Complete Guide To Visiting Casa Loma, Toronto 2024 (From A Local)
Looking For A Complete Guide To Visiting Casa Loma, Toronto 2024?
Casa Loma, Toronto is a historic landmark nestled atop the hills of the city.
In this comprehensive guide, we invite you to embark on a journey through the corridors of time and discover the allure of this architectural gem.
From its origins as the grand residence of Sir Henry Pellatt, a prominent Canadian figure, to its present-day incarnation as a captivating historic house museum, Casa Loma stands as a testament to Toronto’s rich heritage.
Join us as we unravel the intricacies of the castle, exploring its majestic rooms, secret passages, and lush gardens.
It cannot get more magical than a unicorn and a castle lol.
Plus I bet you didn’t know that Toronto has its very own castle.
I recently visited Casa Loma and wanted to share with you my experience as well as different tips to help you on your next visit.
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Complete Guide To Visiting Casa Loma, Toronto
Let’s jump into this complete guide and discover everything Casa Loma, Toronto has to offer.
What is Casa Loma, Toronto?
Casa Loma in Toronto is a castle that features a beautiful garden, three floors of stunning rooms and hallways, two towers, and even hidden tunnels that run under the castle and the surrounding streets.
The castle holds weddings, concerts, and other special events such as Halloween/Christmas Events, and Light Shows. Also, it has Escape Rooms.
Why is Casa Loma, Toronto famous?
Casa Loma is the only full-sized castle in North America and one of the main attractions to see in Toronto.
Also, Casa Loma is famous for its architectural beauty, historical importance, and its role as a prominent cultural and tourist destination in Toronto.
What does Casa Loma mean?
Casa Loma is translated from Spanish and means ”the house on the hill”.
Can you go inside Casa Loma?
Yes, you can go inside Casa Loma, in both towers, in the garden, and basement/tunnels.
What’s the history of Casa Loma?
The construction of the castle started in 1911 when Sir Henry Pellatt (he was a financier and a soldier) decided to build himself his dream residence.
Casa Loma was built in 3 years and was the biggest private residence in Canada.
Unfortunately, Sir Henry and his wife did not live there for long as they ran into financial troubles.
Casa Loma was converted into a hotel and a nightclub for a short period of time until the city of Toronto took over the ownership of the castle and turned it into what it is now – a tourist attraction.
🎥 Check out some of the videos, I took when we visited: Casa Loma – Front Entrance
How much does Casa Loma cost?
As of January 2024, the Adult ticket (ages 18-64) costs $40.00 ($36.55 + HST (tax)).
Keep in mind, that the General Admission is not valid for special programming/events.
If you have children that are 3 years of age or under, they are free with adult General Admission.
The tickets are timed, meaning you need to choose your entry time when you book the Casa Loma ticket.
Therefore, think about the time you want to visit before you go to book, that way you will be ready to choose.
Can you buy Casa Loma tickets at the door?
Yes, tickets can be purchased once you arrive at the castle but they are subject to availability.
This means that you can arrive and the tickets have been sold out for the day (especially on the weekends).
When is Casa Loma, Toronto open?
Casa Loma in Toronto is open from 9.30 am – 5.00 pm but the last entry is at 4.30 pm.
I would recommend coming at 4.00 pm at the latest otherwise you would not have time to see everything and will be rushed.
On Mondays, Casa Loma is open until 10.00 pm with the last admission at 9.30 pm.
Again, you should arrive a lot earlier if you want to see everything as half an hour is not enough time.
You should explore the gardens first as on certain days they close earlier due to scheduled weddings and for the BlueBlood Steakhouse Terrace.
From Monday to Wednesday, the garden closes at 4.45 pm, and from Thursday – Sunday closes at 3.45 pm.
Another closure to keep in mind is the Scottish Tower. It closes early on Thursday and Friday at 3 p.m. as well as on Saturday & Sunday at 1 p.m.
The reason for the closure is that the tower is used for the Escape Casa Loma Series (escape room).
The second tower, the Norman Tower, remains open to the public.
What is the best time to visit Casa Loma?
Spring and Summer (May to September): These months are considered the peak tourist season, as the weather is generally mild and the gardens surrounding Casa Loma are in full bloom. You can enjoy strolling through the outdoor spaces and appreciate the lush greenery.
Fall (October): Fall can be a beautiful time to visit, with the changing colors of the leaves adding a scenic backdrop to the castle. The weather is cooler, and the crowds may be slightly smaller than during the peak summer months.
