A country of spectacular scenery, contemporary metropolises and gorgeous natural wonders, Canada often finds itself named one of the best places to live in the world. In fact, Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto all made it onto the Global Liveability Index's top 10 best cities to live list for 2022. So, we thought it high time we explored the country's most impressive pieces of real estate. Step this way as we take a look at the most remarkable homes in Canada, from modern mansions to cool castles.
Craigdarroch Castle is arguably one of the world's most spectacular Victorian buildings. Located at the top of a hill in the city of Victoria, British Columbia, the imposing home has been described by The Craigdarroch Castle Historical Museum Society as a "shining example of a bonanza castle" (the huge houses designed for wealthy entrepreneurs during the industrial age). It was built between 1887 and 1890 for industrialist Robert Dunsmuir, who made his fortune from Vancouver Island coal. Sadly, Dunsmuir died in 1889, before the house was finished.
After his death, Robert's wife, Joan, travelled throughout Europe while her two sons, James and Alexander, oversaw the completion of the construction and ran Robert's numerous businesses. Despite promising to leave his business holdings to his sons, Robert left everything to Joan, and James and Alexander received nothing. In 1890, Joan moved into the house with her three unmarried daughters—they had eight daughters in total—but this caused a huge divide amongst the family.
The castle's Romanesque revival architecture was designed to announce to the world that Robert Dunsmuir was the richest and most important man in Western Canada. Led by American architect, H.H. Richardson, the revival style incorporates 11th and 12th-century southern French, Spanish and Italian Romanesque characteristics.
Visitors can step inside to take in the home’s four luxurious floors, which have been beautifully preserved. Filled with exquisite stained-glass windows, intricate oak panelling and original Victorian-era furnishings, the house is now a National Historic Site. Despite its tragic history, Craigdarroch Castle remains one of the most remarkable structures in Victoria. Today, it's open to the public as a museum, offering a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century wealth and opulence.
As one of the world's most expensive homes, Saint George Manor might look like it belongs in Europe, but it can actually be found in Mississauga, Ontario. Currently for sale for CAD$35 million ($25.3m/£21.1m), the French chateau-inspired estate is no ordinary stately home, either—it's harbouring endless lavish features and surprising extras. Let's head inside...
The lavish mega-mansion measures an impressive 17,455 square feet and if its imposing Versailles-like exterior wasn't enough, check out this amazing reception space. With gold leaf walls, black and white marble floors and a 25-foot, two-storey ceiling that's topped by a glass dome, this room would be the ultimate space for hosting VIPs. There are seven bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, an incredibly large kitchen and endless living rooms, all richly decorated. But that isn't nearly all...
That's right, this mansion comes equipped with its very own nightclub, located in the luxurious basement. The room comes complete with professional lighting and venting, which was installed to accommodate a huge indoor cigar room. The nightclub also boasts a bar, a dancefloor and a VIP area that can be cordoned off.
There's even a bathroom with multiple stalls, which wouldn't look out of place in any nightclub. Elsewhere you’ll find a 15-car heated garage, a great room that overlooks the resort-style indoor pool, a movie theatre with Lamborghini leather seats and a world-class fitness centre. There's also a primary suite with a sitting area, an outdoor patio, a beverage lounge, two luxurious ensuites and a walk-in dressing room. Talk about billionaire bling!
Designed by prominent local architect William Critchlow Harris for one of Prince Edward Island's most successful shipbuilders, James Peake Jr, this pretty property was once considered one of Charlottetown’s most elegant homes, and it isn’t difficult to see why. The Second Empire and Italianate-influenced home was constructed from the finest materials and expert craftsmanship went into every element. Peake called the place Beaconsfield, after Britain's then-Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, the first Earl of Beaconsfield.
Finished in 1877, the house was very ahead of its time. It featured running water, gas lighting, central heating and an indoor toilet. The Peakes even had a mansion, known as West End House, picked up and moved across the street to make way for their dream home. Inside, the pad had 25 rooms, all decorated with stained-glass windows, luxurious imported tiles and magnificent fireplaces, which didn't come cheap. The house was reportedly worth CAD$50,000 (£30.1k/$36k), at a time when the average wage was just CAD$300 (£181/$217) a year.
