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Museums #4 in Toronto

Casa Loma

4.5 · 33,057 reviews
Historic and imposing
Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8, Canada
Interesting facts
1

Sir Henry Pellatt spent approximately $3.5 million on construction between 1911 and 1914, a massive sum for the era.

2

The mansion was built with modern conveniences for the time, including an elevator, a central vacuum system, and two vertical passages for pipe organs.

3

The underground tunnel to the carriage house is famously haunted according to local folklore.

4

Casa Loma is often used as a stand-in for European castles in major motion pictures.

5

The conservatory features a stained-glass dome and a marble floor heated by steam pipes to protect exotic plants.

6

Sir Henry Pellatt was forced to abandon the home in 1923 due to financial difficulties and rising property taxes.

7

The great hall boasts a 60-foot high ceiling with ornate wood carvings.

8

The mansion houses a collection of vintage automobiles in the garage area.

9

The estate was requisitioned by the city in 1933 due to unpaid taxes.

Overview

Casa Loma is a Gothic Revival style mansion designed by E.J. Lennox and completed in 1914 for financier Sir Henry Pellatt. The estate features 98 rooms, including a library, a conservatory, and an 800-foot underground tunnel connecting the main house to the carriage house and stables. The grounds encompass five acres of formal gardens that are open seasonally. During the summer, the gardens are maintained with various plant displays, while the interior rooms exhibit period-appropriate furnishings and historical artifacts. The castle serves as a popular filming location for Hollywood movies and television productions. Visitors access both the interior multi-level mansion and the external gardens during standard operations. The structure remains one of Toronto’s most prominent heritage buildings.

Photo spot

The terrace overlooking the city skyline provides the most iconic view of the castle architecture against the urban backdrop.

Insider tips

Walk the underground tunnel to explore the carriage house and the vintage car collection.

Wear comfortable walking shoes as the mansion has several floors and steep staircases to reach the towers.

Check the official website for seasonal events like the Christmas light displays or summer garden concerts.

What to avoid

Do not rush through the rooms; the most intricate details are often found in the smaller, less-visited servant quarters and architectural corners.

Good to know

The gardens are fully open during the spring and summer months, while certain outdoor areas close during the winter.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Early morning on weekdays in summer to enjoy the gardens with fewer crowds.
Address
Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8, Canada
43.678, -79.409
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsPeriod-authentic furniture, Sir Henry Pellatt’s suite, and the vintage car collection in the stables.
ArchitectureGothic Revival mansion with extensive wood carvings and marble finishes.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Early morning on weekdays in summer to enjoy the gardens with fewer crowds..

The terrace overlooking the city skyline provides the most iconic view of the castle architecture against the urban backdrop.

Close by you'll find Royal Ontario Museum, CN Tower, Hare Krishna Temple - International Society For Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).