Winter (November to April): While Casa Loma is open year-round, winter has its own charm. The castle is often decorated for the holiday season, creating a festive atmosphere. Additionally, visiting during the winter months may offer a quieter and more intimate experience, with fewer tourists.
Keep in mind that Casa Loma’s indoor spaces are accessible regardless of the season, so you can explore the castle’s historical interiors at any time.
How long does Casa Loma take?
It depends on a lot of factors. I would say on average about 2 hours.
If you do the audio tour then it will be a slower visit as you will have to listen to the recordings. If you just walk around yourself then it will be faster.
Remember that there is a lot of ground to cover and there are a lot of stairs.
Do you want to sit in the garden and take in the views? Do you want to climb both towers (there is no elevator to them)? Are you going to the tunnels? Do you want to eat something?
So it depends on how you want to experience Casa Loma.
If you are in a rush and move fast I would say an hour and a half to two hours. If you want to take your time and enjoy everything the castle has to offer then 2-3 hours.
👉 If you are ready to book in advance, here is the tour I recommend – Toronto: Casa Loma Entry Ticket with Audio Guide
How to get to Casa Loma?
There are a few ways to get to Casa Loma and they are all efficient but differ in price:
Is there parking in Casa Loma?
You can drive up to the castle if you have a car as they do have parking available.
However, the Casa Loma parking is paid and as of right now, it is a flat rate of 15$ for the day.
It is paid per vehicle and they accept cash, credit, or debit.
👉 If you don’t have a car, you can rent one after exploring the world’s biggest car rental website: Rentalcars
A cheaper option is to use the TTC (the Toronto Transit Commission – the public transit system).
Get off the subway at Dupont Station (located on the Yellow Subway Line) and walk north for 10 mins.
The main intersection is Spadina and Dupont and from there you will be able to see the towers of the castle (like the name conveys it is on a hill, so it is easy to spot).
Therefore, the 10 min walk is walking uphill (not a crazy hike but still elevated) and there is a set of stairs that you will need to climb.
Both methods are fairly easy so it is up to you what you prefer.
What movies have been filmed in Casa Loma?
Casa Loma has been used as a filming location for many movies and shows such as
X-Men, Chicago, Shadowhunters, Billy Madison, The Taxido, Strange Brew, Being Erica, The Pacifier, Crimson Peak Warehouse 13, Ready or Not, The Vow, etc.
Is Casa Loma worth visiting?
Yes, I highly recommend visiting Casa Loma in Toronto.
It is open year-round and the castle looks beautiful any time of the year.
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Is Casa Loma, Toronto A Good Place To Visit With Children?
Technically, Casa Loma in Toronto is a kid-friendly activity. However, all children must be monitored by an adult/parent at all times.
Even though children under 3 years of age enter for free, it will be difficult to bring them along.
The reason is that there are a lot of stairs and bringing strollers is not recommended.
Also, the elevator is reserved for seniors or people with walking difficulties only, and strollers are not allowed in it.
Most of the hallways and the towers are narrow and will be difficult to maneuver a stroller.
Another thing to point out is that no outside food and drinks are permitted in the building so if you are planning to bring snacks and refreshments that will not be possible.
There is the Liberty Café where you can purchase those if needed.
Having said that, an older kid might actually find Casa Loma interesting – the gardens are lovely, kids would probably enjoy the tunnels, Hunting Lodge, Stables & Antique Car Gallery (more on those below).
However, there are no activities dedicated specifically to kids such as arts and crafts or shows.
What Is There To Do Inside Casa Loma, Toronto?
There are tons of interesting things to see in Casa Loma, Toronto so let’s get through each of them.
The Garden
Let’s start with the Garden.
Once you step out of the Great Hall, there is the lovely Main Terrace that gives stunning views of downtown Toronto (keep in mind that Casa Loma is not located downtown but it’s not too far).
The Garden has a large fountain and a nice area with plants and trees.
There is a covered, glass area where they have weddings and events, and the weekend that we visited there were wedding preparations going on.
There are a bunch of benches where you can sit and enjoy the beautiful garden and the stunning view of the castle.
Remember that sometimes (especially in the summer) the Garden closes early to accommodate weddings and events which is why I suggest you do it first.
🎥 Casa Loma – Garden View from the Terrace
Casa Loma – Castle view from the Garden
and
Casa Loma – Garden view from the side
1st Floor
The First Floor is where the main entrance is located.
