If you’ve been following along, you will know by now that we have very good friends, Paul and T, who live in Illinois with whom we visit, travel, laugh (and laugh and laugh), eat and drink and recently, they kindly paid us a long overdue visit. It’s always a challenge to come up with things to do since we’ve been hanging out with each other for around 20 years — we’ve done most things in the GTA that had to be done. Now, I know it’s not always necessary to plan a weekend with such good friends, but it’s nice to do a little something special, particularly since it’s the only time JT and I get to be tourists in our own city.
We decided to visit Casa Loma, a real castle in the heart of Toronto. Built by Sir Henry Pellatt and Lady Mary Pellatt for $3.5 million dollars around 1911. Now that is a lot of money even now, can you imagine how much that was in 1911? Sadly, the Pellatt’s only lived in the Castle for 10 years, when their financial empire crumbled and they were forced to auction off the castle and belongings. In 1924 they moved to their farm in King township, and shortly after Lady Mary passed away of heart problems (likely caused by anxiety and stress of their financial downfall). The castle was fitted with the most modern conveniences, like indoor toilets, electricity and telephones; when the entire city of Toronto had 3,000 telephones, the Pallett’s castle had 50! Even the servants quarters were grandly equipped (by the standards of the day) with heated rooms, electricity and indoor washrooms (it reminded me of Downton Abbey). It took 300 men three years to build it. Quite the property.
In 1925 they tried to convert it to a luxury hotel, but even that didn’t pan out; the rooms were never completed, only the common areas had been re-purposed where they held many high-end social events and dances. In 1937 the Kiwanis Club of West Toronto took over the building and began the tedious task of renovating and refurnishing the rooms as Sir and Lady Pallett would have had it furnished. Today, only some of the furnishings are from the Pallett’s estate, many of them are just ‘of the time’. You can book your wedding or special event at the castle, but 27 years ago, the waiting list was three years long, so plan ahead!
Casa Loma is situated in Forest Hill, an exclusive neighbourhood in Toronto, even today. The area is also quite lovely to experience and I strongly suggest that you check it out if you are visiting Toronto.
A few practical notes and we’ll get to the good stuff:
- With the self-guided audio tour, it will take you about 2-3 hours to go through the castle, we had a moderate pace and completed the tour, even the garages, stables and potting shed in a little over 2 hours.
- There is an elevator but it must be operated by staff, the stairs are so much more practical, and they will allow your tour to flow better (not having to back-track on yourself to get to the lift).
- It’s not heated well, so you’ll need your jacket in the winter (I wore boots and my toes were chilled). I walked around with my jacket buttoned up (and I usually start sweating as soon as I think about going inside — Eastern European and all!).
- Little one’s are not discouraged, but there is little for them to be amused with. Unless you are going for a specific kids program, they will be bored.
- There is a cafeteria on site, but Yorkville is very close by with so many better options.
- Ladies, take a purse that can be hung on your shoulder, your hands will be occupied with the listening device, the map and perhaps a camera (and for me, a tissue for my sniffling nose, yes, I still have it! Grrr!).
- Not a cheap experience, adult entry is around $20; check on line, you may be able to find discount coupons. If you plan on doing more than one attraction a Toronto Attractions City Pass may be the way to go.
The Good Stuff (you’ll see that I didn’t take many photos (I kept my gloves on) so you’ll have to visit to see it all):
And that concludes our visit to Casa Loma, I hope you have a chance to see it when you come to Toronto.
Was born in Toronto in 1958 and never saw Casa Loma until I dropped off my daughter 9yrs ago to complete forms for college and thought, why not fill the hours touring Casa Loma for the 1st time, yes, the first time. I thought it was exquisite inside with such detail in workmanship, the woodwork around the rooms, stonework in and outside, the grounds and the furniture to compliment it. It was very beautiful out on the balcony with a view of the gorgeous gardens, while people had tea. Talking about tea, Lady Pelletts’ tea cup and saucer that she gave to her maid has been passed down to me through the family. My great grandmother was given a teacup and saucer from her friend many many years ago and it has been passed down through the generations as a total treasure, it is a very special keepsake. I must say the visit was most enjoyable and I would highly recommend well the flowers are in bloom.
