Casa Loma isn't a true castle, but it is an enormous and palatial mansion that has been a tourist landmark in Toronto for decades.
Built by Sir Henry Pellatt between 1911 and 1914, the estate was modeled after the architecture he had loved in Europe. All tolled, it cost more than $3 million dollars to built, and had secret passages and high battlements. No other home in the country could compare. With the outbreak of World War I, Pellatt lost much of his fortune and business, which forced him into bankruptcy. His amazing home was auctioned off to pay his debts. His wife died that year, and Pellatt spent the rest of his life on his family's farm and died in 1939.
Today, the building is decorated and lavishly furnished in period style where you can wander through all 3 floors and the groomed grounds that cover 5 acres. The outside areas are closed during the winter months. Inside, there is a great hall, conservatory, library, billiard's room, several bedrooms and bathrooms, a tower, garden room, a rifle museum and a wine cellar.
During July 2010, Casa Loma was used as a set for filming the mini-series "The Kennedy's", starring Katie Holmes and Greg Kinnear. If you are visiting between July 5th and 9th, certain parts of the building may be blocked off.
Tickets for entrance are around $20 for adults, $14 for youths (14 to 17) and $11 for children. It's open from 9:30am until 5:00pm, and is closed over Christmas. Casa Loma is one of the attractions that accepts the Toronto Citypass, which can get you a better admission cost. Casa Loma is located at the corner of Davenport Road and Spadina Ave, and is not far from the Spadina streetcar line.
Your admission includes an audio guide that will help you learn more about the home as you tour. The Casa Loma website has all the details about this iconic Toronto landmark.
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