Canada Life Building: A Beaux-Arts Beacon
A historic Beaux-Arts gem in downtown Toronto, the Canada Life Building boasts stunning architecture and an iconic weather beacon.
The Canada Life Building, a Beaux-Arts masterpiece completed in 1931, stands as a testament to Toronto's architectural heritage. Located on University Avenue, its iconic weather beacon and impressive limestone facade offer a glimpse into the city's prosperous past.
A brief summary to Canada Life Building
- 330 University Ave, Toronto, Old Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1R8, CA
- +1888-252-1847
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit on weekdays for a quieter experience.
- Admire the intricate architectural details – perfect for photography.
- Explore the surrounding neighborhood for diverse dining options.
Getting There
-
Public Transport
To reach the Canada Life Building via public transit, take the subway to St. Patrick Station on Line 1 (Yonge-University). Exit onto University Avenue and walk south for approximately 5 minutes; the building will be on your left. Alternatively, take the 505 Dundas or 501 Queen streetcar to the University Avenue stop and walk north. A single ride on the TTC costs CAD 3.25.
-
Walking
The Canada Life Building is located on University Avenue, just north of Queen Street West. From Nathan Phillips Square, head west on Queen Street West, then turn right onto University Avenue. The building will be on your right, a short walk away.
-
Car
If driving, navigate to downtown Toronto and take the University Avenue exit from major highways like the Gardiner Expressway or Don Valley Parkway. Head north on University Avenue. Street parking is available, or use nearby parking garages, with rates typically ranging from CAD 10-30 for daily parking.
Discover more about Canada Life Building
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Canada Life Building
0.0 km
A historic Beaux-Arts building in downtown Toronto, famous for its architecture and weather beacon.
Sculpture: Freedom of Expression
0.1 km
Explore the Freedom of Expression sculpture in Toronto, a powerful tribute to artistic liberty and a must-see historical landmark.
100 Queen St W
0.3 km
Discover the architectural beauty and cultural significance of 100 Queen St W in downtown Toronto, a must-see landmark for all visitors.
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
0.3 km
Discover urban elegance at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, your perfect hub for exploring the vibrant heart of Toronto.
Churchill Memorial
0.3 km
A Toronto landmark honoring Sir Winston Churchill's legacy of courage and leadership during World War II, located near City Hall.
Mary Pickford Historical Plaque
0.5 km
Commemorating the Toronto birthplace of Mary Pickford, 'America's Sweetheart' and a pioneer of the silent film era, near the Hospital for Sick Children.
Ontario Heritage Plaque: Toronto Dominion Centre
0.6 km
Explore the Ontario Heritage Plaque at Toronto Dominion Centre, a historical landmark reflecting Toronto's rich architectural legacy and cultural heritage.
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Plaque: Sir Ernest MacMillan (1893 - 1973)
0.7 km
Explore the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Plaque dedicated to Sir Ernest MacMillan and uncover the rich musical heritage of Canada.
Little Canada
0.8 km
Experience Canada's iconic landmarks and vibrant cities in breathtaking miniature. A unique and immersive attraction in the heart of Toronto.
Toronto Heritage Plaque: Site of Toronto's First Moving Picture Show
0.8 km
Explore Toronto's cinematic heritage at the historic site of the city's first moving picture show, where film history comes alive.
City Sightseeing Toronto
0.8 km
Explore Toronto's iconic landmarks and vibrant culture with flexible hop-on hop-off bus tours. Discover the city at your own pace!
Birkbeck Building National Historic Site of Canada
0.8 km
Explore the architectural beauty and historical significance of Toronto's Birkbeck Building National Historic Site, a Beaux-Arts masterpiece in the heart of downtown.
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada: National Farm Radio Forum
0.8 km
Explore the National Farm Radio Forum in Toronto, a historical landmark celebrating Canadian agricultural broadcasting and community engagement.
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada: Glenn Gould (1932 to 1982)
0.8 km
Explore the captivating legacy of Glenn Gould at this historic landmark in Toronto, a must-visit for music lovers and history buffs alike.
200 Bay Street
0.8 km
Iconic gold-clad towers in Toronto's Financial District, home to Royal Bank of Canada and connected to the PATH network.
Unmissable attractions to see
Osgoode Hall
0.1 km
Explore Osgoode Hall, a historical landmark in Toronto, showcasing legal heritage and stunning architecture amidst beautiful gardens.
The Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Bar
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of The Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Bar, Toronto's premier destination for live music and delicious breakfast.
Half House
0.2 km
Explore Half House, a unique architectural gem in Toronto's Old Town, where creativity meets history in an unforgettable way.
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
0.2 km
Experience the mesmerizing world of opera and ballet at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto, a hub of cultural excellence.
Toronto Bicycle Tours
0.3 km
Discover Toronto's vibrant culture and stunning sights on two wheels with Toronto Bicycle Tours, the city's premier bicycle rental and tour service.
Textile Museum of Canada
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant world of textiles at the Textile Museum of Canada, showcasing art, culture, and history through fabric.
Toronto Sign
0.3 km
Discover the Toronto Sign, an iconic landmark in Nathan Phillips Square that embodies the vibrant spirit and cultural richness of Toronto.
Toronto City Hall
0.3 km
Explore Toronto City Hall, an architectural masterpiece and vibrant cultural hub in the heart of downtown Toronto, Canada.
Downtown Toronto
0.3 km
Explore Downtown Toronto, a vibrant hub of culture, shopping, and iconic landmarks in Canada’s largest city, where adventure awaits at every corner.
Nathan Phillips Square
0.3 km
Discover Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto's vibrant plaza featuring iconic attractions, seasonal events, and a lively atmosphere at the heart of the city.
Cafe On The Square
0.4 km
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and flavor at Café on the Square, a cozy spot in Old Toronto for coffee lovers and casual diners alike.
Grange Park
0.4 km
Experience the tranquility of Grange Park: a lush urban oasis in Toronto, perfect for relaxation and cultural exploration.
Canadian Provinces Flags Alley
0.4 km
Explore the vibrant Canadian Provinces Flags Alley in Toronto, where colorful flags celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Canada.
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
0.4 km
Discover Scotiabank Theatre Toronto, where cinematic experiences come to life in the heart of the city's vibrant Entertainment District.
Art Gallery of Ontario
0.4 km
Explore the Art Gallery of Ontario, a premier destination for art lovers featuring a vast collection that spans centuries and styles in the heart of Toronto.
Essential places to dine
Volos Greek Cuisine
0.3 km
Experience authentic Greek flavors in Toronto at Volos Greek Cuisine—an upscale destination for Mediterranean delicacies.
bosk
0.3 km
Experience exceptional Italian cuisine at Bosk in Toronto, where seasonal ingredients meet exquisite culinary artistry.
MARKED Restaurant
0.4 km
Savor authentic South American flavors at MARKED Restaurant - where culinary passion meets vibrant atmosphere in downtown Toronto.
PAI
0.4 km
Experience authentic Thai flavors at PAI in Toronto—where every dish tells a story and every visit feels like home.
Elephant & Castle
0.5 km
Discover a lively dining experience at Elephant & Castle in Toronto – where British charm meets Canadian cuisine.
Byblos Downtown
0.5 km
Experience exquisite Middle Eastern flavors at Byblos Downtown in Toronto's vibrant culinary scene.
Figo Toronto
0.5 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Figo Toronto—where every dish tells a story amidst modern elegance and warmth.
Trattoria Mercatto
0.6 km
Discover the authentic flavors of Italy at Trattoria Mercatto, where traditional recipes meet modern dining in the heart of Toronto.
Luma
0.6 km
Experience contemporary Canadian cuisine at Luma in Toronto – where every dish tells a story.
Hey Lucy
0.6 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Hey Lucy in Toronto – a perfect blend of exquisite flavors and vibrant atmosphere.
Richmond Station
0.7 km
Experience the best of Canadian cuisine at Richmond Station - where local ingredients meet culinary artistry in a vibrant atmosphere.
The Rabbit Hole
0.7 km
Discover The Rabbit Hole in Toronto - where innovative cocktails meet delicious culinary delights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Fenice
0.7 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at La Fenice in Toronto—where tradition meets modern flair for an unforgettable dining experience.
The Chase
0.7 km
Experience fine dining at The Chase in Toronto - where exquisite seafood meets stunning skyline views.
Mother Tongue
0.7 km
Experience the fusion of Asian cuisine and innovative cocktails at Mother Tongue – a hidden gem in Toronto's vibrant dining scene.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tribal Rhythm Vintage
0.3 km
Explore the vibrant world of vintage fashion at Tribal Rhythm Vintage, a treasure trove for unique clothing, costumes, and accessories in Toronto.
shopAGO
0.5 km
Experience the creativity of Toronto at shopAGO, a unique gift shop located within the Art Gallery of Ontario, featuring exclusive art-inspired treasures.
