8 Must-See Architectural Landmarks in Northern Ontario

With hundreds of provincial parks and hundreds of thousands of lakes and waterways, Northern Ontario, Canada is best known for its incredible natural beauty. But the north also boasts some stunning man-made landmarks (not to mention some amazing lighthouses).

From a log “castle” to an abandoned 65,000-square-foot mansion, read on to learn about some of Northern Ontario’s famous architectural marvels—and how you can visit!

Clarion Lakeside Inn & Conference Centre
470 1st Ave S., Kenora

The cylindrical glass tower that is the Clarion Lakeside Inn and Conference Centre has been an iconic Kenora landmark since it opened in 1968.

After a devastating fire in 2020 caused major smoke damage to the eye-catching landmark, the hotel has since reopened in 2024 with a full refurbishment.

Visitors have commented on the large guest room windows overlooking the water, and a top-floor restaurant giving 360 views of Lake of the Woods and the city. To see another unique structure in town stop by the taproom at Lake of the Woods Brewing, situated in an old firehouse.

White Otter Castle
Kenora

A remote log “castle” near Ignace, Ontario takes some work to get to, but visitors say it’s a marvel to see in person.

James Alexander "Jimmy" McOuat single-handedly built his impressive three-storey abode—complete with turret—on the shore of White Otter Lake, using red pine logs. He completed it in 1915, when he was 60.

The easiest way to get there (coordinates: 49°10′16″N 91°54′33″W / 49.17111°N 91.90928°W) is from Clearwater West Lake by canoe, or by snowmobile in the winter.

Red Rock Inn
145 White Blvd., Red Rock

This hotel at the tip of Lake Superior was built in the Neo-Georgian style of architecture in 1937 and is steeped in local history.

It was a headquarters for the Canadian Veterans Guard during WWII, and while later functioning as an inn, it also served as a hub for the community of Red Rock, Ontario, at one time housing services like a bank, dentist, library and school.

It had been vacant for some time when the current owner, Don Evans, stepped up to preserve the historic building—which he spent some time living in as a child, when his family first moved to Red Rock.

Today, visitors can stay in one of the 33 air-conditioned guestrooms, which guests have described as “quaint,” “quirky,” and “stuffed with personality.”

Canada's Biggest House in Temiskaming Shores

Temiskaming Shores is known for its welcoming towns, excellent fishing, natural beauty…and an epic abandoned mansion.

When Peter Grant began building the 65,000-square-foot lakefront abode in 2005, he imagined it would one day host corporate retreats. But after running into financial difficulties, he was forced to abandon the project, which is said to be the largest home in Canada. 

The mansion sat famously empty for years, until Texan entrepreneur Chris Fischer recently purchased it, with the hopes of restoring it.

It’s visible from Lake Temiskaming, but for people who want a closer look, Fischer is documenting his efforts in the hopes of making a reality TV show called Mansion Impossible. 

Note: this is private property and not open to the public. Trespassing is illegal.

Capitol Centre
150 Main St. E., North Bay

Art Deco lovers will be in heaven at this elaborate North Bay performance venue designed by Toronto architect Murray Brown.

Built in the 1920s, it was dubbed a “palace of splendour” and known as the Famous Players and Vaudeville Theatre. At one time, the venue also housed the first local OPP detachment upstairs, and a bowling alley operated out of the basement.

It has been through several renovations over the years, with care to retain its architectural charm. It now functions as a live performance venue which has welcomed legends like Johnny Cash, Brenda Lee and Canada’s Group of Seven. Check out some fun facts about North Bay and plan your visit. 

Thunder Bay Visitor's Centre Pagoda
198 Red River Rd.

Visitors kiosks aren’t usually much to write home about, but one in Thunder Bay has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada.

In 1909, the community of Port Arthur decided to construct an eye-catching visitor’s kiosk to draw ship and train traffic away from nearby Fort William (the two have since amalgamated to form Thunder Bay).

Local architect H. Russell Halton took inspiration from classical and Asian architecture to design the distinctive octagonal structure with a pagoda-shaped roof, with a decorative beaver and maple leaf design above the doorway greeting visitors. The kiosk is open to visitors, so stop by and check it out! Check out our Thunder Bay summer fun guide to plan your next visit. 

The Temagami Fire Tower
112 Jack Guppy Way

Adventurous travellers can climb this 100-foot landmark for unparalleled views of the Temagami region.

The steel tower was built in 1951 by seven forest rangers (replacing two built before it.) The platform at the top gave spotters a 360-degree view of around 40 kilometres. From there, they could catch forest fires and report them to ground crews before they got out of hand.

It hasn’t been used to spot fires for over 25 years, but has become a fixture of the Temagami skyline and a destination for tourists and locals alike.

8. Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site
800 Bay St. Sault Ste. Marie

Step into two of the oldest homes in the area to learn about the War of 1812 and see how the earliest European settlers in Sault Ste. Marie lived.

The Ermatinger Old Stone House is around 200 years old and was home to prominent businessman Charles Oakes Ermatinger and later served as a hotel, courtroom and boarding house.

The stone blockhouse was built in 1819 to store ammunition, but near the end of the century, industrialist Francis Hector Clergue added on a second level reminiscent of a log cabin and converted the building into a home.

Plan Your Visit to Northern Ontario 

Thinking of visiting one—or all—of these architectural wonders? Check out The Best of Northern Ontario Travel for local itineraries, accommodations, and hidden gems.  

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