
Are you looking to explore Canada’s most iconic buildings and their unique stories? Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this guide will help you uncover the architectural landmarks that shape Canada’s skyline. Feeling overwhelmed by the choices? You’re not alone, many face the same challenge when deciding where to start.
We’re here to assist you. With a focus on architecture and urban development, we’ll highlight 20 of Canada’s most notable buildings, showcasing their design, history, and cultural significance.
Here’s what’s ahead:
- Explore historic tall buildings
- Discover modern skyscrapers
- Learn about residential towers
- Uncover mixed-use structures
Keep reading to start exploring. By the end, you’ll have a greater appreciation for these impressive buildings and their stories. Canada boasts numerous cities with over five completed high-rise buildings, each contributing to the country’s impressive skyline development.
Historic Tall Buildings

Canada has a rich history of tallest buildings, with many iconic structures that have stood the test of time. In this section, we will explore two of the most historic tall buildings in Canada.
1. Fairmont Royal York Hotel

The Fairmont Royal York Hotel, located in downtown Toronto, is one of the city’s most famous buildings. It opened in 1929 and was the tallest building in the British Empire at the time, with 28 floors and a height of 124 meters. For over 90 years, it has been a landmark in Toronto.
Many famous people, like Queen Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill, and writer Ernest Hemingway, have stayed there. The hotel has also hosted important events, including the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty in 1949.
2. Tour de la Banque Royale

The Tour de la Banque Royale in Montreal was the tallest building in Canada when it was completed in 1928, standing 121 meters tall. It held this title until 1967 when the Toronto-Dominion Centre was built. Designed by the architectural firm York and Sawyer, the building showcases an Art Deco style. Today, it is still in use, housing various offices and businesses.
See Also: Tallest Buildings in USA
Modern Skyscrapers

Canada’s modern skyline is dotted with towering tallest buildings that are not only functional but also visually stunning. Here are some of the most iconic modern skyscrapers in Canada. There are a total of 133 completed and under construction buildings with heights of 150 m or more, with height restrictions in various locations impacting new construction.
3. First Canadian Place

First Canadian Place, located in Toronto, is the tallest skyscraper in Canada. Completed in 1975, it stands at 298 meters and has 72 floors. It was designed by Edward Durell Stone and is made of steel and glass. The building is primarily used for commercial purposes and is home to several major financial institutions.
4. The St. Regis Toronto

The St. Regis Toronto, formerly known as the Trump International Hotel and Tower, is a 57-story skyscraper located in Toronto. The building, completed in 2012, stands at 276.9 meters and is primarily used for residential purposes. The tower was designed by Zeidler Partnership Architects and is made of glass and steel. The St. Regis Toronto is known for its luxurious amenities and stunning views of the city.
5. Scotia Plaza

Scotia Plaza is a 68-story skyscraper located in Toronto. Completed in 1988, it stands at 275 meters and is primarily used for commercial purposes. The building was designed by WZMH Architects and is made of steel and glass. Scotia Plaza is home to several major corporations, including the Bank of Nova Scotia.
The tallest extant buildings in Canada are all located in Toronto, with a statistical overview showing numerous completed and under-construction buildings meeting a specified height requirement.

Residential Buildings

Canada has some of the tallest and most iconic residential buildings in the world. These buildings are not only impressive in terms of height but also in terms of design and architecture. In this section, we will explore some of the most iconic residential buildings in Canada.
6. Shangri-La Toronto

The Shangri-La Toronto is a 65-story residential building located in downtown Toronto. It is one of the tallest residential buildings in Canada, standing at a height of 214 meters. The building was designed by award-winning architect James Cheng and features a unique and modern design.
It has 393 luxury residences, ranging from one to three-bedroom units, and offers residents a range of amenities, including a fitness center and indoor pool.
7. Ritz-Carlton Toronto

The Ritz-Carlton Toronto is a 54-story residential building located in Toronto‘s entertainment district. It stands at a height of 209.5 meters and offers residents stunning views of the city skyline. The building was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates and features a sleek and modern design.
8. L Tower

The L Tower is a 59-story residential building located in downtown Toronto. It stands at a height of 205 meters and is one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. The building was designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind and features a unique and modern design.
The complex contains 600 luxury residences and features amenities like a fitness center, spa, and an indoor pool for residents.
Commercial and Office Buildings

Canada is home to some of the tallest and most iconic commercial and office buildings in the world. These buildings are not only known for their height but also for their unique architecture, design, and functionality. In this section, we will explore some of the most iconic commercial and office buildings in Canada.
9. Brookfield Place East

Located in Calgary, Brookfield Place East is a 56-story office tower that stands 247 meters tall. It is the tallest building in the city. The building was designed by Arney Fender Katsalidis and completed in 2017. It is known for its modern design and glass facade. Its anchor tenant is the oil and gas company Cenovus.
10. CIBC Square