Casa Loma offers a free audio tour, where you have a pair of headphones and walk around and listen to informational segments about certain rooms and objects.
The First Floor features the Great Hall, the Library, the Conservatory, Sir Henry’s Study, etc.
The Great Hall is a tall room (about 20 meters high) with an indoor balcony overlooking the hall from the second floor.
It has a small bar in one corner, different flags hanging from the walls, and an old organ.
Also, you can access the Main Terrace and Gardens from there.
The Library walls are lined with wooden bookshelves with hundreds of books. The floor and ceiling are also stunning.
The Conservatory is a large, marble-covered room with beautiful large windows.
The stained-glass dome in the center is absolutely gorgeous.
Sir Henry’s Study used to be his office area; it features a large wooden desk and a marble fireplace.
In this room, you can access two secret passages (more on this below).
2nd Floor
The Second Floor houses the bedrooms – the Lady Pellatt’s Suite, the Sir Pellatt’s Suite, the Guest Room, and the Windsor Room.
Lady Mary’s suite is a lot larger than her husband’s and looks feminine.
Her suite has a full bathroom, bedroom, and entertaining areas. She also has her own balcony/terrace overlooking the garden.
🎥 Casa Loma – Garden view from the second floor terrace
Sir Henry’s suite is a bit smaller and way more masculine-looking.
And yes the tiger skin on the floor is real.
The Windsor Room was available in case any Royalty ever came to visit.
However, no one from the Royal Family ever stayed in those quarters.
👉 If you are ready to book in advance, here is the tour I recommend – Toronto: Casa Loma Entry Ticket with Audio Guide
The Guest Room is beautiful and has its own washroom, bedroom, and sitting area.
On this floor, you will also find the Round Room which is probably one of my favorite rooms.
It is located at the base of one of the towers which is why its shape is round.
🎥 Casa Loma – Windsor Room
Casa Loma – Round Room
3rd Floor
The Third Floor houses the Servant’s Room (small, plane room), the Pellat Board Room, the Austin Room, and the Group of Seven Room.
The rest of the floor is dedicated to the Queen’s Own Rifles Museum which takes the entire hallway and a few spare rooms that feature different military memorabilia such as weapons, medals, and uniforms from different wars.
In the hallway, there are portraits of distinguished generals and figures.
The Group of Seven Room is a circular room like the Round Room on the floor below but this one houses a collection of paintings by members of the Group of Seven.
🎥 Casa Loma – Group of Seven Room
They were a group of Canadian landscape painters who were trying to create a uniquely Canadian art style that is inspired by being in contact with nature.
Also, on this floor, you will find the stairs to the towers as well.
Towers
There are two towers in Casa Loma – the Scottish Tower (circular shape) and the Norman Tower (square shape).
It does not cost extra to go inside the towers. When we visited, only the Norman Tower was open.
The Scottish Tower gets closed to the public on certain days due to different events such as the ‘’Escape the Tower’’ escape room game that can be played on certain days.
The best thing to do is check their website before you visit (it usually happens on the weekends).
In the Norman Tower, you end up being outside, which means it can get a bit windy.
You can access both towers from the Third Floor.
Keep in mind that the stairs leading to the towers are extremely windy and narrow.
However, the view from the top is totally worth it in my opinion – you can see the castle grounds and the downtown core.
Basement
In the basement, you will find the Liberty Cafe, the Wine Cellar, the Gift Shop, and the Tunnel that leads to the Hunting Lodge and Stables.
There is also a small Movie Theatre that shows documentaries about the caste (that area was supposed to be a swimming pool but it was never completed).
In the Basement hallway, you can also see the posters of a lot of movies that have used Casa Loma as a shooting location (called Hollywood Film Gallery).
There is a secret passage that is sometimes opened for visitors to explore. The entrance is in the room above (in Sir Pellatt’s Study), to the right of the fireplace.
From that entrance, you can get to the basement. If you take the secret passage to the left of the fireplace you will end up on the second floor.
I don’t know about you but I love me some secret passages in an old castle.
Once you are done with the basement, you continue down the tour through a long tunnel that goes from the castle to a different building called the Hunting Lodge and Stables.
Tunnels
Before you enter the tunnel, make sure you have explored the entire castle as you cannot go back, so do that last.
The tunnel is relatively wide, I am claustrophobic and I did not have a problem going in it.
