Tourists in Toronto: Casa Loma

The castle-like Hill House was built in 1911–1914 as the private residence of Ontario soldier and electricity mogul Sir Henry Mill Pellatt. With secret cabinets and passages, an 800-foot tunnel leading to stables and a coach house, towers, richly decorated rooms, and even its own pipe organ, Casa Loma is Toronto's own Camelot.




WWI halted the construction of the bowling alleys and Roman bath in the basement, and financial troubles resulted in Sir Henry enjoying his castle for only less than ten years. But the rooms that have been maintained by the Kiwanis Club of Casa Loma since 1937 are a wonder to look at, from the rich furnishings and artwork to the architectural details and amenities that were very modern for the time.




Nature and art lovers will enjoy the estate's five acre gardens. A formal garden with a fountain, gazebo and sundial lies just beyond the castle's terraces.




On one side of the castle is a small, secluded garden with a fascinating Dragon Tree sculpture which comes with its own romantic legend. Elsewhere, paths meander through beautiful old trees, flowering bushes and gentle ponds.




Unfortunately, even the lovingly cared for gardens of Casa Loma have not been spared from graffiti.