Casa Loma

Construction and early history of the Pellatt estate

Financier Henry Pellatt purchased 25 lots in Toronto in 1903 from developers Kertland and Rolf. He commissioned architect E. J. Lennox, who designed several other Toronto landmarks, to plan his estate. Construction began in 1911 not on the main house, but on the massive stables, a potting shed, and a separate Hunting Lodge located a few hundred feet to the north. This two-storey Hunting Lodge, also known as the coach-house, contained servants' quarters and became the Pellatts' initial residence once the stables were finished. The main castle took three years and 299 workers to build at a cost of approximately $3.5 million, a sum equivalent to nearly $100 million in 2025. The outbreak of World War I forced construction to halt, leaving parts of the third floor and basement amenities like three bowling lanes unfinished. With 98 rooms, it became the largest private residence in Canada upon its completion in 1914. Notable amenities included an elevator, an oven large enough to cook an ox, two vertical passages for pipe organs, a central vacuum system, two secret passages in Pellatt's ground-floor office, and a planned swimming pool. Sir Henry Pellatt and his wife, Lady Pellatt, moved into the mansion but enjoyed it for less than a decade due to subsequent financial hardships.

Financial decline, seizure, and interim uses

Following World War I, Pellatt faced severe financial difficulties exacerbated by a dramatic increase in property taxes from the City of Toronto. His annual tax bill rose from $600 to $1,000 per month, leading him to auction off $1.5 million in art and $250,000 in furnishings in an attempt to manage debts. He was forced to leave the mansion in 1923, and the city seized Casa Loma in 1924 for unpaid taxes. The building stood vacant for several years, during which it briefly operated as a luxury hotel. In the late 1920s, during American Prohibition, it became a popular nightspot for wealthy visitors. The Orange Blossoms, a band later known as Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra, played there for eight months in 1927 and 1928 before touring North America. In the 1930s, CFRB broadcaster Claire Wallace spent a night in the vacant castle to gather material for a story on ghosts and later broadcast an appeal to save it from demolition. Her broadcast was heard by the vice-president of a local Kiwanis Club, which led to the Kiwanis Club of West Toronto leasing the property from the city in 1937.

Kiwanis management and wartime secret use

The Kiwanis Club of West Toronto, later renamed the Kiwanis Club of Casa Loma, began operating the mansion as a tourist destination under a sole-source contract with the city. Their management lasted for 74 years, until 2011. During World War II, the stables were used for secret research and production of sonar devices, known as ASDIC, for U-boat detection. The area was closed behind an 'Under Repairs' sign, allowing workers to come and go without suspicion. Casa Loma is sometimes claimed to be the location of Station M, a covert manufacturing facility for agents' devices, but this has been disputed by historians. The Kiwanis tenure was not without controversy, with Pellatt's great-grandniece Trelawny Howell campaigning for an open-tender lease process starting in 2005. A 2006 city advisory committee recommended creating a new 'Casa Loma Trust' for management, but a 2008 city manager's report instead recommended extending the Kiwanis lease for 20 years, which was done in July 2008.

Architectural design and notable interiors

Casa Loma is a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture, designed by E. J. Lennox. Sir Henry Pellatt imported artisans from Europe to create much of the interior detailing and furniture. The house sits at an elevation of 140 metres above sea level, 66 metres above Lake Ontario, on the Davenport Hill escarpment. The Oak Room, originally called the Napoleon Drawing Room, is the most decorated room in the house and was used for formal occasions. It is encased in wood panels carved in the style of Grinling Gibbons, a project that took three artisans three years to complete. The room's plaster ceiling was made by Italian craftsmen and featured indirect lighting. It also contained a 10-foot-high Louis XVI style faux-gilt carved light standard with 24 bulbs. The Round Room is designed to fit beneath the mansion's central tower, with doors and windows that curve to follow the shape of the walls. The Conservatory is a glass-roofed room designed for plants and includes a fountain at one end.

Museums, exhibits, and gardens

Several permanent exhibits are housed within Casa Loma, reflecting different aspects of its history. The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Museum occupies much of the unfinished third floor, established there in 1970 to commemorate Sir Henry Pellatt's dedication to the regiment. Pellatt joined as a rifleman and rose to become its commanding officer, later serving as honorary colonel. The museum displays records and artifacts dating back to the regiment's formation in 1860. A Girl Guide exhibit on the second floor honours Lady Pellatt, who was a strong supporter of the movement. She first invited 250 Girl Guides to the house in 1913, and rallies became an annual event at the castle. The stables and carriage house feature an exhibition of vintage cars from the early 1900s, installed as of 2014. The estate includes five acres of gardens which are maintained and provide views of the Toronto skyline. The gardens are a popular feature during the warmer months and are included with general admission.

City restoration and modern management under Liberty Group

From 1997 until 2012, the mansion underwent a 15-year, $33-million exterior restoration largely funded by the City of Toronto. The city also created a new board of trustees in 2008. The renewed 2008 management agreement with the Kiwanis Club stipulated that net revenues would be used for upgrades, but the fund was used to cover operating shortfalls instead. By 2011, only $335,000 remained in the account, far less than the $1.5 million originally projected. As a result, the city temporarily resumed management in 2011 and sought bids from the private sector for a new operator. In January 2014, the city entered a new long-term lease and operating agreement with Liberty Entertainment Group, led by President and CEO Nick Di Donato. Liberty agreed to spend $7.4 million to continue the mansion's upgrades and introduced new hospitality offerings. In summer 2017, the Blueblood Steakhouse, a fine dining restaurant, opened within the castle. Liberty Entertainment Group now oversees daily operations, public events, and private venue bookings.

