Discover the Magic of Casa Loma Toronto
Toronto is a fun city that offers visitors many great attractions, but none is as unique as Casa Loma, Toronto’s very own castle. While it’s not as grand as its European counterparts are, this one holds its own when it comes to charm and aesthetics.
I’ve been to Casa Loma for different events, from fancy galas to garden concerts. It’s a place that is not what you typically think you’d find in Toronto, making it even more special. This once grand private residence turned hotel is now a museum you should visit during your Toronto city break.
History of Casa Loma
Casa Loma is a testament to the vision and wealth of one man, Henry Pellatt. A wealthy financier and the richest man of his time, Pellatt’s dream was born from a love of European castles. His fortune, amassed from investments in Canada’s railway and hydroelectric industries, brought his grand vision to life.
He fell in love with castles after taking a tour of Europe. Once he made his money, he envisioned a grand castle on a hill overlooking Toronto. He hired a renowned architect, E.J. Lennox, to fulfill that vision. Starting in 1911, it took three years for 300 men to make that dream come to life.
Situated on five acres, this 200,000-square-foot mansion was the largest private residence in Canada and cost $3.5 million. Sir Henry and his wife, Lady Mary, enjoyed it for almost a decade before financial difficulties forced them to abandon their dream.
A castle fit for a dreamer
When Pellatt purchased the property for his dream home, he was one of the wealthiest men in Toronto. He employed the best European artisans and the latest technology, sparing no expense. Artworks from all over the world and expensive furniture decorate the interior while the gardens dazzle outside.
The estate also included impressive stables, a potting shed and a coach-house north of the main building. This was also Pellatt’s Hunting Lodge, where he lived during the construction of the main house. Upon completion in 1914, this 98-room estate included an elevator, pipe organs, secret passages, electricity, numerous bathrooms, a central vacuum and a massive kitchen. The outbreak of World War I halted the construction, leaving the pool and bowling alley an unfinished dream.
Casa Loma Hotel years
The bankruptcy forced the Pellatts out in 1924, leaving their dream behind. Granted a long-term lease for the property, the architect William Sparling began to convert this grand home into a luxury hotel. He completed the great hall and the billiards room left unfinished by Sir Henry.
Although Sparling’s plans for two additional wings with 96 complete suites and 56 rooms never materialized, the Casa Loma Hotel opened to the public in 1927 at a rate of $6 a day. The hotel era added another chapter to Casa Loma’s history, attracting wealthy Americans and becoming a popular nightspot.
During the 1920s, it became a popular nightspot for wealthy Americans. Many flocked to see the Orange Blossoms band that played here during the 1927-1928 season. The Orange Blossoms later became Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra, one of North America’s top swing dance bands.
Transition to a museum
As the Great Depression stopped the life of luxury, the castle remained vacant until the city took over its ownership for unpaid taxes. After several options for possible uses, including demolition, Casa Loma officially became a museum in 1937, operated by the Kiwanis Club of West Toronto.
In 2011, the city council established the Casa Loma Corporation to manage and oversee the day-to-day operations and future direction. The city remains its sole shareholder. In 2014, the Liberty Entertainment Group entered a long-term lease with the city to run special events and programming and look after the maintenance and improvements to the property.
Visiting Casa Loma
Inside the building, you can walk all three floors of this massive house, imagining what life was like for the Pellatts. The audio guide provides information about the different rooms and objects, and fun facts are thrown in.
Highlights of what to see inside
Some of the most notable rooms on the main floor include the Great Hall with 60’ high ceilings, the stunning library and the dining room, and the Peacock Alley, which is modelled after Windsor Castle’s passageway. The conservatory is one of the most interesting rooms that showed off the Pellet wealth. In addition to the Italian marble floors and carved doors, steam pipes kept the flowers flourishing throughout the year.
On the second floor are the private rooms of Sir Henry and Lady Pellatt. Both suites feature marble bathrooms and fancy sitting rooms. His rooms also feature a secret storage area by the fireplace and an elaborate shower that looks more like a torture device. Additional elegant rooms complete this floor.
The third floor of the house wasn’t finished, but today, it is dedicated to military service – Queen’s Own Rifles Museum. Sir Henry Pellatt was also a soldier, achieving the rank of Major General with the regiment. Servant’s rooms and stairs to the tower complete the tour of this floor.
Explore the lower level and the tunnels
The lower level was originally intended for the bowling alley, shooting range and pool but was never completed. Today, you’ll find the washrooms, a gift shop, an auditorium and a café. Worthy of a stop is the extensive wine cellar where pipes filled with ammonia and brine chilled the wines and champagnes during its heyday.