Black Market Vintage Upstairs
0.5 km
Explore a unique vintage shopping experience at Black Market Vintage Upstairs, where every piece has a story and style meets sustainability.
Canadian Naturalist
0.6 km
Explore the Canadian Naturalist: Toronto's vibrant gift shop showcasing unique local crafts, gourmet foods, and delightful souvenirs for all ages.
TIFF Shop
0.6 km
Explore the TIFF Shop in Toronto for unique film-themed gifts and collectibles that celebrate the magic of cinema.
Spacing Store
0.7 km
Explore Spacing Store in Toronto for unique souvenirs that beautifully capture the city's essence and support local artists.
Danleigh Gift Shop
0.7 km
Explore the charm of Toronto at Danleigh Gift Shop, your go-to destination for unique Canadian souvenirs and local treasures.
Factory price to public
0.7 km
Explore Factory Price to Public for unique gifts and local crafts that capture the essence of Toronto's vibrant culture.
New Century Gifts Trading Co
0.8 km
Explore New Century Gifts Trading Co for unique gifts and home goods that reflect the vibrant culture of Toronto's Chinatown.
Royal Canadian Gifts
0.8 km
Explore Royal Canadian Gifts in Toronto for unique souvenirs and authentic Canadian treasures that capture the spirit of your adventure.
Unique Gifts & Convenience
0.8 km
Explore the heart of Toronto with Unique Gifts & Convenience, your go-to spot for souvenirs and essentials that capture the city's spirit.
Famous Canada Inc
0.8 km
Explore Famous Canada Inc: A charming souvenir store offering unique gifts that reflect the spirit of Canada in the heart of Toronto.
A & F Canada Gifts
0.8 km
Discover the essence of Canada at A & F Canada Gifts – a premier souvenir store in Old Toronto offering unique local treasures.
Canada Gifts
0.9 km
Explore Canada Gifts in Toronto for unique souvenirs and stylish home goods that embody the essence of Canadian culture and craftsmanship.
CHIC Store
0.9 km
Explore CHIC Store in Toronto for unique gifts and souvenirs that capture the city's vibrant spirit and creativity.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
LAWYERS FEED THE HUNGRY
0.2 km
Discover the caring heart of Toronto at Lawyers Feed The Hungry, where legal professionals come together to serve the community and provide nutritious meals.
after seven 後七
0.2 km
Experience Toronto's vibrant cocktail culture at After Seven, where unique concoctions and a cozy atmosphere await you.
Bar Dem
0.4 km
Experience the best of Toronto's nightlife at Bar Dem, a cocktail bar with live music and delicious tapas to elevate your evening.
Paradise Grotto
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Paradise Grotto, Toronto's premier cocktail bar offering an eclectic drink menu and a lively atmosphere.
Saint John's Tavern
0.5 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Saint John's Tavern, where delicious food meets a lively bar scene in the heart of Toronto.
Town Crier
0.5 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and delicious European cuisine at Town Crier, a must-visit pub in the heart of Toronto.
Melrose On Adelaide
0.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Toronto at Melrose On Adelaide, a chic cocktail bar offering creative drinks and a lively atmosphere.
Lerners LLP
0.6 km
Discover top-notch legal services at Lerners LLP in Toronto, specializing in family law, personal injury, and more for your legal needs.
Bar Hop Brewco
0.6 km
Discover the best of Toronto's gastropub scene at Bar Hop Brewco, where gourmet comfort food meets an extensive craft beer selection.
Bar 404
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant cocktail culture of Toronto at Bar 404, where expertly crafted drinks meet an inviting atmosphere.
Bar 404 Toronto
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant cocktail culture of Toronto at Bar 404, where innovative drinks and a chic atmosphere await.
Liquid Courage
0.7 km
Experience mixology at its finest in the heart of Toronto at Liquid Courage, where innovative cocktails and a chic atmosphere await.
PIMCO Canada Corp.
0.7 km
Discover the heart of investment expertise at PIMCO Canada Corp., a key player in Toronto's financial landscape, offering insights into fixed income strategies.
Watson's
0.7 km
Discover Watson's, a lively cocktail bar in Toronto, where creative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere create unforgettable nightlife experiences.
Big Trouble
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Big Trouble, a stylish bar in Old Toronto offering creative cocktails and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable evenings.