Is Casa Loma Worth Visiting? A Complete Toronto Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Toronto, you might be wondering, “Is Casa Loma worth visiting?” The short answer: absolutely!

This historic castle is one of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks and a popular destination for both tourists and locals. From its incredible architecture and fascinating history to its stunning gardens and hidden features, Casa Loma offers much to explore.

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As a local, I have created this ultimate guide that includes everything first-time visitors need to know—what to expect, tips for planning your visit, and how to make the most of your time at this unique Toronto attraction.

What Makes Casa Loma Special?

Casa Loma is a historic castle built in 1914. It was originally the private home of financier Henry Pellatt. At the time, it was the largest private residence in Canada. 

The castle has 98 elaborately decorated rooms, hidden passageways, and secret tunnels beneath the surrounding streets.

Visitors can explore three stunning floors of rooms and hallways, climb two picturesque towers, and wander through the beautiful perennial gardens. 

Casa Loma’s unique architecture has also made it a popular backdrop for movies and photo shoots, adding to its interest and appeal.

Casa Loma Location & Tickets

Casa Loma is located at 1 Austin Terrace, just north of downtown Toronto. The Dupont subway stop is a short walk from the castle. 

Casa Loma is also a stop on the Toronto Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, making it an easy addition to any Toronto itinerary.

Casa Loma is open every day except Christmas Day (December 25) from 9:30 – 5:00 p.m. Last entry is 4:30, but I would not recommend visiting at this time as you will not have enough time to tour the castle.

Casa Loma Ticket Prices

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• Standard Admission (subject to change):
  • Adults: $30/$45 (special events)
  • Seniors (65+): $25
  • Youth (14–17): $25
  • Children (4–13): $20
• Special events, like Christmas in the Castle, are a higher admission cost. 

Casa Loma is a popular attraction, especially in summer, so it’s best to buy tickets ahead of time to avoid lines.

Discounted tickets are available only with a CityPASS purchase, but in my honest opinion the CityPASS pass is not worth purchasing for Toronto attractions.

Casa Loma Highlights

Casa Loma is much larger than most visitors expect, with a massive interior and gardens to explore. The castle’s rich history is truly remarkable, and the rooms are fascinating to see. 

Inside, you’ll find artifacts from World War I, Group of Seven painting, and an interesting collection of antique cars. Here are a few tour highlights:

Casa Loma Audio Tour

Casa Loma offers a self-guided audio tour that many visitors find surprisingly engaging. The tour is available on any phone and it comes in 4 languages.

The audio guide provides fascinating details about the estate’s history and features. The audio guide gives you a true understanding of the history, rooms, and artifacts throughout the castle.

Keep in mind that the audio tour will take more time. If you prefer a quicker visit, you can explore the castle on your own without the audio guide.

Rooms at Casa Loma

Casa Loma features nearly 98 rooms, each showcasing the elegance of the Edwardian era. Highlights include the opulent Great Hall, a stunning library, a huge conservatory, bedrooms, bathrooms and studies. 

Each room is decorated with period furnishings and intricate architectural details. These elaborately decorated spaces, filled with authentic antiques, offer a glimpse into the grandeur of early 20th-century design.

Casa Loma Towers

Casa Loma features two iconic towers: the Scottish Tower and the Norman Tower. Climbing them is a must for panoramic views of Toronto’s skyline and Casa Loma’s estate gardens. 

The towers were originally designed to highlight Sir Henry Pellatt’s vast estate. They offer exceptional views of the city and surrounding countryside.

Visiting the towers can be busy, as there’s only one staircase for both going up and coming down, which may require some patience. To avoid long lines, go early in the day. 

Note that the Scottish Tower closes early on select days to accommodate the Escape Casa Loma series. 

Gardens at Casa Loma

Many visitors come to Casa Loma just to enjoy the gardens. They are among the best gardens in Toronto. 

The gardens cover over four acres and you can walk among seasonal flowers, including roses, azaleas, and wildflowers in the spring and summer. I would suggest that the gardens are at their best in the summer when thousands of flowers are in bloom.