CIBC Square is a set of two tall office buildings in Toronto‘s South Core neighborhood. The towers are 241 and 213 meters tall and are connected by a special bridge that is 40 meters above the ground. Designed by WilkinsonEyre and finished in 2021, these buildings have a lot of office space, about 2.9 million square feet. The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) has its offices here.
11. Commerce Court West

Commerce Court West, located in downtown Toronto, is a tall office building that opened in 1973. Standing at 57 stories and 287 meters high, it was the tallest building in Canada until 1976. Designed by architect I. M. Pei, the building is known for its modern, sleek glass and steel design.
Commerce Court West is part of the larger Commerce Court complex, which includes several other buildings and serves as the headquarters for many businesses. The West Tower, a 57-floor building designed by I.M. Pei as part of the Commerce Court complex, is a modern addition to the earlier North Tower, enhancing public access and contributing to the area’s development.
12. The Bow

The Bow is a 237.5-meter-tall office tower located in Calgary, Alberta. The building was designed by Foster + Partners and completed in 2012. The building features a unique curved design, which is meant to maximize natural light and provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The building is home to a number of large corporations, including Encana Corporation and Cenovus Energy.
See Also: Tallest Buildings in Brazil
Mixed-Use Buildings

Mixed-use buildings are structures that combine multiple functions such as residential, commercial, and office spaces. These buildings are becoming increasingly popular in Canada due to the growing need for urban development and space optimization. In this section, we will explore some of the most iconic mixed-use buildings in Canada.
13. Aura

Aura is a 78-story mixed-use skyscraper in Toronto, Ontario. It stands at 271 meters tall and was once the tallest residential building in Canada. The building has 985 residential units along with retail and office spaces. Aura is notable for its modern design.
14. One Bloor

One Bloor is a mixed-use skyscraper located in Toronto, Ontario. The building stands at 257 meters and features 732 residential units, as well as retail and office spaces. One Bloor is known for its luxurious amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and rooftop pool.
15. Stantec Tower

Stantec Tower is a mixed-use skyscraper located in Edmonton, Alberta, standing at 251.8 meters (825 feet). It is the tallest building in Edmonton and ranks among the tallest in Western Canada. While Toronto hosts the majority of the tallest structures in Canada, Stantec Tower is a significant landmark for Edmonton.
The building features a combination of residential, commercial, and office spaces and is recognized for its commitment to sustainability with various environmentally friendly design elements.
16. Living Shangri-La

Living Shangri-La is a mixed-use skyscraper located in Vancouver, British Columbia. The building stands at 200.9 meters and features 119 residential units, as well as hotel and office spaces.
Iconic and Unique Structures

Canada is home to some of the most iconic and unique buildings in the world. This section will explore three of them, each with their own distinctive features and designs.
17. 1250 René-Lévesque

1250 René-Lévesque is a skyscraper located in Montreal, Quebec. It stands at 226 meters tall and has 47 floors. The building was completed in 1992 and was designed by the architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates. Its unique design features a curved facade that gives it a distinctive appearance. The building is primarily used for office space.
18. 1000 de la Gauchetière

1000 de la Gauchetière is a skyscraper located in Montreal, Quebec. It stands at 207 meters tall and has 51 floors. The building was completed in 1992 and was designed by the architectural firm Lemay & Associates. Its unique design features a unique facade that gives it a distinctive appearance. The building mainly serves as office space and houses numerous prominent businesses.
19. Four Seasons Hotel and Residences

The Four Seasons Hotel and Residences is a skyscraper located in Toronto, Ontario. It stands at 204 meters tall and has 55 floors. The building was completed in 2012 and was designed by the architectural firm architectsAlliance. Its unique design features a lattice-like facade that gives it a distinctive appearance. The building is home to both a hotel and luxury condominiums.

Future Projects
20. Pinnacle One Yonge

Pinnacle One Yonge is a big building project in Toronto, set to be finished in 2027. It will consist of six skyscrapers ranging in height from 22 to 105 stories tall, making it the tallest residential building in Canada. The project will include a park, a community center, and a school.
There will also be a gym, swimming pool, rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour help desk. Over 50,000 square feet of space will be used for stores and restaurants. The project is designed to be eco-friendly, with green spaces and energy-saving systems.
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Tallest Buildings in Canada: A Recap

Canada has many tall and important buildings that show the country’s growth and progress. From old landmarks like the Fairmont Royal York Hotel to new buildings like Pinnacle One Yonge, these structures are not just tall but also serve as homes, offices, and places to enjoy. Whether you live in Canada or are just visiting, these buildings give you a good look at Canada’s achievements in architecture and culture.
FAQ
First Canadian Place, located in Toronto, is the tallest skyscraper in Canada. Completed in 1975, it stands at 298 meters and has 72 floors.
Located in Calgary, Brookfield Place East is a 56-story office tower that stands at 247 meters tall. It is the tallest building in the city. The building was designed by Arney Fender Katsalidis and completed in 2017.