This eye-catching landmark has starred in numerous films and is one of the city’s most visited attractions.
When Sir Henry Pellatt created his Gothic fantasy structure in 1914, he had no idea it would go on to star in Hollywood blockbusters such as Chicago, Cocktail and X-Men. The first glimpse of Casa Loma – the House on the Hill – is enough to arouse anyone's interest in uncovering its secrets.Sir Henry was a distinguished soldier and pioneering financier, whose far-sighted investment in bringing hydro-electricity to Ontario paid rich dividends. He commissioned his dream home from the celebrated architect E. J. Lennox, who had designed several other Toronto landmark buildings. Casa Loma was the largest private residence ever built in Canada, with a lift, an oven large enough to cook an ox, two secret passages and plans for three bowling alleys, sadly never completed.In the late 1930s the building became an official tourist attraction, retaining many of the original fixtures and fittings, including some of the fine furniture Sir Henry had picked up on his travels to Europe. Visitors can watch a short film about his extraordinary life and the circumstances in which Casa Loma was created, before following the free self-guided audio tour around the building’s 98 rooms arranged over three floors, including Sir Henry’s own personal suite with its secret compartment behind the fireplace.Visit the conservatory to view the intricate network of steam pipes specially designed to protect the fragile flowers from the rigours of winter, then follow the tunnel to the stable block and hunting lodge. Afterwards, take a wander through the grounds to admire the dramatic exterior of this extravagant flight of fancy.Special events at the mansion include ghost-tracking tours, dinner dances and a summer music series featuring local musicians. Check the official website for details of events, as well as opening times and other visitor information.Casa Loma is a 10-minute drive from the city centre and parking is not included in the admission price. For a cheaper alternative, take the metro to Dupont Station, from which the house is around 10 minutes on foot. Casa Loma is open daily until late afternoon, though it closes early on Christmas Eve and remains closed on Christmas Day.