A symbol of the family’s wealth and status, Beaconsfield became a hub for grand parties and notable guests, including the Governor General of Canada and the Marchioness of Lorne, Princess Louise, the daughter of Queen Victoria. But despite the effort and money that went into building the home, the Peakes only stayed for a short time. Like many involved in shipbuilding during the 19th century, the family suffered from the decline of the industry and were forced to sell up.
But due to its price tag, the house proved unsellable. Finally, land surveyor Henry Jones Cundall and his sisters Penelope and Millicent, who held the mortgage on the property, moved in. They all lived out their lives there and the house was finally willed to the Young Women's Christian Association, becoming a base for young women who came to Charlottetown to work or study. In 1973, Beaconsfield was restored and opened as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into high society life in the 1870s.
Undoubtedly one of Canada's most amazing mansions, this modern masterpiece lies moments from the iconic ski slopes of Whistler in British Columbia. Nestled upon more than seven acres of land, it was designed to capture panoramic views across the waters of Alta Lake. Yet the home's location isn't its most enticing feature...
Described by real estate agents Engel & Volkers as a "modern mountain architectural masterpiece", the exceptional property was completed in 2014 and has a truly unusual exterior that blends steel, concrete and glass to dazzling effect. It also boasts a huge entryway of blue glass and a spiral floor plan that wraps around an inner courtyard, so that every room faces the mountains and lake outside.
Inside, the home benefits from 8,700 square feet of space. There's an open-plan living room with a 40-foot granite fireplace, a deluxe kitchen, a formal dining room with unbelievable views, six bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. There are plenty of luxurious extras, too, including a private wellness spa and a beautiful basement, complete with an incredible wine room, decorated with red marble and vibrant art installations. The wine room even comes with a huge circular skylight.
The sprawling garden benefits from 3,000 square feet of outdoor decks and terraces, but the pièce de résistance is undoubtedly this sublime floating swimming pool. Cantilevering out over the surrounding landscape, the pool is one of the finest we've ever seen and allows the lucky residents to soak up awe-inspiring scenery while they swim a few laps. It's really no wonder this majestic mansion went on the market in 2022, for CAD$39 million ($28.3m/£23.8m).
Canada is home to plenty of iconic buildings and Rideau Hall in Ottawa is one of the best. As unique as it is historic, don't let its traditional façade fool you, because inside this National Historic Site is anything but ordinary. But before we step inside, let's find out a little about the history of Rideau Hall. The stone villa, which forms the main part of Rideau Hall, was built in 1838 by stonemason Thomas MacKay, who was involved in building the entrance locks of the Rideau Canal and the mills at Rideau Falls.
By 1840, the building was leased and expanded by the Canadian government to become the main residence for Lord Monck, Canada’s first governor general. In 1868, they purchased the house and grounds for just CAD$82,000 ($59.3k/£49.4k) and, ever since, Rideau Hall has been the official residence of every governor general of Canada. The current Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, even resides in a cottage on the site, while the rest of the hall is used as a workplace for government officials.
After buying the building, the government set about redesigning the interior spaces, resulting in a patchwork of styles that make the property unique. From gilded detailing to grand chandeliers, fine art collections and antique furniture, there's something amazing to see in every room, making it perfect for accommodating visiting distinguished guests. This ballroom is truly exceptional and boasts a one-tonne chandelier with 12,000 crystals, given to Canada by England for its assistance during World War II.
But it's all about the Tent Room. This almost unreal room is akin to a vintage popcorn box and was created by the Earl of Dufferin, Canada’s third governor general, in the 1870s. His aim was to create a space for hosting indoor soirées and was inspired by English garden parties, which were often held inside decorative tents. As well as its statement ceiling and candy cane colour scheme, the room also doubled as a tennis court. Guided tours of this remarkable, historic building can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Known as the Belmont Estate, this impressive mansion overlooks Spanish Banks Beach in Vancouver’s highly sought-after Point Grey neighbourhood. In the summer of 2021, it landed on the market for CAD$58 million ($42.4m/£34.7m), instantly setting a new record price for a single-family home on a single lot in the Metro Vancouver area. So what makes this house so special?
