Casa Loma : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Casa Loma is an awe-inspiring Gothic Revival-style estate in midtown Toronto, Canada. Built by Sir Henry Pellatt, this stunning castle is a sight to behold and an unforgettable part of any visits to Toronto. Noted for its grand halls and richly decorated bedrooms, Casa Loma is a luscious escape where you can explore historic artifacts, marvel at stained glass windows, and listen to tales of hauntings in the secret tunnels underneath. In this blog post, we will share some interesting facts and information about Casa Loma and give readers a brief travel guide on how to make a visit.

Interesting Facts About Casa Loma

1. Casa Loma was once named ‘Humewood Castle’ after a street in Toronto.

2. Casa Loma was designed by architect E.J. Lennox in 1913. Lennox included several towers and spires in the design inspired by the homes of Europe.

3. The construction of Casa Loma was completed at a cost of 3.5 million dollars, an astronomical cost at the time.

4. Casa Loma served as a naval training center for a brief period during World War I.

5. In 1933, Casa Loma was purchased by the City of Toronto for a sum of $27,303.

6. The main tower of Casa Loma is 97 feet tall, and features an underground tunnel with a secret entrance.

7. Although it has been renovated over the years, Casa Loma still contains its original furnishings.

8. The exterior of Casa Loma is made from a combination of stone and brick and includes more than 30 rooms.

9. Casa Loma is home to Canada’s only known operational 800-pound grand organ, which was built in 1922.

10. The Casa Loma Estate was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1994.

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History & Information About Casa Loma

Casa Loma is a historic house and garden in Toronto, Ontario. The castle was built between 1911 and 1914 by financier Sir Henry Pellatt as his own personal residence. The house was designed in the Gothic Revival style by architect E.J. Lennox, and features 98 rooms, a secret tunnel, a 600-foot-long tunnel, an 8-acre estate, and a conservatory. Upon completion, Casa Loma was one of the most expensive projects of its kind in North America.

Before Casa Loma was completed, Sir Henry Pellatt went bankrupt due to the high cost of construction and a failed hydro-electric venture. The City of Toronto eventually purchased the estate and opened it to the public as a museum in 1937.

Casa Loma remains one of Toronto’s most famous tourist attractions. More than 350,000 people visit the castle each year, and the estate has also been featured in numerous television shows and movies. Casa Loma is regarded as a symbol of Toronto’s past and its grandeur.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Casa Loma

Casa Loma is a stunning castle situated in midtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is one of the most visited attractions in the city and is one of the few remaining castles in North America. Here is your travel guide for visiting Canada’s castle in the heart of Toronto.

Getting There:
Casa Loma is accessible by subway, streetcar or taxi. The closest subway station is the St. Clair West station on the Yonge-University-Spadina line. Take the 512 street car to the Castle. You can also take a taxi from any point in Toronto and it will easily get you to Casa Loma.

Hours:
Casa Loma is open 7 days a week from 9.30 am to 5 pm from April to October. From November to March, it remains open from 10am to 4 pm.

Tickets:
You can buy tickets online or at the castle. The prices may fluctuate depending on the season. Adult tickets cost $26.50 CAD, while children aged 4–13 pay $17.50 CAD. There is also a family pass available.

What to See:
Once inside the castle, you can explore the Carriage Room, which houses marvels from centuries past, the Great Hall, where formal state events used to be held and the study room, where Sir Henry Pierpoint lives. All the rooms have been carefully preserved and restored. The castle also houses a secret tunnel, which you can explore by taking a guided tour. You can also enjoy the stunning views of Toronto’s skyline from the outdoor terrace and gardens.

Dining and Shopping:
The castle hosts the BlueBlood Steakhouse. They offer fresh and locally sourced ingredients. You can also dine in the Terrace Café, which serves a variety of sandwiches, salads and other light snacks. The castle also has a gift shop, where you can purchase souvenirs and memorabilia.

Other Activities:
Casa Loma also has a variety of other activities including guided tours, castles and estates photo tours, spooky ghost tours, Segway tours, school programs, and more. Visit the website for more details.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Casa Loma

Q: What is the history of Casa Loma?

A: Casa Loma was built from 1911 to 1914 by Sir Henry Mill Pellatt, a Canadian financier and soldier, as his own personal castle in the city of Toronto, Ontario. He had the castle built as a holiday home for his family, however, Pellatt ended up residing there for approximately 10 years before financial issues forced him to move out. In 1937, Casa Loma was bought by the City of Toronto and has since been transformed into a museum and landmark.

Q: What amenities does Casa Loma offer?

A: Casa Loma has many amenities for visitors to enjoy. There is a garden featuring sculptures, a conservatory, and perennial displays; a 5-acre estate for walking or picnicking; in-house restaurants, cafes and lounges; audio guides and self-guided tours; an array of special events; a gift shop; and an urban garden.

Q: How much does it cost to visit Casa Loma?

A: General admission rates are $26.75 for adults, $24.25 for seniors/youths, and $19.60 for children aged between 4 and 13. Tickets are valid for the entire day, so visitors have the opportunity to come and go as they please.

Q: What type of events does Casa Loma host?

A: Casa Loma hosts a variety of special events, such as educational programs, music concerts, theatrical performances, private rentals, and seasonal festivals.

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