Casa Loma, Toronto

Casa Loma, Toronto (must see)

Casa Loma, which translates to "Hill House" in Spanish (although not entirely accurate), is a remarkable mansion and garden located in midtown Toronto. Built between 1911 and 1914, this Gothic Revival castle-style residence was commissioned by financier Sir Henry Pellatt and designed by the renowned architect E. J. Lennox, who was responsible for creating various notable landmarks throughout the city. Situated at an elevation of 140 meters (460 feet) above sea level, Casa Loma proudly stands 66 meters (217 feet) above Lake Ontario.

The structure itself is a captivating representation of the Edwardian era. Within the castle's walls, visitors can delight in the opulence of its exquisite furnishings, lavishly adorned rooms, elegant bathrooms, concealed passageways, and a splendid garden embellished with sculptures and fountains. Sir Henry enlisted the talents of skilled artisans from Europe to craft much of the furniture and other distinctive features found within the mansion. Spanning across five acres, Casa Loma's gardens add to its allure.

A tunnel discreetly connects Casa Loma to the Hunting Lodge and the stables, which include a garage, potting shed, stalls, carriage room, and tack rooms. This seamless integration of architectural elements is a testament to the attention to detail and grandeur of the estate.

Thanks to its distinctive architectural charm in Toronto, Casa Loma has become a sought-after filming location for movies and television productions. Furthermore, it serves as a popular choice for wedding ceremonies, and it is even possible to rent Casa Loma in the evenings for private events after the museum closes its doors to the public.

Why You Should Visit:
Cool to learn some Toronto history. Neat old building with lots of areas to explore.

Tip:
Take the audioguide (freely available downstairs next to the restaurant and gift shop) as it allows you to walk around the building/grounds at your own pace and see all the things you want to see.
Make sure you also head all the way to the towers for an incredible view of the city.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Toronto. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Casa Loma on Map

Sight Name: Casa Loma
Sight Location: Toronto, Canada (See walking tours in Toronto)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Toronto, Canada

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Toronto Introduction Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Distillery District Walking Tour

Distillery District Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Toronto's Waterfront Walking Tour

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At the heart of this waterfront area stands Queen's Quay Terminal, a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Historical Buildings Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Cabbagetown Walking Tour

Cabbagetown Walking Tour

Once a small community of Irish immigrants east of downtown and one of the poorest neighborhoods in Toronto, Cabbagetown is also one of the city's oldest districts, established in 1840. In 2004, it was declared a historic district and presently claims to be "the largest continuous area of preserved Victorian housing in North America". Attesting to this claim are the picturesque...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Toronto Islands Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles

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