Toronto Day 3: Casa Loma and The Cameron House
Today we are scheduled to visit Casa Loma, a historic castle known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. It is located in Austin Terrace, and the closest subway station is Dupont on the University Line. As usual, from our Vrbo, we took a street car from King St to King Station. It takes about 5-10 minutes to walk from Dupont to Casa Loma. You won’t get lost as the castle’s towers are visible from afar. Casa Loma is included in the CityPass, so we didn’t have to queue when we arrived.
Casa Loma was built by Sir Henry Pellatt in the early 1900s. This historic castle is known for its unique Gothic Revival architecture and well-preserved interiors, providing a glimpse into the past. Inside, you can explore grand halls, discover hidden passages, and see rooms that showcase the lifestyle of the early 20th century. Casa Loma also offers great views of Toronto from its towers and has beautiful gardens to stroll through. It is also a popular filming location for movies, such as Harry Potter and X-Men.
Inside Casa Loma, you can explore several interesting areas and features:
- The Great Hall: This grand entrance sets the tone with its soaring ceilings and opulent decor.
- Sir Henry Pellatt’s Suite: Visit the lavishly decorated private quarters of the castle’s original owner, including his study, bedroom, and luxurious bathroom.
- The Library: Home to a remarkable collection of books and period furnishings, the library is a cozy and historically significant room.
- The Conservatory: This sunlit space is adorned with beautiful stained glass and exotic plants, providing a tranquil atmosphere.
- The Secret Passageway: Discover a hidden passage that connects the conservatory to the Great Hall, adding an element of intrigue to your visit.
- The Stables: Explore the stables, which have been converted into a charming exhibition space featuring vintage cars from the early 1900s.
- The Sir Henry Pellatt Exhibit: Learn more about the life and achievements of Casa Loma’s builder through an informative exhibition.
- The Tower: Climb to the top of the castle for panoramic views of Toronto, offering a unique perspective of the city.
There are audio and visual guides for tourists available at the reception.
Casa Loma is more than just a historic site; it’s a journey back in time that’s worth experiencing, whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply looking for a unique outing in Toronto.
Know more about Casa Loma here.
There is a cafeteria located on the basement level of Casa Loma. However, it closes early. According to travel websites, the BlueBlood Steakhouse is considered the best place to dine in the area. Since we were not too particular about food and wanted to save money, we decided to eat at PizzaNova instead. It is situated beside Tim Hortons, takes about 5 minutes to reach on foot from Casa Loma, and is on the way to the Dupont subway station.
We strolled along The Path through the Eaton Centre when we reached King Station. Before returning home, I found an event called Stand-Up Comedy & Improv Show @ The Cameron House on Eventbrite, which runs every Wednesday. How fortunate that it was Wednesday! We checked it out as it was our first time watching a live stand-up comedy show. We took a streetcar to Queen Street West, only a few minutes walk from Spadina Ave.
The show exceeded all our expectations! The performers were so good at Improv! Listen to the full show here and hear my voice at timestamp 7:33 and 7:36! Definitely recommend you go when you are in Toronto.
Wow, looks like you had an incredible time! I’d love to visit Toronto one day. I’ll definitely keep Casa Loma on my list of places to visit. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! Yes definitely worth a visit ๐