Casa Loma
In Midtown Toronto your group will find one of the most architecturally impressive homes in all of Ontario, maybe even Canada as a whole, Casa Loma. This Gothic Revival style home is today a museum, landmark, and popular garden tour grounds, with regular tours and events throughout the year.
Let's back up just a little bit and give a quick history lesson: Casa Loma was built between 1911 and 1914. It served as the residence of Sir Henry Mill Pellat, a local successful businessman who, as you can tell, was a huge fan of fine art and architecture. His family motto was 'Devant Si Je Pois', or 'Foremost if I can', a good indication of his dedication to the house, gardens, and grounds.
During a tour of 'Toronto's Majestic Castle', your group will be able to see all three floors, the lower level, gardens (seasonally), grounds, tunnels, garage, and stables. The main floor will show you such rooms as the Great Hall, Library, Dining Room, and Conservatory, and the second will show the suites and bathrooms. The third holds the servant's quarters and stairs to the tower, providing unbeatable views of the lush property. Down below on the lower level see the various eateries, gift shop, pool room turned theater, wine cellar, and one of the most insightful aspects, the tunnel. The 800 feet of tunnel space connecting to the stables shows the 'Dark Side of Toronto', displaying such things as the Great Toronto Fire, Depression, and Plague.
After your look around this grand 18th-century home filled with European elegance be sure to enjoy a meal at any of the three onsite eateries, from the light and tasty plates at Liberty Caffe or Terrace Grill to a nice sit-down dinner at the new BlueBlood Steakhouse.