In the fall and winter you will not have direct access to the gardens as they are closed off for the holiday lights and Halloween tour. You can only see them from a distance on the terrace.

Secret Passages

Casa Loma is filled with hidden surprises, including secret corridors and staircases built for Henry Pellatt. 

One of the most impressive features is an 800-foot (243-meter) long tunnel running 18 feet below Austin Terrace, connecting the main house to the stables and carriage house. 

Along this tunnel, visitors can explore an exhibit called Toronto’s Dark Side, showcasing archival photographs of historic events like Prohibition, The Great Depression, The Plague, and The Great Toronto Fire. 

During Christmas at the Castle, the tunnel leads to Santa’s Workshop and the historic photos are replaced by holiday lights and displays.

Reel History of Casa Loma Tour

Also available through the online audio guide is a tour of the movie history of Casa Loma. It takes you through different scenes that were filmed inside different room.

Casa Loma doesn’t close for film shoots – so you never know, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one in action! Examples include X-Men, Chicago, The Handsmaids’ Tail, Murdock Mysteries and more.

Backstage Celebrity Gallery

Located in the stables, you will find a unique display of wax figures. At first I thought they were out of place (and to be honest, they sort of are), but they do showcase all the movies and TV shows that have been filmed at Casa Loma.

Once you get past the fact you feel like you are visiting Clifton Hill at Niagara Falls, the information is quite interesting and you realize how many famous shows have been filmed here. 

It’s worth stop – even if it’s to giggle and pose with the wax figures. Kids really seemed to enjoy this spot.

Additional Galleries and Displays

Casa Loma features several additional exhibits, including an antique car display, a Hollywood Film Gallery and a collection of Group of Seven paintings. 

Throughout the castle, you’ll find interesting galleries and displays that showcase art, history, and culture. There is certainly no shortage of things to see here!

Is Casa Loma Kid Friendly?

If you are looking for things to do in Toronto with kids, Casa Loma is definitely something to consider. During my recent visit there were lots of children enjoying the castle. In particular they like the maze of stairs and rooms.

I went during the winter holidays and so there were additional shows and activities to keep them entertained.

The kids also loved the views from the tower and the gardens. To enjoy the full history, there is a lot of reading use of the audio tour, which may not be as appealing to little ones. 

If you have a toddler or infants it is important to note that strollers can not be brought into Casa Loma. This could impact your plans (and perhaps your patience) for visiting.

Dining Options at Casa Loma

There are two dining options inside Casa Loma. The steakhouse requires a reservation. 

BlueBlood Steakhouse

• Ranked as Toronto’s #1 steakhouse, this fine dining option is perfect for a special meal.
• Choose to dine indoors, on the terrace, or in a glass dome for a unique experience.
• Reservations are essential; it’s not a place for last-minute plans.
• It’s an expensive option, but many visitors find the experience worth it.

Liberty Café

• Located in the basement of the castle, this café is a traditional tourist-style food court option.
• Outside food isn’t allowed, and all meals must be consumed in the café.

Nearby Option: Tim Hortons

Address: 603 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON

• Though not inside Casa Loma, there’s a Tim Hortons just around the corner.
• It’s a budget-friendly choice for coffee, sandwiches, or snacks before or after your visit.

How much time do you need at Casa Loma?

Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours to fully experience everything it has to offer. During my recent visit I wasn’t really prepared for how long I needed to truly appreciate all the history. 

I spent three hours at the castle, but this did not allow for the time needed to listen to the audio tour or even read all the information plaques.

Parking at Casa Loma

There is limited paid parking onsite at Casa Loma and costs $20. Payment is cashless. 

For additional paid parking, George Brown College offers a lot just south of Casa Loma off Macpherson Avenue.

Residential parking in the area is scarce. Taking the TTC is a much better option. 