Film and television location history

Casa Loma's castle architecture has made it a highly sought-after filming location for movies and television over many decades. It has portrayed settings such as the X-Mansion in the X-Men films and Wayne Manor in the series Titans. Other notable productions filmed at least partially at Casa Loma include Strange Brew, Chicago, The Tuxedo, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and Crimson Peak. It appeared in television shows like Warehouse 13, Being Erica, and the adaptation of Goosebumps. The building was used for the Gothic television show Strange Paradise and for scenes in The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again in 2016. In 2018, it served as a location for the film Ready or Not. In 2022, it was used for the music video for the song Wait for U by Future and Drake. More recently, it served as a location for Top Chef: Destination Canada in 2025 and for an episode of MasterChef: Global Gauntlet in 2026. This recurring use in media has reinforced its status as a recognizable Toronto landmark.

Visitor experience and annual events

General admission provides access to the furnished rooms, the underground tunnel to the stables, the vintage car exhibition, and the gardens. A major annual highlight is Legends of Horror, an immersive Halloween experience that takes place after dark throughout the castle's grounds and tunnels. As of 2026, this event celebrated its 10th anniversary. The castle also features festive programming such as Christmas at the Castle during the winter holidays and summer concerts in its Glass Pavilion. The site is a popular venue for private events, including wedding ceremonies, which can be booked after public hours. CityPASS admission bundles include entry to Casa Loma along with other Toronto attractions like the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. With its combination of historical exploration and themed events, Casa Loma offers a dynamic experience year-round for over 350,000 visitors.

Location, access, and surrounding area

Casa Loma is situated at 1 Austin Terrace, at the intersection with Spadina Road, in midtown Toronto. It is built on an escarpment known as Davenport Hill, above Davenport Road, which marks the ancient shoreline of Lake Iroquois, the predecessor to Lake Ontario. This location provides views down the escarpment and Spadina Avenue toward the city centre. The stables are located at 330 Walmer Road and the Hunting Lodge at 328 Walmer Road, both connected to the main house by the underground tunnel. The property is easily accessible by public transit, being served by both St. Clair West and Dupont stations on the Toronto subway's Yonge-University line. Its central location in midtown Toronto makes it a convenient point for visiting other nearby attractions like the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Toronto Zoo. The castle's address and contact information, including a phone number and email, are listed publicly for visitor inquiries.

Questions about Casa Loma

Who built Casa Loma and why?

Casa Loma was built for Sir Henry Pellatt, a prominent Canadian financier and soldier. He commissioned architect E. J. Lennox to design a grand Gothic Revival castle as his private residence, reflecting his wealth and status. Construction took place between 1911 and 1914, costing about $3.5 million and involving 299 workers. Pellatt's dream was to create a showpiece home with modern amenities like an elevator and central vacuum, but he lived there for less than a decade due to financial reverses after World War I.

How many rooms does Casa Loma have and what are some special features?

Casa Loma has 98 rooms spread across 64,700 square feet, making it the largest private residence ever built in Canada. The rooms include lavish suites, a grand library, a conservatory with a fountain, and service areas. Notable features were an elevator, an oven large enough to cook an ox, two vertical passages for pipe organs, a central vacuum system, and two secret passages in Pellatt's ground-floor office. Parts of the third floor and basement amenities like bowling lanes were never fully completed due to the halt in construction caused by World War I.

Can you get married at Casa Loma?

Yes, Casa Loma is a popular venue for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The castle and its gardens can be rented for private events in the evenings after the museum closes to the public. The ornate rooms and outdoor spaces provide a dramatic backdrop for weddings. The current operator, Liberty Entertainment Group, also manages on-site dining options like the Blueblood Steakhouse, which opened in 2017 and can cater to such events.

What is the Legends of Horror event?

Legends of Horror is a major seasonal Halloween event held at Casa Loma. It is an immersive theatrical experience where visitors journey through the castle after dark, encountering live actors, installations, and surprises. The event utilizes the castle's interior rooms, gardens, and the 800-foot underground tunnel. As noted in 2026, the event celebrated its 10th anniversary, having become a established Halloween attraction in Toronto. Separate tickets are required for this after-hours experience.

Is Casa Loma accessible by public transit?

Yes, Casa Loma is well-served by Toronto's public transit system. The closest subway stations are St. Clair West and Dupont, both on the Yonge-University line. From these stations, it is a short walk or bus ride to the castle entrance at 1 Austin Terrace. This makes it easily reachable for visitors staying in downtown Toronto or elsewhere in the city without needing a car. The property also has parking lots for those who drive.

What museums are inside Casa Loma?

Casa Loma houses two primary museum exhibits. The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Museum occupies much of the third floor, displaying artifacts related to the military regiment with which Sir Henry Pellatt was closely associated. A Girl Guide exhibit is located on the second floor, celebrating Lady Pellatt's patronage of the Guiding movement in Canada and their early visits starting in 1913. Additionally, the stables feature a vintage car exhibition with vehicles from the early 1900s, which has been in place since at least 2014.

Sources: Wikipedia and current public reporting, checked by the Novello Desserts desk. Last updated 2026-10-20.