canada house tour london

Canada House

Top ways to experience Canada House and nearby attractions

• Charing Cross • 2 min walk
• Leicester Square • 5 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

Canada House - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.05 km) Quiet artist's retreat in heart of Covent Garden
• (0.09 km) The Trafalgar St. James
• (0.15 km) Haymarket Hotel
• (0.19 km) Page8
• (0.13 km) Thistle Trafalgar Square
• (0.01 km) Costa Waterstones
• (0.10 km) Gouqi Restaurant
• (0.14 km) Brumus Bar & Restaurant
• (0.20 km) Leicester Square Kitchen
• (0.20 km) Americana

Canada House

Top ways to experience Canada House and nearby attractions

• Charing Cross • 2 min walk
• Leicester Square • 5 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

CANADA HOUSE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• (0.03 mi) Quiet artist's retreat in heart of Covent Garden
• (0.06 mi) The Trafalgar St. James
• (0.09 mi) Haymarket Hotel
• (0.12 mi) Page8
• (0.08 mi) Thistle Trafalgar Square
• (0.01 mi) Costa Waterstones
• (0.06 mi) Gouqi Restaurant
• (0.09 mi) Brumus Bar & Restaurant
• (0.12 mi) Leicester Square Kitchen
• (0.12 mi) Americana

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High commission of canada in the united kingdom, in london.

We provide services to Canadians visiting and living in the United Kingdom.

We also provide services to Canadians in:

The Falkland Islands and Gibraltar

Emergency consular assistance

Canadian citizens in need of emergency consular assistance during business hours:

• by email at [email protected]
• by phone at +44 (0) 207 004 6000
• Outside of business hours, see Request emergency assistance

Services and information

Adoption and surrogacy.

Process to adopt a child internationally and bring them back to Canada.

Birth abroad

Register a child's birth abroad.

Child abduction

Steps to take if your child is abducted in Canada or abroad.

Citizenship services

Steps to become a Canadian citizen. Get proof of citizenship.

Criminal record checks

How to get a criminal record check abroad, if required.

Death abroad

Steps to follow when a loved one dies abroad.

Divorce abroad

Information on divorce procedures while abroad.

Legal matters

Steps to take should you need legal help abroad.

Marriage abroad

Requirements, documents and processes for getting married abroad.

Notarial services

Have your documents certified and authenticated.

Passport services

Apply for a passport and what to do if your passport is lost, stolen or damaged.

Pensions and retirement

Information on pensions and retiring outside of Canada.

Same-sex marriage abroad

Country specific information on same-sex marriage.

Studying abroad

Information on education or research opportunities in foreign countries.

Visa and immigration services

Apply to immigrate. Get a visa to study, work or visit Canada.

Voting abroad

Voting process for Canadians who live abroad.

Office information

Canada House, Trafalgar Square, London, SW1Y 5BJ, England, United Kingdom

Telephone:  +44 (0) 207 004 6000

Fax:  +44 (0) 207 004 6053

Email:   [email protected]

Hours of operation:

Email:   [email protected]

Telephone:  +44 207 004 6114

Email:   [email protected]

Email:   [email protected]

Website: IRCC web form

Our representative

The Honourable Ralph Goodale High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization

• High Commission of Canada to the United Kingdom

Terms of service

X (Twitter)

• @CanadianUK
• Canadian High Commission UK
• High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom

Office closures

Related links.

• Visit Canada House
• Canada Plus newsletter
• Royal events in the UK
• Culture Canada

Open House Festival

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Canada House

embassy/high commission

Sir Robert Smirke, 1823

Trafalgar Square, SW1Y 5BJ

Canada's diplomatic home in the United Kingdom, the revitalised Canada House serves as a showcase for the very best of Canadian art and design in the 21C.

Getting there

Leicester Square, Embankment, Charing Cross

Charing Cross

87, 176, 159, 139, 12

Additional travel info

Our building is adjacent to Trafalgar Square and walkable from most Central London locations.

• Accessible toilet

Canada House was built between 1824 and 1827 by the leading architect of the time, Sir Robert Smirke, who also designed the British Museum.

The bold neo-hellenic lines of Canada House were the precursor for the new architectural style adopted in Trafalgar Square, and were a complete transformation from the Regency style of the time.

It was designed originally as two buildings behind a common façade, the Union Club to the south, and the Royal College of Physicians to the north.

In 1923, Canadian High Commissioner, the Honourable Peter Larkin, led the purchase of the Union Club on behalf of the Canadian government. The plan was to secure diplomatic premises in the heart of an area known at the time as 'Little Canada'. Architect Septimus Warwick was engaged to refurbish the building, which involved major remodelling of the interior and reconstruction of the south façade. King George V officially opened Canada House in June 1925.