Tips for Planning Your Visit to Casa Loma

As you finalize your plans to visit Casa Loma, here are some helpful tips:

• Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours to explore everything Casa Loma has to offer.
• It is hot inside the castle – even in winter. There is no coat room and no air conditioning, so dress in layers!
• Head to the towers first if this is an important feature as there is usually a long line.
• Be prepared for lots of narrow stairs throughout the whole property. I did not see a public elevator anywhere on site.
• Strollers are not allowed inside the castle, so you may want to bring a baby carrier if you are with an infant.

Events at Casa Loma

Casa Loma hosts a variety of events throughout the year, making it a popular destination year-round. 

Annual events include Legends of Horror, Christmas at the Castle, and Symphony in the Gardens.

It’s also a sought-after venue for weddings, which may limit access to certain areas, like the gardens or towers. 

Christmas at the Castle: Casa Loma in December

Casa Loma transforms into a holiday wonderland during Christmas, making it one of Toronto’s most popular holiday activities.

Visitors will see festive decorations, live performances, and activities throughout the castle, including a 40-foot Christmas tree in the Grand Hallway. 

Kids can walk through the tunnel to Santa’s workshop and meet Santa up until December 24. To learn more about this holiday event, read my guide to Christmas at the Castle.

Holiday Lights Tour at Casa Loma

The Holiday Lights Tour at Casa Loma is a separate ticketed event that celebrates the festive season with spectacular outdoor lighting displays. 

Guests can enjoy a self-guided walk through the castle’s gardens and tunnels, all beautifully decorated for the holidays.

The event covers approximately 2 km and is primarily outdoors, so dress warmly and be prepared for walking. Note that this tour does not include access to the interior of Casa Loma.

Casa Loma at Halloween: Legends of Horror

Every October, Casa Loma hosts Legends of Horror, an immersive theatrical experience that transforms the castle grounds into a spooky adventure. 

Visitors follow a 2 km trail that starts in the lower gardens and winds through the castle’s tunnels and rarely-seen spaces.

The experience lasts about an hour but can feel slower during busy times when the crowd forms a steady line. To avoid this, it’s best to visit earlier in the season. 

For families with young children, Family Hours from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM provide a less intense experience, without the live actors.

Escape Rooms at Casa Loma

Casa Loma features six unique escape room games, perfect for team-building, celebrations, or a fun date night. 

These experiences take about 90 minutes and are a great way to spend time with friends or family. Escape rooms are separate from castle admission, so you’ll need a separate booking.

Symphony in the Gardens

From June to September, visitors can enjoy live performances by the Casa Loma Symphony Orchestra in the castle’s gardens. 

This rain-or-shine event is perfect for classical music lovers. Seating is first-come, first-served, so arriving early is recommended as seats are not guaranteed.

What Can You Visit Near Casa Loma? 

• Spadina Museum: Located nearby, this is one of Toronto’s free historic museums and offers a glimpse into Toronto life in the early 1900s.
• Baldwin Steps: Right beside Casa Loma, these steps provide great views of Toronto’s skyline, especially vibrant in the fall.
• Toronto Sightseeing Bus: Casa Loma is a stop on this hop-on, hop-off bus tour, making it easy to explore more of the city.

Is Casa Loma Worth Visiting?

I really enjoyed my recent visit to Casa Loma during the winter holidays. I haven’t been since I was a child and I had forgotten how interesting and beautiful it is for visitors.

I also went in the afternoon and it was busy! Next time I would go earlier in the day so I could avoid the tourist crowds and visit both Casa Loma towers.

Casa Loma is also an ideal attraction to visit when it’s raining or if it is cold as the majority of the tour is indoors. 

If you have limited time in Toronto, you may want to save this attraction for another visit as you’ll need a few hours to get the most out of your visit.

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Before You Go: More Toronto Information

If you are planning a Toronto vacation, here are some additional article that can help with your process.

• Things to do in Toronto for First Time Visitors
• 3 Days in Toronto: The Perfect Toronto Itinerary
• Ultimate Toronto Islands Guide: All You Need to Know
• Is the Toronto Sign Worth Visiting?
• Is the Sightseeing Toronto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Worth it?
• Is the CN Tower Worth Visiting?
• Royal Ontario Museum Toronto Guide

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