Toronto is a sprawling city with a wide range of architecture, from skyscrapers and condos to Victorian-era houses.
While many stunning buildings and landmarks exist in the 6ix, some are less impressive.
We recently asked our readers on Narcity Canada’s Facebook page: “What do you think is Toronto’s ugliest landmark?”
The Toronto Maple Leafs was the comment with the most reactions on our post. And, while they can be hideous in April-May, they unfortunately don’t qualify for this ranking.
Some usual suspects were in the replies, but others will surprise you.
Here’s a closer look at some of the answers we received.
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Located at 255 Front St. W. beside the CN Tower, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) was a popular reply to our question.
While it is a very functional building for events, conferences, exhibitions and trade shows, the MTCC’s facade is always a major topic of discussion.
The building features “windowless windows” and overhangs that block natural light, which has drawn criticism from some locals who find the design uninspiring and bland.
Originally opened in the 1980s, the architecture has also been described by some as dated and out of step with more modern aesthetics.
Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), a major Toronto landmark since 1914, is a hugely popular landmark for tourists and visitors to the city.
Located at 100 Queens Park, the ROM’s Michael Lee-Chin Crystal building is truly unique, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
Since February 2024, the ROM has been undergoing major renovations as part of its OpenROM initiative, which includes redesigning the Bloor Street entrance.
Not everyone is on board with the changes — one commenter bluntly said, “That new addition to the ROM is just ugly and makes no sense.”
The Gardiner Expressway
The Gardiner Expressway is showing its age.
Mike Clegg | Dreamstime
The Gardiner Expressway was featured several times in our replies. Not only is it a traffic nightmare, but it’s also crumbling.
Driving underneath the Gardiner, you’d come to the conclusion that it would’ve been a good setting for Cormac McCarthy’s 2009 novel The Road.
However, renovations are currently continuing at the expressway. According to the Ontario government, the Gardiner Expressway Strategic Rehabilitation Plan is 15 months ahead of schedule. They are currently on the Dufferin Street to Strachan Avenue phase.
The plan aims to extend the Gardiner’s lifespan as years of heavy traffic, water and salt have aged the expressway.
Ontario Place
Ontario Place and Therme Group were mentioned by our readers, and the two go hand-in-hand.
The much-loved Ontario Place is being torn down to make way for the Therme Group’s new spa and wellness centre. The provincial government granted the Austrian company a 95-year lease (75-year, with a 20-year extension option).
However, the story has turned controversial. In April, a story from the New York Times alleged that Therme falsely represented itself as having operated more spas than it actually did in Europe when pitching to Ontario.
For now, it remains an eyesore.
Toronto City Hall
Toronto’s New City Hall, which first opened in the 1960s, is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and serves as the seat of the Toronto City Council.
The structure’s two curved towers, paired with a central council chamber, reflect a blend of modernist and brutalist design. Sitting next to Old City Hall and overlooking Nathan Phillips Square, the area is a popular gathering spot and frequent backdrop for public events.
However, some people find the current Toronto City Hall cold and depressing, and dislike its architectural style.
One thing is for sure — it’s an iconic landmark synonymous with Toronto.
Gooderham Building
Tucked into the point where Church, Front and Wellington Streets meet, the Gooderham Building — more commonly known as Toronto’s Flatiron Building — adds a bit of historic charm to the St. Lawrence neighbourhood.
In the St. Lawrence neighbourhood, the Gooderham is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, and it is a popular attraction for tourists and visitors to take snaps.
Designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, this red-brick icon is a frequent photo stop for visitors, especially in the fall when its ivy-covered facade stands out. Despite its popularity and architectural character, not everyone is a fan. “I know it’s an unpopular opinion, but I don’t like the Flatiron Building,” one reader shared.
Currently, the building is undergoing renovations and is covered in scaffolding, so its usual aesthetic appeal is somewhat hidden for now.
Kensington Market
Kensington Market is one of Toronto’s most vibrant and eclectic neighbourhoods, known for its character and authenticity.
Recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada, it’s packed with clothing shops, quirky cafes, lively bars and global cuisine. It’s also a go-to spot for budget-conscious shoppers thanks to its many secondhand and retro boutiques.
However, despite how loved it is by Torontonians and tourists alike, one of our readers mentioned it as an ugly landmark.
This list shows that what people deem pretty or ugly is entirely subjective. Some Torontonians who read this list will be shocked as they believe these landmarks are stunning.
If you are shocked, just remember — we’re only the messengers!