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Hi Lorien, thank you for your comment. Indeed Casa Loma is a beautiful part of Toronto’s history. If you’re out towards the Thousand islands, you should tour Bolt Castle, it is rich in history and romance!
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Hi Eva – the first photo immediately made me think of this – the great hall from a stately home in England, near my home town. I worked there as a house guide during a summer season. It was the best job I’d ever had – just so fascinating!
Anyway – I would have loved to visit this place… I just adore place like this. It seems so strange that it’s in the middle of the city! You walk around and you expect to look out on a big country estate – not a bustling city! Too bad it was chilly inside – you’d think with the price of admission they could afford to turn the heating up a bit. The house I worked in was the same, and just as pricey to get in. Loved seeing your photos – isn’t it fun being a “tourist in your own city”? When people I know visit France they go off to places I didn’t even know existed, haha 😀
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I can certainly see the resemblance Charles, thank you. I can also see you in that job, you have a lovely way about you, you would have been a perfect guide.
It’s true, we never do the ‘touristy’ things either so I love it when we have visitors.
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A lovely tour Eva. I’m sure your friends enjoyed spending time with you and visiting the castle with its wonderful views
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Thank you Karen, it was a fun day. We’ll definitely go again in the summer to see their beautifully manicured gardens.
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I went there on my senior trip. A long time ago. Beautiful place! Your pictures are really exquisite and you captured it so well. Love the stables! And I love Toronto. I grew up in New York near 1000 Islands and then Letchworth Park area so Canada was a weekly trip! Thank you for the wonderful memories!
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Thank you kindly Judy, I’m sure my grade school visited but I don’t recall the trip; my boyfriend (now husband) visited when I was around 16. We’ll definitely head back in the summer to see the gardens.
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Oh i am so glad i came over to visit today, i would have hated to miss out on this extraordinary building, no wonder they went broke.. LOVE the stables (of course) and now I want a tunnel to my barn! very beautiful, sometimes making an excursion with friends is the best way to spend the day, how lovely to have such wonderful old friends who know all the stories and exactly how you have your cup of tea! c
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Yes indeed a tunnel would be perfect and great fun for the home schooled children. Glad you enjoyed this post C.
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that very first picture is just beautiful! I would love to get to go to toronto someday
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Thanks Jessica its a great city with a lot of fantastic attractions! You really must visit, you’d love it!
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We have talked about visiting Toronto a time or two…it’s really not all that far from us. I will be needling your for more great sights to see…this castle looks amazing! Impressive stables…AND access.
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Hi Liz, let me know if you visit Toronto and we’ll try to get together! It’s a fantastic city with lots to do.
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I am bookmarking this page Eva. We are planning a visit to Toronto in summer and will definitely try to weave this into the schedule. It does look a bit scary…to think such a huge place for two people. Poor Pellets.It seems to have caused them more problems than happiness.
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Thanks Minnie, it is really cool. I have a couple of other posts under things to do in Toronto, you should check it out.
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Wow Eva, I didn’t know Toronto had a place like that! I think I said so before you could be a travel writer – amond other things.
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Hi Zsuzsa, yes we are indeed quite fortunate to have such a historical building and that its been restored for tourism. I am indeed flattered by your lovely compliments, thank you!
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What a beautiful place! I love grand old homes and castles, and there aren’t that many of them anymore, sadly. I’m so glad this one has been kept up so well and that you can visit it…and that we just did with you! That’s an amazing view of the city from the towers…and a very modern contrast to the castle. Some day I will visit Toronto, and this will be on my list!
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I would be honoured to show you around our lovely city, Betsy I do hope you make it up north sometime! But don’t come in the winter, it’s just nasty!
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What an incredible place to visit! And what luxury-at first I was thinking of Downton Abbey but they only have one telephone, not 50! 😮
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Thanks Lorraine, 50 telephones does sound incredibly lush doesn’t it? They even built little alcoves into the walls to hold the phones! In terms of size, I’m not sure if Downton is larger or smaller than Casa Loma.
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Thanks Lorraine, I really couldn’t imagine living in such an enormous place.
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Now that’s what they call being moneyed: building a castle for yourselves, in the 20th century! So glad that a use was found for it and that you, as residents or visitors to Toronto, have access to it. Thanks for taking us along, Eva. The views from the towers, alone, were worth it.
