Casa Loma: Visit Toronto’s Ornate Castle

In 1914, a successful businessman named Sir Henry Pellatt decided to construct a lavish castle that would rival Europe’s finest aristocratic estates. Pellatt’s 98-room castle—known as Casa Loma—featured stately gardens, sprawling stables, and more than one secret passageway. Pellatt got so carried away with adding ornate flourishes—such as engraving the names of his horses in 18-carat gold—that he ultimately spent every penny of his 17-million-dollar fortune and had to put Casa Loma up for sale.

Casa Loma is currently owned by the city of Toronto. Visitors can tour the opulent castle and view several rooms that are decorated in the ornate Edwardian style that Sir Henry Pellatt adored. Pellatt had to sell off Casa Loma’s lavish furnishings to pay his debts, but historians have worked tirelessly to authentically reconstruct Casa Loma just as Pellatt initially furnished it.

Casa Loma also features numerous permanent exhibits. An antique car exhibit that is housed in the stables is one of Casa Loma’s most popular attractions. A 1922 Ford Model T in pristine condition always attracts quite a crowd.

Casa Loma is also home to a swanky restaurant called BlueBlood Steakhouse that serves fine wine and delectable steaks. The walls of BlueBlood Steakhouse are decorated with paintings by masters such as Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali. BlueBlood Steakhouse is a wee bit pricey, so make sure to plan ahead and budget accordingly if you end up making a reservation so you don’t emulate Sir Henry Pellatt and spend every last penny in your bank account in one sitting.

If traveling to the Loire Valley in France isn’t in your budget, consider traveling to Toronto to visit one of North America‘s most lavish castles. Casa Loma‘s stately ramparts, regal bronze doors, and sparkling chandeliers will leave you wishing that you had 17 million dollars to burn.

Address:
1 Austin Terrace
Toronto, Ontario, M5R 1X8
Canada