During World War II, Canada House became fondly known as a home away from home for Canadians serving in the Allied Forces.

In 1964 the High Commission acquired the lease to the Royal College of Physicians. In the process of incorporating two buildings into one, a number of features were covered up or removed. Many of these aspects were rediscovered during more recent refurbishment work.

21st Century Showcase

In 2014, Canada House underwent a large scale revitalisation that included linking the heritage building to the former Sun Life Assurance of Canada building on Cockspur Street.

Together, the buildings now represent the new Canada House and are home to all of Canada’s diplomatic activities in the United Kingdom.

The project ensured that Canada House serves as a true showcase of the country in the 21st century. From design elements to interiors, furnishing and almost 300 pieces of Canadian art, Canada House today brings the best of the nation to the very heart of London.

Visiting Canada House Gallery

In addition to our Tour of Canada House, Canada House Gallery stays open as usual, Monday to Saturday. If you did not manage to get tickets for our Canada House Tour, make sure you take advantage of our gallery to enter this beautiful building. Exhibitions change every couple of months and all the details can be found on the website.

Online presence

www.instagram.com/canadaintheuk

twitter.com/canadianuk

Guided tour

1-4 Suffolk Street: Uni of Notre Dame & G.K Chesterton

Built for the United Universities Club, 1-4 Suffolk Street is now home to the University of Notre Dame and its G.K Chesterton Collection. Visitors will be able to enjoy both this Edwardian listed building and the unique collection within.

Reginald Blomfield, 1906

The British Academy

institution/profession

One of London's finest examples of Georgian architecture, Carlton House Terrace was designed by John Nash and built between 1827 and 1833. It is home to the British Academy, the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences.

John Nash, 1827

National Portrait Gallery Architecture Highlights Tours

Discover the architecture of the National Portrait Gallery, designed in 1896 by Ewan Christian and now transformed by Jamie Fobert Architects. Please meet at the Ross Street Entrance. Drop-in 16 & 17 September at specific times listed below. But please note that spaces are extremely limited and tour places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Ewan Christian, 1896

St Martin-in-the-Fields

religious, concert/performance space, restaurant/bar

One of Britain's finest churches, built in the Italian Baroque tradition and beautifully restored in 2008. Sustainable features include new heating and management systems and lightwell. RIBA Award Winner 2009. Civic Trust Award Winner 2010.

James Gibbs, 1726

College of Optometrists

institution/profession, library, museum

HQ of professional and examining body for UK optometrists occupying two terraced houses, No. 41 (Flitcroft c1730 with later additions) and No. 42 (rebuilt by Tarmac plc, c1989) including Council chamber, print room, library and museum.

Henry Flitcroft, 1730

Benjamin Franklin House

historical house, museum

Grade I listed Georgian house, the only surviving home of Benjamin Franklin, retaining many original features including central staircase, lathing, 18th Century panelling, stoves, windows, fittings and beams.

Baron William Craven the Younger, 1732

The Royal Society

institution/profession, scientific, education, library, online

A spectacular Grade I listed building designed by famed architect John Nash. Built in 1831, these former townhouses have undergone refurbishments throughout their history. The building is now home to the UK's national science academy.

John Nash, Decimus Burton, 1831

Reform Club

Built as a Whig gentleman's club and inspired by Italian Renaissance palaces. Lobby leads to an enclosed colonnaded courtyard with complementary glazed roof and tessellated floor. Tunnelled staircase leads to upper floor.

Charles Barry, 1841

Westminster Quaker Meeting House

religious, mixed use

Three centuries of Quakers in Westminster. Opened in 1883, with front doors added in the 1920s. It was bomb-damaged in 1941 and rebuilt in 1956. Grade II listed registered place of worship, it contains a peaceful meeting room and 1950s wood panelling and fittings.

W. W. Lee and J. A. Tregelles, 1883

The Banqueting House

historical house, palace, concert/performance space

Stunning regal building, the only surviving building from Whitehall Palace, one of the first examples of the principles of Palladianism being applied to an English building. Site of a set of magnificent ceiling paintings by Rubens.

Inigo Jones, 1619

National Liberal Club

An impressive Victorian neo-Classical building overlooking the Embankment of the river Thames. It is the second-largest clubhouse ever built, the first London building to incorporate a lift and to be entirely lit by electric lighting.