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Thank you kindly John, I’ve not heard the term moneyed but it sure does make sense. It’s a lovely little bit of history in the centre of the city. We do have a few lovely places for amazing views; like Chicago, Toronto has a gorgeous skyline.
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Thank you so much, Eva, for the fascinating tour! If I ever go to Toronto I will just print your post and no need to have any guide book 🙂
The view is breathtaking and it does make me think also of La Défense arch! Incredible!
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That is one view in Paris I really love and we climb the stairs to the top of the Arc every time we visit. It’s so peaceful in such a busy city. Although Toronto is indeed considered one of the greenest cities in North America, the views of Paris seem greener, but then again it was summer in Paris and winter in Toronto.
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What an amazing castle! Thank you for sharing the photos, Eva.
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You are very welcome Angie. I hope you have an opportunity to visit Toronto one day.
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Like A_Boleyn, I too visited Casa Loma many years ago but don’t remember much. Your photos are gorgeous and yes, the city shots do remind one of Paris.
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Thanks Norma, I am hoping to go back in the summer to see the gardens, apparently they are spectacular. It was fun to see the castle again.
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What a great little castle and your photos are really inspiring. A place to put on the bucket list to visit. Take Care, BAM
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Thanks Bam, I do hope you visit, Toronto is an incredible city, and the people aren’t half bad either! 😉
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It’s been years since I visited Casa Loma and unfortunately, other than the stables, I had forgotten so much of the place. Perhaps I should take another tour one day though I don’t get around as well as I used to so I might have to give the towers a miss.
Thanks for the memories. (Now how about a tour of Chinatown or what I vaguely remember being a sort of Little India in TO.)
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Thanks Maria, it’s a lot of walking and stairs, but they do have elevators so I’m sure you could manage. The towers are tough for able bodied as well, but rest assured there are a lot of lovely photos on line that you can enjoy.
We did a walking tour of Kensington Market a couple of years ago, but I can’t recall if I blogged about it. It was one of those wagjag deals and I decided to do it on my birthday, one of the darn hottest days of the year. I’m sure I was melting and didn’t take many photos, but it was quite cool.
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I love castles. Fortunately, that’s something we have plenty of here in England.
From the photos, it looks like an awesome view, Toronto, yes? Looks a bit like Paris, especially in the seventh photo, the one with the boulevard. Very nice.
Those eggs look delicious! Did you make those? Or did you have them at the castle, looks like the usual fancy snack in such a place.
Looks like a fun day out and thanks for sharing!
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Hi Tudor, yes indeed, it is Toronto — it’s the only castle in the city, although we do have a few manor houses.
Yes, I did make the eggs, I don’t think we had found one another at that time. Check it out here https://kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com/2013/02/04/deviled-quail-eggs-a-little-hors-doeuvres/
Sadly the cafeterias in these types of places in North America tend to be the worst of the fast food genre, we didn’t bother eating there.
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This was my favorite school trip when I was little — there used to be a display of girl guide dolls that belonged to Lady Baden Powell, one of the founders of guides. We went there for a wine and cheese night a couple years back and enjoyed it — although it wasn’t quite as magical an experience as when I was 10. Your photos are beautiful and I do see what you mean about the view reminding you of Paris a bit.
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Hi Barb, I’m sure I went with a school trip as well, although I don’t much remember. I do remember going there with JT while we were dating. It was so nice to visit again, I must remember to do it again in the summer when the gardens are in full bloom. Your wine and cheese event sounds like it was lovely.
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That is beautiful, Eva. I would love to visit this castle. It is so sad that the owners lost their fortune and had to leave their ‘home’. That’s where this story differs from the Downton Abbey story. I can’t imagine spending that much money on a home way back then – it’s hard to imagine spending that much these days xx
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Thank you so much Charlie, yes it was very sad for the owners to lose their home, lofty as it was. The story of Downton Abbey was very close to the same plot line, before that dashing Michael fixed things up. They didn’t play the show last Sunday, I suspect due to the Oscars, but I am anxious to see what happened to Michael. I do hope he will survive!
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Your photography is beautiful my friend, what am experience to visit a true castle! A little scary and very gorgeous indeed!
A wedding here indeed would be magic!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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Thank you kindly CCU, I didn’t even mention the hidden doors and stairs, now that could be scary. I have never heard that the castle is haunted, but I wouldn’t doubt it.
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