Page Updated: December 06, 2023
Casa Loma
Casa Loma - Toronto ON
Built in 1914, located in midtown Toronto, and marketed as North America’s only full-sized castle – Casa Loma is one of the city’s top tourist attractions. The Gothic Revival style mansion offers self-guided tours allowing visitors to explore the property at their leisure.
The history of Casa Loma is rife with twists and turns. The idea of Sir Henry Pellatt, Canadian Financier and soldier, Henry spared no expense in making his dream a reality. Unfortunately, Pellatt overextended himself with bad investments and went bankrupt - only living in Casa Loma 10 years before getting the boot. Many of the original items were auctioned off to cover debts. For years the site was left abandoned before having a stint as a hotel, then a night club…
Today, Casa Loma is owned by the city of Toronto and brings in over 650k touring visitors a year.
It’s encouraged that early arrivals start their tour in the towers (after fetching the audio guide from the basement) rather than waiting to see them at the end of their tour. Why? 1) The Scottish Tower closes early on select days –1 pm on Sat & Sun. 2) The winding stairs to the turrets only accommodate a single person. The wait to use the stairs increases as more tourists arrive.
Touring Casa Loma
The Great Hall
Mostly devoid of furniture, The Great Hall still dominates with a 60ft ceiling and not much else. The original organ built for Casa Loma was auctioned off to help cover Sir Henry Pellatt’s debt. After having several homes over the years, it’s now located at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Kingston, Ontario. Other features of the Great Hall include an exact replica of the Westminster Abby Coronation Chair.
The Library
With beautiful enclosed shelving that can hold 100k books, the library also features an ornately molded plaster ceiling incorporating the Pellatt Coat of Arms.
The Conservatory
Originally The Palm Room, The Conservatory consists of Italian Marble floors and raised flower beds called “ferneries.” Steam pipes kept the room warm all year and the stained-glass dome crowning the room was backlit with 600 bulbs for all day enjoyment.
Peacock Alley
Casa Loma’s Peacock Alley stretches from the Great Hall to the Conservatory and was constructed to resemble its the Peacock Alley of England’s Windsor Castle. Teakwood plank flooring - secured with dowels instead of nails - rests between Oaken paneled walls of amazing millwork. The hall’s original purpose was to display Henry Pellatt’s impressive art collection.
Sir Pellatt Suite
Lady Pellatt Suite
Viewing these photos, you’d think Lady Pellatt had the smaller suite. Not the case. In addition to the areas pictured, Mary’s quarters also contain a walk in closet, two separate sitting rooms, and an impressive walkout balcony.
After touring the main levels of the house, you can head to basement for a few surprises… Take a seat in the indoor/underground swimming pool that’s been converted into a theater and watch the short film of Casa Loma history. The old exercise room, immediately adjacent to the pool, is now the Liberty Café. They serve pastries, pastas, sandwiches, coffee, and juices (but oddly enough, not water).
Then peek into the wine cellar before you stroll through the 800ft underground tunnel leading to the carriage house and stables.
This is the stable house, my friends - and the carriage house. Sir Henry Pellatt loved his horses. His favorite, a medieval warhorse named Prince.
Stables / Carriage House
The gardens of Casa Loma encompass 4 acres. A tougher soul would have endured the hot and sticky July day to visit them all. Since melting’s not my jam, I managed to survive for just a few photos.
The Gardens
In addition to self-guided tours, Casa Loma also offers tickets for Escape Rooms, hosts symphonies and concerts, and offers venue rental for corporate and social events, weddings, and filming.
The film credits for Casa Loma are extensive, so if you think you’ve seen it before, chances are you have. The Casa Loma Hollywood Film Gallery gives recognition to a number of projects, including X-Men, Crimson Peak, Chicago, Cocktail, and DC Titans.
Not too shabby for a house that was once in the dumps
-b&b
Toronto
Kensington Market
