Casa Loma
Toronto's only castle, built by a millionaire and full of secrets.
Casa Loma is a full-scale Gothic Revival castle sitting on a hill in midtown Toronto, built between 1911 and 1914 for Sir Henry Pellatt, a financier who made his fortune in hydroelectric power. With 98 rooms, secret passages, a 800-foot tunnel to the stables, and towers you can actually climb, it's one of the most architecturally dramatic buildings in Canada — and the fact that it exists in the middle of a major North American city makes it genuinely surprising. Pellatt lived here for only about a decade before mounting debts and tax bills forced him out; the city eventually took it over, and today it's run as a heritage attraction and event venue.
A visit typically takes you through elaborately decorated period rooms — Sir Henry's study, Lady Pellatt's suite with its marble bathroom, the great hall with its 60-foot ceiling — along with the knights' study, the library, and a wine cellar. The highlight for most people is the tunnel, a long underground passage that connects the main house to the carriage house and stables, which have been beautifully restored. You can climb two towers for sweeping views over the city and the lake on a clear day. The whole thing is self-guided with audio tour options, so you set your own pace.
Casa Loma sits at the top of a long staircase off Spadina Road, which is part of the charm — you approach it like a proper castle. The surrounding Annex and Forest Hill neighborhoods are worth exploring afterward. Evenings at Casa Loma host frequent events, from themed dinners to immersive experiences and Toronto's beloved annual haunted attraction at Halloween, which sells out fast. If you're visiting during a regular daytime slot, arriving right at opening (9:30am) gets you the rooms to yourself before the school groups arrive.