Osgoode Hall
Osgoode Hall
4.5
Historic SitesArchitectural BuildingsHistorical & Heritage ToursLibrariesLiterary, Art & Music Tours
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Visit our website to learn about free summer tours of Osgoode Hall. A National Historic Site of Canada, Osgoode Hall has been delighting visitors since it first opened in 1832. As the current home of the Court of Appeal for Ontario, the Superior Court of Justice and the Law Society of Ontario, it is a hub of legal activity in downtown Toronto and the heart of Ontario’s legal heritage. The grounds sit on six acres in the core of downtown Toronto, bordered by mature trees, lush gardens and the famous iron palisade. Comprised of several buildings constructed over time, Osgoode Hall is a mix of late Georgian, Palladian and Neoclassical influences and is one of the few remaining examples of mid-19th century Ontario institutional landscapes. There are many ways to learn about Osgoode Hall, home of the Law Society of Ontario, the Court of Appeal for Ontario and the Superior Court of Justice.
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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 wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
70 reviews
Excellent
29
Very good
35
Average
6
Poor
0
Terrible
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Robert J
Victoria, Canada66 contributions
Feb 2018
The Osgoode Hall Court House is an interesting complex of interconnected buildings located at Queen and University. Housing the Court of Appeal and Law Society of Ontario (formerly the Law Society of Upper Canada) it has a number of spectacular old court rooms, portraits of old leaders of the Upper Canadian legal profession and a spectacular library.
Written March 31, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BigMerk
Glasgow, UK2,708 contributions
Sep 2018 • Solo
I was staying at the Sheraton so it’s just across the road from Osgoode Hall. Before arriving here, I tried to find out if public entry to the Hall was possible - that wasn’t easy to find. So I went thru the Gates into the park - nice shaded area - and walked up to the front door.
Yes - it’s fully open to the public. Security was very helpful, giving directions. Inside it’s a working court as well as a law library. It’s not set up for tourists but everyone I spoke to (not the lawyers of course - or their clients) was very friendly and helpful. Don’t miss the restaurant or the library - very historic.
Enjoyable way to spend up to an hour - and it doesn’t cost a penny.
Yes - it’s fully open to the public. Security was very helpful, giving directions. Inside it’s a working court as well as a law library. It’s not set up for tourists but everyone I spoke to (not the lawyers of course - or their clients) was very friendly and helpful. Don’t miss the restaurant or the library - very historic.
Enjoyable way to spend up to an hour - and it doesn’t cost a penny.
Written September 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James C
Toronto, Canada3,365 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
When York was small (before it was Toronto), in the early 1800's the legal community decided to locate it's governing boady (the Law Society of Upper Canada) her. Since that time the building has been added to and it's functions augmented. Yet it still remains the head office for the Law Society of Upper Canada. Every summer the staff of the Law Society volunteer to run lunchtime tours of this beautiful building and tell you of its rich history - not just legal history but the political, cultural and military history of Ontario. You'll see the monuments to the members of the legal community who lost their lives in the two world wards. You'll see the current Court of Appeal for Ontario. You will see the Great Library, the first law school for Ontario (which is now the setting for a fantastic restaurant at lunchtime - not in the summer) and you'll see where the Benchers (the elected governing body of the lawyers and paralegals in Ontario). The tour is great and it's free. The building is beautiful and its stories intriging. There is a substantial display near the male barristers' robing room about the history of the gates surrounding the gardens and lawn of Osgoode Hall. Great tour.
Written September 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
baroom
Mississauga, Canada3,244 contributions
May 2018 • Family
We were here during Doors Open Toronto and I must say this was the most organized self-guided tour we have ever done. There was no excuse to get lost or miss a room because visitors were provided with a 2-page detailed handout at the entrance, there were attendants at every room and the walls were peppered with directional signages/arrows which were impossible to miss. Personally, I think the signs were excessive but, hey, they have been doing Doors Open for years and the signs were obviously effective.
First stop was the ROTUNDA/ATRIUM, to see the tile flooring, the World War II Memorial and skylight. At all three 19th c. COURTROOMS, visitors could have their pics taken in legal robes. The 3-tiered seating was explained to us—senior lawyers at the front, other lawyers next and students at the back. We particularly liked the American room in the GREAT LIBRARY, with its old-school vibe, centuries-old hardbound books, creaky wooden floors and spiral staircase, in total contrast to the big and bright main reading room which was mostly cordoned off with ugly “Caution Do Not Enter” yellow tape. Here visitors have no choice but to walk down the corridor, stop briefly at the World War I Memorial at the end and proceed to the next suite of rooms, BENCHER’S QUARTERS.
