Princes' Gates

The Princes' Gates are a monumental triumphal arch gateway at the eastern entrance of Exhibition Place in Toronto. Built of concrete and stone, the structure stretches roughly 110 meters (about 360 feet) and is flanked on both sides by colonnades that end in curved pylons. As the main gate to the Canadian National Exhibition, an annual agricultural and provincial fair, the landmark makes an impressive introduction to a visit to the grounds. The neoclassical structure was designed by the architecture firm Chapman and Oxley, with lead designer Alfred Chapman drawing inspiration from the British and French triumphal arches he had seen on a trip to Europe.

The gate's history is closely tied to Canada's royal history. Originally planned for the 60th anniversary of Canadian Confederation, the structure was completed in 1927 and officially opened by Edward, Prince of Wales, and Prince George. That is how it got its name, the Princes' Gates. The ceremonial dedication on August 30, 1927, marked the start of a tradition in which veterans march through the arch every year. Since 1987, the structure has been protected under the Ontario Heritage Act as a site of architectural and historical interest. Over the decades, the gate has been restored several times, most recently as part of a larger renovation project in 2010 to preserve its historic fabric.

Visitors can admire the architectural details and the many sculptures created by Charles Duncan McKechnie. At the top of the arch stands the 24-meter (79-foot) statue "Winged Victory," which holds a laurel wreath and a maple leaf and rests on a pedestal resembling a ship. The nine Doric columns in the colonnades symbolize the nine provinces that existed at the time. Other figures, including hippocampi and depictions of industry and agriculture, adorn the pylons and corners of the arch. The inscriptions on the gate commemorate the founding of the fair in 1879 and its opening in 1927. At night, special lighting highlights the structure and gives it a distinctive atmosphere.