Casa Loma Toronto
A majestic 1914 castle in Toronto, offering tours, gardens, and a unique glimpse into early 20th-century grandeur.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Casa Loma Toronto
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic 1914 castle in Toronto, offering tours, gardens, and a unique glimpse into early 20th-century grandeur.
"Step into a fairytale at Casa Loma, Toronto's magnificent castle offering history, charm, and a touch of royalty."
🚶♀️ Walkable from Dupont Station
Take the subway to Dupont station and enjoy a short, scenic walk to the castle. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Exterior Photos are Free
You can admire and photograph the castle's exterior without purchasing an entry ticket. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Exterior
Front Lawn
Admire the stunning architecture of this historic castle from the outside. Perfect for photos without needing an interior ticket.
The Secret Tunnels
Underground Passages
Explore the intriguing underground tunnels that connect the castle to its stables. A hidden gem for curious visitors.
Afternoon Tea Experience
Ollins Dining Room / The Conservatory
Indulge in a royal afternoon tea with delicious treats in a magnificent castle setting. A truly memorable experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: Skip the Car!
Book Ahead for Special Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walkable from Dupont Station
Take the subway to Dupont station and enjoy a short, scenic walk to the castle. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Exterior Photos are Free
You can admire and photograph the castle's exterior without purchasing an entry ticket. :camerawithflash:
Can we walk around the front and take pictures of casa loma
Casa Loma Booking
🏰 Explore Spadina House Next Door
Visit the free Spadina Museum right next door for more historical insights. :world_map:
☕ Book Afternoon Tea in Advance
The popular afternoon tea experience at Casa Loma requires advance booking. :ticket:
Still able to walk around and outside Casa Loma?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walkable from Dupont Station
Take the subway to Dupont station and enjoy a short, scenic walk to the castle. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Exterior Photos are Free
You can admire and photograph the castle's exterior without purchasing an entry ticket. :camerawithflash:
🏰 Explore Spadina House Next Door
Visit the free Spadina Museum right next door for more historical insights. :world_map:
☕ Book Afternoon Tea in Advance
The popular afternoon tea experience at Casa Loma requires advance booking. :ticket:
🎧 Use the Audio Guide
Enhance your visit with the audio guide for fascinating stories about the castle's history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Casa Loma for its stunning architecture and immersive historical experience, with many highlighting the delightful afternoon tea and the intriguing secret tunnels. Some find the interior tours a bit less engaging than expected, and the cost can be a factor for some.
"Very beautiful and well maintained. We enjoyed strolling the castle and garden. The towers had great views of the city, but be sure to note that they close earlier than the rest of the areas so schedule your visit time appropriately. I recommend wearing shoes in case you decide to climb the spiral staircases. Only bummer was from the outside courtyard area, they had white tents all over which kinda ruins the pictures we took from there."
Jennifer B
"I have stumbled on Casa Loma while figuring out from Google Maps how to spend few hours in Toronto. The place looked impressive on the outside, so stopping by and paying $20 CAD to park seemed reasonable. Next sticker price shock was $40 cost of admission per person, but hey, I’ve already parked anyway. Ultimately, I was quite satisfied with self-tour of the floors, separate mention is for observation decks of the towers: beautiful 360 degrees views of city skyline. Attic looked very authentic, historic rooms on 1st and 2nd floors are one of a kind, not the typical historic mansion on Long Island’s Gold Coast. Lunch on the terrace’s restaurant allowed to rest after scouring staircases up and down.
There is a charming “Secret Garden” where Halloween decorations were in the process of being installed. Next phase of exploration was to get to the basement and find the tunnel to the stables. Overall, quite rewarding experience and no regrets over spent money."
Mike Z
"First, this is one of the most important historical place in Canada. The Queen Castle.
Second, it's has an antique and unique appearance that give a very romantic place for any special occasion like Wedding, Wedding Anniversaries, Dating dinner or just simply explore the cultural past time in the Museum Castle.
Third, has different restaurants inside and outside.
This is a very busy place.
Few SUGGESTIONS and OBSERVATIONS for the visitors:
1st Call in Advance and checking up for the availability to visit. They were celebrating two wedding during the day.
We were blessed because they had the OPPORTUNITY and ALLOW the public get inside the Museum. Sometimes they DON'T.
There were couple rooms Closed for preservation and remodeling, but you will have many more room to see it.
We don't have the opportunity to see everything it's SUPER HUGE. ARRIVE THERE EARLIER. Our arrival time was at 2pm. AND 2 HOURS IT'S NOT ENOUGH to see and explore everything room.
And, there were many people's all over the places probably, because they're programs 2 weddings plus a very diverse cultural visitors from all over the World.
We went to spend time and explore this beautiful Historical Place for our #14 Wedding Anniversary.
We hopefully the next time has the opportunity to have a dinner at one of the restaurants.
We fell in love.
We will came back if the Almighty God give us another opportunity.
I Hopefully you are appreciate the previously advise and enjoy your unique moment."
Jacob Oliveras
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Casa Loma is by public transit. Take the TTC subway Line 1 (Yonge-University) to Dupont Station. From there, it's a short, pleasant 5-minute walk to the castle. This avoids the hassle and cost of parking.