Well, aside from enjoying a prominent waterfront position, the property also boasts a tiered, 1.3-acre garden that was inspired by the Palace of Versailles and comes complete with a hobby orchard that's home to 12,000 tulips, hyacinths and daffodils. As for the interior, it spans 15,490 square feet and is covered in gilded detailing, exquisite marble, hand-painted murals and plenty of lavish features that only a millionaire could afford. The house was built in 1992, but you'd think it was far older.
From its imposing high ceilings to its decorative plasterwork, ornate fireplaces, custom carpeting and grand marble columns, everything about this property screams luxury. Designed for entertaining, the interior comes with two main gallery halls, a dramatic foyer with a sweeping staircase lit by a historic Italian Ormulu chandelier, a dining room that can accommodate 20, a formal living room with views of the Vancouver skyline and English Bay beyond, five bedrooms and 12 bathrooms, one of which is unbelievable...
Complete with a dual walk-in shower and floor-to-ceiling windows, this marble bathroom allows for incredible views while you bathe. Other highlights include the home's elevator, Italian-inspired kitchen, indoor swimming pool, sauna, six-car garage and luxurious guest apartment with its own entrance. The mansion smashed local property sales records by CAD$26.9 million ($19.5m/£16.4m), and it's really no wonder, is it?
Around the world, there are plenty of space age houses that look like they come from the future, but Habitat 67 in Montreal might be one of the strangest in the world. The unusual housing complex was designed by ambitious Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie in 1967. It was his first design and he finished it when he was just 23 years old. The government-sponsored project aimed to reimagine apartment living for future cities and 90 similar structures were built for Expo 67, Montreal’s 1967 world’s fair. Sadly only two remain today.
The apartment complex sits on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River and is formed from 354 identical prefabricated units, arranged in varying configurations. The result is a higgledy-piggledy building that resembles Tetris blocks falling into position. Spread over 12 storeys, the brilliant brutalist building offers 146 individual homes and each one boasts at least one private terrace.
An example of modernity and minimalism, Habitat 67 was praised around the world when it was first designed and it has remained a popular piece of Montreal architecture ever since. Built almost entirely from concrete, the building is still home to many residences, but it's also open to keen visitors, who can book a guided tour to explore the suspended terraces, pedestrian walkways and even Moshe Safdie’s restored apartment.
Much like London's iconic Barbican building, which boasts a similar unique aesthetic, apartments inside Habitat 67 don't come cheap. In fact, this gorgeous property hit the market in August 2022, for a cool CAD$1.8 million ($1.3m/£1.1m), despite measuring 2,100 square feet and offering just two bedrooms. That's what price you pay for iconic architecture!
Inspired by the grand country homes of England, Chester Hall is a far cry from the skyscrapers of Toronto. The mansion is positioned on the shore of Lake Ontario in Oakville, just outside the city, and sits on 10 pristine acres, complete with landscaped gardens. From its sweeping driveway to its grand brick exterior, the house was designed to impress. Despite appearances, the stately home was actually finished in 2006, after a five-year construction period.
But it isn’t just looks that Chester Hall has going for it. The magnificent 43,850-square-foot residence looks like it could be 100 years old and its interior is overflowing with old-world craftsmanship, undertaken by expert local artisans. From its quarter sawn white oak flooring to plaster mouldings, custom cabinetry and European-influenced fireplaces, every room has been meticulously designed. Just look at this amazing two-storey library, with its spiral staircase and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
Inside, there’s an amazing grand foyer, topped with a glass dome, a double-height living room with a soaring fireplace, a formal dining room, a huge chef’s kitchen and a private study. When it comes to impressive extras, there are two Italian-inspired wine cellars, an indoor pool, a billiards room, a pub-style bar, plus six bedrooms, each with a walk-in closet and private ensuite bathroom. The master bedroom is something special—just look at that golden wallpaper, sitting area and crystal chandelier. But this isn't the home's most amazing space...
That's right, Chester Hall is home to its very own private chapel, which was designed for family weddings. Other highlights include the building’s helicopter landing pad, 12-car underground garage, state-of-the-art fitness studio, sauna, tennis courts and European football pitch. Unsurprisingly, such a residence comes with an impressive price tag. In late 2019, it landed on the market for an eye-watering CAD$59 million ($42.6m/£35.6m).
Okay, we know what you're thinking—this is no house! Well, hear us out. This unusual lighthouse was constructed in 1843 and was the workplace and living quarters of numerous lighthouse keepers in the 19th century. Today, it's one of the few in the world where you can still climb up the stone tower and see the same seal oil fueled catoptric light apparatus that was used in the 1800s.
