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Soldiers' Tower: A Tribute to Remembrance

A solemn and inspiring war memorial at the University of Toronto, commemorating the sacrifices of its members in the World Wars.

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The Soldiers' Tower at the University of Toronto is a poignant war memorial commemorating university members who served in the World Wars. This Gothic Revival tower stands as a lasting symbol of sacrifice and remembrance.

A brief summary to Soldiers' Tower

Local tips

  • Visit the Soldiers' Tower on Remembrance Day to witness a special carillon performance and service.
  • Explore the Garden of Remembrance behind the memorial screen for a quiet place of reflection.
  • Check the University of Toronto Alumni Association website for information on tours and events at the tower.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of the University of Toronto's St. George campus, the Soldiers' Tower is easily accessible on foot. Head west from Hart House, and you'll find the tower at the end of Hart House Circle. The tower is visible from many points on campus.

  • Public Transport

    The Soldiers' Tower is accessible via public transportation. Take the subway to Museum Station on Line 1. From the station, walk south along Queen's Park Crescent East, then turn left onto Hart House Circle. The tower will be on your left. A single fare on the TTC is $3.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Toronto. A short trip from downtown Toronto to the Soldiers' Tower will typically cost between $8 and $15.

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Discover more about Soldiers' Tower

Soldiers' Tower, a 143-foot (43.6 m) Gothic Revival tower, stands on the St. George campus of the University of Toronto as a memorial to university members who served in the World Wars. Designed by architects Henry Sproatt and Ernest Ross Rolph, construction began in 1919 and was completed in 1924. The tower serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the University of Toronto community. The tower's construction was funded by alumni donations totaling $397,141, with surplus funds used to establish scholarships. The names of those lost in the Great War (1914–18) are etched on a stone screen near the tower's base, while the names of those lost in the Second World War (1939–45) are inscribed on the inner walls of the tower's archway. Inside, a military museum displays medals, memorial books, portraits, photographs, flags, and other memorabilia. Eight stained-glass windows, commissioned in 2005, depict Canadian forces in action. A memorial window is dedicated to three University College students who died in the Fenian Raids. The carillon, consisting of 51 bells, is played on special occasions like convocation, reunions, and Remembrance Day. The tower's carillon serves as an audible reminder of the sacrifices made by the university community. The Soldiers' Tower is accessible to the public year-round. Visitors can explore the exterior, memorial screen, and Garden of Remembrance. The interior, a heritage building, may have limited accessibility for those with disabilities, but a stairlift is available to the Memorial Room.

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