Casa Loma: Toronto's Majestic Castle
Explore Toronto's historic Casa Loma, a stunning Gothic Revival castle with opulent interiors, secret passages, and beautiful gardens.
Casa Loma, meaning 'House on the Hill' in Spanish, is a majestic Gothic Revival castle-style mansion and garden in midtown Toronto. Constructed between 1911 and 1914 for Sir Henry Pellatt, a prominent Canadian financier, it boasts 98 rooms and spans over 200,000 square feet, making it one of the largest private residences in North America. Designed by architect E.J. Lennox, the castle features opulent interiors, secret passages, and meticulously maintained gardens. Visitors can explore the castle's three floors, discovering grand halls, furnished suites, and hidden passageways. Highlights include the Great Hall with its soaring ceilings, the library, the conservatory, and Sir Henry's study. The 800-foot underground tunnel connecting Casa Loma to the stables and carriage room showcases an exhibit of Toronto's darker days through archival photographs. The stables also feature a collection of vintage automobiles from the early 1900s. Casa Loma has a rich history, serving as a luxury hotel and a popular nightspot during Prohibition. The Orange Blossoms, later known as Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra, even played there for eight months in 1927–1928. Today, Casa Loma hosts special events, escape rooms, and offers on-site dining at The Gardens of Casa Loma during the summer and the Liberty Caffé year-round. It's also a popular filming location, adding to its unique character.
Local tips
- Purchase a Toronto CityPASS to save money on admission to Casa Loma and other top attractions.
- Allow at least two hours to explore the castle and grounds.
- Strollers are not recommended due to stairs; elevators are available but may not accommodate strollers.
- Take advantage of the complimentary audio guide, available in multiple languages, to learn about the castle's history and features.
A brief summary to Casa Loma
- 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, Old Toronto, Ontario, M5R 1X8, CA
- +1416-923-1171
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown Toronto, take the Line 1 subway northbound to Dupont Station. From there, walk two blocks north on Spadina Avenue. Alternatively, take the Davenport 127 bus from Spadina Station to Davenport & Spadina. You can also take the St. Clair streetcar west to Spadina Road and walk south. A single TTC fare is approximately CAD 3.25.
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Walking
From the Dupont subway station, Casa Loma is a short walk. Head north on Spadina Avenue for two blocks. You can also climb the Baldwin Steps at Spadina Avenue and Davenport Road to reach the castle. Be prepared for a steep climb.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts can drop off visitors in the East Parking Lot. A taxi from Union Station to Casa Loma will cost approximately CAD 18-22. Uber and Lyft operate in Toronto.
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Driving
From the south, take the Don Valley Parkway (DVP) to Eglinton Avenue East, then west to Spadina Road, and south to Casa Loma. From the west, take Allen Road (Allen Expressway) south to Eglinton Avenue West, then east to Spadina Road, and south to Casa Loma. There is limited paid parking onsite at Casa Loma for a flat rate of CAD 20. Additional parking is available at George Brown College.
