Casa Loma
Second only to the CN Tower in popularity as as tourist attraction, Casa Loma is one of Toronto's most unique architectural spectacles. A casa loma tour is time well spent and it is located not far from downtown Toronto. Built in 1914, the medieval-styled castle is located just northwest of downtown Toronto on a hill which overlooks the city. Casa Loma is Spanish for “house on the hill.” Casa Loma was the dream home of Toronto industrialist, financier and military man Sir Henry Pellatt, Almost ten years later, Pellatt would be forced to abandon his $3.5 million castle, following his financial ruin, which was brought on by the great depression and the war.
Sir Pellatt was a visionary man and enjoyed holding parties and celebrations at Casa Loma for friends. Although Casa Loma was expensive to maintain, he launched into the pre war aeronautics industry with his own company, but it was confiscated for the war effort. Despite the loss of two wives and his great fortune, Sir Henry still lived to the ripe old age of 80. His story is one of the most interesting of any Canadian.
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Filled with fascinating niches for kids to explore from top to bottom, Casa Loma boasts 98 rooms, 30 bathrooms, 25 fireplaces, 3 bowling alleys, a shooting gallery, and a wine cellar. A 50-foot long indoor swimming pool was never completed. The grand stone exterior is an impressive sight from the grounds and provides plent of angles to take pictures from. The entrance to the castle is through the grand entrance hall with its 60-foot high ceiling. Gargoyles stare down from above. You can explore the conservatory with its magnificent bronze and glass doors, or marvel at the carved French oak panelling in the Oak Room.
Another popular feature of Casa Loma is an 800 foot underground tunnel which lies about 18 feet below the ground. It connects the castle with the carriage house and horse stables. The castle’s towers offer picturesque views of the surrounding area and downtown Toronto. One of the large towers was patterned on Scottish masonry, while the second was influenced by Norman design.
Castle Loma was also the first Toronto home to have indirect lighting, central vacuuming, forced-air heating, and an electric elevator. The Castle's grounds are covered by lavish gardens with beautiful sculptures and fountains making it a great place to relax and smell the roses. A visit to Castle Loma is a wondeful way to explore the storied past of Canada’s premier city.
Casa Loma tickets (currently valued at $16 for adults and $9 for kids), are included in the Toronto CityPass ticket booklet. Check citypass tickets for full details. Other exhibits included in CityPass are the CN tower, Toronto Zoo, Ontario Science Center, Royal Ontario Museum, and the Art Gallery of Ontario. Citypass makes planning an exciting weekend for you and your family easy and economical.
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