Ontario Parliament, Toronto

The Ontario Legislative Building in Toronto is the home of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and the Lieutenant Governor's official residence. It's located in Queen's Park on Wellesley Street, the former site of King's College. The building and the provincial government are known as "Queen's Park."

The Ontario Legislative Building, designed by Richard A. Waite, is a five-story structure in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. It has an asymmetrical design and features a load-bearing iron frame. The building has notable stone carvings, including gargoyles, grotesques, friezes, and large windows made possible by the iron structure.

In 1909, the North Wing was built by architect George Wallace Gouinlock, while E.J. Lennox added two floors to the west wing. The main façade faces south and aligns with University Avenue, creating a striking endpoint for the northern section of the avenue. The Legislative Chamber sits at the center, illuminated by three arched windows above the main entrance. Two domed towers flank the chamber, with the western tower originally meant for a clock but featuring a rose window instead due to budget constraints.

The structure has a central hall that runs from the main entrance in the south to a magnificent staircase on the opposite side. The parliamentary library can be accessed from the middle of the staircase. The top landing of the staircase leads to the legislative chamber lobby, and the chamber door is aligned with the southern wall. The east wing features Victorian-style dark wood paneling, while the west wing has an Edwardian Neoclassical design with white marble walls.

Tip:
Once you enter from the south main doors, you have the option of taking a tour, sitting in during sitting of the House (if in session), or observing some of the portraits on the west wing of former Speakers of the House – their is a wall of Women Members of Parliament near the west entrance. Special exhibits may be housed in glass cases in the east wing; there is also a gift shop.

If you're looking for coffee, there is a spot on the lower level, but better yet, try the restaurant where you can order from a set menu OR it may be the day that a full hot and cold buffet is set up!