Two of Toronto’s Historic Landmarks

I did manage to venture out today because I had two goals in mind. I wanted to take a self-guided tour of Union Station, and I wanted to find a location that would allow me to capture a photo of the Fairmont Royal York. Union Station is directly across the street from out hotel, so I didn’t have far to go. 

Union Station is Canada’s finest example of stations constructed in the classical Beaux-Arts style. Its sweeping facade and imposing Grand Hall exhibit the monumental architecture and dramatic use of enclosed space that are characteristic of the Beaux-Arts movement.

Union Station

Union Station opened in 1927 and was built as part of the vibrant City Beautiful movement, which promoted architectural excellence and helped invigorate the newly developing entrance to Toronto. 

I love visiting historic railway stations, especially the grand ones, and I was delighted to read that the recent Union Station Revitalization Project had restored the Station’s original design features. This project has turned Union Station into a major civic destination in Toronto.

Union Station's Grand Public Spaces

Not only was the architecture incredible, but the exhibits on the lower level were informative and engaging.

Excellent Exhibits about Union Station

A Copy of an Original Architectural Drawing Was Included in the Exhibit

Taking the advice of a very knowledgeable concierge, I was able to find the best possible location to photograph the Fairmont Royal York. This is not necessarily an easy job with high rise downtown buildings all around, but I think I managed a few good shots.

Fairmont Royal York

The Royal York Hotel was another in a series of hotels constructed for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Opened to the public in 1929, the hotel was designed by the same architectural firm that designed Union Station, also in the Beaux-Arts style. At the time of its construction, the Royal York was the largest hotel in the British Commonwealth and the tallest building in Toronto.

The Royal York has also recently been rehabilitated, and the lobby is the main showpiece of the hotel. The lobby clock is one of the most well-known meeting places in the city, and the present clocktower is named the 90th Anniversary Clock.

The Main Lobby and Clock in the Fairmont Royal York

I was not able to visit the ballroom, concert hall, or private function rooms, but I did enjoy walking through the history alley on the mezzanine. Historic photos of both the hotel and famous visitors line the hallway and provided great background information about the hotel.