Olympic Stadium, Montreal, Canada

Designed by French architect Roger Taillibert and built for the 1976 Summer Olympic Games, Montreal’s much-maligned and costly Olympic Stadium is the perpetual brunt of jokes and indeed, clandestine affection. Alternatively known as the “Big O” or “Big Owe”, due to the exorbitant price-tag, the stadium was not completed in time for the Olympic Games and had to be used without a tower or roof. The retractable roof arrived from Paris in 1981 and stood unused because of insufficient funds but more likely, municipal corruption. Even after it was installed, the roof ripped and needed expensive repairs. For these and many other misfortunes, the Olympic Stadium is Montreal’s most notorious skylime attraction. Still, the Big O is the largest stadium in Canada by seating capacity and at 175 m, the distinctive, inclined tower is the highest in the world. For a great view of the city, ride up to the observation deck.