Casa Loma in Toronto is a Gothic Revival castle built between 1911 and 1914 for financier Sir Henry Pellatt, and it is now one of the city’s most popular attractions, with lavish rooms, towers, secret passages, a long underground tunnel to the stables and seasonal gardens. It sits at 1 Austin Terrace, a short uphill walk from Dupont station on TTC Line 1. This guide covers tickets, how to get there, what to see and tips for visiting during the holiday season.
Sir Henry Pellatt made his fortune in electricity and railways and wanted the largest private residence in Canada. He hired architect E.J. Lennox, who also designed Toronto’s Old City Hall, and the castle was completed just before the First World War. Pellatt’s finances later collapsed, and he lost the property in the 1920s. The City of Toronto eventually took ownership, and the castle became a museum and event venue. Today, it is a symbol of Toronto’s Edwardian era and a favourite filming location for movies and television series.
| Item | What to know (as of 2026) |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto |
| Nearest subway | Dupont station (Line 1), then a short uphill walk or stairs |
| Typical visit length | 2 to 3 hours |
| General admission | Indicatively $40 to $50 for adults, with reduced rates for youth, seniors and children; online prices may differ |
| Special events | Separate tickets, often timed entry |
| Parking | Paid parking near the castle; spaces fill up during events |
| Accessibility | Main floors are accessible, but towers and some areas involve stairs |
Opening hours, prices and event schedules change during the year. Always confirm the details on Casa Loma’s official website before you go, and book online for holiday dates.
New to Toronto transit? Our complete guide to riding the TTC and our PRESTO card guide explain fares and transfers.
Casa Loma is especially popular from mid-November to early January, when the castle is decorated for the season and often hosts special holiday programming and evening events. These events usually require timed tickets and can sell out on weekends. Plan to arrive early, dress warmly for the walk from the subway and the tunnel to the stables, and expect larger crowds than at other times of the year. For more seasonal outings, see our guide to Toronto Christmas markets and holiday events.
Children usually love the castle’s hidden doors, tower climbs and the long tunnel. To keep them engaged, turn the visit into a scavenger hunt: find the secret passage in the library, count the steps to the top of a tower, or spot the old cars and carriages in the stables. Strollers can be awkward on stairs, so a baby carrier may be easier for toddlers. Plan a snack break, as a full visit can take a few hours.
Spadina Museum, a historic house museum with gardens, is right across the street and shows how a wealthy Toronto family lived in the early 20th century. The Annex and Yorkville neighbourhoods are a short ride away for shopping and dining, and the Royal Ontario Museum is easily reached on Line 1. If you are visiting from out of town, pair Casa Loma with downtown icons; our CN Tower visitor guide covers tickets and the best times to go.
Weekday mornings are generally the quietest time to visit, especially outside school holidays. Summer weekends, holiday events and March Break are the busiest periods. Arriving right at opening gives you the best chance to explore the towers and the Great Hall without crowds. If you are visiting in winter, check the weather: icy conditions on the Baldwin Steps can make the walk from Dupont station slippery.
Casa Loma is one of Toronto’s most photographed buildings, and its rooms have appeared in many films, television series and music videos. Personal photos are generally welcome during regular visits, but professional photo shoots, such as engagement or wedding sessions, usually require advance booking and a fee. The castle is also a popular venue for weddings, galas and corporate events, which means some rooms may occasionally be closed to general visitors, especially on weekend evenings. If you are planning a visit around a special date, check the calendar for closures. For the best outdoor photos, walk around the castle’s exterior and the gardens in late afternoon, when the stone facade glows in the low sun, or come back after dark during holiday events, when the building is lit up. Remember to respect other visitors and avoid blocking the narrow staircases and secret passages when taking pictures inside the castle.
Most visitors spend two to three hours exploring the castle, towers, tunnel, stables and, in season, the gardens.
Dupont station on Line 1 is the closest. From there, it is a short walk north and up the escarpment.
Yes. The interiors are the main attraction, and holiday decorations and events make winter a popular time to go. The gardens, however, are usually best in the warmer months.
Yes, the towers are typically open to visitors, but they involve narrow, steep staircases that may not suit everyone.
Casa Loma was built for Sir Henry Pellatt and designed by architect E.J. Lennox. Construction took place between 1911 and 1914.
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