St Michael’s Cathedral
1845


Gothic Revival architecture in Toronto, Canada, emerged in the mid-19th century, drawing inspiration from medieval Gothic architecture while integrating modern materials and building techniques of the time. This style is characterized by its use of pointed arches, steep gables, decorative tracery, and ribbed vaults. It aimed to evoke the grandeur and spiritual quality of medieval cathedrals, often seen in churches, public buildings, and educational institutions.

Key Elements of Gothic Revival in Toronto:

1. Pointed Arches: Frequently seen in windows and doorways, the pointed arch is a defining feature of Gothic Revival buildings.
2. Steep Gables and Rooflines: These are prominent in many Toronto examples, creating a dramatic silhouette.
3. Decorative Tracery: Intricate patterns in windows and other stonework, often mimicking the stone tracery seen in medieval European Gothic cathedrals.
4. Buttresses: Both flying and regular buttresses were often used for structural support, though more commonly in larger buildings.
5. Verticality: Gothic Revival buildings are designed to draw the eye upward, giving a sense of height and grandeur.

Notable Examples in Toronto:

1. St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica (1845–1848): One of the earliest and most significant Gothic Revival churches in Toronto, designed by William Thomas. The cathedral features a classic Gothic style with spires, pointed arches, and intricate stained glass windows.
2. University College at the University of Toronto (1856–1859): Designed by architects Frederick William Cumberland and William George Storm, this building is a quintessential Gothic Revival landmark in Toronto. Its combination of medieval-inspired elements and Romanesque details makes it a standout example of the style.
3. St. James’ Cathedral (1850–1853): Another prominent Gothic Revival structure, designed by Frederick William Cumberland. It has a tall spire, lancet windows, and a majestic presence in downtown Toronto.
4. Old City Hall (1899): Though primarily Richardsonian Romanesque, it incorporates many Gothic Revival features, including pointed arches and an overall medieval aesthetic.

Influence and Legacy:

The Gothic Revival movement in Toronto was part of a broader trend in the British Empire, fueled by a desire to return to “Christian” architectural traditions in the face of industrialization. It was especially popular in the construction of religious buildings, where the style’s associations with spiritualism and history were seen as appropriate.

Though the style peaked in the 19th century, its influence can still be seen in modern neo-Gothic buildings and restorations across the city, contributing to Toronto’s eclectic architectural landscape.


Catheral Church of St-James
1844




Church of the Holy Trinity
1847




Church of St-Jude
1848




Trinity College
1852




Metropolitan United Church
1872




Spadina Crescent, Univeristy of Toronto
1875




St Andrew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
1878




Church of the Redeemer
1879




College Street United Church
1885




Bathurst Street Theatre
1888




Bloor Street United Church
1890




St Peter’s Church
1907




Knox Presbyterian Church
1909




Birge Carnegie Library, Victoria College, University of Toronto
1910




Burwash Hall, Victoria College, University of Toronto
1911




CHUM City Building
1911




Casa Loma
1911




Knox College University of Toronto
1914




Deer Park United Church
1913




Hart House, University of Toronto
1919




Soldier’s Tower, University of Toronto
1924




GLenview Presbyterian Church
1929

Earscliffe
1855


Gothic Revival architecture in Ottawa reflects the city’s rich history and connection to British colonial influences during the 19th century. This architectural style is characterized by its pointed arches, intricate detailing, steep gabled roofs, and an emphasis on verticality, reminiscent of the grand medieval Gothic cathedrals in Europe.
Notable Gothic Revival Buildings in Ottawa:

1. Parliament Buildings (Centre Block): The most iconic example of Gothic Revival architecture in Ottawa is the Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings. Designed by Thomas Fuller and Chilion Jones in the mid-19th century, the structure includes prominent pointed arches, spires, and ornate stonework. The Peace Tower, with its steep spire, is a defining feature of Ottawa’s skyline. After a fire in 1916, the Centre Block was rebuilt with further Gothic details, blending modern elements with the traditional style.


2. Library of Parliament: Attached to the Centre Block, the Library of Parliament is another exquisite example of Gothic Revival. Completed in 1876, its circular structure is topped with a steep, ribbed dome, and the exterior features flying buttresses, pinnacles, and intricate stone carvings. The library’s stained glass windows and vaulted interior ceiling further accentuate its Gothic character.


3. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica: Ottawa’s Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, completed in 1846, is one of the city’s oldest examples of Gothic Revival ecclesiastical architecture. The twin spires, arched windows, and detailed tracery are all hallmarks of the style. Inside, the ceiling features ribbed vaults, while stained glass windows and rich wood carvings provide a sense of grandeur typical of the Gothic Revival era.


4. St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church: Located in the New Edinburgh neighborhood, St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, completed in 1868, is a smaller but significant example of Gothic Revival architecture. With pointed arch windows, a stone exterior, and a steep gabled roof, it showcases the characteristic medieval-inspired elements.


5. Sparks Street Buildings: While less grand than the Parliament Buildings or churches, some commercial and institutional buildings along Sparks Street have Gothic Revival elements. For example, decorative stonework, pointed arches, and detailed window tracery were incorporated into structures during the late 19th century as part of Ottawa’s growth.

These buildings reflect how Gothic Revival architecture shaped Ottawa’s early identity, tying the city’s development to the grand architectural traditions of Europe while establishing itself as a growing capital in the New World.


Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
1932




Canadian Museum of Nature
1905





Christ Church Cathedral
1872




Confederation Building
1931




Connaught Building
1916




First Baptist Church
1877




First United Church
1911




Glebe St James United
1905




Houses of Parliament
1895, reconstructed 1920




Justice Building
1938




Knox Presbyterian Church
1932




Lisgar Collegiate Institute
1873




MacKay United Church
1910




McLeod Stewarton United Church
1905




Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
1846




Ottawa Normal School
1874




St Albans Anglican Church
1877




St Andrews Presbyterian Church
1872




St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church
1868




St Matthew’s Anglican Church
1930




St Patrick’s Basilica
1875




St Peter’s Lutheran Church
1910