Casa Loma
A Gothic Revival 'castle' built by a wealthy businessman in the early 20th century, complete with towers, secret passages and a stable. It's a rare private castle in North America.
Casa Loma was built from 1911 to 1914 by Toronto financier Sir Henry Pellatt. It has nearly a hundred rooms and is one of the few private castle-style mansions in North America. Less than a decade after it was completed, Pellatt went bankrupt and was forced to move out. Visitors can climb the two towers for views of the city skyline, and walk through an underground tunnel about 240 meters long to the stables and garage, where vintage cars are displayed. A hidden door in the study leads to a secret passage. The conservatory, great hall and library are often used as filming locations for movies and TV series, such as X-Men. From May to October, you can stroll through the estate gardens. Admission is about CAD 40 (check the official website), and you should allow 2 hours. From Dupont Station on Line 1, it's about a 10-minute uphill walk. The nearby Spadina Museum is also worth a visit.
Opening hours
Daily approx. 09:30–17:00
Nearby sights
- Bata Shoe Museum
- Royal Ontario Museum
- University of Toronto (St. George Campus)
- Kensington Market
- Chinatown (Spadina Avenue)
- Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
- Graffiti Alley
- Nathan Phillips Square & Toronto City Hall