Background

Gooderham Building: Toronto's Iconic Flatiron

4.7 (1310)

Discover Toronto's iconic Flatiron Building, a historic landmark with unique architecture and a captivating mural in the heart of the St. Lawrence Market area.

The Gooderham Building, also known as the Flatiron Building, is a historic landmark in Toronto, Ontario. Completed in 1892, its distinctive wedge shape and red-brick facade make it one of the city's most photographed structures. The building is a prime example of Romanesque and Gothic Revival architecture and a testament to Toronto's rich history.

A brief summary to Gooderham Building

Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Gooderham Building.

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
  • Explore the nearby St. Lawrence Market for a taste of local cuisine.
  • Check out the surrounding area for other historical sites, making it a perfect walking tour.
  • Admire the building from different angles for unique photo opportunities.
  • Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid large tourist crowds.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Unlock the Best of Gooderham Building

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already in the downtown area, walking to the Gooderham Building is a great option. From the St. Lawrence Market, head northwest on Front St E towards Church St, then turn right onto Church St. Walk north until you reach Wellington St E. Turn left and walk until you see the Gooderham Building at 49 Wellington St E. This walk will take approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway. Board the subway at any station and travel on the Line 1 (Yonge-University) towards Union Station or King Station. From King Station, exit the station and walk east along King St towards Yonge St, then turn right onto Yonge St and walk south until you reach Wellington St E. Turn left onto Wellington St E, and the Gooderham Building will be on your left. A single fare on the TTC is approximately $3.35.

  • Public Transport

    Alternatively, take the 504 King streetcar from various points in the city. Board the streetcar heading eastbound towards Broadview Station. Get off at the stop at Church St and walk south to Wellington St E. Turn left on Wellington St E, and you'll find the Gooderham Building on your left. The cost for a streetcar ride is also $3.35.

  • Car

    If you're driving, head towards downtown Toronto. From the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), merge onto Gardiner Expressway. Take the exit toward York St and follow signs for the Financial District. Once on York St, turn left onto Wellington St E. The Gooderham Building will be on your right at 49 Wellington St E. Street parking is available, with costs between $2 to $4 per hour.

Discover more about Gooderham Building

The Gooderham Building, located at 49 Wellington Street East, is a captivating piece of Toronto's architectural heritage. Completed in 1892, it predates New York City's Flatiron Building by a decade. Its unique shape is due to its location at the intersection of Wellington and Front Streets, where the city's grid meets the original shoreline of Lake Ontario.The building was commissioned by George Gooderham, president of Gooderham and Worts Distillery, one of Canada's largest distilleries. Designed by architect David Roberts Jr., the building combines Romanesque and Gothic Revival styles, featuring a red-brick exterior, arched windows, and a steeply pitched copper roof. The east end boasts a prominent tower, once George Gooderham's personal office, complete with curved glass windows and a conical copper roof.One of the building's most famous features is the trompe-l'œil mural on its west wall. Created in 1980 by Canadian artist Derek Besant, the mural creates the illusion of the building's edges fluttering away, revealing the Perkins Building across the street. The building is near other historical sites such as the Cathedral Church of St. James, St. Lawrence Hall, and St. Lawrence Market. Today, the Gooderham Building remains a functional office space with commercial areas.

Explore the best of what Gooderham Building has to offer

Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



More about Greater Toronto Area

File:Toronto - ON - CN Tower bei Nacht2.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Discover the Greater Toronto Area: A dynamic blend of culture, nature, and modernity. From iconic landmarks to vibrant neighborhoods, experience the best of Canada's urban jewel.

Tell me more about Greater Toronto Area

Select Currency