Yes, Casa Loma offers paid parking on-site. However, many visitors find it more convenient and cost-effective to use public transportation due to potential traffic and parking fees.
Absolutely! You can walk around the front of Casa Loma and take photos of the exterior without needing to buy a ticket. The back gardens, however, are only accessible from inside the castle.
Yes, Casa Loma is very accessible by public transport. Dupont Station on the subway line is just a short walk away, making it easy to reach from anywhere in Toronto.
For most visitors, the best way to travel to Casa Loma is via the TTC subway to Dupont Station, followed by a short walk. This is generally more efficient and cheaper than driving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your Casa Loma tickets in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak season or for special events. This ensures your entry and can sometimes offer better pricing.
Casa Loma's hours can vary, especially due to special events. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating hours for your planned visit date.
Ticket prices for Casa Loma vary based on age and any special exhibits or events. Check the official Casa Loma website for current pricing and to purchase tickets.
Casa Loma sometimes offers discounts, such as CAA discounts. It's always a good idea to check their website or inquire about potential promotions before purchasing.
Yes, you can visit Casa Loma without a guided tour. General admission allows you to explore the castle at your own pace, often with the option of an audio guide.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside Casa Loma, you can explore opulent rooms, secret passages, the castle stables, and the beautiful conservatory. The audio guide provides rich historical context for each area.
While there are no official 'haunted' tours, Casa Loma has a rich history and some visitors report experiencing a spooky atmosphere, particularly in certain areas. It's a popular spot for Halloween events.
The Casa Loma stables are a fascinating part of the estate, showcasing the grandeur of the early 20th century. They are connected to the main castle via underground tunnels.
Yes, Casa Loma offers an audio guide that enhances the visitor experience by providing detailed historical information and stories about the castle and its former residents.
Blue Blood Steakhouse is a fine-dining restaurant located within the Casa Loma estate, offering a luxurious dining experience with a castle ambiance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Casa Loma offers a popular afternoon tea experience in its beautiful conservatory or dining rooms. It's a highly recommended activity, but booking in advance is essential.
Yes, Casa Loma features dining options, including the upscale Blue Blood Steakhouse and a cafe for lighter fare. The afternoon tea is also a significant culinary offering.
The food at Casa Loma, particularly for afternoon tea and at Blue Blood Steakhouse, is generally well-regarded for its quality and presentation, fitting the elegant castle setting.
Blue Blood Steakhouse is considered a fine-dining establishment, so it is on the pricier side. It offers a premium experience within the historic castle.
Typically, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside Casa Loma, especially within the ticketed areas. It's best to dine at their on-site restaurants or cafes.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand exterior of the castle, the ornate interiors, the conservatory, and the underground tunnels offer fantastic photo opportunities. The surrounding grounds also provide lovely backdrops.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Casa Loma for personal use. However, professional photography or videography may require special permits.
For personal photography, there is no additional fee beyond your admission ticket. Professional shoots may incur separate charges.
Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' offers beautiful lighting for exterior shots. Weekday mornings can provide fewer crowds for interior photography.
While personal photography is usually permitted, be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways. Flash photography might be restricted in certain sensitive areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the castle itself is the main attraction, remember that the Spadina Museum next door is free and offers a more intimate look at a historic home, which can be a great, less overwhelming option for younger children. Pack snacks and water, as food options inside can be limited or pricey.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you do decide to go inside, consider looking for discounted tickets or special offers. Utilizing Toronto's efficient public transit system (TTC) is also a significant cost-saver compared to driving and parking.
couples
Consider visiting during the evening for a more intimate atmosphere, or explore the grounds during the golden hour for stunning romantic photos. The nearby Blue Blood Steakhouse also offers a sophisticated dining option for a special evening out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Casa Loma's History
After Pellatt's financial difficulties, the castle was sold and eventually became a tourist attraction. It has since been featured in numerous films and television shows, adding to its allure. The architecture itself is a blend of Romanesque Revival and Gothic styles, making it a unique landmark in Toronto.
Visitors can delve into this rich history through self-guided tours, often enhanced by an audio guide that narrates stories of the Pellatt family and the castle's past. The adjacent stables, connected by underground tunnels, offer a glimpse into the estate's full scope.
The Casa Loma Experience: Beyond the Castle Walls
For those interested in a more casual exploration, the Casa Loma stables are a fascinating detour. Connected to the main castle by secret tunnels, they provide a unique perspective on the estate's infrastructure and the lifestyle of its former inhabitants.
Beyond the castle itself, the Spadina Museum is located just next door and is often recommended by locals and visitors alike. It offers a different, yet complementary, historical perspective and is free to access, making it a great addition to a Casa Loma visit.
Photography Tips for Casa Loma
Inside, the ornate interiors, including the ballroom, library, and dining rooms, provide rich backdrops. Don't miss the conservatory with its lush greenery and natural light, or the intriguing underground tunnels leading to the stables for a more dramatic shot.
Remember to be respectful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways. While personal photography is generally permitted, professional shoots may require prior arrangements. Using the audio guide can also offer insights into visually interesting spots you might otherwise miss.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit