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 and Vancouver were listed in the top 10 best cities to live in 2024, according to Forbes.
So, we thought it high time we explored the country's most impressive pieces of real estate. Click or scroll as we take a look at the most remarkable homes across Canada, from modern mansions to historic masterpieces that have stood the test of time.
Known as Lake Huron House, this mesmerising property lies on the banks of Lake Huron in a small and remote town in Ontario.
This area is filled with conservative cabins, so for this house, the architects at SAOTA wanted to turn the idea of the traditional lakeside retreat on its head.
Taking a contemporary approach and utilising the latest developments in design, technology and sustainability, the house was constructed on a sloping bluff between a forest and the lake. To preserve the natural site, SAOTA set the house back and worked with the original shape of the land.
The 17,222-square-foot (1,600sqm) home is finished, both externally and internally, with a ceramic panelled system that is robust and hard-wearing enough to survive Canada's extreme climate.
A large pivot door leads into an impressive, triple-height atrium. From here, the rooms flow together and are open in layout. As for spaces, there's a huge kitchen and several living rooms, as well as a private owners’ suite, which has an office and gym. Outside, there's a covered entertainment area and a swimming pool.
Every single room is modern and filled with natural light, with timber accents, statement light fixtures and expanses of glass. ARRCC is responsible for the home's stunning interior design.
As you approach the house, it is somewhat concealed. However, as you make your way around the back, its full scale comes into view. Arranged in a series of stacked and suspended rectangular boxes, the house is dramatic and modern in equal measure.
Highly eco-friendly and future-proof, the house boasts a 15kw solar array, an underground storm-water system that can handle a 100-year storm and an eco-flo septic system to deal with all sewer requirements on site.
Canada is filled with enchanting estates and mansions, and Mirabell Gardens is one of the finest.
Located to the west of Calgary, the majestic property occupies almost 12 acres (4.8ha) of land and is surrounded by untouched ranch land and forest, providing a serene oasis for the lucky owner.
The impeccable European-inspired mansion sits behind a set of gates, at the end of a long, winding driveway. The house itself was custom built by McKinley Masters and blends timeless architecture and beautiful kerb appeal, with the latest in modern interventions.
Inside, there's 6,245 square feet (580sqm) of lavish living space. So it's no wonder the pad was for sale in January 2025 with CIR Realty and Luxury Portfolio International for CA$4.7 million (£2.7m/$3.3m).
The front door opens into a grand foyer, which leads to a formal great room that features rich walnut flooring, a massive stone fireplace and vaulted ceilings finished with timber beams.
There’s also a huge kitchen, a formal dining room and an expansive rear deck that’s perfect for alfresco meals.
With six bedrooms and six bathrooms, the home is certainly spacious. The main floor includes two master suites – one that’s designed for guests and the other a luxurious retreat with a walk-in closet and views of the rear garden. The ensuite bathroom comes kitted out with marble sinks, gold fixtures and a raised jet tub.
Other highlights include a games room, a refined library with oak built-ins and an entertainment zone with a granite bar, pool table, gym and movie theatre. There’s even a heated garage and an elevator that services all three levels. Talk about billionaire bling!
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 passing, 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 among the family.
After seven years of negotiations, the sons finally gained ownership of some of Robert’s businesses. After this, Alexander married Josephine, a divorced woman whom he’d been living with for close to two decades, but their marriage only lasted six weeks.
Alexander passed away while the couple were on their honeymoon. Another quarrel ensued over his Will and Joan even sued James. As a result, they didn’t speak for years and Joan passed away in 1908, before they’d repaired their relationship.
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.
Today, 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.
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.
For sale in January 2025 for CAD$50 million (£28.3m/$34.7m), with The Bourelle Team, the French château-inspired estate is no ordinary stately home – it's harbouring endless lavish features and surprising extras. Let's head inside...
The mega-mansion measures an impressive 25,000 square feet (2,323sqm) 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 (7.6m), two-storey ceiling that's topped by a glass dome, this room would be the ultimate space for welcoming VIPs.
There are seven bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, an incredibly large kitchen and endless living rooms, all richly decorated. But that isn't nearly all...
This mansion comes equipped with its very own nightclub, located in the luxurious basement. The room has 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.
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.
The primary suite is also ultra-luxe and comes with a sitting area, an outdoor patio, a beverage lounge, two luxurious marble ensuites and a walk-in dressing room.
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 CA$50,000 (£28.3k/$34.7k), at a time when the average wage was just CA$300 (£170/$208) 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 was forced to sell up.
However, 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.
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 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 CA$82,000 (£46k/$57k) and, ever since, Rideau Hall has been the official residence of every governor general of Canada.
The stateroom, pictured here, is used for greeting official guests. However, its warm terracotta walls, subtle lighting and plush, curvaceous sofas still give the room a cosy, intimate feel.
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.
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 topsy-turvy 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.
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 château 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 adorned 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 Britain's 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 (83.6sqm) 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 (20m) 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!
Beautifully named Chalet Papillon, which means Butterfly Chalet in French, this enticing building is truly one of a kind. Designed by the team at RobitailleCurtis, the bespoke residence is nestled in the picturesque Laurentian Mountains, close to Montreal, and appears to be one with the surrounding landscape.
Completed in 2023, the cabin is perched high above Lac Notre-Dame and was designed as a rural getaway for a young family. Working with the steep, narrow and densely wooded site, the architects aimed to build something that would have minimal impact on the environment, retaining as many trees as possible.
As such, the incredible home looks to have grown from the ground. To achieve this, an exposed granite ledge that juts out from the slope was created and acts as a platform on which the home is anchored.
The structure itself is made up of a long, slender volume positioned at an angle and an adjacent, perpendicular entrance block that leads in from the driveway. This layout enables views of the lake from two places. One end also sticks out between the trees, with a dramatic balcony elevated 85 feet (26m) above the lake.
The exterior is finished in pre-weathered cedar cladding – chosen to match the grey tones of tree bark – and a standing-seam metal roof. The interior features concrete floors, pale timber accents, plywood built-ins and white-washed walls that allow the landscape outside to take centre stage.
The majority of the living spaces are located on the upper level of the home, allowing for breathtaking views while the owners cook, dine or relax.
On the lower level, you’ll find three bunk bedrooms, a bathroom and an additional living area. Amazingly, the chalet can accommodate up to 12 people at a time.
Plus, both floors have access to a screened porch, with the ground floor one connected to a pathway that weaves through the trees to the edge of the lake. It's no real surprise that the property was recognised with an AIA Vermont Honor Award in 2023.
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