However, the underground 800-foot tunnel that connects the main house with the stables was one of my favourite things. As Sir Henry’s property was cut with a road going through it, he had the tunnel constructed so the servants and tradesmen could safely travel between the properties without having to cross the street.
The tunnel has lights, and with so many people walking by, it doesn’t feel too creepy. Along the way, you can see images of the past called Toronto’s Dark Side. These archival photos look back into the days of Prohibition, The Depression, The Plague, the damage done by the Great Toronto Fire, and Toronto’s first plane crash.
Don’t miss the stables, the carriage room and the garage
As you emerge from the tunnel, you find yourself in another lovely spot. Today, the carriage room and garage feature vintage cars from the early 1900s. The stables still smell like horses, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see one in a stall. Sir Henry spared no expense here either, with mahogany, Spanish tiles and hose names embossed in gold.
Stroll through the gardens
As befitting any castle, the gardens surrounding it are spectacular. With a wide variety of plants, flowers and fountains, you can’t help but feel impressed. There are also great views of the city from the garden.
Casa Loma today
Casa Loma is one of my favourite museums in Toronto. It’s also become a popular event venue and hosts various events throughout the year. Check the official website for event information and tickets. Here are some uses for the venue today.
Casa Loma wedding venue
Casa Loma is a popular setting for events and wedding photos. If you’ve ever wanted a wedding reception at a castle or just to get your photos done with a great background, here is your chance. From the romantic architecture and lush gardens to the regal interiors, it’s an unforgettable backdrop. The venue can host ceremonies and receptions, and the castle’s grandeur makes every celebration feel magical.
Casa Loma Escape Room
With the game’s rising popularity, Casa Loma’s escape rooms are now among the city’s top immersive experiences. These theatrical adventures are set within the historic rooms and tunnels of the castle and feature live actors, special effects and compelling narratives.
Whether you’re cracking wartime codes or uncovering hidden secrets, the stories blend fact and fiction for an adrenaline-filled experience. There are currently four unique adventures to choose from, each offering a different level of challenge and thrill.
Casa Loma haunted house
Casa Loma wouldn’t be a proper castle without a haunted house. Each October, you can check out the Legends of Horror production that leads visitors through the gardens and castle tunnels. This 2 km experience, brought to life by actors dressed up as the most recognized horror characters, is guaranteed to raise the hair on the back of your neck.
Casa Loma in the movies
Toronto is a popular filming location. Unsurprisingly, Casa Loma has been a popular set for various movies and shows. Some of the high-profile films shot here include:
- X-Men
- Strange Brew
- Chicago
- The Tuxedo
- Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
- Warehouse 13
- Descendants
- Twitches Too
- The Pacifier
Tips for visiting Casa Loma Toronto
Here are some practical tips for your visit.
Casa Loma tickets
| Ticket Type | Price (CAD) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (18–64) | $40 | General admission, audio guide, access to all floors, tunnels and stables |
| Senior (65+) | $35 | Same as adult |
| Youth (14–17) | $35 | Same as adult |
| Child (4–13) | $25 | Same as adult |
| Children under 4 | Free | Access with accompanying adult |
Book your guided tour of Casa Loma with a tour guide before you go.
Opening hours
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Sunday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM) |
| Closed | Christmas Day and New Year’s Day |
Casa Loma parking
There is limited parking available onsite for $10 a vehicle. Additional paid parking is available at George Brown College (south of Casa Loma, off Macpherson Avenue).
How to get to Casa Loma
Address: 1 Austin Terrace
South of St. Clair and the northwest corner of Spadina Road and Davenport Road. 10-15 min walk from Davenport Station. See public transit directions.
Dining at Casa Loma
There are three different food venues to choose from while visiting.
- BlueBlood Steakhouse: An upscale steakhouse that requires reservations and is not included in the admission.
- Liberty Café: A café offering a range of pressed sandwiches, pastries, fresh pasta, specialty coffees and juices.
- Terrace Grill: Seasonal outdoor casual service restaurant.
Final thoughts
If you’re into history and architecture, you’ll love Casa Loma. It’s a very cool place and very different from everything else you’ll find in the city. I recommend spending about half a day here to get the most out of the experience.
If you’re coming to an event, like Symphony in the Gardens, your tickets will allow you to enter the house. You can explore the buildings and the tunnels before the show. Make sure to allocate enough time, or you won’t be able to see everything. Casa Loma is one of my favourite places in Toronto, and I always recommend it as a must-see destination in the city. I think you’ll love it.