Alfred Waterhouse, 1886

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Canada House

Top ways to experience Canada House and nearby attractions

• Charing Cross • 2 min walk
• Leicester Square • 5 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

Canada House (London) - All You NEED to Know Before You Go (2024)

• (0.05 km) Quiet artist's retreat in heart of Covent Garden
• (0.09 km) The Trafalgar St. James
• (0.15 km) Haymarket Hotel
• (0.19 km) Page8
• (0.13 km) Thistle Trafalgar Square
• (0.01 km) Costa Waterstones
• (0.10 km) Gouqi Restaurant
• (0.14 km) Brumus Bar & Restaurant
• (0.20 km) Leicester Square Kitchen
• (0.20 km) Americana

Bridge the Travel Gap

'live your travel dream'.

Canada House – London

Now most Canadians are most likely, like me. When they arrive in London they don’t know or have never heard of the historic building – Canada House in London.

Canada House is located at Trafalgar Square in London, SW1.

Trafalgar Sqaure from the roof top terrace at Canada House.

I’ve lived here over 20 years and it’s taken me till now to go on a tour of this iconic and beautiful building. It serves Canadians in the UK as well as being a stellar representation of Canada abroad.

All sorts of events occur here – art/music/exhibitions, social, political, business meetings and networking.

One of the 1st things I suggest to any Canadian wanting to know more about Canada House and what it offers (this is for the visitor or the Canadian expat) is to sign up for the monthly newsletter. There you will find out all sorts of what is currently happening.

A few years back, I was very lucky to go to 1 of the Queen’s Garden parties because I was on this mailing list and Canadian.

BC room at Canada House

Back to my Canada House tour, this building is renovated so that each of the rooms represents materials and art works from various provinces and territories. So you can walk into the B.C. room and pretty much everything in that room is likely to come from that region. It’s my favourite room, of course, as I hail from that province.

The tour is extremely informative of the history of the house, why it’s where it is and what is does today.  I highly recommend doing it and it’s FREE!

I left with a lovely new booklet and postcard which gives more info and photos of the rooms. Especially those I wasn’t able to see for security reasons or they aren’t always open to the public.

Canada House

While I was there they had an awesome exhibition about war brides who married Canadian soldiers in WW II. Incredibly moving stories of what these women went through with beautiful portraits painted on boards representing the gang-planks they walked up. It’s just a wonderful marrying of Canadian and British history – this was displayed in the lobby.

Art Gallery

Emily Carr painting

They, also, have a small art gallery which has changing exhibitions. The 1 I saw was the ‘Tremendous Elusive – Emily Carr and the Canadian Imaginary’. I’m a big fan of Carr, so any excuse to see her work and, once again, this gallery is FREE.

To enter the exhibitions you will need to go through a security check. This building is an oasis in the heart of London and a welcome break from the hustle and bustle. Plus, you are just a stones throw away from St James’ Park .

No excuse not to go!

Have you been to this building before? If so, what were your experiences? Why did you go? If not, what would you like to see there?

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Canada House

Top ways to experience Canada House and nearby attractions

• Charing Cross • 2 min walk
• Leicester Square • 5 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

CANADA HOUSE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• (0.05 km) Quiet artist's retreat in heart of Covent Garden
• (0.09 km) The Trafalgar St. James
• (0.15 km) Haymarket Hotel
• (0.19 km) Page8
• (0.13 km) Thistle Trafalgar Square
• (0.01 km) Costa Waterstones
• (0.10 km) Gouqi Restaurant
• (0.14 km) Brumus Bar & Restaurant
• (0.20 km) Leicester Square Kitchen
• (0.20 km) Americana

• Canada Gallery

High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom

Canada House

Trafalgar Square

MEDIA CONTACTS IN THE UK

Press Office

[email protected]

+44 02070046114

PROGRAMMING CONTACT IN THE UK

Lesley Jones

Head of Advocacy and Cultural Diplomacy

[email protected]

Tours at the High Commission

Located on the west side of Trafalgar Square, Canada House serves as a true showcase of our country in the 21st century. Tours take place monthly, on selected Fridays . Guests must register in advance (spaces are limited).

If you cannot attend a tour, the Canada Gallery is open and free to the public from Monday to Saturday .

Get in Touch

If you want more information, please fill out the form

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How to Reach Us

Canada House is open to the public by appointment only, except for the Canada Gallery.

To get in touch with us, use the contact details above or check us out on social media!

Subscribe to Canada Plus

Our bi-monthly newsletter of updates and news about Canadian arts, culture and events in the UK.

Tour of Canada House | Visite guidée de la Maison du Canada

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