. Standing right beneath it and looking straight up, and no one can help but be impressed.

Aga Khan Museum

Museum, Park

Located in North York, the Aga Khan Museum was designed by Fumihiko Maki, winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize. Light infuses the museum by casting patterns on the exterior granite walls, enrichig the varied interior spaces, and by brightening the open-roof courtyard. The museum, dedicated to Islamic art, blends contemporary design with historically Islamic elements.

Casa Loma

Museum

Casa Loma is a small castle just north of downtown Toronto. A maze of towers, intricately decorated rooms and suites, tunnels, stables, and five acres of gardens, the architecture follows a Gothic Revival style unique in the city. It’s a popular venue for filming, weddings, and other events.

Art Gallery of Ontario

Art Gallery, Museum

Though first established in 1900, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) underwent an extensive renovation by designer Frank Gehry in the early 2000s. The interior features sculptural staircases, and the most prominent exterior element is a glass-and-wood façade called the Galleria Italia, which spans 590 feet (180 meters) along Dundas Street.

Toronto City Hall

Building

Toronto City Hall is another city landmark, close to the downtown core. Designed by Finnish architect Viljo Revell and landscape architect Richard Strong, it was controversial when first built in 1965 but is now recognized as an important example of modernist architecture. The design incorporates two asymmetrical semi-circular towers with a domed building in between. From above, Toronto City Hall resembles a large, unblinking eye. While there, enjoy Nathan Phillips Square and take a look at the historic Old City Hall.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.