St. James' Cathedral

This early English Gothic-style Anglican cathedral owes its existence at least in part to a group of American Loyalists. They joined with a group of British immigrants to found a congregation in 1797, and they were given a plot of land, which today is bounded by Church, King, Jarvis, and Adelaide streets. They started building Toronto's first church on this site in 1803. The original frame building was enlarged in 1818 and replaced in 1831 -- and that burned down in 1839. The first cathedral replaced it, only to be destroyed in the great fire of 1849. The present building was begun in 1850 and completed in 1874. It boasts the tallest steeple in Canada. Inside, there's a Tiffany window in memory of William Jarvis, one of Toronto's founding fathers.

In addition to being a great work of architecture, St. James' is a good place to stop and rest for a bit. Unless there's a service going on, it doesn't draw much of a crowd, so it feels like a private oasis in the middle of downtown. St. James' also hosts free concerts every Tuesday at 1pm from September to June. The adjoining park is pretty, too, especially in summer months.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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