Canada House

Overlooking Trafalgar Square, Canada House stands as a prominent symbol of Canadian presence in London. Designed by architect Robert Smirke, who also designed the British Museum, the building was originally opened in 1827 to house the Union Club and the Royal College of Physicians. In 1923, the Canadian businessman, diplomat, and politician Peter Charles Larkin, then Canada's ambassador to London, acquired the building for Canada. At that time, Canadian diplomatic staff were dispersed across several small offices in central London.

Larkin sought a single, substantial building to accommodate the 200 staff members of the Canadian diplomatic service in the UK. On June 29, 1925, King George V officially opened Canada House, marking its new role as the central hub for Canada's diplomatic mission in Britain. In 1961, the Canadian government expanded its London operations by acquiring MacDonald House at Grosvenor Square in Mayfair. However, to reduce costs, a decision was made in 1993 to close Canada House, a decision that was later reversed.

Instead, the Canadian government chose to sell MacDonald House and purchase the adjacent building on Cockspur Street. This expansion allowed for a comprehensive renovation and consolidation of all consular and trade services under one roof at Canada House. Today, Canada House not only serves as the focal point for Canadian diplomatic and trade activities in the UK but also stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between Canada and the United Kingdom. Its presence in one of London's most iconic locations underscores the significance of Canada’s contributions and connections to the global community.