The Bencher’s reception room is a sitting room with vintage armchairs and framed portraits of former Treasurers (or Presidents) of the Law Society of Ontario. At the Convocation room, we were told that the Treasurer’s chair at the head of the table is an original, circa 1860’s. The CONVOCATION HALL, which was the last stop inside the building, is a large handsome hall with chandeliers, a 4-sided hanging clock, torch light sconces and stained glass windows. During Doors Open, sandwiches and drinks were on sale here, as well as souvenir t-shirts.
On our way out of Osgoode Hall, I overheard some people complaining about the narrow opening at the glass partition near the entrance, and I agree, it was a squeeze getting through it, with people entering and exiting at the same time. The FRONT/facade seemed to be a favourite for wedding entourage photos because earlier there were 2 wedding parties posing for pics on either side. The unusual gates on the iron FENCE got a second look from us before we finally left the premises.
First stop was the ROTUNDA/ATRIUM, to see the tile flooring, the World War II Memorial and skylight. At all three 19th c. COURTROOMS, visitors could have their pics taken in legal robes. The 3-tiered seating was explained to us—senior lawyers at the front, other lawyers next and students at the back. We particularly liked the American room in the GREAT LIBRARY, with its old-school vibe, centuries-old hardbound books, creaky wooden floors and spiral staircase, in total contrast to the big and bright main reading room which was mostly cordoned off with ugly “Caution Do Not Enter” yellow tape. Here visitors have no choice but to walk down the corridor, stop briefly at the World War I Memorial at the end and proceed to the next suite of rooms, BENCHER’S QUARTERS.
The Bencher’s reception room is a sitting room with vintage armchairs and framed portraits of former Treasurers (or Presidents) of the Law Society of Ontario. At the Convocation room, we were told that the Treasurer’s chair at the head of the table is an original, circa 1860’s. The CONVOCATION HALL, which was the last stop inside the building, is a large handsome hall with chandeliers, a 4-sided hanging clock, torch light sconces and stained glass windows. During Doors Open, sandwiches and drinks were on sale here, as well as souvenir t-shirts.
On our way out of Osgoode Hall, I overheard some people complaining about the narrow opening at the glass partition near the entrance, and I agree, it was a squeeze getting through it, with people entering and exiting at the same time. The FRONT/facade seemed to be a favourite for wedding entourage photos because earlier there were 2 wedding parties posing for pics on either side. The unusual gates on the iron FENCE got a second look from us before we finally left the premises.
Written June 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am glad you enjoyed Doors Open. Thank you for taking the time to write a review
Written June 28, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Isabelle P
Montreal, Canada114 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
If you are a book nerd, I highly recommend you go see the Osgoode Hall library. It is really beautiful and free. The building itself is also worth seeing.
Written July 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
davosseaworth
Ottawa, Canada49 contributions
Aug 2013 • Solo
The requisite metal detector is always a bit of a hassle, but the halls, courtrooms, and library are very well maintained with the old-school raised trim/carved embellishment patterns on the walls/pillars, awesome fresco-type paintings on the ceilings, etc. ... It's also the HQ of the Law Society of Upper Canada. Great experience if you want to sit in on any hearings or trials too!
Written July 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vampie
vampie59 contributions
Sep 2013 • Solo
Growing up in downtown Toronto, I used to pass by the beautiful building and its grounds. I never stepped inside thinking I was not permitted. Recently I became a lawyer and finally went in the building, including the magnificent library and the gorgeous courtrooms. I also volunteered with Doors Open and provided information to visitors which itself was a wonderful experience because I was able to learn much more about the building`s history as well as share knowledge about it and the law in general with visitors.
I would definitely recommend a visit to Osgoode Hall, particularly during Doors Open. If you do go during Doors Open, give yourself time to explore and show up early as it seems to be a popular destination.
I would definitely recommend a visit to Osgoode Hall, particularly during Doors Open. If you do go during Doors Open, give yourself time to explore and show up early as it seems to be a popular destination.
Written October 31, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PeterBruceG
Toronto, Canada2,706 contributions
Jan 2013 • Solo
Beautiful old building and a great front lawn to take photos of if you are getting married.
You don't need to be a lawyer to get inside. Easy access by subway and parking at City Hall is most likely the cheapest option is you drive. The gates do get closed in the evenings so it's a daytime look see.
You don't need to be a lawyer to get inside. Easy access by subway and parking at City Hall is most likely the cheapest option is you drive. The gates do get closed in the evenings so it's a daytime look see.
Written October 19, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PadraigL
Toronto, Ontario, Canada1 contribution
The main library is one of the most beautiful library rooms. Awesome engraved wood, winding rot-iron, etc.
Written May 5, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
operalover939
Toronto, Canada2,965 contributions
Nov 2019
Years have passed since I last visited Osgoode Hall and its Great Library, but a reception hosted by the Osgoode Society for Legal History took me there yesterday evening. The space is indeed very attractive, dominated by the chandeliers and the portraits of juridical worthies. Well worth a visit!
Written November 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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