I live less than two hours drive from the heart of Ontario’s capital city and have in-laws that live right downtown. Meetings make it necessary for me to hit the big city streets on a regular basis – but I confess, I hadn’t ever set foot inside Casa Loma, one of Toronto’s top five tourist attractions.
Built at the turn of the last century by Sir Henry Pellatt, one of Canada’s original powerbrokers – in 1889 his company negotiated a 30-year monopoly to provide street lighting for Toronto – Casa Loma means ‘house on the hill’ and is one of the most spectacular monuments to arrogance you’re ever likely to see. Sir Henry spent lavishly to create what was the most outrageously luxurious private residence of its time in Toronto – a castle, in fact.
When he lost his fortune in the 1930’s, most of the grand furnishings had to be sold but enough remain to satisfy the curiosity of visitors eager to see how the rich and famous once lived. Casa Loma has been used as a set for Hollywood films that include:” X-Men”, ‘”Chicago” and “The Love Guru” and is a huge favorite with those who are passionate about architecture and history.
Your entry fee includes a headset with a recorded tour that will take you through the building and gardens, ensuring you won’t miss any of the important details. If you have hearing difficulties, a printed version of the tour is available – just ask.
Live guided ‘Ghost Tours’ are also available at various times of the day for those with a taste for the slightly eerie. Don’t worry that this will give anyone nightmares – the supernatural revelations are more quirky than scary. If you liked the kind of Masonic menace featured in “The Da Vinci Code” and are fascinated by slightly scientific horrors, you’ll enjoy the Casa Loma Ghost Tour, but don’t expect to find any skeletons in the closets.
Tips:
- Adults with a passion for historical architecture will love this tour, but kids will probably begin to lose patience. When Junior gets restless, alternate turns watching him run around outside in the nearby park. Because you have a headset, you can do the tour at your own pace – with interruptions if necessary. Promise Junior that the next day’s trip will be to the Metro Zoo, the Royal Ontario Museum, the CN Tower or the Ontario Science Centre – the other four must-sees in the CityPass package.
- Rather than spending money on a cab or struggling to find parking, take the University subway line to Dupont station. Just a short two-block walk north will get you to the bottom of the stairs that are the shortcut to Casa Loma. In good shape? Walk the nearly 100 steps to the top, stopping for little sit-downs on the benches at each landing. Not sure you’d make it to the top? Turn left and follow the signs around the base of the hill to take the longer, but flatter approach.
- Don’t bother standing in the ticket line. Just flash your CityPass and go straight through. Pick up your headset and you’re ready to roll. Note: the Ghost Tour is an additional $3.00 fee and numbers are limited.
For more on discounts to the best attractions in Toronto, visit: www.citypass.com/toronto.
Continue for the Top 5 Sights & Attractions in Toronto: The CN Tower.
Photo by Jeffrey Vanneste on Flickr.com
Liz Fleming is an award-winning Canadian travel journalist who specializes in adventure, health and wellness and learning travel. For more from Liz, go to: Liz Fleming’s Travel Tales