Casa Loma, Toronto

Let the Splendid Castle Mesmerize you With its Sheer Beauty and Charm

Casa Loam - Exterior View

Casa Loma is a charismatic castle in the middle of the city and a fantastic fusion of art and architecture.

If you are into history and would like to explore historical edifices, this grand castle is a perfect place for you.

The magnificent castle once used as private residence about 100 years ago, stands today as one of the top Toronto edifice and invites thousands of visitors, both local and international, with its everlasting allure.

Don't you believe every castle has its own interesting history? Yes, off course and so does Casa Loma.

History of Casa Loma

The man behind this extravagant structure was Sir Henry Mill Pellatt, a visionary businessman and financier. He made tremendous fortune in rail, electricity and insurance business at a young age.

Inspired by his several tours of Europe and equipped with a mammoth wealth of $17m, he decided to pursue his dream castle. Designed by famous Canadian architect E. J. Lennox, the construction of the castle began in 1911. It cost roughly $3.5m and took a group of 300 workers 3 years to build the Casa Loma - 'house on the hill'.

Casa Loam - History

At 98 rooms, Casa Loma was the largest private home in North America at that time with lots of unique features and facilities. The major amenities included an elevator, a large oven, two vertical passages for pipe organs, two secret passages, thee bowling alleys (though never completed), a central vacuum system and other such standards that were almost non-existent at that time. Certainly, Casa Loma was way ahead of its time in terms of technique and technology used to build the castle.

Casa Loam - Oak Room

Unfortunately for Sir Henry Pellatt, the World War one proved to be a disaster. The tumbling economy and few harsh political decisions resulted in bankruptcy and huge debt for Sir Henry Pellatt and his company. Eventually he had to auction his valuables and possessions including Casa Loma and abandon his dream home in 1924.

For few years the marvellous house remained vacant until 1933 when city of Toronto took the property. Finally, in 1936 the Kiwanis Club of West Toronto shouldered the responsibility to operate the castle as a tourist attraction. After extensive renovations by the Kiwanis Club, Casa Loma was opened for public in 1937.

Casa Loam - Exterior View

Today, Casa Loma is owned by the city of Toronto and is still operated by the Kiwanis Club.

Casa Loma in the Present Day

Casa Loma has managed to maintain its grandeur and glory till date. With all of its rich history, today, Casa Loma is one of the premier tourist attractions of Toronto.

You can tour this Gothic Revival masterpiece and explore its 98 stunning rooms, secret passages, Norman and Scottish towers, hallways, beautiful conservatory, an 800-foot tunnel, stables, a 5-acre estate gardens and much more. You will definitely have wonderful views, both in and out, of the castle.

Toronto CityPASS

Purchase a Toronto CityPASS and visit 5 high-flying Toronto attractions for one low-price! Avoid most ticket lines! Save time and money. Valid for 9 days.

Includes admission tickets to the Casa Loma, CN Tower, Ontario Science Centre, Royal Ontario Museum and Toronto Zoo. For more detail, visit Toronto CityPASS

Casa Loam - Suites

You can enjoy the self-guided tour of the castle with the help of audio tape. The audio tape is available in 8 languages - English, French, Japanese, German, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin and Korean. The short documentary on Sir Henry Pellatt is also a must. The film tells the remarkable story of Pellatt. Enjoy the film in the Billiard Room on the main floor. The costs of audio tour and documentary are included in your admission price.

Let's explore the medieval castle starting with main floor.

On the main floor you will find an imposing Great Hall. With 60 feet high ceiling, it's the heart of the castle from where you will start your amazing journey of the castle. The main features of the Great Hall are a hammer beam roof, Wurlitzer pipe organ and huge pillars decorated with carved figures.

Casa Loam - Great Hall

Adjoining the Great Hall is impressive library capable of holding around 10,000 books. The herringbone oak floor pattern emits different shadings from each end of the library room throughout the day.

The Conservatory features several plants, flower beds and an artificial fountain. Famous for its Tiffany domed glass ceiling, Italian marble floors and Ontario marble side panels, the conservatory is equipped with steam pipes that are used to keep the flowers warm in the winter.

Casa Loam - Conservatory

On the main floor, you will find other key rooms like the Dining Room, the Serving Room, the Smoking Room, the Billiard room, the Peacock Alley and Sir Henry's study room.

Casa Loam - Suites

The Second floor features the state-of-the-art, richly decorated Sir Henry's and Lady Pellatt's private suites. There are two bathrooms with white carrara marble walls and heated showers. The Windsor Room was specially designed for the Royal family, but they never visited the castle. There is one elegant Guest Suite and a unique Round Room having custom shaped doors to fit the curved walls.

Casa Loam - Suites

On the third floor you will find the Queen's Own Rifles Museum, the Kiwanis Room and the Garden Room. The museum features interesting collection of medals, uniforms and weapons. The spiral stairs next to the museum lead to top of the observation towers. Don't miss the stunning views of the Toronto skyline from the tower.

Casa Loam - Queen's Own Rifles Museum Casa Loam - Toronto Skyline From Tower

Below ground level, there is a castle cafe which was originally designed to be Sir Henry's private exercise room. The three arches in the large gift shop were planned as laneways of bowling alleys. The gift shop offers souvenirs and other intersting stuff.

Casa Loam - An 800-ft Long Secret Tunnel

There is huge wine cellar opposite the cafe, which was used to keep some 1800 bottles of wine and champagne chilled. A shooting range was supposed to be installed on the either side of the wall which was never completed. The unfinished swimming pool beneath the conservatory also met the same fate. In the basement, an 800-ft tunnel links the castle with the horse stable.

Apart from the magnificent Casa Loma castle, the other major attraction is the 5-acre captivating gardens. The gardens feature colourful flowers, plants and trees along with several fountains and statues. Walk through the castle's immaculate gardens and enjoy the breathtaking flora. The gardens are open to the public from May to October.

Casa Loam - Gardens

Toronto CityPASS

Purchase a Toronto CityPASS and visit 5 high-flying Toronto attractions for one low-price! Avoid most ticket lines! Save time and money. Valid for 9 days.

Includes admission tickets to the Casa Loma, CN Tower, Ontario Science Centre, Royal Ontario Museum and Toronto Zoo. For more detail, visit Toronto CityPASS

Casa Loam - Gardens

Several special events are held throughout the year at the castle. Casa Loma is also available for private events like wedding, parties and so on.

Due to its unique architecture and design, the castle is very popular site for movies and TV serials. Casa Loma has served as a location for some popular Hollywood movies such as X-men, Strange Brew, The Tuxedo, The Pacifier and Chicago.

Casa Loam - Exterior View

Casa Loma - Important Tips

  • No food or beverages are allowed in the castle.
  • Use of strollers and wheelchairs are not recommended because of stairs. Also, Casa Loma elevator can't accommodate them.
  • The gardens are open only in summer season from May through October.
  • Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to explore the castle.

Casa Loma - Tourist Information

Location: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, M5R 1X8

Phone: 416-923-1171

Hours of Operation:

Daily 9.30 am to 5.00 pm (Last admission: 4.00 pm)

December 24: 9.30am to 1.00 pm

Closed on December 25

Best time to visit: Any time of the year (Although gardens are open May-October)

Time to spend: 2-3 hours

Admission Prices:

Adult (18 - 59): $20.55

Seniors (60+): $14.63

Youth (14 - 17): $14.63

Children (4 - 13): $11.32

Children (3 and under): Free

All prices include 13% HST

You can purchase the tickets online at https://secure.ticket-ops.com/Casa_Loma/eDirect or at the entrance of the castle.

Ticket price includes the use of a digital audio tour guide and viewing of the Sir Henry Pellatt documentary film.

Money-spinning Tip: Buy the Toronto CityPass, which includes admission to Casa Loma. With Toronto CityPass, you can breeze past lines and save nearly 50% on regular admission prices to must-see Toronto attractions such as CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Zoo and Ontario Science Centre. Discover more about easy-to-use, deeply discounted Toronto CityPass ticket booklet

Toronto CityPASS

Payment Method: Cash, Debit Card, Credit Card (Visa, American Express, Master Card)

Transit and Driving Directions:

TTC:

The nearest subway stop is Dupont station on the Spadina - University line. From Dupont station, head north on Spadina Avenue toward Devenport Road. Turn left at Devenport Road. Turn right at Walmer Road. Walmer Road turns slightly right and becomes Austin Terrace. You will find the castle entrance on right.

Go to the Spadina station on the Spadina - University or Bloor - Danforth line. From there, take 125 Davenport westbound bus and get off at Davenport at Walmer road. Head north on Walmer Road. Walmer Road turns slightly right and becomes Austin Terrace. You will find the castle entrance on right.

Driving Directions:

From the North - Take Highway 400 South into Toronto, exiting onto Highway 401 East. On Highway 401 East, take exit for Allen Road South and merge onto Allen Road South. Turn left on Eglinton Avenue West. Turn right at Bathurst Street, then left at St. Clair Avenue West. Then turn right at Spadina Avenue. Spadina Avenue turns slightly right and becomes Austin Terrace. The castle will be on your left.

From the South - Follow the Queen Elizabeth Way East into Toronto, where it turns into the Gardiner Expressway. Exit Spadina Avenue northbound. On Spadina Avenue, continue north to Devenport Road. Turn left at Devenport Road, then take first right turn at Walmer Road, which takes you to the front of the castle on right.

From the East - Take Highway 401 West into Toronto and exit onto the Don Valley Parkway Southbound and merge onto Don Valley Parkway S. Then take the Eglinton Avenue West exit, on Eglinton Avenue continue till Spadina Avenue. Take left turn on Spadina Avenue. Spadina Avenue turns slightly right and becomes Austin Terrace. The castle will be on your left.

From the West - Take Highway 401 East into Toronto and take exit for Allen Road South and merge onto Allen Road South. Turn left on Eglinton Avenue West. Turn right at Bathurst Street, then left at St. Clair Avenue West. Then turn right at Spadina Avenue. Spadina Avenue turns slightly right and becomes Austin Terrace. The castle will be on your left.

Parking: There are several on-site parking lots available in the castle compound. Parking charge is $3.00 per hour upto maximum of $9.00

For more information visit www.casaloma.org


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