Perched on a cliff on the island of Newfoundland, the first lighthouse keeper to reside here was Jeremiah White, who immigrated to Newfoundland from Ireland in 1843. Jeremiah‘s three sons would later be in charge of the lighthouse for roughly a decade. In 1895 Jeremiah‘s grandson Fred took over, extending the White family’s length of service at Cape Bonavista to 75 years. But despite the beautiful scenery, working here wasn't without its challenges.
In 1923, Hubert Abbott was placed in charge of the lighthouse, after a huge storm destroyed his nearby home. He served for 37 years until retiring in 1960. Today, the structure has been restored to reflect life in the 1870s, giving visitors a fascinating glimpse into this 24/7 job. The Cape Bonavista Lighthouse also happens to be one of the most photographed places in Newfoundland—likely because of its unique candy stripe colour scheme.
Visitors can not only soak up amazing coastal scenery, but can also head up to see the lighthouse's original catoptric light mechanism, which dates back to 1816. Historic and attractive in equal measure, the lighthouse is certainly one of Canada's most impressive structures.
This impressive property is one of the only surviving examples of a grand sandstone prairie mansion in Canada. Known as Lougheed House, the residence lies in Calgary and was originally built in 1891 by James Lougheed, a prominent lawyer, senator and businessman, and his wife Isabella. The National Historic Site was enlarged in 1907 and kitted out with all the latest modern cons, including central heating, plumbing and electric lighting.
The historic home was designed by architect James R. Bowes in the Victorian eclectic style, combining aspects of Queen Anne Revival and French chateau architecture. With its rough sandstone façade, asymmetrical design, irregular roofline, towers and domes, it would have been incredibly striking back in the late 19th century and it still is to this day. In fact, it was nicknamed Beaulieu by the family, which translates to 'beautiful place' in French.
The house was finished to the highest possible standard. Inside, the property’s grand rooms are finished with Spanish mahogany and marble, all chosen to reflect the wealth and social status of the Lougheeds. At the turn of the 20th century, the family were extremely influential and this house became a political and social hub for the city. Over the years, they hosted many important guests, including His Royal Highness, Prince of Wales, who would later become King Edward VIII.
From gilded wallpapers to stained-glass windows, the property is overflowing with special features, which no doubt wowed any VIP guests. But sadly, it wasn’t to last. During the Great Depression, the Lougheeds struggled financially, and in 1934 the City of Calgary took legal title to the estate for non-payment of taxes. During a public auction in 1938, the contents of the house were distributed cheaply and widely, but luckily some have now been returned to the property, including most of the furniture in Lady Lougheed’s bedroom. Today, it’s a museum.
Designed by Kariouk Architects, the m.o.r.e. CLT Cabin is one of the world's most impressive remote retreats. The award-winning project lies in La Pêche, Quebec, close to the Gatineau River, and was inspired by the classic North American cottage. Despite being just 900 square feet in size, the petite property includes every modern convenience and was perfectly designed to suit its exposed location.
The m.o.r.e. CLT Cabin was designed to subtly sit on its surroundings, engaging with flora and fauna, while not impacting the environment in any way. To achieve this, the property was positioned on concrete feet with a steel 'mast', which elevates it off the ground to reduce the size of the foundations. The main structure was then formed from cross-laminated timber (CLT), a low-impact building material created from layers of solid wood that have been glued together.
With no unnecessary parts, the house was designed primarily to be the perfect human shelter. The interior is cosy, stylish and well-equipped, with everything you could need for daily life. There's a snug living room, a dining zone, a kitchen, two bedrooms, a bathroom and a utility room. Décor wise, it's all about natural wood, glulam beams, exposed steel elements and glass, which allows for amazing views.
What’s more, the stunning sustainable home is also entirely off-grid. Powered by a solar array, it has excellent air-tightness and is highly efficient. The house also makes excellent use of breezes and cross-ventilation. Even though the cabin is elevated about 66 feet off the ground, its south-facing glazed wall is shaded in the warmer months by the surrounding tree canopy, while in winter, the bare branches allow plenty of sunlight to filter inside. If this is eco-living, we're fully on board!
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