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Princes' Gates: Toronto's Triumphal Arch

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A historic landmark in Toronto's Exhibition Place, the Princes' Gates welcome visitors with stunning Beaux-Arts architecture and symbolic sculptures.

The Princes' Gates, a monumental gateway at Exhibition Place, Toronto, have welcomed visitors since 1927. Built to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Canadian Confederation, the Beaux-Arts style arch is adorned with sculptures and flanked by colonnades, representing Canada's provinces.

A brief summary to Princes' Gates

Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

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

  • Visit during the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) for a lively atmosphere and access to the fair.
  • Explore nearby attractions like Fort York and the Toronto Railway Museum.
  • Take photos in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting.
  • Check the Exhibition Place website for special events and tour information.

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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Princes' Gates are easily accessible by public transport. From Union Station, take the Line 1 subway to St. Andrew Station, then transfer to the 509 or 511 streetcar towards Exhibition Place. Get off at the Princes' Gates Loop. The fare is approximately $3.30 CAD, payable with a Presto card or ticket.

  • Walking

    From the Hotel X Toronto, walk east along Princes' Boulevard. The Princes' Gates will be directly in front of you in less than 5 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout Toronto. A short taxi ride from Union Station to the Princes' Gates will cost approximately $15-25 CAD, depending on traffic. Be sure the meter is running, or agree on a fare before you set off.

  • Driving

    If driving, take the Gardiner Expressway and exit at Spadina/Lake Shore Boulevard. Follow the signs to Lake Shore Boulevard and then to the Princes' Gates. Enter Exhibition Place via Manitoba Drive, just north of the gates. Parking is available in the Exhibition Place lots, with rates ranging from $18-21 CAD on weekdays and $18-21 CAD on weekends. Parking rates may be higher during special events.

Discover more about Princes' Gates

The Princes' Gates stand as a majestic eastern entrance to Toronto's Exhibition Place. Constructed in 1927 to mark the 60th anniversary of Canadian Confederation, they were originally named “The Diamond Jubilee of Confederation Gates”. However, when Prince Edward and Prince George visited that year, the gates were renamed in their honor.Designed by Chapman and Oxley in the Beaux-Arts style, the gates feature a Roman-style central arch flanked by colonnades of nine Ionic columns. Each column represents one of the original provinces of Canada. Atop the arch stands the Winged Victory statue, guiding Canada into the future. Flanking the Winged Victory are sculptures symbolizing the fruits of the harvest, hard work, and prosperity. The sculptures were created by Charles D. McKechnie.Throughout the years, the Princes' Gates have undergone several restoration projects. The Winged Victory was replaced in 1987 with a polymer resin replica, and other statues were recast in the 1990s. Today, the Princes' Gates remain an iconic landmark and a popular photo spot, symbolizing Toronto's rich history and architectural grandeur.

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