Canada House
Canada's iconic diplomatic showcase on Trafalgar Square, celebrating a century of art, design, and Canadian excellence in the heart of London.
Canada House is a striking Greek Revival building on Trafalgar Square that has served as Canada's diplomatic headquarters in the United Kingdom since 1925. This Grade II* listed landmark showcases contemporary Canadian art, design, and craftsmanship across its beautifully restored interiors. The Canada Gallery offers free public access to rotating exhibitions of Canadian art, while guided tours of the main building reveal provincial rooms decorated with bespoke Canadian furnishings, textiles, and artwork. A centenary exhibition runs through August 2025, celebrating 100 years of Canada's presence in this iconic London location.
A brief summary to Canada House
- Pall Mall E, London, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- The Canada Gallery is free and open to the public Monday to Saturday, 11:00–17:45 (BST), requiring no advance booking. This is the easiest way to experience Canadian art without registering for a guided tour.
- Guided tours of the main building require advance registration and are offered monthly on select Fridays. Book early as spaces are limited. You must bring government-issued photo identification and be prepared for airport-style security screening.
- The rooftop terrace accessible during guided tours offers a unique and rarely-seen perspective of Trafalgar Square. This vantage point is not available to the general public elsewhere.
- Visit during the centenary exhibition (through August 2025) to see special archival materials, historical documents, and contemporary artworks celebrating 100 years of Canada House's diplomatic presence.
- Large bags, cameras, and smartwatches are not permitted inside; lockers are provided for storage. Plan accordingly and allow extra time for security screening similar to airport procedures.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Underground (Tube)
Charing Cross station on the Northern and Bakerloo lines is the nearest major underground station, approximately 400 metres from Canada House. Journey time from central London stations ranges from 5–15 minutes depending on origin. Exit at Charing Cross and follow signs toward Trafalgar Square; Canada House is on the western side of the square. Single fares within central London cost approximately £1.75–£2.80 (GBP) depending on zones. Oyster cards and contactless payment are accepted and offer discounted fares.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve Trafalgar Square directly, including routes 3, 12, 15, 24, 29, 87, 91, 139, 159, and 176. Journey times from other central London locations typically range from 10–25 minutes depending on traffic and origin point. Single bus fares cost £1.75 (GBP) for any journey within central London. Buses run frequently throughout the day; check Transport for London's journey planner for real-time schedules.
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Walking
Canada House is walkable from most central London locations. From Leicester Square (approximately 400 metres, 5–7 minutes), head south toward Trafalgar Square. From Piccadilly Circus (approximately 600 metres, 8–10 minutes), walk northwest. From the National Gallery (immediately adjacent), Canada House is on the western side of the square. The walk is flat and straightforward through busy pedestrian areas with clear signage.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Black cabs and ride-share services (Uber, Bolt) operate throughout London. Journey times from central locations typically range from 5–15 minutes depending on traffic. Fares vary; expect approximately £8–£20 (GBP) from nearby areas like Piccadilly or Leicester Square. Request drop-off at Trafalgar Square or Pall Mall East. Limited street parking is available but not recommended; use public transport or ride-share instead.
Canada House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Canada House
A Century of Diplomatic Presence
Canada House stands as one of London's most strategically positioned diplomatic buildings, occupying a commanding position on the western side of Trafalgar Square since 1925. Originally constructed between 1824 and 1827 by Sir Robert Smirke—the celebrated architect of the British Museum—the building exemplified the bold neo-classical Greek Revival style that would influence the architectural character of Trafalgar Square itself. The structure was initially designed as two separate buildings: the Union Club to the south and the Royal College of Physicians to the north, both operating behind a unified classical façade. In 1923, Canadian High Commissioner Peter Charles Larkin led the acquisition of the Union Club, envisioning a centralized diplomatic home for Canada's growing presence in London. King George V officially opened the newly renovated Canada House on 29 June 1925, declaring it worthy of Canada's status as a great nation and its expanding international responsibilities.Architectural Transformation and Heritage Restoration
The building's architectural journey reflects Canada's evolving relationship with Britain and its own identity. Architect Septimus Warwick oversaw the initial 1925 renovations, relocating the main entrance from Trafalgar Square to Cockspur Street and importing Canadian materials including maple and birch flooring, custom carpets, and furniture. The exterior was reclad in Portland stone to harmonize with the adjacent Royal College of Physicians. When the High Commission acquired the Royal College building in 1964, the two structures were unified into a single diplomatic complex, though subsequent decades saw the building's heritage features obscured by modernizations and lowered ceilings. A major revitalization beginning in 1997 and completed in 2014 reversed this decline, uncovering original skylights and reinstating double-height spaces while seamlessly connecting the heritage building to the adjacent former Sun Life Assurance building on Cockspur Street. The 2014 reopening transformed Canada House into a 21st-century showcase, with nearly 300 pieces of Canadian art, custom-designed furnishings from Canadian artisans, and materials sourced from across the country creating an interior that feels like working in an art gallery.A Living Celebration of Canadian Culture and Design
Today, Canada House functions as both a working diplomatic mission and a cultural ambassador. The building features dedicated provincial and territorial rooms, each distinctly decorated with furnishings, textiles, carpets, and artworks representing that region's character and heritage. From visual artists to custom furniture and lighting designers, every element celebrates Canadian craftsmanship and forward-looking design. The rooftop terrace offers a unique vantage point over Trafalgar Square unavailable to most visitors, providing sweeping views of one of London's most iconic public spaces. The Canada Gallery, accessed from the Pall Mall entrance, operates as a free public space hosting rotating exhibitions of contemporary Canadian art and artists with Canadian connections, open Monday to Saturday from 11:00 to 17:45 (BST).Visiting and Experiencing Canada House
Access to the main building is by guided tour only, with tours offered monthly on select Fridays and requiring advance registration due to limited spaces. Visitors must present government-issued photo identification and pass through airport-style security screening. Large bags, rucksacks, and suitcases are not permitted; lockers are provided for secure storage of prohibited items including cameras and smartwatches. Tours typically last one hour and are fully accessible via lifts, accommodating visitors of varying mobility. Children under six years old cannot be accommodated. The building's location in the heart of London's West End makes it easily accessible from most central areas, with Charing Cross station serving as the nearest major transport hub.Centenary Celebrations and Contemporary Significance
In 2025, Canada House celebrates its centenary with a special exhibition titled "1925–2025: A Century in Canada House," running through August 30 at the Canada Gallery. This collaborative project between Library and Archives Canada and the High Commission features archival images, documents, film clips, original artifacts, and contemporary artworks exploring Canada House's role in representing Canada to the United Kingdom over the past hundred years. The exhibition invites visitors to contribute personalized maple leaves to a symbolic artwork celebrating Canadian diversity. Today, Canada House remains more than a diplomatic facility; it stands as a national emblem representing Canada's independence, cultural richness, and enduring partnership with Britain within the Commonwealth.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Scenic
- Entertaining
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
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- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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- Panoramas
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For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
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For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Wheelchair Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
