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Casa Loma (History)

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Casa Loma (History) (Canada)

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Casa Loma is a prominent Gothic Revival style mansion in Toronto, constructed between 1911 and 1914 for the financier and industrialist Sir Henry Pellatt. Designed by architect E. J. Lennox, the residence contains 98 rooms and cost approximately 3.5 million dollars to build at the time. Pellatt, who made his fortune through the development of hydroelectric power at Niagara Falls, envisioned a European-inspired castle in Canada. The property features secret passages, a large ballroom, a library for 10,000 books, and a 240-meter underground tunnel connecting to the elaborate stables. Due to post-war financial troubles and rising property taxes, Pellatt was forced to leave the house in 1923. During World War II, Casa Loma served as a secret research station for developing ASDIC sonar technology. Today, it stands as a significant historical museum and is frequently used as a filming location for major international movies.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-3-31611182222181251
Rain mm544953717371755966746663

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Casa Loma (History) highlights the historical significance of the Gothic Revival mansion built by Sir Henry Pellatt. Visitors can tour the authentically restored rooms.
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Typical hours
Opening hours are the same as the regular Casa Loma visit: daily 9:30 AM-5:00 PM, seasonal extensions possible. Please check the website in advance.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the historic rooms without flash. Special exhibitions may have different rules.
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Time needed
A visit takes about 1.5 to 2 hours including the gardens. For history enthusiasts, it may take longer.
Combine with
Combine with the Spadina Museum, another historic house within walking distance. The Bata Shoe Museum is also nearby.
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Getting there
Best reached by subway (Dupont station) or by car (parking available). The house is well signposted.
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Insider tip
Read up on Sir Henry Pellatt beforehand to enhance the tour. Ask about hidden details in the staircase.

Geography

Coordinates
43.67800, -79.40900

Facts

  • The mansion features 98 rooms across three main floors and a basement.
  • It was built for 3.5 million dollars between 1911 and 1914.
  • Sir Henry Pellatt lived in the house for only nine years before leaving.
  • A 240-meter tunnel connects the main house to the carriage house.
  • The site was used as a secret sonar research lab during World War II.
  • It is the largest private residence ever built in Canada's history.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights in the town Casa Loma (History) (12)

The Al Green Gallery / Green Family Companies🎭 culture

Art gallery and headquarters of Green Family Companies in Toronto.

Tunnel of Glam📍 landmark

A pedestrian tunnel in Loma Toronto decorated with glittering lights.

Growth Path Optical Art🏛 museum

A museum of optical art and illusion in Loma Toronto.

Absolute Comedy🎭 culture

A comedy club in Loma Toronto with live stand-up performances.

Picture Perfect Gallery🏛 museum

A gallery in Loma Toronto dedicated to photographic art.

🕒 Su 12:00-17:00; Mo-Sa 10:00-18:00

Jean Sibelius Square🌳 park

A square named after the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.

Iskcon⛪ religious

The ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple in Toronto features a striking golden dome and provides vegetarian meals daily.

David A. Balfour Park🌳 park

A park named after David A. Balfour.

Calvin Presbyterian Church⛪ religious

Calvin Presbyterian Church in Toronto is a Gothic Revival stone church built in 1915.

Christ Church Deer Park⛪ religious

Christ Church Deer Park in Toronto is an Anglican church built in 1910 with a distinctive wooden interior.

Al Green Sculpture Park🌳 park

A sculpture park named after the singer Al Green.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Casa Loma?
A majestic Gothic Revival style castle built by Sir Henry Pellatt.
How much time should I spend there?
About 2 hours for the castle and another 30-60 minutes for the gardens.
Is Casa Loma wheelchair accessible?
Most areas are accessible by elevator, except for the towers.
Is there a restaurant?
Yes, there is a cafe and the fine-dining 'BlueBlood Steakhouse'.
Can you climb the towers?
Yes, via narrow stairs you can reach the top for a great view of Toronto.
Casa Loma (History): where is it located?
Casa Loma (History) is located in Canada.
Casa Loma (History): what is there to see?
Highlights include The Al Green Gallery / Green Family Companies, Avant Garde, Tunnel of Glam.
Casa Loma (History): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Casa Loma (History): why is it worth visiting?
Casa Loma is a prominent Gothic Revival style mansion in Toronto, constructed between 1911 and 1914 for the financier and industrialist Sir Henry Pellatt.
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