There are different paintings and art on the walls of the tunnel as well.
We visited, right before Halloween so they had a bunch of scary-looking props everywhere (cobwebs, chains).
That is because they have a Halloween Event going on called Legends of Horror and they were setting up the tunnel for it.
It would take about 5 to 10 minutes to walk the entire tunnel (the length of it is over 200 meters) but don’t worry it is well lit and the floor is flat.
There is an escape room game that also takes place in a section of the tunnel.
🎥 Casa Loma – Underground Tunnel
Hunting Lodge, Stables & Antique Car Gallery
Eventually, you will get to the Hunting Lodge and Stables (different buildings). The Stables are where they used to have horses back in the day.
When we visited for some reason there were a bunch of dragon-looking statues instead of horses which I thought was hilarious.
So no live horses, unfortunately.
Also, you will also see the Potting Shed, which is where Sir Henry took care of rare flowers and plants.
Something else to check out is the Antique Car Exhibit where you will see a few old cars from that time.
When we visited, they had a small wax figure exhibition of movie celebrities that were in movies shot in Casa Loma.
However, I am not sure if the wax figure exhibition is a permanent exhibit or not.
Once you exit, you will realize you are in a different building, about a block north of Casa Loma.
An interesting fact is that the Hunting Lodge and Stables were built long before the castle was.
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Are There Any Events Happening In Casa Loma?
Keep in mind, that most of those events are not included in the General Admission.
Weddings
Weddings are extremely popular at Casa Loma, especially in the summer when the Garden is open.
Others do different photoshoots such as engagement ones.
How expensive is it to get married in Casa Loma?
If you want to get married in the castle you will need to spend between 20 and 25,000 Canadian dollars simply to rent the venue.
The price depends on the time of the wedding – the peak time is May to September and the off time is the rest of the months (winter).
The cost per plate for the guests starts at around $120.
Concerts
Casa Loma frequently houses different concerts like jazz, classical music, etc.
Currently, they have something called Symphony in the Gardens running in the summer months on Mondays.
They usually have a lot of concerts and events around Christmas time. Sometimes they have Light Shows as well!
Escape Rooms
Casa Loma has a few Escape Rooms with real actors and next-level props in them.
Keep in mind you will have to pre-booked a lot in advance and not all of them are available at all times!!
Some of them are Station M, Escape the Tower, The Dragon’s Song, etc.
Here is a link to find more info about the Escape Rooms in Casa Loma.
Legends of Horror
Every October, Casa Loma gets transformed for Halloween and their famous Legends of Horror event.
It is a self-paced walk through a 2km trail that starts in the lower gardens in Casa Loma.
Continuing your walk you end up winding your way through some of the tunnels and other dark and mysterious places that are not usually available to the public.
There are real actors and professional props.
👉 If you are ready to book your Casa Loma visit, here is the tour I recommend – Toronto: Casa Loma Entry Ticket with Audio Guide
What Restaurants Are Close To Casa Loma?
There are two restaurants in Casa Loma: Blueblood Steakhouse and Don Alfonso. They are both fancy and pricey.
The Blueblood Steakhouse is one of the best steakhouses in Toronto.
Don Alfonso is the only North American location of world-renowned Michelin Star Chefs Alfonso and Ernesto Iaccarino.
You will need to make a reservation for both of them in advance.
Another Casa Loma restaurant is the Liberty Caffé which is located in the basement and offers sandwiches, pasta, desserts, coffee, etc.
The Gardens at Casa Loma is a place where you can grab a casual meal and enjoy the beautiful gardens. Only open in the warm months.
If you rather not eat at the castle, I can recommend a place called Backyard Smokehouse, located right in front of Dupont Subway Station.
I found the food great and not too expensive. However, keep in mind the place is Halal and does not serve alcohol.
If you crave something sweet, there is a Krispy Kreme on the opposite side of Backyard Smokehouse.
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Conclusion: Complete Guide To Visiting Casa Loma, Toronto (By Local)
In conclusion, visiting Casa Loma in Toronto is a truly remarkable experience that takes you on a journey through history and grandeur.
This iconic castle offers a fascinating glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the past and allows you to explore its opulent rooms, secret passages, and stunning gardens.
From the Gothic architecture to the breathtaking views of the city skyline, Casa Loma never fails to amaze its visitors.
Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the charm and elegance of this magnificent castle and discover why it is one of Toronto’s most beloved landmarks.
